Served 5 Setter
Serena's Smack Down, Where to Watch the Exos This Weekend, Big Coaching News & More
Happy Friday, everyone!
The first week of the off-season is supposed to be quiet, but whoops—journalists noticed that Serena Williams rejoined the ITIA’s drug testing pool back in October. Producer Mike recaps the half-day news frenzy. Check back on Tuesday for Andy’s and JW’s thoughts.
Also in this episode, Lindsay Davenport re-ups as U.S. Billie Jean King Cup captain, Daniil Medvedev’s former coach bets on a young American, stars return this weekend for exhibition season and the NCAA’s best compete in Europe.
Watch the full episode to stay ahead of the game, and scroll down for this week’s bonus stories!
Gauff & Mboko Make High-Fashion Headlines
Coco Gauff won the 2025 Style Influencer of the Year Award from Footwear News this week for her role in the red-hot New Balance x Miu Miu collaboration. FN’s annual awards are the most prestigious in the shoe industry.
Though the brand partnership between Gauff’s apparel and shoe sponsor and the Italian design house started in 2021, Gauff became a central part of it this year with her own collection and campaign. She competed in NB x Miu Miu dresses, modeled a $1,200 sneaker, and sashayed the Oscars red carpet in a yellow Miu Miu gown. More collections will roll out in 2026. (WWD)
Meanwhile, breakout WTA champ Victoria Mboko attended a Chanel show in New York City this week. Dressed in classic Chanel tweed, Mboko chatted with Anna Wintour and Jon Bon Jovi, both noted tennis fans. Is a Met Gala invitation in Mboko’s future? (WTA)
USTA Bans Transgender Women From Competition
On December 1, a new USTA policy took effect prohibiting transgender women from competing in its “leagues, tournaments and competitions.”
The policy now states that the USTA is complying with gender definitions set by President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14168: “‘Female’ means a person belonging, at conception, to the sex that produces the large reproductive cell.” In other words, the sex assigned at birth.
The change comes nearly 50 years after the USTA barred Dr. Renee Richards, a transgender woman, from playing in the 1976 US Open. Richards sued the organization for discrimination, and the New York Supreme Court ruled in her favor. She competed in the tournament from 1977 to 1981.
The USTA’s eligibility policy applies to both professional tournaments and amateur leagues. However, it only addresses women’s competitions. Transgender men and women may compete in men’s competitions. (The Handbasket)
Electronic Line-Calling Is Coming to Pickleball
The days of the honor system in professional pickleball are coming to an end. Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour will begin using electronic line-calling in 2026, starting at the PPA’s Greater Zion Cup in March. Referees will continue to manage all other parts of the match.
The United Pickleball Association, which owns both pro tours, has chosen Owl AI as its technology partner. Owl AI is a software application that integrates with broadcast cameras, eliminating the need to install a dedicated system.
The investment comes after Major League Pickleball saw explosive growth in 2025, including double the sponsor revenue from 2024 and a 94 percent increase in ticket revenue. (Daniel Kaplan Sportsbiz)
Are You Keeping Up With Served ?
TIEBREAK TRIVIA
In the 5 Setter Podcast, we asked: What was Serena’s 23rd and final Grand Slam singles title?
The answer: The 2017 Australian Open, where she defeated Venus in the final while eight weeks pregnant.
THE WEEKEND DRAW—EXHIBITION EDITION
Atlanta Tennis Cup
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton vs. Nick Krygios
Watch: Tennis Channel and Tennis Channel app
A Racquet at the Rock (Newark, NJ)
Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.
Jessica Pegula vs. Amanda Anisimova, Carlos Alcaraz vs. Frances Tiafoe (plus mixed doubles)
Watch: Tennis Channel and Tennis Channel app
The Garden Cup (New York City)
Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Naomi Osaka, Tommy Paul vs. Nick Kyrgios (plus mixed doubles)
Watch: Tennis Channel 2 and Tennis Channel app; replayed on Tennis Channel Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Miami Tennis Invitational
Dec. 8, 7 p.m.
Jessica Pegula vs. Amanda Anisimova, Carlos Alcaraz vs. Joao Fonseca (plus mixed doubles)
Watch: Tennis Channel and Tennis Channel app
Don’t Miss a Second of Served
Connect with us on socials!
Have you checked out the Served Merch Shop yet?
Join the Chucker’s Club for exclusive perks and content.
