Served with Andy Roddick: The Maria Sharapova Interview (August 12, 2025)

Hosted by Andy Roddick and featuring insights from Jon Wertheim and more, this episode of "Served with Andy Roddick" delves deep into the illustrious career and multifaceted life of five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. Released on August 12, 2025, the episode offers a candid and comprehensive conversation that tennis enthusiasts and general listeners alike will find both engaging and enlightening.

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Andy Roddick welcoming listeners to a special edition featuring Maria Sharapova, a tennis legend who has won all Grand Slam titles at least once. Andy expresses his excitement about the upcoming discussion, highlighting that Sharapova's experiences offer unique insights into both her athletic prowess and her endeavors beyond the tennis court.

Winners and Errors Segment

Timestamp: 02:25

Jon Wertheim introduces a new segment titled "Winners and Errors," aiming to shed light on significant developments and overlooked stories within the tennis world.

• Victoria Mboko’s Breakthrough: Wertheim praises Victoria Mboko for her remarkable performance, emphasizing her mental strength and poise rather than just her physical prowess. He remarks, “This was a mental win as much as anything” (02:25).

• Cincinnati Upgrades: The discussion shifts to the rapid and impressive renovations in Cincinnati, which added ten courts in under a year. Wertheim lauds the enhancements, noting the positive feedback from both players and fans. He states, “Cincinnati's really become this sort of tribal regional tournament” (04:35).

• Philanthropy Highlight: Wertheim shares a heartwarming story about Francis Tiafo’s support for young talents like Russell Locko, demonstrating the community spirit within tennis. “Francis is a great guy. It's one of the substantive ways he's so well liked” (06:31).

Main Interview with Maria Sharapova

Timestamp: 15:38

Andy Roddick seamlessly transitions into the heart of the episode: an in-depth interview with Maria Sharapova. The conversation spans her journey from a young tennis prodigy to a business mogul and dedicated mother.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Sharapova reminisces about her early days, recounting pivotal moments that shaped her career.

• First Wimbledon Victory: Reflecting on her 19-year-old self winning Wimbledon, Sharapova shares, “I did, like, I basically washed my hair and just combed it before I went to the Wimbledon ball” (37:28), illustrating her grounded nature despite her rapid rise.

• Training with Robert Lansdorp: She credits her coach for refining her game, particularly her backhand and movement on clay courts. “Robert made you feel like after doing an hour's work of hitting out of the basket, you could literally close your eyes and hit the same spot” (50:00).

Overcoming Injuries

A significant portion of the interview delves into the challenges Sharapova faced with her shoulder injuries.

• Misdiagnosis and Recovery: Sharapova discusses her prolonged struggle with a shoulder injury, eventually diagnosed by Dr. David Alczyk. “For three months, I'm serving and I'm getting this, like, nauseating pain” (53:51).

• Mental Resilience: She emphasizes the importance of mental strength in overcoming physical setbacks. “You have to trust the process and trust this feeling. It comes with reps” (58:16).

Transition to Business and Motherhood

Sharapova articulates her strategic approach to building a life beyond tennis, balancing her role as a mother and a businesswoman.

• Early Investment Mindset: Understanding the finite nature of an athletic career, she planned early for her post-tennis ventures. “Any deal that I did, it was strategic in how we thought about the future of deal making” (67:05).

• Authenticity in Investments: She underscores the importance of being a consumer of the products she invests in, ensuring authenticity. “I am most of the time, their consumer. And I have a pretty good grip and understanding of why I use it” (78:27).

• Motherhood: Sharapova shares heartfelt insights into her life as a mother, balancing family responsibilities with her business pursuits. “I taught him how to throw and we looked at the snails and he learned something” (70:22).

Hall of Fame Induction

As the interview progresses, Sharapova discusses her induction into the Hall of Fame, reflecting on her legacy and the emotions accompanying this honor.

• Acknowledging the Journey: She expresses gratitude towards her team and those who supported her throughout her career. “Acknowledge the process and what you've achieved” (87:59).

• Emotional Reflections: Despite being someone who doesn’t typically look back, she recognizes the importance of celebrating her accomplishments. “You cannot let go of your roots. You cannot forget who were the people that helped shape your path” (93:16).

Personal Anecdotes and Lighthearted Moments

Throughout the interview, Sharapova and Roddick engage in light-hearted banter, sharing amusing stories from her early career and their interactions. For instance, Sharapova recounts a humorous dining experience recommended by Roddick, leading to playful ribbing about inappropriate server attire (21:07).

Notable Quotes

• Maria Sharapova on Mental Strength: “This was a mental win as much as anything” (02:25).

• John Wertheim on Business Investments: “There's a shorter line between all these events” (04:35).

• Sharapova on Post-Tennis Ventures: “I want this... to live with me for 20 years” (72:52).

• Sharapova on Authenticity: “I am most of the time, their consumer” (78:27).

• Sharapova on Hall of Fame: “Acknowledge the process and what you've achieved” (87:59).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt congratulations to Sharapova on her Hall of Fame induction and reflections on her impact both on and off the court. Andy Roddick and co-hosts express their admiration for her resilience, strategic mindset, and genuine approach to life after professional tennis.

Mike, another co-host, adds a poignant tribute to Dr. David Alczyk, Sharapova's surgeon, emphasizing the unsung heroes behind athletic success (102:11).

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Served with Andy Roddick" offers a rare and intimate glimpse into Maria Sharapova's life, highlighting her journey of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic foresight. Whether discussing her on-court strategies, handling injuries, or navigating the business world, Sharapova provides valuable lessons that extend beyond the realm of tennis. Her ability to seamlessly transition from a world-class athlete to a savvy entrepreneur and dedicated mother serves as an inspiring blueprint for success and resilience.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Sharapova's multifaceted achievements and a deeper understanding of the dedication required to excel both in sports and in personal endeavors.