Australian Open R1 Thoughts: Nimble Djokovic, Osaka's Aura, Wawrinka's Final Ride and More with Yasmin Syed

The Australian Open rages on, and Barstool Sports' Eric Hubbs returns to the podcast to dissect all the madness in Melbourne. Hubbs recaps Stan Wawrinka's emotional win, the newfound consistency of Alexander Bublik, and how Daniil Medvedev rallied from two sets down to book a rematch with upstart American Learner Tien. The sports commentator also analyzes the breakthrough of young American Ethan Quinn, Tommy Paul's chances against Carlos Alcaraz, and whether Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton or someone else is the third favorite in the men's draw after Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. And in the women's draw, Hubbs reacts to the brilliant performance of Victoria Mboko. Hubbs assesses Mboko's chances against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and marvels at the youth movement the Canadian is leading in Melbourne alonside Iva Jovic and Mirra Andreeva. The Barstool Sports personality also weighs in on Naomi Osaka's tense R2 encounter, Yulia Putinseva's post-match celebration, and the number of American women still alive in Australia. The guys finish the episode by previewing the big matches coming up as The Australian Open continues. 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.

Daily Express Senior Tennis Writer Yasmin Syed joins the podcast from Melbourne to recap the opening round of the 2026 Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic looks as fit as ever as he pursues Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the title. Syed examines Stan Wawrinka's form and attitude as he competes in his final tournament down under, and reacts to Joao Fonseca's early exit at the hands of Eliot Spizzirri. The journalist assesses whether Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul or another American make a run down under, and reflects on Gael Monfils' final Australian Open. On the women's side, Syed predicts which player can challenge World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Syed dives into Amanda Anisimova's excellent form, Iga Swiatek's chances, and Naomi Osaka's outfit that captivated the entire tennis world. And Syed breaks down Viktoria Mboko's ability to contend right now, before previewing all the exciting matchups in Round 2 of The Australian 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.

The first major of the year is upon us, and gambling experts Zachary Cohen and Kenny Ducey join the show to break down the men's and women's singles draws for the 2026 Australian Open. The analysts discuss Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's status as overwhelming favorites, and look at whether Novak Djokovic has enough magic left in his racket for one more glorious run. Cohen and Ducey break down whether Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton or other contenders can emerge, and list their favorite first round matchups. And on the women's side, the gambling gurus assess Aryna Sabalenka's path to another title in Melbourne. The fellas discuss whether Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are on serious upset alert, they weigh in on Amanda Anisimova's chances to capture her first slam, and look at a list of potential contenders that include Elena Rybakina, defending champ Madison Keys, and newcomer Victoria Mboko. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lorenzo Musetti joins for an exclusive chat about his breakout 2025, and why he will continue to push his own limits and chase the very best players in the game. The Italian opens up about his aggressive and flashy style of play, how his growing family continues to motivate him, and why winning an epic ATP Finals match over Alex De Minaur in Turin was a signature moment in his young career. The newly-minted Top 5 player also explains why he's always had an interest in fashion, and why he's extremely excited to take part in the MGM Slam in Las Vegas on March 1. And then Leif Shiras recaps the first week of the 2026 season, which featured some terrific action and drama. Shiras discusses Aryna Sabalenka's brilliance in Brisbane, Daniil Medvedev's successful start to the year, and Alexander Bublik finding his rightful place in the winner's circle yet again. The commentator also reflects on Poland's triumph at the United Cup, analyzes Coco Gauff notching another win over Iga Swiatek, and examines whether Novak Djokovic could be embarking on his final Australian Open in a few days. 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.

Joao Fonseca has been captivating tennis fans across the world since his first pro match in 2023. The Brazilian sensation joins the podcast to discuss his first tennis memories, how he's adjusted to the pro tour as a teenager, and explain his plans to achieve greatness and his goal of the No. 1 ATP ranking. Fonseca also recounts his first meeting with Roger Federer, and taking part in "The MGM Slam," an eight-person event in Las Vegas on March 1. And Brett Connors previews the start of the 2026 season, which begins with the shocking breakup between Carlos Alcaraz and his former coach Juan Carlos Ferraro. Connors looks at which contenders could challenge Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the early results in the United Cup, and Stan Wawrinka's impressive beginning to his final season on tour. The co-host of "Advantage Connors" also predicts the WTA champions this year, and discusses how "Garage Tales" with his dad Jimmy Connors became a smash hit. 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.

Young American Ethan Quinn joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about the beginning of his career, and how he's found his game and identity in the ultra competitive world of pro tennis. Quinn details how he thoroughly attacks his off-season, and goes in depth of the mentorship he's received from players such as Tommy Paul. The young ATP player dives into the stakes at play when Americans face off against each other, and recalls his experience facing Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona, during a pivotal moment of his 2025 breakthrough. Quinn dives into how he honed his forehand into one of the top weapons in the game, and explains why the serve was always a priority for his development. The American also goes in depth into his interests away from the court and his passion for the University of Georgia, where he won an NCAA Singles title as a freshman. 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.

Kate Daggett is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of CourtsApp, a new company that aims to make it easier than ever to book a tennis court and get in the game. She joins the podcast to discuss how tennis entered her orbit, and how this idea was born in frustration, a frustration that she hopes to eliminate with this exciting endeavor. Daggett dives into steps CourtsApp has taken work with clubs and players, why it has entered the Pickleball space as well, and the value the game of tennis has provided to her in other areas of her life. 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.

Jason Stacy has been a mainstay on the tennis tour for several decades, and with work with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been groundbreaking. He joins the podcast to discuss his path to becoming one of the most respected high performance coaches in the game, and why he is constantly looking at problems and challenges from a different lens than his peers. Stacy goes in depth about his process for building trust with his players, and details the steps that Aryna Sabalenka took under his tutelage to have her major breakthrough, and become the best player in the world. Stacy explains his philosophy on working as both a fitness and mental coach, and outlines the pillars of his teaching, "The Three E's," which are emotions, energy and environment. The accomplished grappler in his spare time dives into the similarities between jujitsu and tennis, the unpredictable variables that make the sport unique, and why he has decided to write a book on his coaching philosophy, aptly titled "The Pressure Code." 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.

Alexandra Stevenson joins the show to recap the WTA season, and discuss how each of the top players made their mark in 2025. Stevenson explains why Amanda Anisimova was the story of the tennis world this calendar year, and how the American has worked on her physical and mental sides to become a premier player. The analyst also assesses if Aryna Sabalenka's year was unfulfilled, dives into Iga Swiatek's growth on the court, and evaluates Coco Gauff's season which featured a Roland Garros Title and the decision to totally revamp her serve. Stevenson weighs in on Americans Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula, and explains why every young player should study Italian Jasmine Paolini. And the former WTA vet lists the players she expects to keep climbing up the rankings in 2026, headlined by teenage sensation Victoria Mboko. 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.

Cracked Racquets provides coverage of pro, college and junior tennis like nobody else in the industry. Their CEO and founder Dalton Thieneman joins the podcast to explain how the company was created, and in less than a decade became a destination for fans of the game. Thieneman explains the company's approach to broadcasting, and dives into their revolutionary "CrossCourt Cast" that enhances and expands college match broadcasts like never before. The CEO shares his own personal story as well, which features a day job as a lobbyist in the state of Indiana. Cracked Racquets features several successful podcasts, partnerships with ESPN and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and has added pickleball and volleyball broadcasts to their catalog. Listen to Dalton Thieneman, the man behind the media juggernaut. 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.