Served with Andy Roddick

Episode: Wheelchair Tennis, Shanghai Madness, & Gauff Victory w/ Rick Draney
Date: October 14, 2025

Overview

This episode of Served offers a multidimensional look at tennis, highlighting both the latest WTA/ATP tour developments and an engaging, in-depth conversation with Rick Draney, a pioneer in wheelchair tennis. Andy Roddick, alongside co-hosts and producer Mike, recaps recent tournament upsets, celebrates Coco Gauff’s continued dominance, and then dives into wheelchair tennis—unpacking its history, evolution, player classification, equipment innovation, legendary athletes, and the sport’s growing youth movement. The mood is both curious and celebratory, insisting that tennis journalism highlight stories outside the typical spotlight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recent WTA/ATP Tournaments: Gauff & the "Shanghai Madness"

• Coco Gauff’s Hot Streak:
  • Gauff wins Wuhan, beats Pagula and Paolini with impressive, versatile play.
  • Andy marvels at Gauff’s ability to “reverse tennis,” mixing backhand attacks and slicing forehands, suggesting her serve and forehand will soon become dominant.
  • “She’s 2 and 3 in the world with two shots that come and go week to week.” – Andy (05:30)
• Pagula’s, Sabalenka's Performances:
  • Recognition that top players go through cycles—“mental demons” included. Pagula's own podcast receives praise for its authenticity (04:55, 05:04).
• Shanghai Surprise – Vacherot's Run:
  • Constantinos Vacherot, ranked 204, enters Shanghai as an alternate and wins the Masters 1000—beating Djokovic in the semis.
  • The team discusses how rare such a rise is: from recent losses to players ranked in the 800s, to a million-dollar payday and a fast-track to top 40.
  • “From 204 to 40 in the world.” – Mike (10:47)
  • “It’s an absolutely transformative tournament for him, not just the finances, but now he’ll be able to get into the main draws.” – Jon Wertheim [clip], (10:59)

Timestamps:

• Gauff recap: 03:17–05:30
• Shanghai discussion: 07:27–16:45

2. Transformations & Opportunities from Tournament Surges

• Ranking System and Entry Logistics:
  • Deep dive into how big breakthrough wins affect future schedules, with Andy explaining the six-week-in-advance tournament entry lists (11:58–12:49).
  • Vacherot’s path lets him now plan an entire 2026 schedule at the ATP level.
• Tour Realities:
  • The group notes unpredictability in tennis—the rapid fortunes and ever-complex scheduling making for wild stories.

Timestamps:

• Discussion of ranking/entry: 11:58–13:47

3. The Essence & Growth of Wheelchair Tennis (with Rick Draney)

Rick Draney: An Introduction

• Hall of Famer, former World No. 1, key architect of the quad division.
• Praised for: “Loyalty and desire to do things the right way. His consistency and standards are what make him remarkable.” – Jason Harnett, read by Andy (21:16).

Early Story & Classification (24:20–34:36)

• Rick’s injury at 19 led to an uncertain return to sports; introduction to wheelchair tennis came via community programs at Saddleback College.
• Explains the crucial classification system:
  • Paraplegic (para): Primarily lower limb impairment.
  • Quadriplegic (quad): Includes upper limb impairment as well.
  • Further focus now on trunk/core function, not just limbs.
• Move toward "evidence-based" classification—more data and sport-specific standards to keep competition fair (32:45).

Quote:
“We were self-governing. There was an obvious physical difference between a quad and a para, we want a division for them.” – Rick Draney (29:47)

Achievement & Multisport Triumphs (34:10–37:45)

• Rick missed the 2004 Paralympics in tennis due to injury but had already won Paralympic gold—in rugby (2000) while also being tennis world no. 1!
• “Once I got introduced to competitive sports, it was like, what is possible for me?” – Rick (35:20)
• Inducted into both the US Wheelchair Rugby and International Tennis Hall of Fames (37:15).

The Mechanics: Technique, Chairs, & Rules (38:39–52:47)

• Early adaptation: Discovering ways to tape the racket into his otherwise immobile right hand, refining methods for optimal play and push mobility.
  • “The goal was... maximize my contact with push rim, to maximize my efficiency.” (43:42)
• The “Two Bounce Rule”:
  • Fundamental difference—wheelchair tennis athletes can return the ball after two bounces.
  • Elite players now play most balls after just one bounce, as a strategic progression (47:39).
• Equipment:
  • Transition from heavy 40+lb hospital chairs to custom-made titanium and aluminum, negative camber for sharp turns, anti-tip devices for safety and aggressive mobility.
  • “With chair design and setup, equipment is now an enhancing factor.” (46:50)

Travel, Tech, and Practicalities (77:35–84:08)

• The complexity of travel: Two-chair setups, custom packing, the rise of on-site repair stations for blowouts and breakdowns.
• Equipment cost: $4,000–$7,000 and up for a chair, plus tires, tubes, and more.
• Athletes often rely on donations, grants, or insurance to access appropriate gear.
  • Listeners are encouraged to reach out, support, or donate (84:08).

Quote:
“We have grown. We have improved. Things are better than they were... The tour is far better than it was even 10, 20, 30 years ago.” – Rick (82:10)

The Junior & Collegiate Wheelchair Movement (60:03–69:30)

• Early days saw most injuries and entrants in their teens/early 20s, but wheelchair tennis now has robust junior programming.
• USTA integration since 1998 and especially 2021, fueling growth from a handful of juniors/colleges to several hundred and 15+ collegiate wheelchair teams.
• “All these opportunities didn’t exist when I was a kid. Now they have these opportunities and it’s so incredible to see what’s happening.” – Rick (67:19)

Timestamps:

• Rick’s origin/classification: 24:20–34:36
• Multisport success: 34:10–37:45
• Tennis technique/adaptation: 38:39–52:47
• Equipment/chair evolution: 70:06–75:58
• Practical travel/equipment cost: 77:35–84:08
• Junior/collegiate movement: 60:03–69:30

4. Celebrating Wheelchair Tennis Legends (91:17–106:51)

• Profiles in Greatness:

  • Chantal Vandierendonck (“fluid, beautiful player, solid consistency”)
  • Monique Kalkman (“grinder,” exemplifying discipline and work ethic)
  • Randy Snow (“Courier-like, drove the off-court training revolution”)
  • Brad Parks (founder, both player and executive, “Billie Jean King-like” multitasker)
  • David Hall (“quiet, consistent, Federer-like mover”)
  • Shingo Kunieda (the “Roger,” 50 Grand Slams, 106-match win streak)
  • Esther Vergeer (“she didn’t lose for a decade,” 470-match win streak, the ultimate benchmark)
  • Tokito Oda (the modern prodigy, golden slam at 19)

• The Netherlands’ legacy in women’s wheelchair tennis; queries into their secret (strong programs, geography, and a touch of mystique).

Quote:
“If you’re the best consistently over time, bring on the other thousand or a hundred thousand, they’ll still beat them.” – Rick (103:22)

5. Reflections & The Spirit of the Sport (108:03–111:12)

• Rick on the impact of finding wheelchair tennis post-injury:
  • Expresses gratitude for opportunity and community; notes pivotal moments and the ongoing sense of wonder at the sport’s growth.
  • “I never thought this was possible, but how cool is it that it is?... I'm really glad I was willing to take that chance and try, as opposed to thinking, I’m too afraid, it's too hard, I don't even want to try.” – Rick (108:03)

Closing from Andy:
“You in the wheelchair tennis community at large, you will always have a friend on our show. If there's anything we ever need to get smarter about, ... you have my word we’ll do our best.” (111:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She only dropped 25 games all tournament.” – Mike on Gauff (05:27)
• “From 204 to 40 in the world.” – Mike on Vacherot’s rise (10:47)
• “We celebrate like SEC titles where there are eight teams. Listen, best on earth is best on earth.” – Andy (102:31)
• “The chair design is amazing. If you've never sat in one and get the opportunity...you'll see how hard it really is.” – Rick (75:00)
• “Try to win 400-plus matches in a row. I lost four dingle games this morning.” – Andy (104:36)

Timeline of Major Segments

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Gauff’s Wuhan win & analysis | 03:17–05:30 | | Vacherot’s Shanghai surprise | 07:27–16:45 | | Entry logistics/ranking surges | 11:58–13:47 | | Rick Draney biography, intro to wheelchair tennis | 21:16–34:36 | | Multisport/Paralympic golds & Hall of Fame | 34:10–37:45 | | Technique, chair adaptation, and rules | 38:39–52:47 | | Evolution of equipment | 70:06–75:58 | | Practical travel/equipment breakdowns/costs | 77:35–84:08 | | Junior and college movement | 60:03–69:30 | | Wheelchair tennis legends and greats | 91:17–106:51 | | Final reflections, gratitude, call to support | 108:03–111:12 |

The Episode in Context:

Served fuses mainstream tennis coverage with a mission to highlight lesser-told stories. This episode exemplifies the show’s evolving editorial ethos: use Andy’s platform and curiosity to translate expertise, celebrate under-recognized pioneers like Rick Draney, and urge listeners to both appreciate and support the growth of all facets of tennis.

For more information or to support junior wheelchair tennis, reach out to the USTA, ITF, or local tennis associations. Every donation can help transform a life and grows the game for all.