Served with Andy Roddick

Send us a textAndy Roddick, Jon Wertheim, and Producer Mike sit down to talk the major headlines in tennis this past week: Aryna Sabalenka takes back World No. 1 from Iga Switatek, Danielle Collins (aka The Danimal) announces she will return to the WTA tour in 2025 after announcing she would retire at the end of the 2024 season, and the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh featuring Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune with Sinner coming out victorious. Andy also talks with Gigi Fernández about the hurricanes in Florida, how the tragedy effected her and the tennis community. Gigi and Lindsay Davenport art starting Tennis for Hope in order to provide aid and relief to those in the tennis community effected by Hurricane Helene and Milton. Please visit the following link to learn more & pledge: https://gigifernandeztennis.com/tennis-for-hope/Served is sponsored by Olipop! Check out the link below and use the code: SERVED20 to get 20% off your order: https://drinkolipop.com/served20Support the showKeep up with us on socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servedpodcast/X: https://twitter.com/Served_PodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@served_podcast?_t=8jZtCnzdAnX&_r=1Watch the Episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0k_--YLuTNuDvq1Dw4zHmw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode of Served, Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim dive into the fan reactions to last weeks Professional Tennis Players Association episode, and Andy gets lost down a YouTube rabbit hole of ridiculous Nadal highlights. The conversation heats up with a breakdown of Sabalenka’s back-to-back wins, Coco Gauff’s fight through late-season struggles, and the mental gymnastics of Medvedev and Tiafoe’s meltdowns.The duo also highlights the unresolved Peng Shuai situation, discussing the pressures Chinese athletes face and what the WTA’s quiet return to China really means. This episode packs tennis insights, humor, and some unfiltered moments you won't want to miss.Served is sponsored by Olipop! Check out the link below and use the code: SERVED20 to get 20% off your order: https://drinkolipop.com/served20Support the showKeep up with us on socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servedpodcast/X: https://twitter.com/Served_PodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@served_podcast?_t=8jZtCnzdAnX&_r=1Watch the Episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0k_--YLuTNuDvq1Dw4zHmw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, who has extensively covered Rafael Nadal's illustrious career, joins Andy Roddick to discuss Nadal's emotional retirement announcement. They delve into Nadal's unmatched legacy, praising his unique playing style and significant influence on future generations. The duo reflects on the bittersweet nature of competition and the indelible mark Nadal has left on the sport, emphasizing his humility and work ethic. Their heartfelt conversation captures the essence of a tennis titan and the void his retirement creates in the world of sports.

Ahmad Nassar, Executive Director of the PTPA who handles strategy and legal planning. Vasek Pospisil, pro player and PTPA co-founder advocating for player representation. They discuss PTPA origins, funding via trading cards, services like medical support, legal strategy and leverage, governance and schedule reform, transparency questions, and plans to finance and scale player programs.

Chris Eubanks, ranked No. 29 and an ESPN broadcaster, discusses his journey from junior tennis to the professional circuit, emphasizing the balancing act of being an athlete and a commentator. He shares the challenges faced during his transition and the pressures of the sport. Kim Clijsters delves into the recent WADA appeal regarding Jannik Sinner, examining the complexities of doping regulations and their implications for players. Both guests highlight the critical role of mentorship in shaping careers in tennis.

Michael Fiur, a legendary producer for the US Open with a rich background collaborating with iconic artists, shares fascinating insights about transforming the tournament into a sensational spectacle. He recounts behind-the-scenes tales of production challenges, actualizing high-profile performances, and even turning down Taylor Swift! Fiur highlights the evolution of Arthur Ashe Kids Day and stresses the significance of diversity and community engagement within the sport. It's a riveting look into the interplay of sports and entertainment!

Jon Wertheim, a notable sports journalist and author, joins Andy Roddick to unpack the thrilling highlights of the 2024 Laver Cup. They discuss the unique excitement of this event and debate the pros and cons of integrating women's tennis into its format. Wertheim highlights Carlos Alcaraz’s impressive resurgence post-US Open, along with insights into player strategies and doubles dynamics. The conversation also touches on the evolving tennis landscape, the growing camaraderie among elite players, and intriguing coaching dynamics.

Stacey Allaster, the dynamic US Open Tournament Director, shares her insights on the tremendous growth of the US Open and tennis since 2020. She discusses record attendance, the excitement of Fan Week, and how the event has evolved to engage fans. The conversation dives into the challenges of scheduling matches, particularly late-night events, and the significance of a broadcasting deal with ESPN. Stacey also reveals ambitious expansion plans for the tournament grounds, showcasing a commitment to enhancing the experience for players and fans alike.

Kim Clijsters, a former tennis champion and US Open winner, joins to share her insights on the 2024 tournament. They discuss the standout performances of Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as the impressive runs of American stars like Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula. Kim reflects on the mental resilience required in high-pressure matches and the evolution of young talent. The duo also tackles the intense tennis schedule and the need for reforms to better support players' well-being.

Andy Roddick leads a vibrant discussion with emerging stars like Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper, and Frances Tiafoe, as they preview thrilling Men's Semi-Finals at the US Open. They dissect the intense matchups and the unique playing styles of the competitors. The conversation then shifts to Jessica Pegula's impressive victory against Karolína Muchová and Aryna Sabalenka's dominance over Emma Navarro, with insights on what Pegula needs to do to claim the trophy in the finals.