Indian Wells Storylines With Geoff Chizever: Svitolina Stuns Swiatek, Alcaraz and Rybakina Keep Winning And Analyzing Draper's Ceiling

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.

Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink returns to the podcast to recap the outstanding 2026 Indian Wells tournament, which saw two decorated champions claim their first titles at Tennis Paradise. Flink breaks down how Jannik Sinner handled the opposition and the conditions to win the men's event, and points out just how rock solid the Italian is after facing adversity. The writer also discusses how Daniil Medvedev was able to pull of a massive upset over Carlos Alcaraz, and points out what the key will be for the 2021 US Open champion to return to the top of the game consistently. And Flink reflects on the other highlights from men's side of Indian Wells, which included a coming out party for Joao Fonseca and an ultra impressive win for Jack Draper over Novak Djokovic. Flink also analyzes how Aryna Sabalenka was able to overcome her nemesis Elena Rybakina to win the women's title, in a battle that might go down as the WTA match of the year when the season concludes. The International Hall of Fame member explains why this win was vital for Sabalenka, how these two women have separated themselves from the WTA for the time-being, and why this rivalry reminds him of Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe. And the episode concludes with a lookahead to The Miami Open, the second leg of the Sunshine Double and a tournament very different from Indian Wells. 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.

Tennis Channel broadcaster and producer Geoff Chizever joins the podcast to dive into all the action at Indian Wells, which may be the early favorite for pro tournament of the year. Chizever recaps Jack Draper's epic win over Novak Djokovic and analyzes his ceiling in the men's game. The commentator also discusses Carlos Alcaraz's brilliance as an athlete, Joao Fonseca's potential, and Alexander Zverev's chances to score a big title. He also explains whether the hindrance call between Draper and Daniil Medvedev was fair or foul. And Chizever breaks down the women's draw, where Elina Svitolina stunned two-time Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek. The broadcaster explains how Svitolina has improved, looks at Swiatek's areas of concern, and assesses how Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to find success. Chizever finishes the show by previewing the semifinal round, and predicts whether all roads will lead to another matchup between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. 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.

Jan-Michael Gambill joins the podcast to dive into all the outstanding action at Indian Wells. Gambill looks at the thrilling performances by young players Joao Fonseca, Victoria Mboko and Learner Tien, and explains why Carlos Alcaraz can do it all on the court. The former Top 15 player also examines the game's of Jack Draper and Novak Djokovic as they prepare to faceoff, and analyzing Arthur Fils' successful run at Tennis Paradise. Gambill also highlights what Elena Rybakina is doing even better in 2026, and how Aryna Sabalenka has evolved her already outstanding tennis arsenal. The broadcaster looks at Iga Swiatek's tailor-made style of play for the Indian Wells' conditions, and recaps Mirra Andreeva's outburst after falling to Katerina Siniakova. And Gambill explains why coaching is a vital necessity in pro tennis, even if not everyone believes it. 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.

VSIN sports betting expert Gill Alexander joins the podcast to preview Indian Wells, with all the best players in the game flocking to the California desert yet again. Alexander looks at what to expect from last year's champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva, and explains why world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka could be on upset-alert. The host of the Beating the Book Podcast assesses Iga Swiatek's form, braces for a showdown between Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina, and explains why he's high on Iva Jovic at Tennis Paradise and beyond. Alexander also breaks down the men's draw, where Alcaraz and Sinner are once again heavily favored over the field. The host of VSIN's show, "A Numbers Game," predicts whether Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien or another American man can have a successful runs, and debates whether Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev can find their best form. And is Novak Djokovic a contender to win his first Indian Wells title since 2016? Alexander predicts that and more on a dynamic 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.

Tennis coach Mike James joins the podcast to discuss his unique journey to becoming one of the most trusted and respected minds in the sport, with a proven track-record of using analytical data to improve the very best players in the world. James details his path from coaching at an academy in Florida to working with Stan Wawrinka and his coach Magnus Norman, and explains how he ended up at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, where he established himself as a legitimate performance analyst for current future pros. The coach explains why Holger Rune has all the ingredients to contend with Alcaraz and Sinner, and recalls the Danish star's epic run at the 2022 Paris Masters. James also dives into his personal thoughts on the tennis landscape, from the best-of-five format to the concern with tennis balls on player health, as well as the types of skills needed to truly shine at the apex of the sport. The performance analyst explains how every player and coach can leverage data to benefit their own game, and shares the exciting projects he's currently working on in his new position at Orreco Tennis. 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.

Tennis broadcaster Candy Reid joins the podcast to recap her time covering the ATP tournament in Doha, where Carlos Alcaraz took home another title. Reid explains how Alcaraz was able to make quick-work of Arthur Fils in the final, and looks at how the World No. 1 continues to improve as he remains undefeated in 2026. The commentator also reacts to Jakub Mensik's upset win over Jannik Sinner, and analyzes what to make of Sinner's game after a lackluster performance in Doha. Reid also recaps Tomas Martin Etcheverry's first title in Rio that saw him play two matches in one day, and gives her take on the status of The Golden Swing. The broadcaster also discusses several stories from around the game, including Stefanos Tsitsipas' struggles, the dynamic between Andrey Rublev and Marat Safin, and the coaching free-agent that could be a huge addition to some perspective players. 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.

Journalist and podcast host Amy Lundy joins the show to recap The Delray Beach Open, where Sebastian Korda triumphed over Tommy Paul in the final. Lundy explains how Korda's game came together, and examines whether he can return to the elite ranks of the sport. The Tennis Connected writer explains what she learned from covering the event in person, from Paul's practicing habits to Fritz's decision to play the tournament, and what to like about Spanish newcomer Rafael Jodar. And Lundy also goes into great depth about why Learner Tien is here to stay, and why his movement is uniquely effective. Lundy also weighs in on The WTA 1000 event in Dubai, where Jessica Pegula emerged victorious. She analyzes what makes Pegula effective against Amanda Anisimova, how finalist Elina Svitolina has continuously improved, and what to make of Coco Gauff's serve after some more struggles. The journalist covers the top storylines in the game as pro tennis enters North America in this lively discussion. 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.

Nicolas Pereira returns to the podcast to recap another outstanding week of pro tennis, headlined by Ben Shelton outlasting Taylor Fritz in a thrilling Dallas Open Final. Pereira explains where Shelton has grown, and examines whether the American can continue to ascend in the men's game. The broadcaster also reacts to Karolina Muchova's huge 1000 level title in Doha, and predicts what could be in store for finalist Victoria Mboko, who makes her Top 10 debut this week at the age of 19! Pereira also looks back at Alex De Minaur's dominant win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Rotterdam, and discusses the recent run of withdrawals at the WTA 1000 in Dubai, as the crowded tennis calendar falls under serious scrutiny. The commentator also looks ahead to the ATP action Delray Beach and Rio, the latter of which part of the special "Golden Swing" section of tournaments in Latin America that Pereira is adamant about keeping around. 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.

Steve Bellamy joins the podcast to explain the newest racket sport on the block, TYPTI. Bellamy details the genesis of the game several decades ago, and explains how and why it is played. Featuring a 22 inch strung racket, a 3.5 inch foam ball and played on a standard Pickleball court, TYPTI was officially launched last month and is here to stay. Bellamy dives into TYPTI's place in the racket sports ecosystem, the origins of the sport's name, and why its scoring system is simply the best there is. And as someone who founded several sports networks such as Tennis Channel and The Surf Channel, and created the game now known as "Live Ball," Bellamy explains his way of thinking and offers some astute advice as an entrepreneur. 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.