Served with Andy Roddick

This week in racket sports brings thrilling topics! The ATP Nitto Finals draw highlights player matchups and Novak Djokovic's participation uncertainty. Andre Agassi's new AI coaching initiative sparks enthusiasm for tech in tennis. Iga Swiatek opens up about her recent loss and karma's role. A wildcard corruption scandal raises eyebrows with suspensions for players involved. Meanwhile, Venus Williams makes headlines as she continues her comeback, securing a wildcard for her 33rd season!

The discussion kicks off with Jannik Sinner’s thrilling Paris Masters victory and its implications for the No.1 race. The hosts analyze Aryna Sabalenka’s standout season, highlighting her resilience and meaningful personal growth. Vicky Mboko’s impressive breakthrough is celebrated, alongside concerns about her demanding season. The contrasting late-season forms of Alcaraz and Sinner are also examined, as they gear up for the ATP Finals, where the stakes couldn’t be higher.

5 SETTER: This Week in Racket Sports, where we bring you the top five headlines across tennis, padel, pickleball, and more. In this episode, we cover the biggest stories shaking up the world of racket sports:  1. Valerie Camillo Appointed WTA Chair  2. Nicolas Mahut Plays Final Match in Paris  3. Americans Shelton & Fritz Clinch ATP Finals Spots  4. Tennis Beef: Bublik vs. Moutet  5. Sinner Surpasses $50M In Prize Money COMMENT BELOW What was your favorite racket story from this week? 📩 Vote for your favorite Tennis Beef here: https://servedmedia.substack.com/ Check out some Served Merch: https://store.servedpodcast.com/ 🎾 Join the Served Chucker's Club for Exclusive Perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0k_--YLuTNuDvq1Dw4zHmw/join 📱If you're new to the Served with Andy Roddick, we're happy you're here! Follow us for more: https://www.instagram.com/servedpodcast/ https://bsky.app/profile/servedpodcast.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@served_podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Wertheim, a longtime sports journalist and analyst, joins the conversation to discuss the complexities of integrity in sports. He delves into Belinda Bencic’s remarkable return to form after motherhood and highlights Joao Fonseca’s breakout season. The discussion shifts dramatically to the darker aspects of tennis, including gambling, match-fixing, and how recent scandals mirror issues in the NBA. Wertheim explains why tennis is particularly vulnerable and raises alarms about the intimidation players face, calling for better protections in a changing betting landscape.

A Masters 1000 event is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, sparking excitement and discussion about appearance fees. Yannick Sinner's decision to skip the Davis Cup raises eyebrows in Italy, while Spain's controversial roster choice adds to the drama. Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the Paris Masters has fans speculating about his upcoming tournaments. Additionally, Ronaldo is investing in Brazilian tennis to enhance infrastructure, and 18-year-old Anna Lee Waters is making waves with her astonishing 79-match winning streak in pickleball.

A new 10th Masters 1000 tournament is making waves by landing in Saudi Arabia. The hosts explore how its non-mandatory status and hefty appearance fees could reshape the tennis landscape. They discuss potential calendar placements and the implications for existing tournaments, particularly in South America and the Middle East. Player fatigue is a hot topic, with top names expressing burnout concerns over the lengthy season. Ultimately, the discussion suggests that these changes could serve as a bargaining chip for players seeking better representation.

The podcast dives into Holger Rune's heartbreaking Achilles injury and its implications. Discussion heats up over the ATP/WTA calendar and whether it contributes to player fatigue and injuries. Novak Djokovic's fiery speech on player unions sparks debate on the sport's monopoly. Also explored are the recent victories of Rybakina, Medvedev, and Auger-Aliassime, as well as the value of winning a Masters 1000 versus qualifying for year-end finals. The crew contemplates how a shorter season might heighten fan excitement.

This week highlights key stories in racket sports. Emma Raducanu’s season ends early amid health concerns. The ITF launches a new player care program focusing on mental and physical well-being. A court clash unfolds in Glasgow over converting tennis courts to padel, sparking local debates. In a bizarre doping case, a defendant's 'kissing defense' gets rejected. Finally, the Orange Bowl introduces wheelchair tennis for juniors, enhancing opportunities in the sport.

Rick Draney, a pioneer of wheelchair tennis and International Tennis Hall of Famer, discusses his journey from overcoming a life-changing injury to reshaping the sport. He delves into the significance of classifications like quad and para, and how they impact competition. The conversation explores advancements in wheelchair technology, the evolution of training, and the growing junior pathways that nurture future talent. Rick also shares his insights on iconic players and the transformative effect of adaptive sports on athletes' lives.

The 2025 Shanghai Masters final featured an astonishing showdown between cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech, both from humble rankings. Vacherot's improbable journey included a stunning victory over Djokovic in the semis. The podcast explores the emotional family dynamics at play and how their Texas A&M college tennis experience shaped their paths. Additionally, it reflects on the significance of persistence in sports and how Vacherot's win sends a hopeful message to the tennis community.