US Open Heats Up: Townsend/Ostapenko Drama, Coco Gauff Battles On and More With Lukas Weese

Journalist Molly McElwee is the guest on this episode, and she discusses the book she wrote that highlights the different champions that the WTA has produced in the 21st century, and just how unique and different each story is. In "Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women's Tennis," McElwee highlights how there is not one set method to produce a major champion, diving into the backstory and approach to the sport of the women who have made it to the top of the mountain in the grand slams. The author profiles several champions such as the Williams Sisters, Kim Clijsters who had a renaissance after being a mom, Ashleigh Barty, Aryna Sabalenka and others. Go beyond the pages with this podcast as Molly McElwee reveals how this book was written, and what she learned documenting these incredible and inspirational women's tennis players. Hosted by Mitch Michals. You can purchase McElwee's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Champions-Success-Womens-Tennis/dp/1913759237

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the trophies at The US Open, and former Top-5 player Jimmy Arias joins the podcast to explain how the major champions achieved their dreams in New York. Arias dives into Alcaraz's serving success, how he's improved his consistency and why he is the only person on the planet that is giving Jannik Sinner serious problems. The broadcaster also reacts to Sinner's comments about needing to adapt, and gives his take on what Novak Djokovic and the rest of the ATP can do to challenge for grand slam titles. Arias also discusses how Sabalenka has turned her serve into a weapon when it mattered the most, and why she continues to conquer the mental side of tennis as she collects major trophies. The commentator dives into Amanda Anisimova's career resurgence, Jessica Pegula's stellar performance at Flushing Meadows, and how Coco Gauff can overcome her own service issues and remain an elite WTA player. And Arias ends the show by telling a Davis Cup story from his playing days that is too insane to believe! Hosted by Mitch Michals.

We've reached the semifinal round at the US Open, and journalist Chris Oddo joins the podcast to break down all the drama in New York. The TennisNow and USOpen.org writer recaps Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz, and explains how the Serbian legend continues to reach the business end of slams at age 38. Oddo dives into the brilliance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they advanced to the Final Four with ease, Felix Auger Aliassime's major breakthrough, and the unfortunate fortnight for the American men. Oddo also dives into the women's draw which has featured plenty of excellent tennis and feel-good storylines. The journalist analyzes how Amanda Anisimova was able to avenge a brutal loss in the Wimbledon Final and defeat Iga Swiatek in New York, and he summarizes why Naomi Osaka's return to the final weekend of a grand slam is something truly special. And Oddo previews all the semifinal matchups including a rematch of last year's women's final as Aryna Sabalenka faces off against Jessica Pegula, and a transcendent, cross-generational matchup between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast to discuss Week 2 at The US Open, where the action has heated up and the matches have featured some serious firepower. Hubbs reacts to Jannik Sinner's brilliance in the 4th Round, and assesses Carlos Alcaraz's chances to stop his Italian rival. The Barstool Sports contributor also discusses Taylor Fritz's role as the lone American left, his chances against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, and what to make of fellow quarterfinalists Alex De Minaur and Felix Auger Aliassime as they prepare for battle. Hubbs also breaks down Naomi Osaka's dominant win over Coco Gauff, and looks at the four-time major champ's chances to go all the way in New York. He dives into Aryna Sabalenka's insane tiebreak record, Iga Swiatek's impressive form, and American hopefuls Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova, who gets a chance to redeem herself in a rematch of the Wimbledon Final. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

The US Open rages on, and journalist Lukas Weese joins the show to recap all the action from New York. The Athletic Live Reporter discusses the tense exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko, Tommy Paul's late night victory, and Coco Gauff's ability to fight through her service woes. Weese also explains why knocking off Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will be a tall task for the field, but if anyone can do it, it's American Ben Shelton. The journalist also breaks down Iga Swiatek's close victory in Round 2, Karolina Muchova's eclectic game, and the Jasmine Paolini being the subject of one of the greatest sports photos ever. And Weese analyzes Novak Djokovic's performance through two matches, and debates whether the Serbian can contend for the US Open title. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

The 2025 US Open is underway, and Mitch is joined by Anastasia Folorunso to break down all of the early action. The host of the "Ground Pass" podcast reacts to the Alexandra Eala's comeback win, Renata Zarazua pulling off a stunning upset over Madison Keys, and Daniil Medvedev's antics in a losing effort vs Benjamin Bonzi. Folorounso also dives into Carlos Alcaraz's new buzzcut, Novak Djokovic's form in his opening round win, and Holger Rune's emotionally-charged win in Round 1. The podcast host also explains her strategy when attending the early rounds at Flushing Meadows, and shares which matches captivated her up close and in person. Folorunso dives into the best fashion trends, along with which female contenders can make a claim for the crown in New York. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Leif Shiras returns to the show to recap the Cincinnati Open, which saw Carlos Alcaraz outlast the heat as Jannik Sinner retired in the final. Shiras weighs on the brutal Midwest conditions, what it means for Sinner as he heads to the year's final major, and how this title can give Alcaraz the boost he needs. The broadcaster also explains what makes Iga Swiatek so dangerous after she notched another big title in the Queen City, and why Aryna Sabalenka's schedule is a fascinating subplot heading into New York. Shiras also looks at the top contenders heading into The US Open, and examines whether Novak Djokovic will be in form as he aims for major title number 25. The commentator looks at the potential of Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper on the men's side, and dives into female contenders Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, who just parted ways with her coach. And Shiras gives his thoughts on the brand-new US Open Mixed Doubles event, which has been a smash hit in terms of popularity. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

We have a special interview on the podcast, on the launch day of a brand new tennis initiative that will elevate the game at all levels. USTA Coaching is the groundbreaking platform invests, educates, supports and rewards coaches at all levels, and we are delighted to be joined by CEO Craig Morris and Managing Director/Head of Business Development and Operations Megan Rose for an interview all about this exciting new project. Morris and Rose explain why the USTA decided this massive coaching project was a worthy initiative, how it will grow the game at all levels, and why this program will lead to increased participation in tennis in all areas of this great country. The executives share some of their own personal stories, discuss several innovative features with USTA Coaching, and dive into this game-changing platform in great detail in this wonderful conversation. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Tennis commentator Jason Goodall joins the podcast to discuss all the action from the North American Hard Court Swing, fresh off the heels of Victoria Mboko and Ben Shelton winning their first Masters 1000 Titles in Canada. Goodall recaps how the teenager Mboko was able to go all the way on home soil, and looks at where finalist Naomi Osaka heads from here. The broadcaster also dives into Ben Shelton's breakthrough and consistency, and highlights the areas in which the American has made the biggest strides with his game. Goodall turns his attention to Cincinnati, where he's on site calling matches at the new and massively upgraded venue in Mason, Ohio. The commentator discusses the returns of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and the differences they possess in their elite skillsets, as well as what to expect from WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after some time off. And Goodall dives into several of the game's top storylines such as Novak Djokovic's lack of match preparation, Daniil Medvedev's struggles, and the competitive drive that Coco Gauff takes with her to the match courts. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Pro player Asia Muhammad joins the podcast to discuss her journey on the tennis court, and how she has become one of the premier doubles players in the world. Muhammad explains why she gravitated towards tennis in an extremely athletic family, and why growing up in Las Vegas helped propel her towards a career in the sport. Muhammad goes into detail about her time spent with various partners such as Taylor Townsend and Jessica Pegula, and reveals how her current partnership with Demi Schuurs has led to several titles in 2025. The American also gets candid about the current state of doubles and the new US Open Mixed Doubles format, as well as her general approach to life on tour. Muhammad reveals several interests off the court, and sheds light on how she's been able to play the best tennis of her career during the last few seasons. Hosted by Mitch Michals.