Andy Roddick, a former Grand Slam champion, teams up with Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated's executive editor, to dissect the 2024 US Open draw. They share humorous insights from a recent live show and explore the electric atmosphere of the tournament. Key players like Naomi Osaka and Carlos Alcaraz are discussed, along with their predictions and sleeper picks. The duo engages in witty debates about player performances and physical presence, while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of tennis matches.
Andy Roddick humorously shares a memorable live show experience, showcasing the lighter side of engaging with fans and co-hosts.
The episode highlights the evolution of US Open Fan Week, demonstrating its growing popularity and providing fans the chance to watch top players for free.
The hosts analyze the US Open draw, discussing player strengths and potential surprises while emphasizing Novak Djokovic's impressive resilience and impact.
Deep dives
Live Show Experience in New York
The episode highlights the team's recent live show at the Chase Lounge in New York, where the atmosphere was lively and engaging. Andy Roddick humorously recounts an incident where he accidentally spilled soda on himself during the show, adding a lighthearted touch to the conversation. The crew discusses the process and behind-the-scenes dynamics of hosting a live event, appreciating the efforts of the team in making it smooth and enjoyable. Roddick expresses gratitude towards his co-hosts and team, emphasizing the fun of performing in front of a live audience.
US Open Fan Week
The podcast covers the exciting developments surrounding US Open Fan Week, which allows fans to watch tennis for free. The hosts note the contrasting fan experiences compared to previous years, highlighting how the event has evolved and grown in popularity. They discuss how it serves as a warm-up to the tournament and enables fans to enjoy watching their favorite players, including big names like Alcaraz and Djokovic, in action before the main events commence. Roddick points out the positive energy and buzz around the atmosphere during this fan-focused week.
Recollections from the Past
The speakers fondly reflect on their experiences playing at the US Open, sharing nostalgic stories from their careers. They talk about the thrill and pressure of performing on iconic courts, especially for players who haven't played there before. Roddick shares a memorable moment when he played against famous opponents and quickly understands the prestige of the venue upon entering. The conversation touches on how the ambiance during the tournament affects players' performances and mental states.
Conversations with Fellow Players
The episode features engaging discussions that take place between Roddick and fellow players, including memories from locker room interactions. Roddick shares a conversation he had with Caroline Wozniacki and other players while reminiscing about their careers and personal lives. This segment reveals insights into players' camaraderie and the relationships formed off the court, showcasing a more personal side to the high-stakes world of professional tennis. Such interactions reflect how players support each other and maintain connections beyond the competition.
US Open Draw Analysis
Towards the end of the episode, the team dives into a breakdown of the US Open draw, making predictions about potential matchups and outcomes. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various players, highlighting any underdogs that might surprise the audience. There are discussions about past performances, current form, and player endurance in relation to the challenging tournament setup. The conversation spans across both men's and women's sections of the draw, hinting at the tournament complexities and potential narratives.
Novak Djokovic's Resilience
The podcast concludes with a discussion on Novak Djokovic's remarkable presence in the tournament and prospects for success. The hosts discuss his recent Olympic gold and how it might impact his performance at the US Open. Roddick shares his admiration for Djokovic’s resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, especially considering his age and career experience. The segment stresses that despite the challenges, Djokovic remains a formidable player to contend with, changing the dynamics of the tournament.
It's time for Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim do what they do best... go through the entire draw of a slam and prepare for their picks to be destroyed in a matter of days! Andy and Jon go through both the Men's and Women's draw of the 2024 US Open, they talk about this tournaments "sleeper picks", and who they argue on weather or not Carlos Alcaraz is bigger in person or on TV (the important topics).
