After Jeremy Lin's comments recently about being an Asian-American in the NBA, we wanted to explore the same topic in the tennis world, and we brought on Thai-Son Kwiatkowski to dissect the issue. It's never a comfortable discussion, but a pretty damned crucial one. We also, unexpectedly, went in to some rather deep discussions on the mental health difficulties Thai has faced, and that MANY players on tour are facing, especially those 150+ in the rankings. As always, we REALLY appreciate your su...
Mar 25, 2021•35 min•Ep. 124
After food poisoning wrekt Noah for a week, the boys get back together to mark one year in to the pandemic and still survival mode in terms of the structure at the top of tennis. Where's the cohesion? Benoit Paire's comments about a lack of passion for the current state of the ATP drew a lot of attention, but was he right? The ATP put out an infographic this week, claiming that players ranked 100-250 made 60% more money from August to February than they had a year before. That can't be right, ca...
Mar 15, 2021•28 min•Ep. 123
The pandemic has been difficult for the entire tennis community, and has been well documented. But when @annak4ever posted a graphic this week about the lack of "Challenger level" opportunities for women (just 3 tournaments in the 60-100K prize range from January through March!), it really opened Mike's eyes to the incredible lack of upward mobility available right now on the women's side. There's no one better qualified to talk about it than Tara Moore. The 28 year old Brit is a member of the I...
Mar 01, 2021•28 min•Ep. 122
It's Noah's 25th birthday, so the boys get together to celebrate, recap the AO, and recap the last several weeks on multiple different levels. -Novak's GOAT status -Naomi's GOAT status -Brady and Aslan and what it means for "Challenger players" -Why didn't Noah play last week. Love from us to you. We appreciate you, very much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 22, 2021•37 min•Ep. 121
Thanks so much for the support of the Behind the Racquet Podcast. You can help by visiting patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod. This week's guest is 23 year old Will Blumberg, who won a national title with his North Carolina Tar Heel teammates at the ITA Division 1 Men's National Indoor Championships in Champaign. His pro career got delayed by covid, but it's just around the corner. We'll talk about that transition, his prolonged collegiate career, and his relationships with some of the best in the ...
Feb 15, 2021•27 min•Ep. 120
Luke Saville and his partner Max Purcell won seven Challenger doubles titles in 2019, and moved up around 30 spots in the ATP rankings. But they received a much deserved wild card to the 2020 Australian Open, and fought their way to a Grand Slam final. One year later, the 27 year old (HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAV!) prepares to defend those points in next week's AO; but first, he's part of Team Australia in this week's ATP Cup. It's his first international team appearance for Australia since Junior Davis C...
Feb 01, 2021•41 min•Ep. 119
When Noah Rubin and Stefan Kozlov met in the Wimbledon 2014 final, it was thought to be one of the many steps in the progression for Stefan Kozlov, at the tender age of 16. Later that year, he knocked off his first top 100 player in Tim Smyczek, on the way to a CHALLENGER FINAL in Sacramento. Some good runs at ATP events followed, a couple Challenger titles, and then he suddenly just slowly receded away from high level tennis. It's been nearly four years since his last final, but Koz sounds like...
Jan 19, 2021•32 min•Ep. 118
A quick note from your editor, Mike: There was a major issue with Noah's recorder in Delray halfway through, along with another issue which you'll hear about....so there's a noticeable audio difference when we had to switch to a cell line. Apologies, it's all we could do in a rushed situation. Now, a big thanks to our latest patreon sponsor, Steve Quick. He and our other patreon sponsors will be receiving a special pod later this week. You can join at patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod. The tennis ...
Jan 05, 2021•26 min•Ep. 117
Young American Reilly Opelka spoke with Mike during a trip to NorCal back in 2018. A heck of a lot has changed since then. He'd just started his foray in to fashion, but he's now a force on the Tour, with a couple of ATP titles in his pocket, and one of the most feared serves in the sport. We talked to him about his growing health concerns, how he's adjusting to them, and where the sport is after a difficult 2020. Thoughts and concerns, as always, to patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod! Learn more a...
Dec 28, 2020•38 min•Ep. 116
Jared Donaldson is just 24 years old, but has been out of action for essentially two years, since originally hurting his knee in the summer of 2018. It's not been a smooth process for him on the road to recovery. He walks us through his prognosis, and the reality of what's staring him in the face. He also goes in the way back machine with his former Jr Davis Cup teammate Noah Rubin to discuss their epic win over Russia, featuring three future top 10 players. We will also be releasing our patreon...
Dec 14, 2020•45 min•Ep. 115
It's been a while, so Noah and Mike have some catching up to do. Noah brings you all the latest info the players have received when it comes to the Australian Open. Hint: It's still a little dicey. Plus the schedule for 2021 is way up in the air. What's it mean? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 08, 2020•26 min•Ep. 114
In part 2 of our dispatches from Cary, Noah and Mike chat with Denis Kudla (who is in the final on Sunday at the Atlantic Tire Championships in Cary), doubles specialist Nate Lammons, Jack Sock's coach and former top 100 player Alex Bogomolov, Jr., and top 70 doubles star Luke Bambridge. More coming up next week from Orlando! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2020•37 min•Ep. 113
On a rainy day in Cary on Wednesday, Noah and Mike chatted with eight different players for mini-interviews, culminating with the more serious question of how to improve the quality of life and opportunity for Challengers, and Challenger level players. On Part 1, we chat with Christopher Eubanks, Hunter Reese, Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, and Teymuraz Gabashvili. Part 2 will be released on Monday, with thoughts from Luke Bambridge, Denis Kudla, Alex Bogomolov, Jr, and Nate Lammons. Thanks so much to ou...
Nov 13, 2020•33 min•Ep. 112
As Challenger tennis returns to the US this week in beautiful Cary, North Carolina, Noah and Mike sit down with returning finalist Michael Mmoh to talk about his covid break, how his runs in Cary and Knoxville in 2019 changed his perspective, his long term development, his relationship with his parents, and yes, Frances Tiafoe's note from Saturday that Mike was MIA. Disclosure: This podcast was recorded outdoors, and socially distanced. We're incredibly thankful to our patreon supporters and oth...
Nov 09, 2020•29 min•Ep. 111
Native Californian CiCI Bellis' injury battles through 2018-9 are well documented, going through four surgeries on her arm. After withdrawing before her semifinal match Saturday at the USTA Pro Circuit event in Tyler, Texas, CiCi joined Noah and Mike for a chat about her preparation for this week's event in Charleston, how she's handling the schedule post Covid-hiatus, and her newfound fame on the cooking circuit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Nov 02, 2020•23 min•Ep. 110
Last week, Behind the Racquet founder Noah Rubin announced the BTR Tour, his vision for a reimagined tennis experience. Today, Mike presses him on the details behind the larger vision, including the details of BTR Tour weekend, and whether it's a long term competitor for the ATP and WTA Tours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 26, 2020•34 min•Ep. 109
Just a slew to unpack this week, in this order 1) The French results, Iga on BTR, Nadal's achievement at the French 2) The return of the USTA Pro Circuit 3) PTPA vs the New Player Council 4) Mental Health Awareness Week and where Noah and Mike are in that regard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 13, 2020•36 min•Ep. 108
28 year old Emilio Gomez made tennis headlines last week after qualifying for the French Open for the first time in his career. The story gained traction because it's where his Dad Andres won a grand slam title in 1990. But Emilio's story has had a much longer progression. How has that progression helped or hindered him, and where does his relationship with his father go from here? As always, thanks to our patreon sponsors, including this week's new sponsor, Matthew Sellwood. You can join us at ...
Oct 05, 2020•42 min•Ep. 107
Noah lost a tough one to Ivo Karlovic. To Mike's delight, the gentle giant threw in THREE underarm serves. We'll get Noah's take on his French Open experience, what's next, and what the hell is going on with the French Open balls? Then the boys discuss the complete lack of consistency pointed out this week by former guest Gaby Dabrowski, among others, on medical protocols from week to week. What's the ATP telling it's players? Noah tells us. Then, Mike takes on some wild tangents, because that's...
Sep 28, 2020•34 min•Ep. 106
It's not a great start to the French Open, with multiple positive tests, and more questions about the bubbles and the rules than answers. Noah Rubin invites us inside the bubble as he prepares for a first round qualifying matchup with Dr. Ivo on Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 20, 2020•31 min•Ep. 105
A week after he leaves the bubble, Noah Rubin reflects on his times at the Open, while Mike appears to have a different view entirely. The boys dissect their reflections on it. And Mike was moved immensely by Naomi Osaka, but also wondered if it's possible for someone like Noah, or any player around 200 in the world, to have an impact socially, if they don't win at the highest level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Sep 13, 2020•32 min•Ep. 104
Thoughts on the bubble? Thoughts on the play? Should the Paire 11 have been removed from the tournament? Noah sounds off, once again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 04, 2020•27 min•Ep. 103
Noah breaks news on a Sunday, explaining what ramifications are coming from Benoit Paire's positive covid test. And yes, you saw Noah in his BTR shirt in the PTPA photo. Why was he there???? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 31, 2020•38 min•Ep. 102
Noah has received a wild card in to the US Open Doubles Draw. Mike has received an offer to broadcast the US Open. All good news! Dr. Katz helps the guys out and gives them tips on how to survive the bubble, and appreciate the opportunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 24, 2020•29 min•Ep. 101
Noah Rubin details some of the problems he's heard from players in Prague, the site of the first Challenger tournament as the ATP and WTA return to action throughout the world. Plus, we talk about some of the latest Behind the Racquet's features, and whether Noah envisions himself retiring with a lack of opportunities in front of him. Thanks again to all of our incredibly supportive Patreons. You can be a part of it by visiting patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod. Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Aug 17, 2020•36 min•Ep. 100
26 year old Liam Broady prepares for the restart of tennis as the 211th ranked player in the world, and unsure about how the quarantine rules will affect him over the next few months. He recently created a stir by flipping off Andy Murray. He's a possible male model. The pride of Stockport joins Noah and Mike to discuss those topics, and what he's learned from the Battle of the Brits, Andy Murray, and his trips through the states. Thanks again to all of our patreon sponsors. You too can be a spo...
Aug 10, 2020•33 min•Ep. 99
We check back in with Noah in New York, and Mike in Tulsa, with the 31st Palermo Ladies Open underway, officially resuming the ATP/WTA seasons. The US Open is three weeks away, with the entry lists being released Monday. But what about those outside looking in. How do they improve? How do they improve? How does Noah get to the Australian Open main draw next year? Thanks again to our new patreon sponsors, Steve Quick, Cheryl Harris, Jeremy Koufakis, and Kline Sack. You can help support the pod by...
Aug 03, 2020•33 min•Ep. 98
Our Ask Us Anything brought a great question that needed some further discussion. So Dr. Jonathan Katz, Mental Health Advisor and Performance Coach for Behind The Racquet, joins us to answer this question from Jack Wichtendahl: How do you stay motivated for something you’re not sure is going to come back, and even it does, you know it’s not going to be the same because of the coronavirus? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jul 24, 2020•31 min•Ep. 96
-Has tennis helped you get through a tough period in your life? -Favorite tournaments? -Superstitions? -Jewish legacy in tennis? We hop around quite a bit in this one, but what FANTASTIC QUESTIONS from our patreon supporters this week. Later this week, expect an episode with Mental Health Advisor and Performance Coach Dr. Jonathan Katz, answering one of the submitted questions. Thanks so much to our patreon supporters. You can join them, by visiting patreon.com/BehindtheRacquetPod Learn more abo...
Jul 20, 2020•45 min•Ep. 95
Thank you SOOOOO much to our patreon supporters, first and foremost, including those that supported this week. On Monday, Noah is traveling to Tulsa for a non-podcast reason. But it is going to allow us to record what could be our lone in-person podcast for the rest of 2020. SOOOOOO. It's your turn. You get to ask us anything you could possibly want. Patreon supporters get first dibs. We'll be sending out an email on how patreon supporters can ask their questions, and then social media questions...
Jul 13, 2020•10 min•Ep. 94
