Podcast Summary: Served with Andy Roddick

Episode: 5 SETTER: Rumors of Serena's Return, Coaching Updates & More
Date: December 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This quick-hit episode of Served is a “5 SETTER,” a weekly tennis roundup focused on five top stories across the tennis world, delivered in under 10 minutes. Hosted by Producer Mike, the episode covers rumors around Serena Williams’ potential comeback, major exhibition events kicking off the off-season, US Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup) captaincy news, an exciting coaching hire on the men’s circuit, and the launch of the college tennis “World Cup.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stacked Exhibition Calendar – Tennis is NOT Sleeping (01:12 - 02:00)

• Insight: Contrary to the belief that tennis cools down until the Australian swing, Producer Mike highlights a lively exhibition schedule in the off-season.
  • Atlanta Cup: Sabalenka vs. Osaka and Shelton vs. Kyrgios face off (Tomorrow night).
  • Racket at the Rock (New Jersey): Jess Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Carlos Alcaraz, and Frances Tiafoe headline (Sunday).
  • World Tennis League: Moves to Bengaluru, India, on December 17, featuring Medvedev, Sabalenka, and Rohan Bopana.
• Memorable Note: “If you thought tennis was sleeping until Australia, you are sorely mistaken.” (C, 01:24)

2. Lindsay Davenport's Captaincy Extension for Team USA (02:00 - 03:08)

• Insight: Lindsay Davenport extends her position as Team USA’s BJK Cup captain through 2027, after leading the team to the 2025 finals (first final since 2018).
  • Davenport’s reaction: “It’s an incredible honor to serve as US Billie Jean King Cup captain and I’m thrilled and humbled to continue doing it, especially during such an amazing time for women’s tennis in America.” (C, paraphrased, 02:40)
  • Historical Achievement: Davenport won the Cup three times as a player: 1996, 1999, 2000.
  • Upcoming Schedule: 2026 qualifying rounds return to traditional home/away ties in April.

3. Major Coaching Move: Jill Savara Joins Bazvarati (03:08 - 03:47)

• Insight: Emerging US player Nasheesh Bazvarati hires ex-Medvedev coach Jill Savara, known for masterminding Russian phenom Daniil Medvedev’s tactical rise.
  • Savara’s Credentials: “The tactical mastermind who spent eight years guiding Daniil Medvedev…the duo won a US Open title and captured the World No. 1 ranking.” (C, 03:18)
  • Analysis: Producer Mike describes the pairing as “a massive endorsement of Bazvarati’s potential,” with both having high tennis IQ. Debut possibly at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah.

4. College Tennis ‘World Cup’ Launches, USA Eyes Sixth Title (03:47 - 05:02)

• Insight: Master U BNP Paribas Championships (France) begin — the “World Cup of College Tennis.”
  • Team USA seeks a sixth straight title, led by Stanford’s Shamir Banerjee and UNC’s Reece Brandt Meyer.
  • Notable Absence: Michael Zhang, two-time defending NCAA champion, is sitting out.
    • Quote: “Yeah, I'm actually not playing the event this year... my teammate is going to play that instead of me, so you know I'm going to be cheering him on there.” (E, 04:49)
  • Eight nations competing: USA, Great Britain, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, France.

5. Serena Williams Comeback Rumors (05:02 - 06:20)

• Insight: Social media erupts after rumors leak that Serena Williams re-entered the anti-doping testing pool—a technical first step back towards competition.
  • Clarification: Serena promptly shuts down speculation:
    • Quote: “I am not coming back," calling the rumors "a wildfire." (C, paraphrased, 05:35)
  • Host’s Reflection: “While being in the pool is a prerequisite for a return, it appears that this was strictly administrative. For what? Administration? I am not sure…” (C, 05:48)
  • Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim will share further takes in Tuesday’s upcoming show.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Exhibition Calendar: “The exhibition calendar is officially stacked. If you thought tennis was sleeping until Australia, you are sorely mistaken.”
  — Producer Mike (C, 01:24)

• Davenport on Captaincy: “It’s an incredible honor to serve as US Billie Jean King Cup captain and I’m thrilled and humbled to continue doing it, especially during such an amazing time for women’s tennis in America.”
  — Lindsay Davenport (statement quoted by Producer Mike, 02:40)

• Michael Zhang on Sitting Out:
  “Yeah, I'm actually not playing the event this year... my teammate is going to play that instead of me, so you know I'm going to be cheering him on there.”
  — Michael Zhang (E, 04:49)

• On Serena Williams’ Rumored Return: “Serena took to social media to explicitly state, quote, I am not coming back, calling the rumors a wildfire.”
  — Producer Mike (C, 05:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|------------| | Producer Mike’s Weekly Rundown | 01:12 | | Offseason Exhibition Highlights | 01:12-02:00| | BJK Cup Captaincy News | 02:00-03:08| | Jill Savara’s Big Coaching Move | 03:08-03:47| | College Tennis “World Cup” Preview | 03:47-05:02| | Michael Zhang’s Interview Clip | 04:44-04:57| | Serena Williams Comeback Rumors Quashed | 05:02-06:20| | Tiebreak Trivia Question (Serena Theme) | 06:20-06:57|

Tone & Style

The episode sticks to Served’s trademark casual but informed tone, mixing breaking news with light banter. Producer Mike’s narration is lively and accessible, making complex updates engaging for all tennis fans.

Final Thoughts & Teasers

• The episode closes with a Serena-themed Tiebreak Trivia question: “Which tournament was Serena's 23rd and final Grand Slam singles title?” (06:20)
• Producer Mike reminds listeners to subscribe to the “5 Setter” newsletter and to stay tuned for Tuesday’s episode, promising Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim’s takes on Serena’s beyond-the-baseline status.