Andy Roddick drops an astonishing idea about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams amid new US Open format

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have had plenty of doubles experience throughout the course of their careers.

Andy Roddick drops an astonishing idea about Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams amid new US Open format

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Andy Roddick (via X and SportalEdu)

Andy Roddick has imagined a scenario where Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal return to the US Open. He talked about the changes to the mixed doubles event at the tournament. The event will now take place the week before the main singles draw.

The USTA made this change to attract top players to mixed doubles. They are offering big prize money and making the US Open a three-week event. In recent years, “Fan Week” has featured top players in exhibition matches before the main tournament.

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I’ll tell you one thing, I want to talk to everyone about it. There are players who have retired recently… And why not a little action from Roger and Serena? I don’t know what Rafa is doing at the moment either. I’m just saying that we have to throw a bomb of enthusiasm into this matter! It’s just a wish on my part, I don’t know.

Andy Roddick said on his Served Podcast

Now, players will have a chance to play competitive matches before the US Open begins. Roddick believes this change will be a success. However, specialist doubles players are unhappy, as it limits their opportunities to earn money.

If this format works well, the Australian Open and French Open may do the same. Last year’s US Open mixed doubles winners, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, criticized the decision. They believe it will negatively impact lower-ranked players.

Rafael Nadal set for massive profit from his academy

Rafael Nadal is growing his business ventures beyond tennis. He is set to earn a huge amount after selling part of his stake in his tennis academy. Reports say he sold 44.9% of the academy to GPF Capital for nearly €95 million. This deal mostly involves transferring a property asset from the academy.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via ATP/X)

Nadal started the Rafael Nadal Academy in 2016 to help train future tennis stars in his hometown of Manacor. The academy has grown a lot over the years, adding new facilities, including a hotel. The hotel required changes to local housing laws before it was approved. Today, it is one of the biggest sports centers in Spain.

Many top players, like Venus Williams and Casper Ruud, have trained at the academy. It is also popular with young tennis talents. Over time, the academy has become a major tourist attraction in Mallorca. During peak seasons, hotel stays can cost up to €500 a night.

Nadal also runs tennis centers in Cancun, Kuwait, and Greece, managed by his mother’s company, Aspemirm. In late 2023, GPF Capital first invested in the academy. Later, heavy floods damaged the facilities, leading to expensive repairs. The academy has 40 courts, swimming pools, padel courts, a football field, a hotel, and an international school.