Alize Lim on Osaka's Coaching Change, Djokovic's Motivation and The 2024 Laver Cup + An Interview With Former ATP Supervisor and Current China Open Tournament Director Lars Graff

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

Christina McHale and Leif Shiras join the show to discuss a wild week in the tennis world, which saw Jannik Sinner win the Cincinnati Masters and reveal that he was cleared of any wrongdoing after testing positive for a banned substance. The broadcasters try to make sense of the situation, and discuss the ramifications on the sport. McHale & Shiras also dive into Sabalenka's supreme tennis, Jessica Pegula's consistency, and why Frances Tiafoe continues to captivate the masses. And the commentators examine the action taking place in Monterrey, Winston Salem and Cleveland, as the players make their final preparations before next week's US Open. And on the tail end of this episode, we have three exclusive interviews from the WTA Event in Cleveland, "Tennis In The Land." Rising American McCartney Kessler discusses her journey to the Top 100, being coached by her brother, and how she's progressed through the pro game. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro chats about her Spanish fighting spirit, appreciating her support system, and her breakthrough win at Wimbledon this year over the defending champion. And Clara Burel dives into trusting the process, testing herself against the game's best, and setting realistic goals. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monica Puig returns to recap a wildly entertaining Candian Open, with Jessica Pegula defending her title up north. The Olympic Gold medalist breaks down Pegula's recipe for success, Amanda Anisimova's resurgence, and how Diana Shnaider elevated her game in Toronto. Puig also reacts to Alexei Popyrin's improbable run to a 1000 title in Montreal, and how Andrey Rublev can build on his successful showing. And the current TC broadcaster dives into this week's Cincinnati Open, with Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek returning to action on the hard courts. Then the show is joined by Wimbledon doubles champions Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten for a great conversation about the formation of their partnership, and how they shocked the tennis world at the All England Club. The duo discusses their unique backgrounds in the sport, what goes into a successful partnership, and how they dug deep in that epic final at Wimbledon. The #5 team in the race to Turin also explains why there's still so much to play for in 2024 and beyond. And rounding out the show is the co-founder and CEO of Commonwealth Brian Doxtator. Commonwealth is a sports investing platform that allows fans to back athletes for as little as $50 a share, while building a community that goes way beyond ROI. Doxtator explains his company's origin story, and how life changed when their horse "Mage" won the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Commonwealth is now in the tennis space, and Doxtator explains why this partnership with athletes will lessen the burden of player funding and has the ability to change the game for athletes starting out their pro journeys. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Novak Djokovic finally captured the gold medal, and broadcaster Mark Petchey recaps the Serbian's greatest triumph on this week's episode. Petchey explains how Djokovic is able to rise to the occasion time and time again, and what is next for the man who has now won it all. The TC commentator also breaks down Carlos Alcaraz's next step after this setback, and shares his thoughts on the career of Andy Murray, a man he coached for several years on tour. And Petchey reviews two title-winning performances in Washington D.C., as Sebastian Korda & Paula Badosa took home the hardwarde at the Citi Open. And then Andrea Petkovic brings her energy and insight to the podcast, fresh off of covering the tennis in Paris. Petkovic dives into everything from the Olympics including Qinwen Zheng's gold medal run, Donna Vekic's tremendous resilience, and the drama surrounding the American women. The broadcasting dynamo also examines the top storylines as tennis switches to the summer hard courts, including Jannik Sinner's form and Coco Gauff's forehand as she looks to replicate her fantastic 2023 campaign. And if you're looking for a thorough breakdown of the "Tennis Rom-Com" between the gold-medal winning Czech doubles team of Katerina Siniakova & Tomas Machac, you're in luck because Andrea Petkovic has you covered. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2024 Olympics are in full swing, and renowned sports journalist Candy Reid makes debut on the podcast to discuss all the tennis taking place in Paris. Reid discusses Iga Swiatek's sharp game on the clay, Novak Djokovic inching closer to that elusive gold medal, and whether Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev are built to go the distance. The CNN International reporter also exmaines Coco Gauff's early exit, Angie Kerber's brilliant run to finish her career, and how Andy Murray is keeping his playing days alive with help from doubles partner Dan Evans. Reid is as sharp as they come, and she looks back at her career journey from competitive junior tennis player to one of the most respected voices in the sports media industry. And then Abigail Johnson returns to the podcast to discuss all the happenings on the pro tours, with Matteo Berrettini still collecting titles on the clay. Johnson analyzes the potential of Lorenzo Musetti & Francisco Cerundolo after their epic final in Umag, and explains why 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva has all the star qualities after her first pro tournament win. The rising broadcaster also shares her thoughts on the Citi Open, with Aryna Sabalenka returning to action and Americans Frances & Ben Shelton looking to springboard their summer hard court seasons. And don't miss Johnson's take on the newest development in pro tennis: mic'd up doubles players! Hosted by Mitch Michals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices