An Injured Alcaraz, Fils and Shelton Take Titles and Rybakina Reigns In Stuttgart With Athletic Senior Writer Charlie Eccleshare

Tennis coach David Witt joins the podcast to discuss his long and unique journey in the game, and to explain how he broke into the coaching world and continues to make an impact with the very best players. Witt recounts his first interaction with Venus Williams and how he earned her trust as a hitting partner and then coach, and dives into his other coaching gigs with Americans Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe. He dives into how he sets up clear communication with his players, what really goes into scheduling and scouting, and how the game has evolved over the years. Witt also dives into his new partnership with American Aleksandar Kovacevic, and highlights the areas of his game that elite. The coach recounts Kovacevic's epic match vs his idol Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. and weighs in on mid-match coaching in the present day. And Witt goes in depth about his two biggest off-court passions: The Jacksonville Jaguars and playing golf. 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 Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare joins the podcast for a wide-ranging topic of the pro game, and to discuss how he became one of the prominent journalists covering tennis. Eccleshare reacts to the news of Carlos Alcaraz's wrist injury and what it means for both the Spaniard and the ATP's top players who can make their move on the clay. The senior writer also recaps the titles won by Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton, and analyzes whether Joao Fonseca, Rafael Jodar or other young players can seize the moment on the dirt. Eccleshare also weighs in on Elena Rybakina's victory in Stuttgart, and examines Aryna Sabalenka's schedule as she aims for her first Roland Garros title. The journalist discusses Iga Swiatek's potential to reclaim her throne in Paris, and gives out his list of contenders as clay season continues. And Eccleshare dives into several topics he's written extensively about, such as tennis player "wearables" and the validity of the underarm serve. 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.

Paul Annacone returns to the podcast for a lengthy conversation about where the pro game is in 2026, and the direction the sport is heading. Annacone assesses the start of the season and goes in depth about coaching Taylor Fritz through some unfortunate injuries, and why their dynamic continues too bring out the best in the player and the coach. The Tennis Channel broadcaster also weighs in on the dominance on display at the top of the men's game from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and examines the edges they have physically and mentally over their contemporaries. Annacone dives into several top storylines including Novak Djokovic's high level in 2026, the growth being shown by young stars Joao Fonseca and Arthur Fils, and how Learner Tien and other young Americans are pushing their countrymates to get better. The former Top 15 player also discusses the Sabalenka/Rybakina rivalry on the WTA, and the areas in which Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff are great. And Annacone goes in depth about his work with the USTA's SoCal organization for junior tennis players, and shares his thoughts on the player he coached, Roger Federer, being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this summer. 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.

Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win the Monte Carlo Masters, and commentator Nick Lester joins the podcast to break down another chapter in this transcendent rivalry. Lester explains how Sinner dictated play, the areas where he's improved physically and tactically, and what led Alcaraz to come up short against his main adversary. The broadcaster also shares his thoughts on the future of this rivalry as the road to Roland Garros continues, and explains why they're the top two players in the world are pushing themselves to become even better and widen the gap with the rest of the tour. Lester also dives into a wide-range of topics including Joao Fonseca's improvements in 2026, and the emergence of Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar as a player with serious potential. The broadcaster also examines the trajectories of Alexander Zverev who is still trying to gain ground on the top two players, and Valentin Vacherot who is reached the ATP's Top 20 for the first time. And Lester covers the WTA's biggest headlines as their clay season kicks off, which includes Mirra Andreeva winning in Linz and Iga Swiatek set to take the court for the first time in Stuttgart with her new coaching team. 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.

Joel Drucker joins the podcast to discuss a wide-range of pro tennis topics and storylines, as the calendar switches to the red clay. Drucker gives his thoughts on Rafael Nadal's decision to work with Iga Swiatek, and examines why former some elite level players decide to enter the coaching world. The esteemed journalist also discusses the two rivalries at the top of the sport, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still awaiting their first encounter in 2026, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to play extraordinary matches against one another. Drucker dives into a wide range of topics including a prediction of what Novak Djokovic's schedule might look like in 2026, and why Alexandra Eala's popularity is unlike anything he has seen in quite some time. The writer also discusses the challenges Americans face on clay courts, several players he enjoys watching, and his newest venture as editor of the innovative instructional website Tennisplayer.net. And you can receive an exclusive 15% discount with the promo code "inside-in15" on a yearly subscription at Tennisplayer.net, a deal too good to pass up. 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.

Bradley Klahn returns to the podcast to recap the first week of the clay season, where American Tommy Paul reigned supreme at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston. Klahn breaks down how Paul was able to dig deep and overcome his heartbreak in Miami, and explains why the American has grown on and off the court. The commentator dives into Ben Shelton's character, Learner Tien's first go on the clay, and how Jessica Pegula was able to defend her Charleston Title as she aims for that first major championship. Klahn also discusses Rafael Jodar's first title in Marrakech, where he defeated 36-year-old Marco Trungelliti, who made a historic debut in the Top 100. The former pro also weighs in on Francisco Roig leaving Giovanni MPetshi Perricard for Iga Swiatek, the ethics of coaching changes, and why working with Roig and Rafael Nadal could bring the Polish superstar back to the winner's circle. And Klahn previews the Monte Carlo Masters, where several talented players are aiming to prevent the first showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 2026. 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.

Mark Knowles joins the podcast to reflect on the Sunshine Double, and review the championship performances by both both Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner in Miami to add to their trophy collections. Knowles explains how Sabalenka has refined her game and embraced the top spot on the WTA, and commends Coco Gauff for competing her way to the final in South Beach. The Tennis Channel broadcaster points out what separated Jannik Sinner from the field in Miami, and breaks down the performances by finalist Jiri Lehecka, talented Frenchman Arthur Fils, and Alexander Zverev. Knowles also discusses his tenure coaching Jessica Pegula, and goes in depth about how working alongside fellow coach and friend Mark Merklein has created an special team dynamic. The former doubles No. 1 reveals how Pegula consistently strives to improve beyond wins and losses, and goes in depth on several topics including the American's refined serve and the challenge of competing against Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. And Knowles explains the nuances of clay-court tennis as the season commences on the dirt with ATP action in Houston and the WTA event in Charleston. 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.

Robbie Koenig joins the podcast to recap the thrilling action from The Miami Open, where Arthur Fils pulled off a stunning comeback over Tommy Paul to reach his first Masters semifinal. Koenig dives into Fils' mental makeup, how Paul will process such a tough loss, and whether Jannik Sinner will win the Sunshine Double. The commentator also dives into Jiri Lehecka's successful tournament, Alexander Zverev's aggressiveness, and Francisco Cerundolo's hot streak in Miami. Koenig also dives into the next chapter of the rivalry between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, and predicts how their upcoming match at Miami will unfold. The broadcaster assesses Coco Gauff's game ahead of her semifinal showdown with Karolina Muchova, and explains what the Czech player can do to notch her first victory over the American. Koenig gets you primed and ready to go for the thrilling conclusion to the Miami Open 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.

Simon Cambers joins the podcast to react to all the drama taking place at the 2026 Miami Open, headlined by Sebastian Korda's shocking upset victory over World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Cambers analyzes Korda's world-class game when he's firing on all cylinders, and dives into the deep pool of American male tennis players that continue to push each other. The journalist also dissects Joao Fonseca's comments summarizing the different challenges that Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner face, and gives his thoughts on several ATP players such as Jack Draper, Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Fils as the season amps up. On the women's side, Cambers reacts to the big news that Iga Swiatek has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette. The reporter dives into Swiatek's struggles and how she can fix them, and also breaks down Coco Gauff's constant battle as she looks to improve her serve. Cambers weighs in on the Sabalenka/Rybakina rivalrly, Victoria Mboko's continued improvement, and Australian Talia Gibson's rise up the rankings as the Miami 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.

Robyn Duda joins the show to talk about RacquetX, the largest all-racquet sports festival and a world-class gathering that unites the leaders of tennis, padel, pickleball and more. Duda explains what goes into to putting on a weekend of this magnitude, the importance of each sport's rightful place in the event, and why there really is something for everyone in the racquet-sports sphere. 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.