Served with Andy Roddick: ATP TOP 20 – 2025 Recap & 2026 Predictions
Podcast: Served with Andy Roddick
Hosts: Andy Roddick & Jon Wertheim
Release Date: December 23, 2025
Episode Overview
Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim return for their highly anticipated annual ATP Top 20 recap, where they break down the men’s singles year-end rankings, highlight major storylines, and look ahead to 2026. With their trademark blend of expertise and candor, they dissect what went right (and wrong) for tennis's biggest names, name check captivating up-and-comers, and muse on the ever-shifting landscape at the very top—anchored now by the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry, Novak Djokovic’s age-defying feats, and a pack of compelling contenders and unpredictable disruptors.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Opening Banter & Junior Tennis Stories
- Andy recounts a recent clinic at the Junior Orange Bowl, reminiscing about seeing future greats as kids and expressing excitement over a young girl's potential to be world no.1 (without naming her for privacy).
- The hosts pay homage to the Everetts’ tennis legacy and plug junior tennis coverage by Colette Lewis at Zoo Tennis.
[02:10–05:00]
"First time I've ever felt that way... pretty convinced I saw someone who I think is going to be number one in the world. First time I've ever felt that way."
— Andy Roddick [03:20]
ATP Top 20 Countdown
20. Tommy Paul
- Injury-plagued year but still finishes 20.
- Noted for all-surface ability and rapid problem-solving; hope is for a healthy 2026.
[06:15–08:30]
19. Jakub Mensik
- Breakout with Miami run (final vs. Novak), but faded as season progressed.
- Talent and likability noted; streakiness and inconsistency remain concerns.
[08:30–11:56]
"Is he a top 10 player? I think so... but there's time. He's 20 years old."
— Jon Wertheim [10:29]
18. Karen Khachanov
- A “known quantity”: solid, professional, possibly plateaued; more of a perennial cast member than a true threat to the top two.
[12:00–14:57]
"He is what he is... consummate professional. I'm not sure what the ceiling is here."
— Jon Wertheim [13:00]
17. Jiri Lehecka
- Eye test says “dangerous,” but hasn't become a reliable threat.
- Difference between top 20 and top 5 is week-to-week consistency.
[14:58–16:16]
16. Andrey Rublev
- Step back year; streak of Tour Finals appearances ends.
- Praised for his weapons but still chasing a Slam semifinal and more emotional stability.
[16:17–18:44]
"I just don't want that [no Slam semis] leading the conversation when you start defining his career whenever it's over."
— Andy Roddick [16:49]
15. Holger Rune
- Major Achilles rupture derailed season.
- Discussion shifts to wishing health above all; Rune to guest on the podcast pre-Australian Open.
[18:45–20:43]
"Empathy takes over for any criticism at that point."
— Andy Roddick [19:20]
14. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
- Fan favorite for unpredictable explosiveness and personality.
- Discussion: Does a first ATP title change his narrative, or just his own confidence?
[20:44–24:25]
"You're an insane person if you don't want this guy to win a tournament."
— Andy Roddick [22:03]
13. Daniil Medvedev
- Notable post-US Open surge after major struggles; one win at a Slam all year, still finishes 13.
- Hosts agree he’s a likely top 10 player again; praised for accountability and locker-room rapport.
[25:12–28:35]
"He could have very easily said, this year sucks. F*** this. And he goes, nope, I'm going to lean into the struggle."
— Andy Roddick [26:54]
12. Casper Ruud
- “Maximizer” by hosts’ assessment. Success still comes down to making the most of clay.
- Year felt nearly identical effort-wise, but a few matches difference determines top 6 vs. outside the top 10.
[28:35–31:10]
11. Alexander Bublik
- Wild Roland Garros run; unpredictable as ever and “baffling to himself.”
- Nothing to defend early in 2026; may surge into top 10, but consistency is the question.
[31:10–33:48]
Top 10 Breakdown
10. Jack Draper
- Huge first half, including upset of Alcaraz, then injury strikes again.
- "At full health, a top-5 player." But ranking likely drops before (hopefully) rebounding with better luck.
[35:05–37:09]
9. Ben Shelton
- Noted for maturing game, more than just pure power; injury halted US Open hopes.
- Andy highlights the value of Brian Shelton (Ben’s father/coach) as a real asset.
[37:10–40:23]
8. Lorenzo Musetti
- Praised for finally translating clay-court prowess to all surfaces, especially after 2024’s grass swing.
- Still young (23), no titles but finishes top-8.
[41:10–43:12]
7. Alex de Minaur
- “Animal” for his relentless consistency, maximization and week-in, week-out performance.
- Now a reliable presence near the elite, and a model for the Australian tennis spirit.
[43:25–45:32]
6. Taylor Fritz
- Year of ups and downs, but still top six.
- Noted for coming into his own as a “moral leader” and sharp public voice.
[46:24–48:14]
5. Félix Auger-Aliassime (FAA)
- Meteoric post-US Open run; year started in the 30s and ended in the top 5.
- Hosts ponder whether this fall momentum will finally carry over into a new season.
[48:44–52:31]
The Top Four & The Titans
4. Novak Djokovic
- Hosts marvel at Djokovic’s “part-time” season, yet another year older and still top-4, making semifinals of all majors.
- Question is now whether his body can withstand best-of-five play for a full fortnight; but desire clearly intact.
[52:38–56:44]
"This was a part-time tennis player who was the third best player in the world. It's a joke. It's so impressive."
— Andy Roddick [53:00]
3. Alexander Zverev
- The Slam question looms: can he ever win one, beating Alcaraz or Sinner back-to-back?
- Dealt with injury but still amassed 57 wins. Needs “blunt force” tactical tweaks, not wholesale shifts.
[57:25–60:52]
Overarching Theme
The conversation on Zverev segues into the state of men’s tennis: a “good problem” with two generational stars forcing everyone else to level up. “Let’s not waste too much time talking about ‘where’s the cast’. Celebrate the two guys.” — Jon Wertheim [61:43]
2. Jannik Sinner
- Wins Wimbledon, nearly wins French, US Open finalist.
- Hosts debate best “pure ball-striker ever,” put Sinner in the mix with Agassi/Davenport.
- Praise Sinner’s ability to compartmentalize and improve under immense scrutiny, especially after anti-doping saga.
[62:14–65:11]
"We are looking at a generational talent, especially with the ball striking."
— Andy Roddick [62:21]
1. Carlos Alcaraz
- French Open final sequence called “best 12-13 point sequence I've ever seen”; tremendous physical and mental gear.
- 71 wins, 2 majors, 8 titles; erased ‘inconsistency’ tag with devastating second half.
- Hosts celebrate Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry as the new defining force—iron sharpening iron at the highest level.
[65:12–69:17]
"He has this gear that maybe earth doesn't have when it's all going right."
— Andy Roddick [66:41]
"Go back and watch the last 15 minutes [of the French Open Final] … the quality Carlos Alcaraz brought at that point was a joke."
— Jon Wertheim [67:00]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "We joke about the wildcards, the ‘floaters’—but the difference between 20 and 5 is doing it every week.”
— Andy Roddick [15:00] - "Bublik is... baffling to himself. The results are all over the map."
— Jon Wertheim [32:19] - "If he doesn't know what he's going to do, how the hell are you supposed to guard against it?"
— Andy Roddick [33:44] - "At full health [Draper] is a top five player. He's already proven that."
— Jon Wertheim [36:52] - "One of the things I'm most grateful for...is our listeners...it’s such a gift to talk about it with all of you.”
— Andy Roddick [73:00]
Honorable Mentions & 2026 Watch List
[69:50–71:30]
- João Fonseca & Learner Tien: Teenagers breaching the Top 25.
- Arthur Rinderknech & Vacherot: The “Cousins” story captured hearts.
- Denis Shapovalov: Quiet comeback from outside the top 150 to no.23.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: Unexpected slump; future uncertain.
- Frances Tiafoe: Slipped to 30—hosts pull for a bounce-back next season.
The Sinner-Alcaraz Age & State of the ATP
- The ATP is in a "good problem" era—two generational talents drive the narrative and force the field to raise their game.
- Despite calls for more parity or challengers, Roddick and Wertheim prefer celebrating sustained greatness and the value of a true rivalry at the top: “Iron sharpens iron…their excellence now only makes sense in relation to each other.”
[61:43–69:50]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [05:00] — Top 20 Countdown Begins
- [18:45] — Holger Rune Injury & Guest Announcement
- [25:12] — Medvedev’s Rebound
- [35:05] — Top 10: Draper, Shelton, Musetti, de Minaur
- [48:44] — Fritz, FAA, and the Top Five
- [52:38] — Djokovic’s 2025 Context/Legacy
- [57:25] — Zverev as #3: Frustration & Big Picture
- [61:43] — Sinner, Alcaraz, Rivalry Era
- [69:50] — Honorable Mentions, Comebacks, and Next-Gen Watch
- [73:00] — Thank you & looking forward
Closing Reflections
Roddick and Wertheim’s analysis—equal parts analytical, anecdotal, and affectionately irreverent—cement this as a can’t-miss episode for any tennis fan. The consensus is clear: we’re in the midst of a golden rivalry, the supporting cast is deep, and the unpredictability of the year ahead is what makes tennis the world’s best reality show.
Listen if you love:
- In-depth, honest player assessments (with laughs and candor)
- Inside stories from someone who’s played the legends
- Smart tennis analysis with zero hype or “hot takes”—just passion for the sport
Next episode: WTA Top 20 Recap.
(All timestamps MM:SS; ad breaks omitted. Quotes attributed per transcript.)