The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Tennis broadcaster Russ Thaler joins the podcast to dive into all the drama at The National Bank Open in Canada, where opportunity is calling some new and old faces in the sport. Thaler reacts to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka's loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova, and examines whether Elena Rybakina will seize the top ranking. The commentator also explains why he's got faith in slam champions Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, evaluates Naomi Osaka's chances to return to a major-winning form, and shares his thoughts on the biggest phenomenon in tennis that is Alexandra Eala.

Thaler also weighs in on the top storylines in the men's game, which included the shocking news that Jannik Sinner will not compete in Cincinnati. The broadcaster weighs in the length of the schedule, the importance of Carlos Alcaraz to the sport, and whether Ben Shelton will repeat as champion up north. And Thaler looks at the crop of young players looking for the 1000 level title in Canada, which include Rafael Jodar, Arthur Fils and Jakub Mensik. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis broadcaster Candy Reid returns to the podcast to recap the Washington DC Open, where Alexandra Eala won her maiden title and dispatched some of the most talented names in the game to do so. Reid explains why Eala is so good for tennis, why her Filipino support is amazing, and why her game could keep elevating to that of a major champion. The broadcaster also reacts to Taylor Fritz capturing the men's crown in the US capital, and finalist Rafael Jodar's consistency in his rookie year on the ATP.

Reid highlights all the action from Canada, where Ben Shelton looks to defend his title. The commentator looks at Elena Rybakina's form, Marta Kostyuk's athleticism, and Jessica Pegula's chances to add that elusive first major. And Reid reacts to the news that Carlos Alcaraz will not play in Cincinnati, as the talented Spaniard's US Open title defense hangs in the balance. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Athletic's Senior Tennis Writer Matthew Futterman joins the show to discuss the release of his new book, which takes a look at the true price of pursuing your dreams at the highest level in tennis. Futterman explains the idea for the book came to be, and why tennis is a uniquely beautiful yet torturing game that has led many of the best players to retire well before their skills have distinguished. The journalist expands on several of the central characters and themes in the book, which include the American male tennis hopefuls, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's quest for immortality, Novak Djokovic in the final stages of a legendary career, and the role of tennis parents in the pro game.

"The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis," is available everywhere on August 4. In this episode Futterman takes you behind the scenes of writing this book, and sheds light on how the current ATP and WTA elite are truly wired. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Podcast host and journalist Mike McIntyre joins the show to preview the National Bank Open, with the entire tennis world heading to Canada for their prestigious 1000 level combined event. McIntyre explains how he became hooked on the sport, and shares some of his favorite memories from witnessing the tournament and covering it for 18 years. The co-host of "Match Point Canada" also examines the absence of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from this year's event, while highlighting the many stars that will be competing this year.

McIntyre shares some of his early observations from the grounds in Toronto where they women are competing, which include Amanda Anisimova reuniting with her coach, and Mirra Andreeva's powerful yet light-hearted approach to practice. The local Canadian also gives his thoughts on Felix Auger-Aliassime's coaching change, Bianca Andreescu's optimism, and the buzz surrounding the arrival of Alexandra Eala at the National Bank Open. And McIntyre answers two poignant questions: Is Jessica Pegula an honorary Canadian? And how do the Mounties select who gets to pose for the trophy? Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nobody brings the excitement to tennis broadcasting like Robbie Koenig, and he joins the podcast to get you primed and ready for the North American hard court swing. Koenig recaps Austrian teen Lilli Tagger's maiden title, and explains how she's learned from none other than Jannik Sinner in her pursuit of greatness. The commentator also recaps last week's results on tour and explains what Ben Shelton needs to improve in order to keep climbing in the men's game.

Koenig covers a variety of topics including the mental block that Alex De Minaur faces against Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the brutal injury luck that continues to plague Jack Draper. And Koenig looks ahead to the action in Washington D.C. that features a blockbuster R1 clash between Rafael Jodar and Arthur Fils, hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, and more of the game's elite as they begin their march towards to the US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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