Jimmie Johnson recounted an unforgettable tennis session facing Andy Roddick on his Never Settle Podcast, sharing how Roddick’s remarkable talent turned a casual match into an eye-opening encounter with power. This Jimmie Johnson tennis experience highlighted both Roddick’s enduring skill and Johnson’s admiration, shedding light on their shared sporting competitiveness.
When a NASCAR Champion Meets a Tennis Legend
Jimmie Johnson—widely recognized as one of motorsport’s greatest drivers—shared a story from a few years ago when he took to the court alongside Andy Roddick, the former World No. 1 tennis player and Grand Slam winner. Roddick, who holds 32 ATP singles tournaments and clinched the 2003 US Open, may no longer play professionally but he proved he still possessed the blistering serve and precision that defined his illustrious career.
Despite Roddick’s self-described ‘advanced age’ and time away from the game, Johnson emphasized how the tennis icon kept him on his toes. Simple volleys would quickly escalate into powerful corner shots, reminding Johnson that even a laid-back game with Roddick offers no real easy ground. The encounter unfolded as a lighthearted yet intense display of what separates elite athletes from amateurs, regardless of the sport or setting.
“He hadn’t picked up a racket in a long time. And so, you know, with his advanced age, I didn’t want him to hurt his shoulder. You know, we would go two or three volleys, and then he would just like slam one in a corner. And I’m like, okay, I see what’s going on here. So as it goes on, eventually, we’re getting ready to leave, and he goes, go stand over there.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Legend
Vivid Moments of the Power Serve
Johnson continued with vivid details that underlined the power disparity he felt during their match. As the segment progressed, Johnson shared the humbling effect of facing Roddick’s famous serve, describing scenes where rapid, forceful deliveries left him struggling to respond. Even after getting into what he thought was good position, Roddick would unleash shots aimed expertly at corners, making the match a true spectacle of former professional skill.
“So I stand, and he’s going to serve. I’m like, hell yeah. Smokes this thing, and I swear, you know, it’s stretched out. I just remember seeing this blob, that stretched neon blob hit the corner, and I’m trying to get to it, and I can’t. So finally, I get better position, and he hits some like cute turning shot that hits the other corner that I’ve just walked away from,” Jimmie Johnson added.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Legend
This intense, friendly match on the tennis court became a testament to the sportsmanship and competitive drive present across different athletic disciplines. The story, shared with podcast co-host Marty Smith and guest Andy Roddick, also offered a personal glimpse into the camaraderie and mutual respect among elite athletes.
The Athletic Accomplishments of Jimmie Johnson
Johnson, celebrated as one of the most influential figures in motorsports, boasts seven NASCAR Cup Series championships. His run from 2006 to 2010, which included an unprecedented five consecutive titles, placed him in the elite company of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Johnson’s legacy extends well beyond racing, as seen through moments like his encounter with Roddick, where the drive for excellence remains central.
Seeking Changes in NASCAR’s NextGen Car
While reminiscing about cross-sport experiences, Johnson has also been vocal about his expectations for NASCAR’s current direction. In a candid discussion on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, he outlined his frustrations with the NextGen (Gen-7) race car. Johnson highlighted a lack of side force and yaw—characteristics he deems essential for an exciting, responsive racing experience. He argued that these limitations reduce the thrill for both drivers and spectators.
“I would like to see some changes. You know, I think a car that gains side force and yaw is a better car, one that drives better, more interesting, puts on a better show. This car does not do that. But to make those changes in the way you’ll have to, all three OEMs have to submit wind tunnel time, all the expenses that go with it, I know it’s a slow-moving machine.” [25:00 onwards]
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Legend
Johnson also addressed how the use of lower-profile tires impacts driver feedback, arguing that taller sidewalls would provide critical information during races. He pointed out that modern setups diminish a driver’s ability to sense and control slides, further limiting the car’s performance envelope. Johnson emphasized that collaboration among all three major manufacturers—Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota—would be a necessary, yet complex, step to implement such technical adjustments.
“The other thing that I would like to consider is a taller sidewall on the cars. the lower profile sidewall I think takes a lot of the feel out of it and being able to slide it and understand it,” he added.
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Legend
What These Athletic Perspectives Reveal
The stories and commentary from Jimmie Johnson, whether recalling his remarkable tennis experience with Andy Roddick or critiquing the evolving machinery of NASCAR, reveal a deep commitment to performance, excitement, and technical excellence across sports. His candid observations encourage ongoing dialogue about how tradition, innovation, and athlete feedback can shape the future of competitive arenas, from the tennis court to the racetrack. As Johnson and other racing veterans spotlight areas for improvement, industry leaders and manufacturers face renewed calls to balance entertainment, safety, and driver satisfaction for fans worldwide.
