Served 5 Setter
Sinner Tops Prize Money, Stars Talk Davis Cup, NCAA Stars Rise & More
Happy Friday, everyone!
Roger Federer headlines this week’s Served 5 Setter as he’s officially headed into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August of 2026.
The episode also highlights performances like Lleyton Hewitt’s father-son doubles run, rising NCAA stars as the fall championships unfold, and so much more.
Watch the full episode to stay ahead of the game and scroll down for bonus stories that also deserve your attention!
Rafa Nadal & Alexandra Eala Practice Session
Exactly one year since retiring at the Davis Cup Finals, Rafael Nadal dusted off his racquets for a surprise practice. His hitting partner: Alexandra Eala, the Filipino breakthrough who emerged as one of this season’s brightest stories. Eala’s 2025 season consisted of Miami Open semifinalist, WTA finalist at Eastbourne, and now up to WTA No. 50.
On social media, Rafa winked: “Next time I will be stronger 😉,” echoing Eala’s own mantra, “Back like you never left!”.
Eala was just named a WTA Newcomer of the Year nominee, putting her alongside the tour’s top prospects. This intergenerational rally captured everything tennis fans love: tradition, inspiration, and new talent shining on the big stage. (Read more)
Garin & Struff: Challenger Kings
Cristian Garin was all smiles in Montevideo, capturing his fourth ATP Challenger title of 2025, battling back in a gritty three-set final.
Garin’s comeback against Ignacio Buse netted him a return to the Top 100, the No. 1 spot in Chile, a main draw berth at the 2026 Australian Open, and $23,000 in prize money.
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff powered through the Lyon indoor event for his own Challenger crown and a guaranteed Aussie Open ticket. Struff fired nine aces to defeat Liam Broady, while North Americans Stefan Kozlov and Daniel Glinka also got in on the trophy rush as the ATP Challenger Tour wraps up its penultimate week.(Read more)
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TIEBREAK TRIVIA
In the 5 Setter Podcast we asked: Who was the last NCAA Men’s Singles Champion to win a major?
The answer: John McEnroe - winning the NCAA title in 1978 and then winning the US Open in 1979 and then followed by six more majors…
THE WEEKEND DRAW
Davis Cup Finals
Semifinals - November 21-22
Finals - November 23
NCAA Championships (ESPN+)
Semifinals - November 22
Finals - November 23
Full international WTA & ATP broadcast list.
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