Served with Andy Roddick: 2025 US Open Semi-Finals Preview – Live from IBM AI Sports Club

Episode Date: September 4, 2025
Host: Andy Roddick
Co-Host/Guests: Jon Wertheim and team
Location: Madison Square Park, IBM AI Sports Club

Episode Overview

Andy Roddick and his panel brought their trademark wit and deep tennis expertise to a live preview of the 2025 US Open semi-finals. Broadcasting from the IBM AI Sports Club in Madison Square Park, the crew dissected the men’s and women’s draws, delved into AI-powered match predictions, reflected on the state of tennis journalism, and fielded fan questions. The episode captured the excitement, tension, and evolving narratives at this late stage of the Grand Slam, with special attention to the rise of new stars, the endurance of the old guard, and technological innovations changing both analysis and fan engagement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tournament Vibes & IBM AI Sports Club Experience

• Early banter set a playful tone, with the crew touting the pop-up club’s features: ping pong data analysis, trivia, and watch parties (00:38–01:21).
• Quote: “Our kids would love this. Hank would be all over the trivia, the ping pong, the whole, the whole deal.” – Andy Roddick (01:21)

2. Men’s Semifinals: Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, and FAA

Novak Djokovic: Still Dominating

• Djokovic’s continued brilliance at age 38 shocks the panel:

  • “Novak in his 53rd Grand Slam semifinal.” – Andy Roddick (02:15)
  • “Thirty-eight years old, semifinals of all four majors. We thought we'd run out of factoids and adjectives to describe this guy.” – Jon Wertheim (02:36)

• Discussion on how Djokovic, after slow starts, inevitably finds elite form:

  • “At some point over the two weeks, he goes into the phone booth…puts on his cape and comes out.” – Andy Roddick (03:26)

Sinner’s Unstoppable Form & FAA’s Underdog Status

• Sinner’s clinical destruction of Musetti and Bublek wowed the crew.

  • “These are the scorelines of when you play like junior tennis and someone’s phenomenal.” – Andy Roddick (03:56)
  • “Vesuvius versus Pompeii…no resistance.” – Jon Wertheim (04:10)

• FAA (Felix Auger-Aliassime) is acknowledged for his resurgence:

  • “Even if he loses, this is a much-needed turnaround event for Felix, who has a great reputation on tour.” – Andy Roddick (05:58)
  • “He just turned 25… you got 10 years of runway ahead.” – Jon Wertheim (06:34)
  • “We penalize people who do well young.” – Andy Roddick (06:39)

• Keys for FAA to upset Sinner:

  • Serve outstandingly well, take big risks
  • “If Sinner knows what's coming, it's not going to end well for the opponent.” – Andy Roddick (08:06)
  • “He has to be able to live with some irresponsible errors… It's because if he leaves that ball hanging in the wrong part of the court, Darth Sinner comes in and finishes him off.” – Andy Roddick (08:33)

Alcaraz vs. Novak: Match-up Analysis & Emotional Factors

• IBM WatsonX gives a 60% favorite edge to Alcaraz over Djokovic (10:46)
• “Sinner's just unflappable—you don’t get under his skin… Novak said, ‘I'm used to this position and I sort of relish it.’” – Jon Wertheim (11:04)
• Crowd dynamics discussed; Djokovic thrives “if he gets in and is chippy, I think that's better for Novak. He wants to make this about emotion, about angst. He is the best we’ve ever seen in those types of situations.” – Andy Roddick (12:45)
• “Carlos [Alcaraz], I don’t know that I’ve seen a global fandom gravitate to a player like they have with Carlos. Even Roger had to work for it.” – Andy Roddick (12:45)

3. Women’s Semifinals: Sabalenka, Pegula, Anisimova, and Osaka

Sabalenka vs. Pegula Preview

• “67% says IBM WatsonX with Sabalenka over Pegula. Does that feel about right?” – Andy Roddick (15:29)
• “All credit to [Pegula] but she is yet to play a top 50 opponent and now she gets number one.” – Jon Wertheim (15:43)
• “If you ask Jess in a moment of honesty, she would probably tell you this is the toughest matchup for her on tour.” – Andy Roddick (16:02)
  • Key: Pegula must serve over 60% first serves to withstand Sabalenka’s aggression.

Anisimova’s Redemption & Osaka’s Resurgence

• Amanda Anisimova’s bounce-back after devastating Wimbledon loss is highlighted as a feat of mental fortitude.
  • “She was an adult in the room when she had to speak after that loss… She is absolutely tough.” – Andy Roddick (17:07)
  • “You lose love and love in a Wimbledon final…You play the very same opponent at the next major, you get broken, you win a game, and then you say, 'That’s out of my system. Now we’re going for the W.’ What a great turnaround.” – Jon Wertheim (19:10)
• Osaka’s return to form post-maternity leave, with a puncher’s chance at the title:
  • “Seven total titles in her career. Four of them have been majors. She is attracted to the bright lights.” – Andy Roddick (20:14)
  • “I think Naomi Osaka is really in…a mind position. She matches up well against Anisimova.” – Jon Wertheim (23:12)

AI’s Role in Prediction

• Surprised at the 71% favorite rating for Anisimova over Osaka by IBM WatsonX.
  • “That one feels…AI’s got a pretty good winning percentage.” – Andy Roddick (24:04)
  • Discussion about the evolving role of AI and recency bias in match forecasting.
• “IBM WatsonX picked the last three [Wimbledon] upsets.” – Andy Roddick (23:52)

4. Audience Q&A Highlights

State of Tennis Journalism – Podcasting Era

• “I think in a way, these are really exciting times for media…You don't need an intermediary (to put out content). That’s an advantage for shows like us…there’s a lot of seats at the table, and we’re happy to take one.” – Andy Roddick (27:13)

Andy’s New Pick for Women’s Champion (with Iga out)

• “Honestly…I think it’s as likely that any one of them can win as any tournament I can remember in recent history. If I had to say something, it’s Sabalenka, but don’t listen to me. Predictions are just guesses.” – Andy Roddick (28:33)

Mixed Doubles Format Success & Star Power

• Praise for US Open’s mixed doubles event injecting “a jolt of energy.” (30:10–32:27)
• “You can't argue with the jolt of energy that this created. If you make the longer format, you risk losing the things that made this unique, buzzworthy, special.” – Andy Roddick (33:05)
• “I think IGA [Swiatek] made the mixed doubles event.” – Andy Roddick (33:05)

The Fate of the One-Handed Backhand

• “There’s some fawning…It’s the prettiest shot. Is it the most effective version of tennis these days? Our eyeballs and data and everything else is telling us no.” – Andy Roddick (35:02)
• “Wheelchair tennis is the place to be…If we all love the one-handed backhand, it all touches our soul.” – Jon Wertheim (36:15)

Most Surprising Tournament Storyline

• “Venus Williams lasting through Labor Day, playing at a high level…Not just playing but also the sheer joy that she exuded.” – Jon Wertheim (37:47)
• “I didn’t have it on my bingo card that she’d come back at 45… and be better than she was when we last saw her.” – Andy Roddick (38:21)

5. IBM AI in Tennis & Fun Demo

• AI’s integration at every match: “Every single point of the US Open is 156 data points…IBM WatsonX translates that into all of the fun insights and facts that you’re going to see in the app.” – IBM Rep (39:57)

• In-episode, Andy and the team play ping pong while an AI system generates a mock match commentary in real-time — a lighthearted demonstration of AI’s storytelling potential.

  • AI-generated summary example:
    “In a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. That’s generous. Andy, our whirlwind server, whipped the ball around… John Wertheim, our gallant returner, slicing through like a lone knight against a dragon’s fiery breath.” (43:44)

• Final playful moment:
  “My producer is now Watson X and my co-host is now Watson X.” – Andy Roddick (44:45)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Novak in his 53rd Grand Slam semifinal.” – Andy Roddick (02:15)
• “If Sinner knows what's coming, it's not going to end well for the opponent.” – Andy Roddick (08:06)
• “Vesuvius versus Pompeii… no resistance.” – Jon Wertheim (04:10)
• “Seven total titles in her career. Four of them have been majors. She is attracted to the bright lights.” – Andy Roddick (20:14)
• “My producer is now Watson X and my co-host is now Watson X.” – Andy Roddick (44:45)
• “I think there’s a lot of seats at the table, and we’re happy to take one.” – Andy Roddick (27:13)
• “Venus Williams… Not just playing at a high level, but also the sheer joy that she exuded.” – Jon Wertheim (37:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:38–01:21| IBM AI Sports Club experience/setting | | 02:01–03:26| Djokovic’s run and longevity | | 03:26–04:58| Sinner’s dominance, men's semi preview | | 05:32–07:53| FAA’s journey and keys to an upset | | 09:02–10:46| Alcaraz vs. Djokovic match-up, role of belief | | 12:13–12:45| Crowd dynamics, Novak’s greatest weapon | | 14:50–17:07| Women’s semis: Sabalenka vs. Pegula, Anisimova’s story | | 18:20–24:09| Osaka’s resurgence, AI’s predictive insights | | 25:34–28:19| State/future of tennis journalism | | 30:00–33:05| Mixed doubles format and star turnout | | 35:02–36:57| The future of the one-handed backhand | | 37:35–39:38| Most surprising stories: Venus Williams | | 39:57–44:45| AI demos, ping pong match, closing banter |

Conclusion

This episode of "Served with Andy Roddick" delivered thorough, funny, and insightful semi-final previews, skillfully blending statistical analysis (with an AI twist), human stories, and the unique quirks of tennis culture. From Novak’s longevity to Sinner's machine-like dominance, the emotional returns of both Anisimova and Osaka, and Venus Williams’ surprise run, the hosts celebrated tennis’s old and new while emphasizing data's expanding role in shaping the fan experience.

For more, follow “Served with Andy Roddick” wherever you get your podcasts and check out the IBM AI Sports Club in Madison Square Park if you’re in New York during finals weekend.