Served with Andy Roddick

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.

This week in racket sports includes some thrilling headlines. The ITIA is launching support programs for players facing investigations. The ATP is considering new heat rules after tough conditions in Shanghai led to numerous retirements. Jack Draper has hired Andy Murray’s former coach for his comeback. The Six Kings Slam is set to kick off, featuring big names like Stefanos Tsitsipas. And in a surprising twist, Timothée Chalamet reveals his secret history with table tennis as he trains for a film role!

Tony Godsick, a seasoned sports agent and CEO of TEAM8, is known for managing Roger Federer and co-creating the Laver Cup. In a captivating conversation, Tony delves into how they secured monumental deals with Uniqlo and On Running, discussing the strategic departure from Nike. He shares insights on the behind-the-scenes workings of player management and illuminates Federer's professionalism and dedication. The discussion also highlights the emotional moments from the Laver Cup, exploring its growth and impact on the tennis world.

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. 2026 Tennis Hall of Fame Nominees Announced  2. Monfils To Retire after 2026 Season  3. Sinner, Alcaraz win titles  4. Alcaraz Out of Shanghai, Shelton Makes Return  5. Anisimova Reaches WTA Finals COMMENT BELOW What was your favorite racket story from this week? 📩 Sign up for the 5 Setter Newsletter 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

Andy dives into fan questions, clarifying why tennis is sometimes seen as a 'soft' sport. He explains how players are paid from tournament prize money, detailing the impact of taxes and expenses. The comparison between first-serve percentages and basketball free throws sparks an interesting discussion. Plus, he highlights legendary volleyers, sharing insights on technique and the evolution of the game. Don’t miss his thoughts on potentially writing a book filled with short anecdotes about his career!

This week dives into the emotional toll on WTA stars Svitolina and Haddad Maia, who end their seasons early due to burnout. Alcaraz faces a concerning ankle injury in Tokyo. The PTPA has expanded its antitrust lawsuit to include the Grand Slams, shaking the tennis community. A heartfelt tribute remembers the influential Nikola Pilić. Plus, Djokovic and Wawrinka gear up for their return to Shanghai, hinting at intriguing age dynamics and competitive spirit in the upcoming matches.

Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim dive into the thrilling highlights of the 2025 Laver Cup. They discuss the electrifying performances by Taylor Fritz and Alex De Minaur, along with emotional speeches from legends like Andre Agassi and Yannick Noah. The duo debates the tournament's competitive intensity versus its exhibition feel, and the impact of court surfaces on player matchups. They also share insights on the lively fan atmosphere and the production challenges faced during the event.

Former top-10 British tennis player Tim Henman shares his insights as the vice-captain of Team Europe at the lively 2025 Laver Cup finals. He discusses the strategies behind coaching Team Europe and passionately previews the exciting match-ups. Listeners get the scoop on standout players, including Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur, and how their performances are shaping the competition. Henman also reflects on the thrilling atmosphere and legacy of the event, capturing the pulse of the crowd and the stakes at play.