Nick Kyrgios on facing Aryna Sabalenka in ‘Battle of the Sexes’ redux: “Do you think I have to try?”

A lot of people (too many people) think they have what it takes to hang with a professional tennis player. Check out a few of their strategies from the Western & Southern Open.

ByDavid Kane

Published Aug 22, 2023

The Break: Asking Fans If They Could Win A Game Against A Pro

THE BREAK: Can you win a game against a pro?

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CINCINNATI, Ohio—Are you winning a game against Novak Djokovic? Are you even getting a racquet on his second serve?

A bunch of fans at the Western & Southern Open felt like they have what it takes to challenge some of the best tennis players in the game, in line with the 71% of surveyed American amateurs.

Andy Roddick and Andrea Petkovic laughed off the prospect in a rousing Tennis Channel Live discussion, with the former world No. 1 citing a time he beat an amateur with a frying pan.

“I like to play with amateurs now that I’m retired,” adds Petkovic, who hung up her racquets in 2022. “I hit with them and they think, ‘This is easy; I can hang with the pros…’ and then when we start playing points I don’t even give them a point.

“First of all, I’m competitive; I’m not going to give you a point for free. Number two: I like to put people in their place, where they belong!”

Still, the Cincy fans seem undeterred by the gauntlet Andy and Petko threw down. Check out some of their more interesting strategies in the latest episode of The Break, hosted by Johnny Rey Diaz.

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