Served with Andy Roddick
Episode: Tiley to USTA, Raducanu’s New (Old) Coach, & Tennis’ First RAGE ROOM
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Andy Roddick
Guests/Contributors: Producer Mike, Craig Tiley (clip), Mark Petchey (clip)
Episode Overview
This “Five Setter” episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of the week’s hottest tennis headlines. Major stories include Craig Tiley’s surprise move to become USTA CEO, Emma Raducanu’s switch to Uniqlo and renewed relationship with coach Mark Petchey, the Tennis Channel’s bold new direction (with Chris Eubanks joining as on-air talent), Venus Williams’ Indian Wells comeback, and the debut of tennis’ first-ever “rage room” for players at the ATX Open.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Craig Tiley Leaves Australian Open for USTA CEO
[01:04–03:57]
- Why Tiley’s Move Matters:
- After 13 years transforming the Australian Open, Tiley is returning to the U.S. as USTA CEO—calling it a “full circle moment.”
- Personal motivation includes family ties:
"It's important... for my family to be close to their grandparents and to their aunts and uncles... they're born here in Australia and I think it's an opportunity for them to do that..."
—Craig Tiley [02:04] - Tiley believes Tennis Australia is “in the best shape it’s ever been,” crediting his leadership philosophy:
“You leave a place in better shape than it was when you started and then when you’re gone for several years, it continues to grow and excel.”
—Craig Tiley [02:36]
- AO Transformation:
- Attendance has doubled under Tiley (from 680,000 to 1.4 million by 2026).
- “Festivalization” and in-house production were game-changers:
“We’re going to make this not a tennis event. We’re going to make it an entertainment, sporting entertainment event ... and own the month of January.”
—Craig Tiley [03:28]
2. Tennis Channel’s Big Indian Wells Launch & Chris Eubanks Debut
[03:57–05:58]
- The Tennis Channel is going “all-in” on Indian Wells, streaming the main draw reveal live for the first time ever.
- Ex-Amazon exec Jeff Blackburn is the new CEO, tasked with taking the network digital and global.
- Chris Eubanks (recently retired) joins as new on-air talent.
"Tennis Channel has always been such an important part of how fans experience our sport. So to now join the team in this capacity is incredibly special ... I'm looking forward to staying connected to the game in this way."
—Chris Eubanks [05:30, paraphrased] - Andy Roddick’s News:
- ESPN tapped Roddick for Wimbledon and US Open commentary—“Fresh voices, big platforms.”
3. Venus Williams Returns to Indian Wells
[05:58–07:15]
- Venus accepted a wild card and will play both singles and doubles (with Leylah Fernandez).
- Memorable because she last played doubles there in 2000 (with Serena).
- Tournament Director Tommy Haas called it “an honor,” and Venus declared:
"I'm so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can't wait to return home to play in California."
—Venus Williams [06:40, paraphrased] - Serena Williams Watch:
- Serena to receive the first Barbie Dreamfest Icon Award in March and has launched Prime Video show “The CEO Club.”
4. Emma Raducanu: “Something Old, Something New”
[07:15–09:29]
- New Kit:
- Raducanu leaves Nike (after ten years) for Uniqlo—reportedly a $3.5m/year deal.
- Noted as a significant leap (even more than Sabalenka’s Nike deal).
- Old Coach Returns:
- Mark Petchey, after a previous stint, joins informally for Indian Wells.
- Petchey’s loyalty:
“Listen, we still chat, we’re still in good communication. She'll still run some stuff past me. I'll help her forever. I'll take a bullet for her.”
—Mark Petchey [08:27] - Cited improved results with Petchey (66.6% win rate, rankings jump).
- Petchey’s tactical insight:
“She really only has one choice. She needs to stay up on the baseline, she needs to be able to redirect and she needs to serve well.”
—Mark Petchey [09:20]
5. Tennis’ First RAGE ROOM at the ATX Open
[09:29–10:50]
- The Concept:
- Rage room = camera-free space for players to vent after tough matches.
- Inspired by Coco Gauff’s viral moment at the Australian Open (caught smashing a racket on private cam).
- Promotes player privacy and emotional wellbeing.
- The announcement:
“A completely camera free space where players can, in the tournament’s own words, privately express frustration or emotion in a safe, camera free environment.”
—Producer Mike [09:36] - Served team’s take: “Not saying that we invented this rage room, but we wouldn’t turn down a consulting commission.” [10:35]
Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes
- Tiley on Leadership:
“There’s never really a good time to leave any place ... the marks of really good leadership: You leave a place in better shape than it was when you started and then when you’re gone for several years, it continues to grow and excel.” [02:20] - Petchey on Raducanu:
“I’ll help her forever. I’ll take a bullet for her.” [08:27] - Rage Room Launch:
“A direct response to Coco Gauff’s AO quarters ... walked into what she thought was a private area and proceeded to smash a racket, not knowing cameras were rolling.” [09:45]
Segment Timestamps
| Time | Topic | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:04 | Served Five Setter intro & today’s stories rundown | | 01:13 | Craig Tiley leaves Australian Open for USTA CEO position | | 02:04 | Tiley’s personal/professional motivation (audio clip) | | 03:11 | Tiley’s legacy and festivalization of Australian Open (audio clip) | | 03:57 | Tennis Channel digital pivot, Chris Eubanks joins TV, Andy Roddick ESPN news | | 05:58 | Venus Williams’ Indian Wells comeback; Serena’s latest accolades | | 07:15 | Emma Raducanu’s Uniqlo deal, coaching reunion with Mark Petchey (audio clip) | | 09:29 | ATX Open introduces tennis’ first rage room for players | | 10:50 | Served team commentary, outro leads into trivia and newsletter plug |
Tone & Style
- Fun, rapid-fire, inside-baseball energy
- Mix of hard reporting, banter, and tennis fandom
- Direct quotes supplement reporting for context and personality