Wimbledon Day 1: Alcaraz & Sinner Advance, Gauff Begins Her Campaign, Sabalenka Withdraws & Tiafoe Rallies With Anastasia Folorunso

Gill Gross returns to the podcast on the heels of Rafael Nadal's announcement that he will retire after next month's Davis Cup Final, for a wide-ranging conversation about the Spaniard's decision and legacy. Gross discusses the impact Nadal has made in the record books and off of the court, and breaks down how his ultimate rival Novak Djokovic looked in advancing to the Shanghai final. The broadcaster also recaps Jannik Sinner & Aryna Sabalenka collecting more trophies, the buzz that tense moments in tennis create, and which young men's players he's high on for the longterm. And then Dean Goldfine joins the show for a discussion about his long and distinguished coaching career. Goldfine explains how he started his journey working with Mary Joe Fernandez, and why his partnership with Todd Martin produced so many outstanding moments. One of American tennis' best teachers, Goldfine reflects on his time with Andy Roddick, & his USTA high performance coaching tenure that helped guide young stars like Sebastian Korda & Ben Shelton to new heights. And Goldfine assesses the current landscape of tennis, and why the game continues to evolve and improve. And rounding out this episode we have Mark Vellek, the tournament director for the MarketBeat Open in Sioux Falls. The event is the first time that pro tennis has come to South Dakota, and Vellek dives into the exciting week to come in his home state. The MarketBeat Open features a deep field that includes Chris Eubanks & Learner Tien, and is the first of four USTA Pro Circuit events that will go a long way into determining who wins the Australian Open Wild Card Challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Knowles returns to the podcast to discuss why he got back in the coaching game, and how his partnership with Jessica Pegula culminated in a run to the US Open Final. Knowles also dives into all the storylines in the men's game, with Carlos Alcaraz finding his joy again during the Asian Swing, and Novak Djokovic returning to action in Shanghai. The former doubles #1 covers Daniil Medvedev's complaints about the tennis balls, Taylor Fritz's ability to compete, and more from the ATP. And then Jacob Fearnley joins the show for an interview about the scorching hot start to his pro career, in which the TCU graduate has won three straight ATP Challenger events to earn a place in the Top 100. Fearnley shares some stories from his time at TCU, and reminisces on his matchup against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. The third highest ranked British player also chats about his friendship with Jack Draper, his interests off of the court, and what the next step in his blossoming career looks like. The podcast concludes with another fun chat with Blair Henley, the emcee extraordinaire who is now one of the main voices that introduces players at the US Open. Henley recaps her summer in New York talking to the best players in the world, and reflects on her interview with the icon, Roger Federer. The announcer also breaks down Coco Gauff's triumph at the Beijing 1000 event, Karolina Muchova's exciting game, and the current strife on the men's game between the umpires and some prominent players. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The action is dazzling at the Asian Swing, and journalist Candy Reid joins this week's show from the China Open to dive into all the outstanding tennis. Reid recaps the tremendous men's final that saw Carlos Alcaraz defeat Jannik Sinner, and explains why this rivalry is is unmatched in the pro game. The veteran media member also discusses Sinner's state of mind as the WADA organization appeals the lifting of his suspension, and why the women's event is living up to the height. Reid reports on all the top female contenders in Beijing, from Aryna Sabalenka's sustained success, Coco Gauff's newfound confidence and Qinwen Zheng shining in her native land. And then writer & podcast host Damian Kust reviews Arthur Fils' extraordinary run to the ATP 500 Title in Tokyo, and examines whether this Frenchman might truly contend at the top of the sport. Kust assesses the potential going forward for both Holger Rune & Ben Shelton, and discusses all the top storylines on the ATP Challanger Tour. He explains why Jacob Fearnley's dominance is unprecdented, why teenage American Learner Tien could be one to watch, and sheds more knowledge on what's at stake with many important Challanger events on tap. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Petchey kicks off this episode with his analysis of the Laver Cup, where he witnessed Team Europe reclaim the trophy in Berlin. Petchey assesses why the event remains one of the best spectacles on the tennis calendar, how it amplifies the doubles game, and why it's another example of how everything Roger Federer touches turns to gold. The commentator also disscusses the current happenings in the "Asian Swing" section of the season, with Marin Cilic & Jerry Shang claiming trophies, and an enormous combined event with many of the game's stars kicking off in Beijing. And then Magnus Norman, one of the game's premier coaches of the 21st century joins the podcast for conversation about his life in tennis. Norman looks back at his playing career, which saw him reach a major final and #2 in the rankings before it was cut short by injuries. He explains why he chose to become a coach, working with Thomas Johnassen, Robin Soderling and Stan Wawrinka. The Swede recalls Soderling's historic win over Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, and how he worked with Wawrinka to find that killer instinct that propelled him to three major titles. And Norman reveals why he decided to found the "Good To Great Tennis Academy," the first of it's kind in Sweden. Rounding out the show is Joel Drucker, a prominent writer with decades of experience covering the sport around the globe. Drucker discusses the generational shift at the top of the sport, and why there are always ebbs and flows in the pro game. The writer also examines the state of team events with the Davis & Laver Cups at center stage, and analyzes the pros and cons of mid-match coaching. Drucker is a member of the USTA Northern California Hall of Fame, and on the eve of that honor he professes why writing about tennis is the best job in the world. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

French tennis player and presenter Alize Lim returns to the show to discuss several intersting stories in the world of tennis, including Naomi Osaka's decision to making a coaching change. Lim examines the potential pairing between Osaka and coach Patrick Mouratoglou, and looks at world #1 Jannik Sinner's hiring of two former members of Novak Djokovic's team. She also covers a wide range of topics including Novak Djokovic's priorities, a few first time title winners on the WTA tour, the 2024 Laver Cup, and what the future holds for Rafael Nadal. And then Lars Graff, former gold badge umpire & ATP supervisor joins the podcast for a chat about his career and current endeavor as tournament director for the China Open. Graff shares several stories from his umpiring career including that memorable Wimbledon final in 2009 between Andy Roddick & Roger Federer, and discusses the art of officiating in great detail. The tournament director explains how he assumed his role in Beijing, the passion for tennis in Asia, and why this year's event, which features most of the game's top players, is one you simply cannot afford to miss as a tennis fan. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2024 US Open is in the books, and Aryna Sabalenka & Jannik Sinner claimed the singles titles in outstanding fashion as the action concluded. Tennis journalist & Podcast Host Amy Lundy returns to the show to recap Sinner's tremendous run in New York, how his improvements serving, and how the Italian blocked out all the noise and focused on his game. Lundy also breaks down how Sabalenka handled the moment at Flushing Meadows, and why her power tennis peaked at the US Open. The writer covers a ton of tennis topics including Taylor Fritz & Jessica Pegula's major final milestones, the Alcaraz/Sinner rivalry, and why you can't count out Novak Djokovic going forward. And then Lauren Embree joins the podcast to discuss her journey from standout tennis player to nutrition and wellness expert. Embree chats about her playing career for the Florida Gators, where she was the best player in her conference for three years, and a part of two national championship teams. She embarked on a pro career before hanging up her racket and moving on to her true calling of health and wellness. Embree explains why her company, "Embree Wellness," is changing the game and unlocking the power of nutrition, so that everyone can be properly fueled and feel great. She explains the common mistakes people make with their own nutrition, how tennis players can improve their game with better wellness, and why she's passionate about her new career. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis now journalist Chris Oddo returns to the podcast to discuss the 2024 US Open, which has had no shortage of drama and exciting action. Oddo recaps Jessica Pegula's breakthrough to her first major semifinal in an upset win over Iga Swiatek, and explains why the American finally had her moment at Flushing Meadows. The writer dives into other top stories on the women's side including Aryna Sabalenka's sustained brilliance, Emma Navarro bursting onto the scene in the deepest major-run of her young career, and Karolina Muchova's journey from a career-threating injury to the cusp of a grand slam title. And on the men's front, Oddo analyzes how Jannik Sinner was able to get the better of Daniil Medvedvev in the quarterfinal, as the Italian marches on as the clear favorite at the US Open. Oddo exmaines Jack Draper's skillset as he continues to win, as well as the moment American men's tennis has been salivating for, with both Frances Tiafoe & Taylor Fritz set to face off in the semifinals. The journalist previews all the action in store as the tournament concludes, and discusses whether Tiafoe or Fritz will hold the edge in front of a passionate crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist/commentator Crina Mustafa returns to the Inside-In Podcast to recap a wild few days of tennis at the US Open, with both Carlos Alcaraz & Novak Djokovic being eliminated early in New York. Mustafa discusses how Jannik Sinner & Daniil Medvedev has raised their games on the hard courts, and how the four American men in the Round of 16 have a real opportunity to go on a run. Franecs Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz & Brandon Nakashima could get their first major breakthrough and the BIg Apple, and Mustafa assesses each man's chances to go the distance. And on the women's side, the Canadian journalist breaks down how Coco Gauff & Iga Swiatek have found their groove, and why Aryna Sabalenka's brave tennis continues to pace the field. Mustafa looks at Jessica Pegula's chances to make a serious run, Paula Badosa's fighting spirit, and Karolina Muchova's highly entertaining style of play. And Mustafa recaps an unfortunate incident with video assisted review, and why Naomi Osaka can take a lot of positives from her 2024 season. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Senior Tennis Writer Matt Futterman returns to the podcast to discuss a fast and furious start to the 2024 US Open, with tons of dramatic action all across The Big Apple. Futterman assesses Jannik Sinner's ability to handle the surrounding noise, Carlos Alcaraz's ability to bounce back, and Novak Djokovic's path to a record-setting 25th major singles title. The journalist also examines Brandon Nakashima's successful summer, Frances Tiafoe & Ben Shelton's pending matchup, and whether an Holger Rune & Stefanos Tsitsipas can bounce back. And on the women's side, Futterman breaks down Aryna Sabalenka's successful start, and whether Iga Swiatek can find her footing on the hard courts. He also looks at whether Coco Gauff can recapture her magic from last year's title-winning run, and if Naomi Osaka, Emma Navarro or another sleeper can make noise in New York City. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for tennis in the Big Apple, and journalist/broadcaster Nick McCarvel returns to the show to preview the US Open. McCarvel recaps another record-setting Fan Fest Week in New York, assesses the outlook for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and explains why Novak Djokovic is locked in as he aims for his 25th major title. The broadcaster also analyzes Aryna Sabalenka’s form, Coco Gauff’s chances for a repeat, and discusses his favorite Round 1 matchups at the US Open. And then Stan Smith joins the podcast for a conversation about his Hall of Fame tennis career, and how he became a icon in the world of fashion and footwear. Smith, who won two major titles and was inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987, discusses his humble beginnings in tennis, and how he became the face of the most iconic sneaker in tennis history, The “Stan Smith Adidas.” The 1973 Wimbledon champion also chats about his friendship with the late great Arthur Ashe, his commitment to serving others, and what it’s like being mentioned and respected in pop culture. And Smith also gives his thoughts on the current pro game, and why he’s still so invested in the world of tennis. Concluding the show we have three exclusive interviews from the WTA tournament “Tennis In The Land,” which took place in Cleveland, Ohio. Nine-time doubles champion and two-time gold medalist Katerina Siniakova chats about her successful career in both singles and doubles, Spanish tennis player Cristina Busca dives into her playing style and approach on the court, and Belgium’s Greet Minnen recaps her journey back to being a regular on the WTA, and how she’s been able to notch several impressive victories in 2024. Hosted by Mitch Michals.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices