Gauff and Fils Fly High In Cincinnati, Sinner Misses The US Open + Alcaraz's Triumphant Return With Leif Shiras

TennisNow writer Chris Oddo joins the podcast to discuss the epic 2026 US Open, which has featured triumphs, heartbreaks, emotional wins and tears of both joy and sadness. Oddo recaps Ben Shelton's thrilling win over Carlos Alcaraz, and explains why it's the biggest American men's tennis win in decades. The writer also dives into Frances Tiafoe snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, and his emotional embrace with Alex Michelsen. Oddo analyzes how the top four seeds all advanced to the women's Semifinal round, which include the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The journalist gives his thoughts on Coco Gauff's comeback win over Andreeva, Elena Rybakina's win that clinched the World No. 1 ranking, and whether it's time for Jessica Pegula win her first major title. And Oddo proviews all the semifinal matches, which includes an All-American showdown between Shelton and Tiafoe. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Monroe joins the podcast on-site from The US Open to dive into all the action and drama from Flushing Meadows. Monroe breaks down Carlos Alcaraz's impressive form in his return, and looks at how Ben Shelton can rise to the challenge in their upcoming quarterfinal match. The broadcaster also explains how Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen have elevated their games in NYC, and assesses Alexander Zverev's level as he looks to claim his first US Open title. Monroe also weighs in on the women's draw, where Qinwen Zheng rallied from 5-0 down in two consecutive matches, with the latter being a tremendous upset win over Iga Swiatek. The former player discusses Elena Rybakina's sustained brilliance in her win over Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka's game rounding into form, and Linda Noskova's tremendous short-term memory. And Monroe explains how Americans Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro are racking up the wins at The US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast for some early US Open reactions, where the much anticipated return of Carlos Alcaraz continues to capture the headlines. Hubbs evaluates Alcaraz's play, and looks at if the American men are ready to end the 23-year slam drought. The online personality breaks down Ben Shelton's dynamic game, Taylor Fritz flying under the radar, and whether Tommy Paul or Frances Tiafoe can have their moment in New York. Hubbs also recaps the early results in the women's draw, where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are continuing to shine on the hard courts. The Barstool Sports writer weighs in on Jessica Pegula's chances to finally capture a major, Aryna Sabalenka's mission to repeat as champion, and Mirra Andreeva's highs and lows. And Hubbs lists his favorite Round 3 matchups as the 2026 US Open rolls along. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steve Flink joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics from the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to the start of The US Open, and his new excellent book about the greatest names in American tennis history. Flink, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017, recaps this year's festivities which saw Roger Federer and Mary Carillo take their place in tennis eternity. He also explains why his new book: "The Immortals of American Tennis," provides an all-encompassing look at the greatest and most impactful names the USA has produced in this sport. The author details his writing process, the emphasis on the pre-open era stars, and what readers can expect to learn as they dive into the pages. Flink also looks at the beginning of the 2026 US Open, which saw Novak Djokovic lose his opening match to Mariano Navone in five agonizing sets. The journalist recaps the match, details the biggest obstacles in Djokovic's way, and predicts where the Serbian legend might go from here. And Flink gives his thoughts on the other early storylines from Flushing Meadows, which included Carlos Alcaraz's return to the court, Stefanos Tsitsipas' huge upset win over Arthur Fils, and the decision to start the Venus Williams/Sofia Kenin match after midnight. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zachary Cohen joins the podcast to preview The 2026 US Open, with a thorough breakdown of both the men's and women's singles draws. The men's draw is highlighted by the return of Carlos Alcaraz, and the guys discuss his tricky path to defending his title at Flushing Meadows. Cohen examines Ben Shelton's rocky road that includes a potential fourth round showdown with Arthur Fils, and looks at whether Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe or another American truly contend for the crown. The VSIN writer evaluates 24-time major champ Novak Djokovic's chances, and dishes out some of his favorite sleepers in the men's bracket. In the women's draw, Cohen predicts whether Aryna Sabalenka can return to her trophy-winning form from a year ago, and examines Jessica Pegula's favorable path the final stages of the tournament. Cohen assesses Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek's routes to more US Open glory, Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka's title chances, and Alexandra Eala's ability to truly arrive in New York City. The fellas dish out their favorite first round matchups, and predict who will stand alone as the 2026 US Open champions. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leif Shiras joins the show to recap the Cincinnati Open, where Coco Gauff and Arthur Fils claimed the trophies with some sizzling tennis. Shiras explains what propelled Gauff back to the winner's circle, how finalist Jessica Pegula can rebound at Flushing Meadows, and whether Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka or another set of contenders will find that magic at the US Open. The Tennis Channel broadcaster analyzes Fils' improved game, looks at Frances Tiafoe's strengths and weaknesses, and goes in depth on how American Brandon Nakashima has had a dream summer in 2026. Shiras also looks ahead to next week's US Open, which will feature Carlos Alcaraz, but not World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The commentator reacts to Alcaraz's decision to return from a four-month wrist injury at a major, and shares his thoughts on Sinner's difficult decision to miss the action in New York with a knee injury. And Shiras dives into Novak Djokovic's chances, Stan Wawrinka not receiving a Wild Card, and Roger Federer's upcoming Hall of Fame induction on this episode. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amy Lundy joins the podcast to discuss the uncertainty involving Jannik Sinner's US Open status, and how the entire ATP orbit hangs in the balance. Lundy looks at Carlos Alcaraz's bold plan to return from his four month injury at a major tournament, Novak Djokovic's chances heading into The Big Apple, and whether Americans like Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe have a chance to shine on home soil. Lundy also looks at the storylines in Cincinnati, where Iga Swiatek continues her winning ways. The journalist evaluates Aryna Sabalenka's form, Amanda Anisimova's resurgence, and Marta Kostyuk's breakthrough season. And Lundy explains why youngsters like Rafael Jodar and Iva Jovic are destined for big things in tennis. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Veteran coach Brad Stine joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about his work coaching Tommy Paul, and some of the biggest storylines in the men's game as tennis takes over North America. Stine reacts to Ben Shelton's second straight title at the Canadian Masters, and explains why he's so dangerous on the court. The coach dives into the depth of American tennis, the closeness of this group of US men, and what makes rising player Learner Tien so special. Stine also sheds light on his long-running partnership with Tommy Paul, and recaps the highs and lows of the 2026 season. He goes in depth about how Paul bounced back after heartbreak in Miami to win his first clay court title in Houston, and explains why "Tommy Paul 7.0" is the best version yet. The coach also discusses several other topics including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's health creating an opening for the field at The US Open, Iga Swiatek's joy returning in her title-run in Toronto, and what he really thinks of the crowded and confusing tennis schedule. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tennis broadcaster Russ Thaler joins the podcast to dive into all the drama at The National Bank Open in Canada, where opportunity is calling some new and old faces in the sport. Thaler reacts to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka's loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova, and examines whether Elena Rybakina will seize the top ranking. The commentator also explains why he's got faith in slam champions Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, evaluates Naomi Osaka's chances to return to a major-winning form, and shares his thoughts on the biggest phenomenon in tennis that is Alexandra Eala. Thaler also weighs in on the top storylines in the men's game, which included the shocking news that Jannik Sinner will not compete in Cincinnati. The broadcaster weighs in the length of the schedule, the importance of Carlos Alcaraz to the sport, and whether Ben Shelton will repeat as champion up north. And Thaler looks at the crop of young players looking for the 1000 level title in Canada, which include Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tennis broadcaster Candy Reid returns to the podcast to recap the Washington DC Open, where Alexandra Eala won her maiden title and dispatched some of the most talented names in the game to do so. Reid explains why Eala is so good for tennis, why her Filipino support is amazing, and why her game could keep elevating to that of a major champion. The broadcaster also reacts to Taylor Fritz capturing the men's crown in the US capital, and finalist Rafael Jodar's consistency in his rookie year on the ATP. Reid highlights all the action from Canada, where Ben Shelton looks to defend his title. The commentator looks at Elena Rybakina's form, Marta Kostyuk's athleticism, and Jessica Pegula's chances to add that elusive first major. And Reid reacts to the news that Carlos Alcaraz will not play in Cincinnati, as the talented Spaniard's US Open title defense hangs in the balance. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.