Served with Andy Roddick — Episode Summary
Episode Title:
5 SETTER: Roger Federer Returns, US Open Updates, & more
Podcast: Served with Andy Roddick
Date: August 15, 2025
Hosts: Andy Roddick, Jon Wertheim, et al.
Episode Overview
This week’s “5 Setter” delivers a fast-paced rundown of the top five tennis stories, blending breaking news, historic milestones, personal updates from legends, and spicy US Open developments. In just under ten minutes, Andy Roddick and the crew break down Monica Seles’ health revelation, Roger Federer’s exhibition return, Laver Cup roster buzz, US Open wildcards (and withdrawals), and record-shattering feats on the tour. Each segment is sharp, insightful, and true to the hosts’ playful-yet-informed style.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Monica Seles Reveals Health Battle
[01:03 – 02:36]
- News: Monica Seles, nine-time Grand Slam champion, announces she is living with myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder that weakens muscle control.
- Personal Story: Seles describes first noticing symptoms while hitting with family — “she suddenly saw two tennis balls coming towards her.”
- Resilience Theme: Seles frames her diagnosis as another “reset” in her life, aligning it with returning from the 1993 on-court stabbing and her move to the US as a teen.
- Purpose: Seles is speaking up to educate and inspire others — “no one has to face this battle alone.”
Notable Quote:
- Monica Seles [02:10]:
“Becoming a great player, it’s a reset too, because the fame, money, the attention changes... Then obviously my stabbing had to do a huge reset. And then really being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Another reset. But one thing as I tell kids that I mentor, you gotta always adjust. That ball is bouncing and you just gotta adjust. And that’s what I’m doing now.”
2. Roger Federer’s Shanghai Return (Exhibition)
[02:36 – 03:21]
- Fed Announcement: Roger Federer will return to the court for an exhibition at Shanghai’s Shisong Stadium during the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
- Legacy: Federer reminisces about fond memories and victories in Shanghai (2 Masters titles, 2 ATP year-end championships).
- Exhibition Details: “Federer and Friends” doubles event will include Chinese celebrities like Li Wu and Donnie Yen.
Notable Quote:
- Roger Federer [02:56]:
“Shanghai has always been a special place for me with great fans, unforgettable memories and a real love for the game. I look forward to seeing you there on October 10th. Shanghai, let’s meet à la Shanghai way.”
3. Frances Tiafoe & Team World Assemble for Laver Cup
[03:21 – 04:09]
- Roster Update: Frances Tiafoe to compete for Team World in the 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco (with Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Joao Fonseca).
- Tiafoe’s Passion: Expresses excitement to play at home and motivated by Team World’s camaraderie.
- Team World’s Momentum: Recalls Tiafoe clinching their first-ever Laver Cup title in 2022.
- Listener Hook: Served Podcast will produce daily live shows from the fan zone at the event.
Notable Quote:
- Frances Tiafoe (as relayed by the host) [03:40]:
“We’ve built something special and I can’t wait to bring the same energy to San Francisco. Playing at home in front of our US fans means a lot and I want to do everything I can to help us win.”
4. US Open 2025 Wildcards & Withdrawals
[04:09 – 05:48]
- Venus Williams: Officially returns for her first major in two years — at 45, she’s the oldest women’s singles main draw entrant in 44 years.
- Caroline Garcia: Receives a wildcard for her final Slam before retirement.
- Brandon Holt: Gains direct men’s entry after Matteo Berrettini withdraws due to injury; Holt is the son of two-time US Open champ Tracy Austin.
- Key Withdrawals:
- Grigor Dimitrov: Pec injury ends his streak of 58 consecutive major appearances.
- Paula Badosa: World No. 12 remains out with a lingering back injury since Wimbledon.
5. Historic Feats in Cincinnati
[05:48 – 06:50]
- Jannik Sinner: Becomes the first player outside the Big Three to reach 9 consecutive ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinals (since Indian Wells last year), including 3 title runs.
- Aryna Sabalenka: Sets new Open Era records — wins 18th tiebreak of the season (most by any woman), extends tiebreak win streak to 16.
- Her 3-hour, 9-minute thriller with Emma Raducanu gets special mention.
6. Tie-Break Trivia — Big Three Consistency
[06:51 – 07:11]
- Listener Challenge: Each Big Three member (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic) reached at least 10 consecutive Masters 1000 quarterfinals. The audience is quizzed: Who holds the longest streak, and how many in a row?
Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)
-
Monica Seles [02:10]:
“Becoming a great player, it’s a reset too... you gotta always adjust. That ball is bouncing and you just gotta adjust. And that’s what I’m doing now.”
-
Roger Federer [02:56]:
“Shanghai has always been a special place for me... Shanghai, let’s meet à la Shanghai way.”
-
Frances Tiafoe (via host) [03:40]:
“We’ve built something special and I can’t wait to bring the same energy to San Francisco.”
Memorable / Lighter Moments
- Andy jokes that Federer should recruit him for “Federer and Friends” if he wants a win in Shanghai. [03:21]
- Plug for the Served daily live show planned at the Laver Cup Fan Zone in San Francisco: a nod to community and fan engagement. [04:09]
- “All right chukkers,” — Host’s signature sign-off, keeping tone friendly and upbeat.
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Monica Seles’ MG Revelation | 01:03 – 02:36 | | Roger Federer’s Shanghai Return | 02:36 – 03:21 | | Frances Tiafoe joins Laver Cup Team World | 03:21 – 04:09 | | US Open Wildcards & Withdrawals | 04:09 – 05:48 | | Sinner & Sabalenka’s Records (Cincinnati) | 05:48 – 06:50 | | Big Three Masters QF Trivia | 06:51 – 07:11 |
Conclusion & Listener Engagement
- Reminder to subscribe for more content and check out the Maria Sharapova interview.
- Announcement: No 5 Setter next week, but daily US Open recaps will be sent to newsletter subscribers.
- Andy closes with his trademark enthusiasm:
“All right, chukkers, see you after the Open.”