This week’s mailbag topics: When will tennis return, will Alexander Zverev win a major title, will the pause help Roger Federer, why can nobody hit topspin like Rafael Nadal, how will Novak Djokovic evolve into his late thirties, how does Federer’s forehand compare to Sampras, why did Dominic Thiem dominate Federer in 2019, is an ATP-WTA merger smart, who is my favorite Monday Match Analysis guest, what do I enjoy most about watching the Big 3 live, will there ever be a two handed forehand, and ...
May 30, 2020•40 min•Ep. 77
On this edition of MMA Classics, I go back to the 2005 French Open, when Roger Federer was ruling the tennis world and favored against the Spanish left-hander Rafael Nadal, who was celebrating his 19th birthday. Nadal won the match in four sets and then backed up his victory the very next year in the 2006 Roland Garros final. The next two seasons, Nadal would beat Federer in French Open finals. Nadal and Federer is one of tennis's greatest rivalries in history, but their meetings in Paris always...
May 26, 2020•38 min•Ep. 76
On this episode of Monday Match Analysis Classics, Joel Drucker, Tennis.com writer and author of the book "Jimmy Connors Saved My Life," joins the program to discuss the 1976 US Open final between Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg. We discuss tennis' popularity boom in the 70's, the contrasting baseline styles, the unconventional clay court surface, the racket technology, the match and why Borg retired young. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
May 19, 2020•48 min•Ep. 75
I’m joined by Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated, Tennis Channel and 60 Minutes to discuss the return of tennis in the context of UFC, what’s at play for the 2020 US Open, if the players will be willing to quarantine or take pay cuts, should ballpeople ever handle towels again, are any tennis players reminiscent of Michael Jordan, if Serena, Federer and Nadal are really aging during the pandemic pause, Djokovic admitting he wants to break the Slam record, and the potential ATP-WTA merger. Suppor...
May 15, 2020•33 min•Ep. 74
On this edition of MMA Classics, I break down the 2012 Australian Open Final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. This match is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all-time. Nadal was desperate to solve the puzzle that Djokovic posed in 2011, beating him in six straight finals. Djokovic looked to follow up his astounding 2011 season to show everyone it was no fluke, and he wasn't going away anytime soon. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysi...
May 11, 2020•45 min•Ep. 73
On this edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Hall of Fame tennis journalist Steve Flink to discuss the finest ever meeting between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, in the quarterfinal of the 2001 US Open. We discuss their contrasting career arcs- while Pete was steady, Andre withstood dramatic peaks and valleys. Sampras the greatest server vs. Andre the greatest returner. The quality of the match was impeccable; four sets with zero breaks of serve. Although it was not a final, lik...
May 05, 2020•45 min•Ep. 72
I'm joined by sportscaster Ian Eagle, who calls the French Open for Tennis Channel, plus the NBA, NFL and college basketball for CBS and Westwood One and the Brooklyn Nets on Yes Network, to discuss the art of commetnating tennis, what it's like to work with John McEnroe, ballboying at the US Open and upsetting Jimmy Connors, eating food in Paris, and who would win in a tennis match with his son and LA Clippers announcer, Noah Eagle. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/...
Apr 27, 2020•37 min•Ep. 71
Gill Gross responds to your comments... why is there so much match-fixing in tennis, who are the best players without a slam and the worst with one, what would I add to the games of David Ferrer, Gael Monfils, Milos Raonic, and Kei Nishikori in order to give them the best chance at winning a major, what will the Big-3 do after retirement, what did Roger Federer do for increased success against Rafael Nadal, how can Nadal turn around results against Novak Djkovic, what is my racket setup, which A...
Apr 22, 2020•40 min•Ep. 70
On this edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Ben Rothenberg a freelance tennis writer for the New York Times and co-host of the No Challenges Remaining podcast, to discuss the 2009 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. Federer was fresh off his first French Open title, looking to pass Pete Sampras in the all-time won with his 15th. Andy Roddick had won the US Open in 2003, but the Wimbledon title eluded him, losing to Federer in the 2004 and 2005 finals. Ben an...
Apr 21, 2020•40 min•Ep. 69
On this edition of MMA Classics, I'm joined by Alex Gruskin of www.crackedracquets.com to discuss the 2009 US Open Final between Juan Martin Del Potro and Roger Federer. The 20 year old Argentine captured his first and only major to date and ended Federer's 5 year US Open title reign, plus his chance at the golden slam. At the time, we thought that both Del Potro and Federer would have plenty more USO titles coming their way, but niether have lifted the trophy in Queens since. We break down the ...
Apr 18, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 68
I'm joined by Amy Lundy, freelance tennis journalist for ESPN and FiveThirtyEight, to discuss the 2009 US Open semifinal between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. Before we get to the match, we hit on what needs to happen before tennis comes back, and how Amy compiles data and metrics for her articles. Later, we discuss the similarities between Williams and Clijsters on and off the court, why Serena hasn't won a major since coming back from maternity and what can be expected out of Clijsters mo...
Apr 14, 2020•47 min•Ep. 67
For today's episode of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Hall of Fame tennis writer Steve Flink to discuss a match that he remembers fondly. World #1 John McEnroe was undefeated in 1984, on the longest undefeated streak to start a season in tennis history. He looked for his first ever French Open title. An American had not won since 1953. His opponent in the final was second-ranked Ivan Lendl. The young Czech was 0-4 in major finals coming into this one. Lendl's before-his-time heavy gr...
Apr 12, 2020•47 min•Ep. 66
Gill Gross answers your questions! How will Federer, Nadal and Djokovic be affected by the Coronavirus break? What would have happened if Del Potro never got injured? Would you rather have Federer or Wawrinka's one-handed backhand? What do I like to watch on TV? What is my playstyle? What is my favorite rivalry in tennis? What are my thoughts on Marat Safin? Does Noah Rubin have good ideas? Is Salzenstein's opinion on S & V correct? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...
Apr 09, 2020•49 min•Ep. 65
On this week Monday Match Analysis, Jeff Salzenstein, former top-100 pro and founder of https://tennisevolution.com/ joins Gill Gross to discuss... - How pros are staying in shape during coronavirus - How Federer, Nadal and Djokovic will be affected by the break - The need for political unity in tennis - The lost art of volleying and why it's not trained enough Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Apr 06, 2020•40 min•Ep. 64
It's the first edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics! Why has the serve and volley play style died? It all comes down to effectiveness and necessity. Modern racket and string technology has enabled levels of topspin that make net play less effective,and less necessary. I break down the epic 4th set tiebreak in the 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjon Borg and John McEnroe to compare the old school game to the modern game. Plus, I review the 2009 tennis film Borg vs. McEnroe. Support this podcas...
Mar 29, 2020•40 min•Ep. 63
On this week's MMA, I create the ideal "Hulk" tennis player part two. 28 categories without ANY repeat players. Serve: Slice- Nick Kyrgios Flat- Reilly Opelka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW_R16jF5oc) Kick- John Isner (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB-D9Sv7kC0) Athleticism: Footwork- Roger Federer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pwVOSQK5Xo) Strength- Nikoloz Basilishvili (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NOTDgFPoyM) Speed- Alex De Minaur (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u10nrd97K8) Endu...
Mar 23, 2020•38 min•Ep. 62
Rafael Nadal beat Taylor Fritz in the 2020 Acapulco final to secure his 3rd career title at the event and his 1st of 2020. Novak Djokovic was triumphant in his return to Dubai, taking out Gael Monfils and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals, to remain undefeated in 2020. Former top-100 ATP pro and the founder of Tennis Evolution (https://tennisevolution.com/) Jeff Salzenstein joins MMA. The first edition of the French Open Power Rankings are revealed. I respond to your comments on Djokovic's dropsh...
Mar 02, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 61
Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first title of 2020 in Marseilles over Felix Auger-Aliassime. I discuss how Tsitsipas broke out of his slump, and why FAA should look to the Greek for clues on how to take the next step. Reilly Opelka won the Delray. I compare the American big man to John Isner. Plus, Christian Garin won it all on the Rio clay courts. In comment response, I discuss Daniil Medvedev's slow start to the season, Roger Federer's knee surgery, who is the better counter-puncher between Nadal ...
Feb 28, 2020•38 min•Ep. 60
Gael Monfils secured back-to-back titles for the first time in his career with his win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the 2020 Rotterdam final. I discuss how Monfils has maintained his explosive movement, but added efficiency in his shot selection. On the contrary, FAA's shot selection is leaving something to be desired. Your comments ranged from Federer & Djokovic's scheduling, to the grand slam race, to the disappointing starts to 2020 for Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Support thi...
Feb 17, 2020•41 min•Ep. 59
Tennis Hall-Of-Famer, author and tennis.com writer Steve Flink joins the show to discuss... - Novak Djokovic's Aussie Open title run - What is missing for Dominic Thiem - Has Rafael Nadal played too much tennis? - Was Roger Federer's run encouraging or discouraging? - Who will finish with the most GS titles? - Is tennis media biased for Federer? - Is the serve clock helping tennis? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Feb 08, 2020•34 min•Ep. 58
Novak Djokovic came back from two-sets-to-one down for the first time in a major final, beating Dominic Thiem 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-3 6-4 to win the 2020 Australian Open. I break down how the match went from tactical to physical and where Djokovic found the edge. Also, I address the controversy surrounding Djokovic's medical timeout, time violation and interaction with the umpire. Then, I take your comments on the Aussie Open court conditions, Djokovic's mental strength, comparing Medvedev to Thiem, and...
Feb 03, 2020•53 min•Ep. 57
This week on MMA, I dive into some of the most exiting matches from the round of 16 at the 2020 Australian Open. Rafael Nadal battled hard to get past Nick Kyrgios in four sets. Stan Wawrinka showed he's not done yet, taking down #4 Daniil Medvedev. Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic and Tennys Sandgren also advanced. Who will move onto the Aussie Semis? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Jan 28, 2020•43 min•Ep. 56
The 2020 Australian Open draw is out! - Thoughts and best wishes to those affected by the Australian Bush Fires - New hard court surface installed in Melbourne - ATP Cup changing players' tournament preparation - Rafael Nadal's quarter features bad matchups and Dominic Thiem - Daniil Medvedev's quarter is highlighted by two of the most dangerous 10-32 seeds: Stan Wawrinka and Andrey Rublev - Roger Federer's quarter is kind, with Mateo Berrettini on the other side - Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal ...
Jan 17, 2020•39 min•Ep. 55
Novak Djokovic, in front of a raucous Serbian crowd, defeated Rafael Nadal to force a deciding doubles match in the 2019 ATP Cup final. I break down Djokovic's unusually assertive tactics, and Nadal's second-set adjustments. Plus, I revisit the ATP Cup's unfairness and successes. Then, I respond to your comments about Novak's match with Daniil Medvedev, Nadal's chances against Djokovic in an Australian Open rematch, and Nadal's comments towards the Serbian crowd. Support this podcast: https://po...
Jan 13, 2020•43 min•Ep. 54
On the first MMA of 2020, I predict the year-end Top 10. Find out where I have Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. I also discuss the merits of the ATP Cup: is it good or bad for tennis? Lastly, I get to your comments. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Jan 08, 2020•37 min•Ep. 53
I preview world numbers 4-8 in the ATP year-end rankings. - Dominic Thiem improved his shot selection in a career-best 2019, but there's still room to grow there. Do I see a major title in his 2020? - Daniil Medvedev was nearly unbeatable in the summer of 2019, but can he keep it up? - Stefanos Tsitsipas started and ended last season strong. What can he do to be more consistent throughout 2020. - Alexander Zverev has yet to reach his full potential. It comes down to off-court stability and some ...
Jan 02, 2020•37 min•Ep. 52
Novak Djokovic made two memorable major title runs in 2019, but lost his number one ranking and suffered from inconsistency outside slams. In 2020, he looks to duel Nadal for supremacy, while fighting off a new crop of hungry competitors. What are the keys to a successful 2020? My season preview.... Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Dec 31, 2019•30 min•Ep. 51
Roger Federer failed to add on to his 20 majors in 2019, but does that really spell trouble for the future? In this video, I discuss Federer's improved mental game, his tournament scheduling and his tactical keys to success. In 2020, Federer looks to be a major threat in men's tennis's most important events. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Dec 31, 2019•28 min•Ep. 50
Tennis.com writer, author and historian Steve Flink joins me to discuss the 2010's on the ATP Tour. The decade of Novak Djokovic's rise, and Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's continued success through old age. We also pay tribute to Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Dec 24, 2019•40 min•Ep. 49
Rafael Nadal had one of the best years of his career in 2019, as he continued to develop his reformed style of play, while maintaining his all-time compete-level. In 2020, he looks to hold on to his #1 ranking and build on his 19 major titles. Can the Spaniard continue to defy the odds in his mid-30's? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Dec 16, 2019•30 min•Ep. 48
