The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast for some early US Open reactions, where the much anticipated return of Carlos Alcaraz continues to capture the headlines. Hubbs evaluates Alcaraz's play, and looks at if the American men are ready to end the 23-year slam drought. The online personality breaks down Ben Shelton's dynamic game, Taylor Fritz flying under the radar, and whether Tommy Paul or Frances Tiafoe can have their moment in New York. Hubbs also recaps the early results in the women's draw, where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are continuing to shine on the hard courts. The Barstool Sports writer weighs in on Jessica Pegula's chances to finally capture a major, Aryna Sabalenka's mission to repeat as champion, and Mirra Andreeva's highs and lows. And Hubbs lists his favorite Round 3 matchups as the 2026 US 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.

Zachary Cohen joins the podcast to preview The 2026 US Open, with a thorough breakdown of both the men's and women's singles draws. The men's draw is highlighted by the return of Carlos Alcaraz, and the guys discuss his tricky path to defending his title at Flushing Meadows. Cohen examines Ben Shelton's rocky road that includes a potential fourth round showdown with Arthur Fils, and looks at whether Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe or another American truly contend for the crown. The VSIN writer evaluates 24-time major champ Novak Djokovic's chances, and dishes out some of his favorite sleepers in the men's bracket. In the women's draw, Cohen predicts whether Aryna Sabalenka can return to her trophy-winning form from a year ago, and examines Jessica Pegula's favorable path the final stages of the tournament. Cohen assesses Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek's routes to more US Open glory, Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka's title chances, and Alexandra Eala's ability to truly arrive in New York City. The fellas dish out their favorite first round matchups, and predict who will stand alone as the 2026 US Open champions. 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.

Amy Lundy joins the podcast to discuss the uncertainty involving Jannik Sinner's US Open status, and how the entire ATP orbit hangs in the balance. Lundy looks at Carlos Alcaraz's bold plan to return from his four month injury at a major tournament, Novak Djokovic's chances heading into The Big Apple, and whether Americans like Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe have a chance to shine on home soil. Lundy also looks at the storylines in Cincinnati, where Iga Swiatek continues her winning ways. The journalist evaluates Aryna Sabalenka's form, Amanda Anisimova's resurgence, and Marta Kostyuk's breakthrough season. And Lundy explains why youngsters like Rafael Jodar and Iva Jovic are destined for big things in 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 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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.