Christopher Clarey on His New Book, "The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom Of Clay"
Christopher Clarey, one of the most respected and acclaimed tennis writers of all-time joins the podcast to discuss his newest endeavor, a book about the great Rafael Nadal and dominance at Roland Garros. Clarey's masterpiece is titled, "The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay," and it is and all-encompassing look at the most dominant feat in tennis, and perhaps all of sports history. The author explains how the project came to be, his own tie to the city of Paris, and what he came to learn about the Spaniard and the rich tradition of clay court tennis.
Clarey also recounts his favorite interview subjects on the topic of Nadal, and examines whether this truly is the most unbreakable record of all-time in any athletic field. The former New York Times writer also discusses the current state of clay court tennis heading into Roland Garros, and the upcoming tribute to Nadal that should be fitting for a king. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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Tennis Emcee/Interviewer Blair Henley on The Start of 2025, Emotional Titles for Ruud and Brooksby and Tennis Having A Moment
Blair Henley joins the podcast to discuss her thriving career as an on-court interviewer, emcee and overall outstanding representative for pro tennis. Henley recaps the events she covered in 2025, highlighted by a powerful title for Jenson Brooksby in Houston and an interactive new show called "The Blue Zone" in Australia. Henley also explains why Madrid Champion Casper Ruud is one of the best interview subjects in the game, and what it was like covering the expanded Dallas Open at the site of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.
Henley also weighs in on explosion in tennis fashion, and why Indian Wells always appears to be the mecca of the game intersecting with pop culture. The emcee also discusses frosty tennis handshakes, the expanded Masters draws, and her own one-handed backhand origin story on this highly entertaining episode of Inside-In! Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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Paul Annacone on Ruud's Masters Title, Djokovic's Chances and Sinner's Return
Esteemed coach and commentator Paul Annacone is the guest on this episode of The Inside-In Podcast, and he recaps Casper Ruud's biggest title of his career at The Madrid Open. Annacone explains why Aryna Sabalenka remains a dominant force in the women's game, and he analyzes where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek could go from here. The Tennis Channel broadcaster also discusses Novak Djokovic's chances for a successful Roland Garros given his recent results, and dives into what makes the all-time greats different from the rest of the players.
Annacone also gives his take on why Carlos Alcaraz has been prone to dips, and which member of the "Big 3" the Spaniard seems to resemble the most. The coach also details what to expect from Jannik Sinner when he returns at the Italian Open, states his case why great players in this game can succeed on any surface, and reacts to the titles won by Naomi Osaka and Alex Michelsen on the clay. And Annacone shares one of his favorite stories from Rome during his playing days! Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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Steve Weissman on Coco Gauff's Statement Win vs. Swiatek, Djokovic's Status and The Male Contenders on The Clay
Tennis Channel broadcaster Steve Weissman joins the podcast to break down all the action from the Madrid Open, headlined by Coco Gauff's dominant win against defending champion Iga Swiatek. Weissman explains what this match means for Gauff, and how Swiatek can respond with Roland Garros less than a month away. The commentator also looks Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a first title in Paris, and how Mirra Andreeva has emerged as a big-time on player.
Weissman also analyzes the game, which is more wide open than it has been in a very long time. He assesses Djokovic's form after another early loss at Madrid, and examines whether Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner should be viewed as prohibitive favorites at Roland Garros. And Weissman analyzes whether Casper Ruud, Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper or somebody else could emerge as real contender on the clay. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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Rising ATP Player Martin Landaluce on Learning From Nadal, Carrying On The Spanish Tradition and Making Progress
Martin Landaluce joins the podcast to discuss his emergence on the pro tour, and why the young Spaniard is next up to carry on the tradition for his country. The teenager recounts his humble beginnings as a player, how his older siblings inspired him, and the opportunity to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy, and practice with the legendary sports icon himself. Landaluce gets candid about his development, why he loves playing on grass courts and what he hopes to accomplish in this fun conversation. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
Host Mitch Michals takes you inside the world of professional tennis with the past, present, and future of the sport. This podcast features broadcasters, players, and many others who eat, sleep & breathe tennis. Stay in the loop and in the know with The Inside-In Podcast
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