Get ready to hear more of Andy Roddick's signature insight, but on a much bigger stage. The former US Open champion and tennis Hall of Famer has officially joined the ESPN team, signing a multi-year agreement to bring his analysis to the network's coverage of Wimbledon and the US Open starting in 2026.
The One Thing ESPN Couldn't Touch
While the deal marks a major career shift for Roddick into mainstream sports broadcasting, there was one absolute deal-breaker during negotiations with the media giant. Roddick refused to compromise on his independently produced podcast, Served, which he has carefully cultivated over years.
"That was my single biggest non-negotiable," Roddick declared directly to his podcast audience. He emphasized that not a single minute of his signature 'serve time' would be cut. "It was in the first 90 seconds of our negotiation with ESPN... 'We're not going to sacrifice anything that we've done for our Served audience.'"
Why Now for the Tennis Legend?
For years, Roddick turned down numerous television opportunities, preferring to build his own media platform while focusing on family life with his young children. The extensive travel required for tournament coverage previously didn't fit his priorities. Now, with his children older, the timing finally aligned for him to take on the prestigious role.
The 2003 US Open champion expressed genuine excitement about the new chapter. "I'm kind of excited to jump in," he said, acknowledging the interesting contrast between his free-form podcast and signing a formal contract with a corporate giant. "Trying to marry what we do in this room—where we just do anything we want—versus signing a contract that literally has Mickey Mouse on the DocuSign is interesting."
A Voice Tennis Fans Trust
Roddick brings immense credibility to the broadcast booth. Since retiring in 2012 after a career that included 32 singles titles and nine consecutive years in the ATP's top ten, he has become one of the sport's most respected analysts. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 solidified his legendary status.
In ESPN's official announcement, Roddick's passion for the game shone through. "Simply, I'm always just a massive fan of tennis," he stated. "I'm very excited to join the ESPN tennis team and look forward to covering the two biggest tournaments in the world."
What This Means for Fans
This deal represents a win-win for tennis enthusiasts. Fans will get Roddick's sharp, unfiltered analysis during ESPN's flagship Grand Slam coverage, while his loyal podcast listeners can rest assured that the show they love will continue unchanged. ESPN gains a charismatic, knowledgeable voice with serious star power, and Roddick expands his reach without sacrificing his creative independence.
The agreement showcases a modern media landscape where athletes can successfully balance corporate partnerships with their own entrepreneurial ventures. Roddick's insistence on protecting his podcast underscores the value top personalities place on maintaining a direct, unfiltered connection with their core audience, even while stepping onto television's biggest platforms.