Podcast Summary: Served with Andy Roddick

Episode: QUICK SERVED: US Open Day 12 – Anisimova & Sabalenka Final Set & Men’s Semi-Final Preview

Date: September 5, 2025
Host: Andy Roddick
Guest/Co-host: Unnamed (Jon Wertheim and others often feature, but main commentary here appears to be Andy Roddick)

Episode Overview

In this brisk "Quick Served" episode, Andy Roddick breaks down the thrilling Day 12 action from the US Open and previews the men’s semi-final matchups. The episode spotlights the resilience and drama of women’s singles—particularly Anisimova’s rise and Sabalenka’s consistency—while offering analytical previews of the highly anticipated matches: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (FAA). Roddick blends technical insight, moments of humor, and genuine admiration for the players as he discusses tournament storylines and keys to the next round.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sabalenka vs. Pegula Recap & Praise for Pegula’s Grit

[00:21-01:14]

• Roddick opens with praise for Aryna Sabalenka progressing past Jessica Pegula, but highlights Pegula’s humor for her viral honey deuce picture after a narrow defeat.
• Quote: "MVP of the day might go to Jess Pegula’s picture with a honey deuce ... She's hilarious, she's awesome. I think the entire stadium was pulling for her." – Andy Roddick [00:26]
• He calls Sabalenka an "all-time great" in the making, rapidly rising up the all-timers list, and notes her improved resilience after previous Grand Slam disappointments.

2. Anisimova’s Resilience and Road to the Final

[01:15-02:06]

• Detailed focus on Amanda Anisimova's toughness and journey, including her personal challenges over the past five to six years.
  • Mentions losing "double bagel" (0-6, 0-6) in a Wimbledon final but rebounding to beat Iga Swiatek and outlasting Naomi Osaka.
• Quote: “Anisimova is gritty, she is tough. She's in this thing for real.” – Andy Roddick [01:38]
• Roddick points out Osaka showing resurgence, calling her a champion and noting a bizarre stat—first-ever loss in a major after passing the round of 16.

3. Expectations for the Anisimova v. Sabalenka Final

[02:06-02:25]

• Roddick says Sabalenka is the favorite but admits his women's pick accuracy this tournament has been poor.
  • Notes their last meeting at Wimbledon was a deep, close battle ("four in the third" for Anisimova).
  • Observes this US Open initially lacked dramatic matches but that was “corrected last night” by the women’s performances.

4. Men’s Semi-Final Preview: Alcaraz vs. Djokovic

[02:26-05:02]

• Surprised Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic wasn't scheduled for the night session; speculates this could be for recovery before a potential final.
• Quote: "I think Carlos is the favorite. I don't know that he's like a runaway favorite though. I mean, the guy's won 24 Grand Slams and is playing great." – Andy Roddick [02:39]
• Reminds listeners that Djokovic beat Alcaraz on hard court in January, even though Alcaraz won the Olympic final last year.
• Detailed analysis of Novak's likely tactics:
  • Serving/volleying, deploying a swing serve out wide on the deuce side to open up the court.
  • Keeping Alcaraz in the middle to limit his angles, especially preventing access to drop shots and killer cross-courts.
• On Novak’s age and stamina:
  • Quote: "The guy is an absolute miracle worker at 38 to be doing what he's doing." – Andy Roddick [04:24]
  • Notes Novak has made the semis of all four Slams this year but physicality at 38 is not like at 28. Wonders if Alcaraz will “stress test” Novak’s legs early or play for longer exchanges.

5. Men’s Semi-Final Preview: Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime (FAA)

[05:03-07:51]

• Roddick expects Sinner to "roll" FAA, but gives FAA deserved credit for a breakthrough tournament, defeating two top 10 players and reaching the semis.
• FAA’s current world ranking (28) is below his talent level; acknowledges career ups and downs but credits his work ethic.
• Outlines the uphill battle for FAA vs. Sinner:
  • "If he's neutral with Sinner and starts letting Sinner distribute, that's like a slow death."
  • FAA needs a high first serve percentage (around 65%) and to go for big risks to have any chance, even if such aggression brings errors.
  • Sinner’s straightforward strategy: Target FAA’s backhand, attack with weight of shot, and pin him in one corner.
• Roddick expects a Sinner-Alcaraz final but underscores the unique excitement of Djokovic-Alcaraz.

6. Stat Debates, IBM Tech, and Closing Thoughts

[07:52-08:33]

• Roddick jokes about arguing with IBM WatsonX about its match probability predictions, admitting, "What the hell do I know?"
• Signs off with excitement for tomorrow’s matches and a nod to IBM’s AI-powered stats as part of the US Open experience.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Sabalenka’s growth:
  "Irina Sabalenka is going to be one of the all-time greats. If your list is 10 players, she's quickly working her way up that list." – Andy Roddick [00:38]

• On Anisimova’s Grit:
  “Anisimova is gritty, she is tough. She's in this thing for real.” – Andy Roddick [01:38]

• On Women’s Drama at the US Open:
  "...none of the kind of barn burners...They corrected last night. Didn't the ladies put on an absolute show." – Andy Roddick [02:18]

• Alcaraz vs Djokovic tactics:
  "Novak has a better, better understanding of where he's going to distribute. Novak hits deep, Carlos is fighting for space, he's two, three feet behind the baseline." – Andy Roddick [04:10]

• On Djokovic’s longevity:
  "The guy is an absolute miracle worker at 38 to be doing what he's doing." – Andy Roddick [04:24]

• On FAA’s challenge against Sinner:
  “If he's neutral with Sinner and starts letting Sinner distribute, that's like a slow death as opposed to giving yourself a chance.” – Andy Roddick [06:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:21 – Sabalenka vs Pegula: Recap and fan moments
• 01:15 – Anisimova’s journey and mental fortitude
• 02:06 – Anisimova vs Sabalenka final preview
• 02:26 – Alcaraz vs Djokovic tactical preview
• 05:03 – Sinner vs FAA evaluation and strategies
• 07:52 – Roddick on IBM WatsonX picks and episode close

Tone & Style

Andy Roddick maintains his signature mix of sharp analysis, dry humor, and heartfelt admiration for both emerging and legendary players. He speaks conversationally—at times self-deprecating, always passionate about tennis.

Takeaways

• Sabalenka’s consistency and all-time potential, Anisimova’s dogged comeback, and Pegula’s humor defined the women’s side.
• The men's semis bring a generational clash (Djokovic vs. Alcaraz) and stylistic chess match (Sinner vs. FAA), with Roddick expecting Sinner and Alcaraz to advance.
• Roddick encourages listeners to appreciate greatness while it's present, especially Djokovic’s improbable run at 38.
• The data-driven “WatsonX” predictions are sometimes up for debate, but the AI is becoming part of the fan experience in tennis.

If you missed the action or want expert context for the US Open’s key matches, this episode delivers focused, insightful, and often witty guidance on what to watch for—on and off the court.