Served with Andy Roddick – Quick Served: US Open Day 3 (August 27, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this special "Quick Served" episode, Jon Wertheim recaps Day 3 at the 2025 US Open, offering an insightful, energetic wrap-up of the final day of the first round. With no headline-grabbing upsets or controversies, the day provided a bit of everything: gritty battles, routine wins by top seeds, and notable performances by both familiar stars and rising talents. The primary focus was on Coco Gauff’s hard-fought three-set victory, with deep dives into player developments, particularly in coaching and style, as well as a preview of upcoming matches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A "Four Quadrant" Tennis Day

• Main Idea: The day appealed to all types of tennis fans – no shocking controversies, but a pleasing variety of results and stories.
• Quote [01:29, Jon Wertheim]:
  “It's kind of a four quadrant tennis day. No crazy headlines, no great scandal, no great controversy, but a little something for everyone.”

2. Coco Gauff’s Three-Set Battle & Coaching Changes

• Match Summary:
  Coco Gauff overcame Isla Tomljanovic in a tight, three-hour battle, prevailing 7-5 in the third set after 10 double faults.
• Coaching Update:
  Gauff recently brought on biomechanics expert Gavin McMillan. Wertheim explores McMillan’s background and why his approach is innovative for tennis.
• Biomechanics in Tennis:
  McMillan focuses on physical stability and technical perfection rather than sports psychology.
• Analysis:
  No immediate, dramatic results visible in Gauff’s serving, but the collaboration is seen as a bold, long-term investment.
• Quote [03:12, Jon Wertheim]:
  “His great premise is that these failings are not necessarily about sports psychology… it's all about stability and the human body and having technique that is perfected.”
• Quote [03:44]:
  “It's really interesting to me that a player in the prime of her career… has consulted a biomechanics expert.”

3. Other Key Results & Notable Winners

• Dominant Performances on Arthur Ashe:
  • Iga Swiatek advanced in just over an hour, dropping only three games.
    • “Needed one hour to advance, 6-0, 6-2 over Arango.” [04:07]
  • Jannik Sinner won convincingly in 98 minutes.
• Naomi Osaka returned successfully, with a straightforward win over Greet Minnen.
• Amanda Anisimova: Played her first major after Wimbledon final, looked solid.
• Mini Upsets and Connoisseur Matches:
  • Noted five-set matches and "next-level" fan highlights such as Lorenzo Musetti surviving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
• Other Shout-outs:
  • Def. Tsitsipas got a much-needed win.
  • Victoria Golubic, one of the few with a one-handed backhand in women’s tennis, advances.

4. Alexander Zverev & Pending Results

• Zverev's night match was pending at the time of recording.
• Playful Punishment:
  “If he loses, Andy buys everyone breakfast again and we'll have to retape do a special tomorrow.” [05:42]

5. Surprising and Noteworthy Threads

• Alexander Bublik: Bounced back after a disappointing Wimbledon, beating Marin Cilic.
• Observation on Draw Progress:
  “It seems as though this tournament has been going on a full week anyway. But we are down to 64 players in each draw…” [06:35]

6. Day 4 (Round 2) Preview

• Novak Djokovic: Faces Zack Svajda; interesting early morning scheduling on Ashe.
• Jessie Pegula follows Djokovic.
• Carlos Alcaraz plays Mattia Bellucci – touted as an entertaining battle of shotmakers.
• Aryna Sabalenka begins her title defense against Polina Kudermetova.
• Women to Watch:
  • Emma Navarro vs Katie McNally: Focus on McNally’s recent great form, including Wimbledon upset and a Newport title.
• Other Intriguing Matches:
  • Fonseca vs. Machac – both known for power, both had drama in round one.
  • Frances Tiafoe vs tall American Martin Damm (noted for his tennis family heritage).
  • Mira Andreeva back in action after a dominant first round.
  • Jasmine Paolini vs Eva Jovic, the 17-year-old from San Diego who previously took a set off Paolini.

7. Venus Williams & Doubles Draw

• Venus Williams: Playing doubles with Leylah Fernandez after taking a wild card – an interesting pairing and story for tennis traditionalists.
• Men’s Doubles Draw Delayed:
  The USTA is experimenting by holding the draw until late, hoping to entice singles players who lose early to join in, and to potentially spotlight doubles over the Labor Day weekend.
• Quote [08:45]:
  “This is a way to…prolong and delay the men’s doubles draw. So, if you’re wondering why when you click on the draw you are not seeing men’s doubles, that is why.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Day’s Atmosphere:
  “Sort of a smooth day that had a little something that appealed to everyone.” [07:44]

• Biomechanics Coaching in Tennis:
  “Failings are not about sports psychology… It’s all about stability and the human body and having technique that is perfected.” [03:12]

• On Tournament Fatigue:
  “It seems as though this tournament has been going on a full week anyway.” [06:35]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:17 – Wertheim opens with overview of Day 3's balanced drama.
• 02:44 – Recap and analysis of Coco Gauff’s first round battle and her notable collaboration with biomechanics coach Gavin McMillan.
• 04:07 – Summary of straightforward wins by Swiatek and Sinner.
• 05:10 – Rundown of intriguing wins and longer battles elsewhere on the grounds.
• 05:42 – Preview of Zverev’s upcoming night match and playful Andy Roddick jab.
• 06:35 – Observations as the tournament narrows to 64 in each draw.
• 06:50 – Complete rundown and preview of highlights and match-ups for Day 4.
• 08:30 – Notes on Venus Williams’ doubles pairing and USTA’s new approach to posting the doubles draw.

Episode Tone & Style

Jon Wertheim maintains an accessible, witty, and informative tone, peppering his recap with insider details, playful jabs (especially about Andy Roddick’s breakfast bet), and forward-looking intrigue about both player development and the tournament’s evolving structure. The episode is crisp, energetic, and friendly to both hardcore tennis aficionados and casual fans.

Summary At-a-Glance

Main Theme:
A full recap of US Open Day 3, emphasizing balance, variety, and notable storylines—especially Coco Gauff’s hard-fought win and her new approach to coaching.

Essential Takeaways:

• Gauff’s serving struggles and partnership with a biomechanics expert will be a dominant off-court narrative.
• Top seeds performed as expected; gritty matches filled the side courts.
• Day 4 brings marquee matchups; eyes on Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sabalenka.
• Experimentation continues in doubles, with hopes for increased engagement from singles players.
• Venus Williams is still in the mix—doubling down with Leylah Fernandez.

Memorable Moment:
Coco Gauff’s “battle” victory, highlighting the complexity and growth in women’s tennis, as well as the creative search for marginal gains at the highest level.

Listeners come away informed, with clear direction on what to watch next and how the sport continues to evolve.