Served with Andy Roddick

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.

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!