Tennis.com Podcast 10/12/21: Victoria Azarenka, Ajla Tomljanovic, & Sloane Stephens

Dallas Open Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs joins the podcast to discuss the big news that his event is upgrading to a 500 level competition in 2025. Lebedevs discusses the planning that goes into such a great event, and how partnering with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys has helped elevate the tournament in the eyes of the fans and the players. And he discusses the importance for more tennis events in the United States, while explaining why new and innovative ideas are crucial for growing the game and increasing fan interest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Stallard, executive director of The Bush Tennis Center in Midland, Texas, joins the show for a conversation about how he developed a passion for the game and and for helping others over several decades of work. Stallard explains how he was drawn to tennis at a young age, got into coaching, and helped grow the sport in the southern region of the country. He discusses his experience at the Challenger level, and recalls a certain player he gave a wild card to before she became a global superstar. Stallard also discusses why it was important to bring the pros to San Antonio, which is hosting the "International Team Tennis Championship" November 10-12. And the coach dives into what it was like coaching former all-star NFL quarterback Drew Brees and tennis hall-of-famer Andy Roddick during their formative years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former player and current coach Roger Smith joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from the Bahamas to living his dream on the pro tour. Smith details how he emerged from his small island with a tennis dream and explains how his college experience at Ohio State propelled him to high heights. He re-lives some of his favorite matches, such as his upset win over world #1 Ivan Lendl. And Smith explains why he was so drawn to coaching when he retired, and what his overarching message is to those he teaches.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best selling author and award winning coach Frank Giampaolo returns to the podcast to discuss how athletes can master their emotions to achieve peak performance. Giampaolo breaks down the various roadblocks tennis players face, and how he and others are working hard to overcome these challenges and enable players to reach their full potential. The author has done extensive work with the Southern California Junior Tennis Organization, and has written books with lessons for players, parents, and those willing to learn about the mental side of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast is Eric Diaz, former Georgia Bulldogs player and current coach of rising American Alex Michelsen. Diaz discusses the lessons he learned from his father, legendary college coach Manny Diaz, and how he applies those teachings in his own career. He also details his history with Michelsen, his decision to turn pro early, and what makes the teenager special. Diaz, who's now based at the Coto Tennis Club in Southern California, also explains what a day in the life entails for the players in his program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray chats with Michael Parks, father of rising American star Alycia Parks, about his family's journey in pro tennis. Parks details the unconventional way his daughter discovered the game, the challenges & adversity they've experienced, and the powerful influence & advice that helped his family along the way. The former professional basketball player also offers his thoughts on how to incorporate education into a junior tennis career, why faith is a driving force in his family's life, and what the next steps are for his daughter after breaking into the Top 50. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis analytical guru Craig O’Shannessy returns to the podcast to recap all the action from the 2023 US Open, which saw Novak Djokovic & Coco Gauff claim the trophies. O’Shannessy explains how Novak Djokovic was able to conquer the challenges and pressures in yet another title run, and why American Ben Shelton is well on his way to establishing himself as major threat. The Director of “Brain Game Tennis” analyzes how Coco Gauff came back in the final against Aryna Sabalenka, and what the American teenager has improved mightily en route to her first grand slam title. And O’Shannessy explains why the match itself should be required viewing for all junior tennis players.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis coach and analytical strategist Craig O'Shannessy joins the podcast to discuss the budding rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. O'Shannessy dives into what makes each player special, and how likely a trilogy match will be at the US Open. And the creator of "Brain Game Tennis" also examines which American men's player can make a deep run in New York, and how the field looks on the women's side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to one of the most popular episodes from our archives, as Canadian veteran Vasek Pospisil explains how he's continued to make a living in the competitive tennis world, and why he still has a lot left in the tank. In a conversation from last year, Pospisil also dives into topics such as the need for a player's union, how to bring more money into the sport, and where he sees the game going in the future. Host Kamau Murray begins the show with some thoughts on Coco Gauff's title win in Washington D.C., the pressure on Canadian players in their lone opportunity to play at home, and who has impressed him the most on the road to the US Open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former NCAA national champion veteran tour player Bradley Klahn joins the show to discuss the genesis of his love-affair with tennis, and why he's still committed to finishing his career on his own terms. Klahn explains how tennis was one of the last sports he picked up, and why Stanford was his destination for college, where he graduated early en route to collecting the biggest prize in the game. The California native dives into his early pro experiences, the adversity & injuries he faced along the journey, and how commentary has helped his approach to playing. It's a wide-ranging chat that will leave you informed and inspired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices