Andrey Rublev won his 5th straight ATP 500 title, going through Marton Fucsovics in the final and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semis. I breakdown the reasons his attack is lethal against sub-elite righty backhands. Novak Djokovic begins this week as World #1 for the 311th week, passing Roger Federer for the most of all-time. The DB4 Stat of the Week is on the typical age of a first-time major champion. Lastly, Federer embarks on his comeback tournament at the Qatar Open in Doha. Find out what the S...
Mar 08, 2021•24 min•Ep. 137
Gill Gross answers your comments following Australian Open 2021: Is Dominic Thiem's physicality overblown, can Novak Djokovic find more clay success after his Aussie title, how to be unbiased in tennis analysis, is Andy Murray much better than Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev, why didn't Medvedev pull off one of his signature adjustments in the AO final, what is behind Rafael Nadal's recent struggles under pressure, was Djokovic's oblique injury covered unfairly by the me...
Feb 27, 2021•52 min•Ep. 136
Gill Gross is joined by hall-of-famer and tennis.com writer Steve Flink to discuss the 2021 Australian Open. Topics include Novak Djokovic's impressively dominant win over Daniil Medvedev in the final, his improved serving and his tribulations fighting through an abdominal injury en route to his 9th Aussie crown. Plus, what Daniil Medvedev needs to do to take the next step in majors, takeaways from Stefanos Tsitsipas's win over Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal, Aslan Karatsev's long-term prospec...
Feb 25, 2021•48 min•Ep. 135
Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in Sunday's Australian Open final. The 2021 AO title is Djokovic's 18th major and 9th Aussie crown. Gill Gross breaks down the reasons a highly anticipated clash turned into a tennis tutorial from the world number one. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Feb 22, 2021•49 min•Ep. 134
Novak Djokovic is one match away from major #18 and Australian Open #9, but he'll have to go through Daniil Medvedev, on a 21-match win streak, after his straight set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinal. Gill Gross breaks down the keys to the 2021 AO final and offers a prediction. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Feb 20, 2021•25 min•Ep. 133
4:42 Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev 14:33 Grigor Dimitrov vs. Aslan Karatsev 22:24 DB4 Stat of the Week 25:17 Daniil Medvedev vs. Andrey Rublev 32:48 Rafael Nadal vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite an astronomical number of abdominal injuries, eight men remain at the 2021 Australian Open. Top-seed Novak Djokovic will have to go through Alexander Zverev, for a chance at his 9th title in Melbourne. In a surprise QF, Grigor Dimitrov will face 27-year old Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev. Two more...
Feb 16, 2021•41 min•Ep. 132
Australian Nick Kyrgios faced Frenchman Ugo Humbert in the second round of the 2021 Australian Open, in front of a wild crowd inside John Cain Arena in Melbourne. Find out how the end of the 4th set was a turning point in the match, and what awaits Dominic Thiem in round three. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Feb 11, 2021•22 min•Ep. 131
We've waited longer than usual (in more ways than one), but the Australian Open preview is here. Gill Gross breaks down the draw quarter-by-quarter: quarterfinal predictions, dark horses, upset alerts and popcorn matchups. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic seeks his 9th Australian Open title, in a quarter with Alexander Zverev, occasional kryptonite Stan Wawrinka, and big-serving Milos Raonic. Dominic Thiem looks to back up last year's run at the final with another strong showing, as Pablo Carreno Busta...
Feb 08, 2021•37 min•Ep. 130
The inaugural ATP Cup gave us some of the best matches and moments of 2020. Now we run it back, as tour-level tennis resumes with a 12-team field in Melbourne. Gill creates a special formula to power rank the teams and project the tournament. The stat of the week powered by DB4 Tennis explores the Big 3's quest for the double grand slam. Finally, notes from a documentary on Andrey Rublev (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNcEsVbhIx8&t=1222s), Rafael Nadal's interview with CNN (https://www.you...
Jan 29, 2021•30 min•Ep. 129
Gill answers your tennis comments, including: did Novak Djokovic get unfairly targeted after sending suggestions to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, will players be unable to reach a high level of play during Australian Open 2021, who are Djokovic's biggest threats, does the quarantine favor older or younger players, what's the prettiest one-handed backhand of all time, why Medvedev is next up on grass, should Roger Federer play the clay court season, would 2008 French Open Rafael Nadal win or ...
Jan 24, 2021•52 min•Ep. 128
Controversy has struck the Australian Open, as well over 50 players are affected by positive tests on their charter flights to Australia, resulting in mandated 14-day quarantines in their hotel rooms. Warring perspectives have emerged; some taking the side of disgruntled players and others defending Tennis Australia and the Victorian government, while chiding players for their attitudes. I argue for both sides. The debacle has also exposed the communication issues that exist in tennis. Meanwhile...
Jan 18, 2021•28 min•Ep. 127
It's time to predict the ATP Top 10 for 2021. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer look to continue to fend off the fast-improving younger generation. The aforementioned crop of players--- Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev--- seek a breakthrough. Dominic Thiem has already ascended into the elite tier, but perhaps he can go higher. All the projections are here, in my top 10 prediction. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mo...
Jan 11, 2021•26 min•Ep. 126
A New Years interview edition of MMA with Jon Wertheim of Tennis Channel, Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes. We discuss what we learned about dealing with tennis during the pandemic in 2020, why tennis politics has been left unchanged this offseason, how the upcoming Australian Open will be held, bold predictions for 2021 including an first-time slam winner and Roger Federer's retirement, the future of analytics in tennis, and interviewing Jerry Seinfeld. Support this podcast: https://podcasters...
Jan 01, 2021•35 min•Ep. 125
Gill responds to your comments, including: why is Dominic Thiem upset prone, will Andrey Rublev continue to ascend, which Big 3 member had the best "worst year", who are some ATP players primed for a big 2021, who is the comeback player of the year favorite, expectations for Carlos Alcaraz, does Roger Federer still have one slam left, who is most likely to resurface as a contender between Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro, is Djokovic's post-hiatus form concerning, best volley...
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 124
On a special holiday edition of Monday Match Analysis, I'm joined by Cracked Racquets editor and host Alex Gruskin to assemble an offseason wish list for the ATP's top ten, heading into 2021. 2:31 - Novak Djokovic 8:22 - Rafael Nadal 15:05 - Dominic Thiem 22:55 - Daniil Medvedev 28:32 - Roger Federer 35:45 - Stefanos Tsitsipas 39:43 - Alexander Zverev 44:53 - Andrey Rublev 48:45 - Diego Schwartzman & Mateo Berretini 51:30 - Gael Monfils 52:06 - Jannik Sinner 53:34 - Nick Kyrgios 54:33 - Amer...
Dec 19, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 123
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed tennis's most basic aesthetics. From the death of ballperson towel-handling to electronic line calling (Hawk-Eye Live), to the absence of crowds. I chat with Blair Henley, a freelance host and writer who's on-site at many of the biggest ATP and WTA events each year, about how these changes affect the competition, and how some could be permanent. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Dec 08, 2020•32 min•Ep. 122
Gill Gross hosts the third annual Monday Match Analysis Awards, honoring the great achievements and moments of the year 2020 on the ATP Tour. Categories include: Best Shot, Story of the Year, Comeback Player OTY, Best Single-Match Comeback, Most Improved Player, Newcomer OTY, Best Tournament Run, Best Upset, Best Performance, Match OTY, and Plyer OTY. Feel free to leave comments with your personal awards! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Nov 30, 2020•40 min•Ep. 121
I answer your comments! Including: the best-of-three vs. best-of-five debate, where will Jannik Sinner be ranked at this time next year, will future players develop both a one and two-handed backhand, should players make matches physical against the Big 3, the next-gen on grass, can Daniil Medvedev get to world #2, which ATP player could I take the most games off of, the curse of winning the ATP Finals, will Dominic Thiem have a better career than Andy Murray when it's all over, is Thiem's 2-7 r...
Nov 29, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 120
Daniil Medvedev picked up his career-best title at the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals, with three-set comeback win over Dominic Thiem. The Russian continued to astound and confound with his unpredictable tactics. Both Medvedev and Thiem beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal en route to the final, so I discuss the state of Big 3 dominance. Lastly, I catch up with tennis.com writer Joel Drucker, to get his thoughts on the final. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-anal...
Nov 23, 2020•45 min•Ep. 119
Recapping and breaking down all the action from the first two days of the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals in London. 1:07 - Dominic Thiem vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas 15:07 - Rafael Nadal vs. Andrey Rublev 25:47 - Novak Djokovic vs. Diego Schwartzman 33:15 - Alexander Zverev vs. Daniil Medvedev Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Nov 17, 2020•48 min•Ep. 118
The last tournament of the year is here, but as always, the Nitto ATP Finals is unlikely to disappoint. The top-8 players in the world, excluding Federer, will be in action. For round-robin play, Group Tokyo consists of Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Diego Schwartzman, while Group London features Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev. My preview and predictions... Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysi...
Nov 13, 2020•30 min•Ep. 117
On this week's MMA, a quarter-by-quarter preview of the 2020 Paris-Bercy Masters, where Rafael Nadal looks to add a new trophy to his collection. Plus, Andrey Rublev won his 5th title of 2020 in Vienna. Why can't anyone beat the Russian? Lastly, Jeff Salzenstein of tennisevolution.com joins MMA to discuss the 2020 French Open Final, Djokovic's year-end number one, Rublev and Alexander Zverev. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 116
On this week's Mailbag: thoughts on accusations of Zverev's domestic abuse and his impending fatherhood, Rafael Nadal's chances of winning Paris-Bercy, short analysis of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, is Daniil Medvedev Andy Murray or Gilles Simon, is Djokovic the GOAT if he breaks every single record, Lorenzo Sonego's win over Novak Djokovic, hawk-eye live, is there an anti-Rafa bias because of clay court dominance, and the fittest players on tour. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify...
Oct 31, 2020•36 min•Ep. 115
In a pair of ATP 250 finals from Sunday, Andrey Rublev beat Borna Coric in St. Petersburg, for his 4th title of the season (1:29). Alexander Zverev cruised by Felix Auger Aliassime in Cologne, dropping FAA to 0-6 in tour-level finals (12:13). Bret McCormick of the Sports Business Journal joins Monday Match Analysis to discuss a document he obtained detailing the ATP's business plan for 2022 and beyond (21:13). We also discuss the Professional Tennis Players Association, the emerging linecalling ...
Oct 20, 2020•59 min•Ep. 114
I answer your comments, including: how many Slams will the NextGen win in 2021, should Rafael Nadal play any more tournaments this season, which nation has the best prospects, is Andrey Rublev too one-dimensional, can Nadal beat Djokovic on hardcourt with newfound confidence, should their be a year-end #1 this year, what should Jannik Sinner improve, Rafa's health, does Slam distribution matter, do we have recency bias, is Dominic Thiem better on hard court than clay, is Australian Open 2021 mus...
Oct 15, 2020•59 min•Ep. 113
Hall of Fame tennis writer Steve Flink joins Monday Match Analysis to discuss the 2020 French Open, including Rafael Nadal's victory over Novak Djokovic in the final, plus Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Oct 14, 2020•32 min•Ep. 112
Rafael Nadal won his record 13th French Open title in a dominant straight-set victory over Novak Djokovic on Sunday in Paris. The victory is Nadal's 20th slam, tying Roger Federer for the all-time record. I breakdown how Nadal turned this highly anticipated final into a one-sided showcase. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support
Oct 12, 2020•35 min•Ep. 111
1:00 - Rafael Nadal vs. Diego Schwartzman Post-Match 15:45 - Novak Djokovic vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas Post-Match 31:20 - Djokovic vs. Nadal Preview Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are set to clash for a 56th time in the 2020 Roland Garros final. Nadal seeks his record-tying 20th major title, and add to his 6-1 record against Novak at the French. Djokovic looks to become the first man to hold all four major titles, twice. My preview and prediction for Sunday's historic final. Support this podcast: h...
Oct 10, 2020•50 min•Ep. 110
Jannik Sinner blasted his way to the quarterfinal at Roland Garros with a four-set victory over five-seed Alexander Zverev. This is Sinner's first French Open main draw, and the first to reach the QF in a debut since Rafael Nadal in 2005. After the match, Zverev admitted to having fever and breathing difficulties prompting concern about Covid-19 protocols at the French Open. In another feature match from Sunday, Dominic Thiem had to battle hard for 5 sets with young Frenchman Hugo Gaston, ultima...
Oct 05, 2020•45 min•Ep. 109
*Audio file corrected!* On this week’s Mailbag: Is Matteo Berrettini underrated, Roberto Carballes Baena’s win over Denis Shapovalov, a potential Jannick Sinner vs. Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka’s upset at the hands of Hugo Gaston, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev’s quarter, court conditions and the favorites, early round efficiency, has Daniil Medvedev peaked and his loss to Marton Fucsovics, court conditions again, Alexander Zverev’s recent slam success, Mats Wilander criticizes Murray, Kyrg...
Oct 03, 2020•46 min•Ep. 108
