Podcast Summary: Served with Andy Roddick – "WTA Finals Recap, ATP Finals Drama, Djokovic 101st Title & More"
Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Andy Roddick
Guests: Jon Wertheim (JW), Mike
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, Andy Roddick and his co-hosts Jon Wertheim and Mike recap the major headlines in tennis from the past week, focusing on the WTA Finals, ATP Finals qualification chaos, Novak Djokovic’s 101st title, schedule changes, and emerging young players. The tone is candid and playful, with expert analysis, personal anecdotes, and a strong sense of camaraderie. The episode also includes a call to support the Andy Roddick Foundation.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Andy Roddick Foundation & Personal Story
[01:05 - 04:15]
- Andy opens by sharing the story of the Andy Roddick Foundation, inspired by advice from Andre Agassi at age 17 to start giving back early.
- “I said, what is your biggest regret? And he said, not starting my foundation early enough. And that's something that stuck with me in my soul…” – Andy Roddick [02:16]
- Foundation now serves over 45,000 kids in Austin with after-school and summer programs.
- Andy pledges to personally match donations up to $150,000 from podcast listeners.
- “I will personally match out of my own pocket anything we can raise through this donation link on Served up to $150,000…” [03:45]
2. Kim Clijsters’ Injury Update and Humor
[04:16 - 05:59]
- Kim Clijsters, who was meant to join the show, sustained a repeated Achilles rupture. Update provided by Mike.
- “She left me a voice message, said her right leg, the leg that she injured is just about three times smaller than it was before.” – Mike [05:24]
- Lighthearted banter comparing Kim’s toughness to Mike’s much-discussed vasectomy recovery.
- “I think scientifically it proves women are tougher than men.” – Mike [05:53]
- “Well, I mean, science does prove that.” – Andy Roddick [05:57]
3. WTA Finals Recap: Rybakina’s Dominance & Controversies
[08:18 - 15:56]
Elena Rybakina’s Performance
- Roddick and Wertheim praise Rybakina for sweeping the field at the WTA Finals, defeating top names like Pegula and Sabalenka.
- “Watch her serve her way out of trouble, watch her authoritative tennis... She has put herself right back squarely in the conversation of who's going to win majors next year. That was thoroughly, thoroughly impressive.” – JW [09:18]
Off-Court Drama & WTA Disputes
- Discussion on Rybakina not taking a winner’s photo with WTA CEO, reflecting tension over her coach’s suspension.
- “That gesture with the CEO, that actually was a glimpse into her character that she doesn't often provide.” – JW [11:34]
Future Slam Prospects: Rybakina vs. Anisimova
- Roddick and JW debate which of the two will win a major next year, leaning Rybakina due to her serve and clay viability.
- “I think I say Rybakina just because she's better on clay. So it's like one more opportunity.” – Andy Roddick [12:45]
- “When Anisimova or Rybakina are playing one of the top players, you don't really worry about them.” – Andy Roddick [15:48]
- Noting the shift from total unpredictability to a strong, consistent top tier on the WTA.
4. ATP Finals Qualification Chaos & Novak Djokovic’s 101st Title
[17:45 - 24:24]
The Athens 250, Musetti, and Tournament Drama
- Confusion and criticism over how final ATP spots were determined; Novak’s participation impacted whether Musetti or FAA qualified.
- “It's not great for the credibility of your...event when you've got this much churn at the end.” – JW [17:45]
- “He owns the license for the tournament in Athens that he is participating in. I don't know that he can pull out of the tournament the next week and play the last three matches in the tournament that he owns in Athens.” – Andy Roddick [19:35]
Scheduling Solutions: Wraparound Season
- Andy proposes counting late-year events toward the next season’s race, citing precedent set by the Challenger Tour.
- “Why are we not okay with 250s contributing to the race in 2026?...I hope it's a preview of things to come.” – Andy Roddick [22:25]
- Benefits: top players could rest and extend careers; others could chase ranking points.
5. Next Gen Finals Leaves Saudi Arabia & Scheduling Implications
[24:24 - 26:48]
- The Next Gen ATP Finals will exit Saudi Arabia early. Potential calendar flexibility discussed.
- “It’s a little strange that event didn’t fulfill its contract in the same country that just got a Masters 1000...If we went by the Roddick model, NextGen is one of these events that actually would really benefit.” – JW [24:58]
- Wraparound schedule would boost exposure for youth events rather than having them “compete with Christmas.”
6. Longevity, Tournament Licenses, and Player Experience
[26:48 - 29:40]
- Andy advocates for player-owned tournaments, referencing the Djokovic family, and the business sense of licensing.
- “I'm not saying we need like the Sinner or Chucky Alcaraz Cup, but I'm not, not saying it.” – Andy Roddick [27:59]
- Reiterates tennis needs to protect its biggest stars; the sport’s appeal is tied closely to them: "We sell based on the stars of our game and based on the product they put out. We want to maximize that product..." [28:38]
7. Djokovic’s Future & The 2028 LA Olympics
[29:40 - 31:26]
- Quick round: Will Djokovic play LA Olympics 2028? Both doubt it but commend his deft answer linking his retirement to Serbian identity.
- “I got to give him props...‘I still want to retire at the LA Olympics with a Serbian flag in my hand’ was a perfect way to address many, many issues…” – Andy Roddick [29:55]
- “That was a great political answer. That was like two birds and one stone...Everyone hopes he makes it; that would be amazing.” – JW [30:54]
8. Young Americans Rising: Learner Tien’s Breakthrough
[32:56 - 38:10]
- Lerner Tien becomes the first American teen ATP champion since Andy Roddick.
- “28 in the world started the year at 122. That’s some work, man.” – Andy Roddick [33:48]
- Andy analyzes Tien’s game: not about overpowering, but high tennis IQ, timing, and tactical variety.
- “Doesn’t have a shot that’s going to knock you off the court...I love young players who already have a very high tennis IQ.” – Andy Roddick [33:56]
- Optimism about how new American talent like Tien, Mickelson, and Brooksby can push established players.
- Scheduling changes would not hurt players like Tien, who could choose late-season events and pocket valuable points.
9. Call to Action & Closing Notes
[38:10 - 38:33]
- Andy encourages donations to his foundation, reiterates intent to match up to $150k, and thanks listeners.
- “Would appreciate your support. I will personally match up to 150k if we can get there from listeners of the show. Would be awesome. I will celebrate you forever.” – Andy Roddick [38:10]
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
“I will personally match...up to $150,000 and we'll do that over the next week. So hopefully that is something that I do have to match. I would love nothing more.”
– Andy Roddick [03:45] -
“Watch her play, watch her serve her way out of trouble, watch her authoritative tennis, watch her get it done in November…”
– JW on Rybakina [09:18] -
“That serve bailed her out of so many potentially problematic situations. I'm going to say Rybakina because of the serve.”
– JW [12:20] -
“We do not have a home team in tennis. We don’t have Yankees fans that show up regardless...We sell based on the stars of our game.”
– Andy Roddick [28:38] -
“He is going to have to always be fit… I think he understands what he does well. I think he has full control of the concepts of the game and how to apply them.”
– Andy on Lerner Tien [35:27] -
“I like it, I enjoy it. Oh, and I'm getting paid $100 million a year. This is still a good thing for me.”
– Andy (on Djokovic’s logical lack of urgency to retire) [29:55]
Important Timestamps & Segments
- 01:05 – Andy on the Foundation’s Origin and Mission
- 05:10 – Kim Clijsters injury update and humorous banter
- 08:18 – JW joins to discuss WTA Finals
- 09:18 – Rybakina’s performance analyzed
- 11:30 – WTA coach drama and Rybakina’s protest
- 12:45 – Rybakina vs. Anisimova future Slam debate
- 17:45 – ATP Finals qualification confusion dissected
- 22:25 – Scheduling solution: wraparound season discussion
- 24:47 – Next Gen Finals moves, scheduling impacts
- 27:59 – Player-owned tournament licenses idea
- 29:40 – Will Djokovic play LA 2028 Olympics?
- 33:48 – Learner Tien’s rapid rise analyzed
- 38:10 – Final donation call and wrap-up
Tone & Style
The episode is fast-paced, opinionated, and includes plenty of playful jabs between the hosts. Andy Roddick’s style is direct, self-deprecating, and often humorous, creating an inviting atmosphere for deep tennis analysis and behind-the-scenes industry talk.
Useful For
- Listeners wanting to catch up on the WTA/ATP tour finales, especially the off-court drama and scheduling politics.
- Fans interested in tennis’ next generation (WTA/ATP) and inside-the-industry scheduling ideas.
- Tennis enthusiasts curious about the intersection between player welfare, the tour calendar, and the business of tennis.
For more on the episode, donation links are available in the show notes and at arfoundation.org.