Talk Tennis - podcast cover

Talk Tennis

Michelle Heidbrink, Tennis Warehousetalktennis.podbean.com
Created for the tennis enthusiast & players of all ages and levels! Get a peek behind the scenes from WTA & ATP pros, industry experts, the physics behind tennis & gear guides! You‘ll stay up to date & well versed in all things tennis and learn more than you can imagine about gear (think: racquets, shoes, strings and MORE)! Powered by Tennis Warehouse.

Episodes

Building a Tennis Champion in Cambodia with Greg & Som

Imagine taking a vacation in Cambodia. Siem Reap to be exact. And falling in love with the area and the culture and the people. And connecting over one thing: tennis and growing the sport to help create an up and coming champion! In this episode, Greg James joins us to talk all about how he has brought the sport of tennis to the kids of Siem Reap, Cambodia and what he has done to create a young generation of players learning the sport and teaching the next generation. We also are joined by one o...

Oct 27, 202049 minEp. 66

Customize Your Tennis Racquets: Everything you need to know to start customizing your gear like a pro

Customizing your tennis racquet may sound intimidating if you've never done it or tried. But our experts are here to keep it simple and answer any questions you might have about customization. We talk about it all! Curious if you should use lead or tungsten?! Which one does Tennis Warehouse prefer and use? Want to know if changing your string gauge can change your swingweight? Want to learn where to apply weight to change the playability of your racquet? Or do you want to try and customize your ...

Oct 20, 202035 minEp. 65

Jim Baugh: He's Done it all in the Tennis World! Now, this Grassroots Tennis Advocate Pushes for Healthier Youth in America

There's no doubt about it, Jim Baugh has been a leader and innovator in the tennis industry! And now, he has taken his grassroots approach to help the kids of America become healthier and smarter! His accomplishments are endless as he was the VP of Sales and Marketing at Prince, the former President of Wilson Sporting Goods as well as General Manager of Tennis & Golf, he helped revolutionize the industry and has also worked with several top players in many capacities! He joins us to talk to us a...

Oct 13, 202054 minEp. 64

Richard Pancho Gonzalez: Unsung American Tennis Great & the Legacy He's Left Behind

If you are a tennis enthusiast, there is a good chance you have heard of Pancho Gonzalez. But there is also a good chance you don't actually know how much of an impact this man had on our sport. In this episode, Pancho's family gives us an overview of all the things he accomplished as a player who competed before the Open Era began. Inspired by this American hero who fought his way through the tennis world with grit and passion, they continue to share Pancho’s story of perseverance and accomplis...

Oct 06, 20201 hr 7 minEp. 63

Roger Federer is here! The GOAT geeks out about his Tennis Gear (including his racquet, the Wilson Pro Staff RF 97, his string set up, Champions Choice, & so much more)

Roger Federer joins us today to talk all things tennis gear!! In this exclusive chat, one of the greatest players of all time geeks out with us as we talk all about his tennis gear! We take a deep dive into his long history with the Pro Staff racquet franchise, how he has worked with Wilson over the years to help design and create the racquet of his dreams (Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph) and why he strings with his Champions Choice hybrid of Natural Gut & Luxilon! Roger also gives us a quick update ...

Sep 29, 202014 minEp. 62

Beyond the Playtest: Global Babolat Pure Drive Tennis Racquet Review

Our playtesters from around the world come together to chat about the new Babolat Pure Drive! From long time fans of this blue Babolat to other players who never have really connected with the Pure Drive, our team from Europe and Australia joins us to talk in depth about the update to this popular racquet franchise! Pure Drive in US: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpage-BRPDR.html Pure Drive in AUS: https://www.tennisonly.com.au/Babolat_Pure_Drive/descpage-BPD21.html Pure Drive in EUR: http...

Sep 22, 20201 hr 6 minEp. 61

Lleyton Hewitt: Former ATP #1 Now Leading and Inspiring the Next Generation of Pro Tennis Players

Lleyton Hewitt is here! And we talk about all things tennis and dive into his love for the sport! Currently leading and inspiring the next generation of pros, he explains how (and why) Yonex has been his gear of choice nearly forever, how to be a successful tennis parent and the secret formula for the Australian Davis Cup Team! Having been the youngest male to reach number 1 on the ATP, he also reflects on his career and explains why he is happy to be so involved in tennis still while he helps m...

Sep 14, 202027 minEp. 60

If it is good enough for Andre Agassi, we'll try it! All things Ashaway tennis strings with Steve Crandall

Did you know that Ashaway's legendary Kevlar was once used by Andre Agassi?! We had to try it! And then wanted to talk all about it! During this episode, Steve Crandall from Ashaway joins Michelle and JW (the string guru you all know and love!) to talk all things Ashaway string and string trends. Steve explains the way Ashaway was founded and why his Kevlar and Zyex strings are so unique. We even dive deeper into a mini-playtest we conducted with Crossfire ZX and Monogut ZX. Plus, we debate whet...

Sep 08, 202046 minEp. 59

Attention Tennis Fashionistas: KSwiss & Lucky in Love Join Forces to Celebrate the Sport with an Exclusive Shoe!

What happens when two of the most popular tennis brands combine to make a shoe to celebrate the sport everyday? Just like peanut butter and chocolate or strawberries and cream the partnership between KSwiss and Lucky in Love is exactly the combo we needed in tennis to add some flair to the court! In this episode, Brad, the founder of Lucky in Love, and Mike and MJ (Global VP & shoe designer) from KSwiss join us to explain how this magical partnership began. Listen up as they dive into some fun s...

Sep 01, 202040 minEp. 58

Playtesters Talk about new Pure Drive, Pro Staff, Nike Challenge Court Gear & Answer Your Questions!

Michelle, Chris, Jason and Brittany talk all about the newest tennis gear that you want to know about! Curious about the new Pure Drive or Pro Staffs? We let you know how we like these unreleased racquets! We also talk about the new Nike collection, the GP Turbo as well as another popular tennis shoe you are missing that might come back to tennis! And don't skip the end where we also answer some of your questions. Get the latest tennis gear: in the US: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com in EUR: ht...

Aug 25, 202052 minEp. 57

La Constance Tennis Center: Bringing the Sport of Tennis to Akropong, Ghana, Africa

Imagine not knowing what the word "tennis" means. If it weren't for Dr. Alex Boafo, many kids in the village of Akropong Akwapim, Ghana, Africa would never know about the sport of tennis. In this episode, we learn how La Constance was founded and uses education, social interaction, advocacy and tennis as a way to teach discipline, education, leadership and sport. Donate Now: https://www.gofundme.com/f/22yh27nrmo Founded in Akropong Akwapim 2014 by Dr. Alex Boafo, the La Constance Tennis Center i...

Aug 18, 202036 minEp. 56

Tecnifibre Triax: Does this multifilament tennis string really do everything it claims to?

Tecnifibre Triax is a multifilament string that claims to offer the best of both worlds: multifilament comfort with above average control, spin and durability that would only come from a co-poly string. In this episode, our string guru and global playtesters talk about their experience with this new string. After hours on the court, several set ups, and many sets of Triax later, they answer questions about playability including how much spin they got; how durable the string was; how much power t...

Aug 11, 202054 minEp. 55

REVEALED: Sneak "peek" at new (but old!) Prince Classic Racquets coming to Tennis Warehouse!

Just because they are old, doesn't mean they aren't relevant racquets on the tennis court today! As Prince tennis celebrates 50 years in the industry in 2020, our playtesters take a deep dive to discuss two amazing racquets from the past. They have spent months playtesting these racquets from their past and have enjoyed every minute of it! Listen to see what makes the Prince Original Graphite 107 and the Prince CTS Synergy DB 26 racquets so special, relevant and timeless! Shop Prince: https://ww...

Aug 04, 202044 minEp. 54

Beyond the Playtest: Head Graphene 360+ Extremes MP & Tour Tennis Racquet Review

Our team of playtesters give all their thoughts and feedback as we take a deeper dive beyond the playtest of the brand new Head Graphene 360+ Extreme MP and Tour! Curious how it feels compared to previous versions or the best string combination in these racquets? We have those answers! Jason, Brittany, Tiffani, Erik and Kristen let us know what they loved (and didn't) from these new, explosive racquets from Head! Head Extremes in US: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/HEAD_Extreme_Tennis_Racquets/...

Jul 28, 202050 minEp. 53

HEAD's Thomas Bischof talks about working with the best tennis players on tour including Djokovic, Barty, Zverev & more!

As the HEAD Tennis Director of Pro Players and Product Test Management, Thomas Bischof travels around the world helping some of the best players on tour get aligned perfectly with their gear. Listen in as he shares stories with us about signing Alex Zverev and more! Thomas Bischof knows a thing or two about spotting talent on the tennis court. As the HEAD Tennis Director of Pro Players and Product Test Management, he travels around the world helping some of the best players on tour get aligned p...

Jul 20, 202040 minEp. 52

Luke Jensen: Team Awesome On & Off the Court (Plus, 2020 World Team Tennis season preview!)

Luke Jensen has never been short on enthusiasm or passion for the sport of tennis! He talks to us this episode about the positive role models he has had in his life to help lead to his success at every level on and off the court. Between an amazing upbringing and competitive family, he also has gotten sage advice from names like Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King. He's a French Open Champion, a commentator, a coach, a mentor, and now the Vice President of AWESOME at World Team Tennis! He gives us ...

Jul 14, 20201 hr 15 minEp. 51

Hard vs. Clay Courts: Playtesters in Europe teach us all about CLAY Court Tennis Shoes & more!

Can I wear a hard court shoe on a clay court? Can I wear my clay shoes on a hard court? Great questions! We consult with our playtesters in Europe as they teach us everything about clay court shoes and why they are important! Also we chat about strategy in choosing a hard court shoe vs. a clay court shoes?! And what is that surface that is like carpet with grains of sand?! Plus, the playtesters divulge their thoughts on the new Nike Air Zoom GP Turbo! Shop Shoes in TW: https://www.tennis-warehou...

Jul 07, 202029 minEp. 50

Tennis Warehouse Playtester Spotlight: GRANVILLE is serving us pancakes with a scalpel!

He's been a member of our Tennis Warehouse family for over 20 years! Listen in and hear what makes Granville Swope such a great playtester: from his Gran-isms to his competitive nature on the court, in this episode he talks all about everything from tennis and his start in the game and the industry to his passions off the court including astronomy and photography! Granville's Playtester Profile: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/PlaytestProfiles.html?ccode=GRANVILLES Shop Tennis Gear in US: https...

Jun 30, 202048 minEp. 49

Pro Players Speak Up About Issues that Matter On & Off the Tennis Court (Hayley Carter, Sharon Fichman and Catherine Harrison)

Sharon Fichman, Hayley Carter and Catherine Harrison are not only brilliant competitors and talented tennis players, but they are also passionate about making positive changes on and off the court. Through this time off and away from competing, they have educated themselves on topics that directly affect them and their colleagues on and off the court. Today they are speaking up on how they can help implement change even if it is with baby steps. Between sustainability and waste, equality on tour...

Jun 23, 202044 minEp. 48

How to Get the Mental EDGE On & Off the Court with Jeff Troesch

There is no doubt about it, the mental side of tennis is one of the toughest parts of our sport! Today, Brittany joins me to talk all about the mental side of the game and she brings along someone who was instrumental in developing her mental strength through juniors and college tennis, Jeff Troesch. Jeff answers some of your mental strategy questions and also lets us in on some tips and tricks to help become mentally stronger no matter what level you play! Jeff Troesch has been a mental perform...

Jun 16, 202058 minEp. 47

Beyond the Playtest: Yonex Extended EZONE Tennis Racquets (& all the chatter about longer racquets)

Extended Yonex EZONES? We are all in! Get excited as playtesters Chris, Troy & Boonie join Michelle to talk all about the newest members of the EZONE family: the EZONE 98+ and EZONE 100+. They compare them to previous versions, debate whether extended racquets have a bad stigma, and what you need to take into consideration when transitioning to a longer racquet. Have any questions about extended racquets or any other tennis gear?! Leave us a comment! Or email at [email protected] Shop...

Jun 09, 202046 minEp. 46

Best Tennis Shoes of 2020 Part 2 (plus, your shoe questions answered!)

We pick up right where we left off and talk about even more tennis shoes! We also kick off this episode by answering some of your tennis shoe questions about outsoles as well as stack height! While in the first episode, we spoke about some of the more popular brands, in this episode we talk about some of the more niche brands and some more unique offerings. We let you know which shoes we recommend, what we like, and which shoes you might want to avoid! What is your tennis shoe of choice?! Shop S...

Jun 02, 202049 minEp. 45

What are the Best Tennis Shoes of 2020?! (We tell you which to try & which to skip!)

2020 has brought us all sorts of new tennis shoes from some of our favorite brands! In this episode, we discuss what we love from some of the newest options including the laceless Stycon from adidas, Rafa's Nike shoe of choice, an Asics shoe worn by one of the speediest players on tour, and something created by New Balance for the big serving Milos Raonic. We also let you know which ones just didn't work for us and why some shoes will always remain our favorites! What is your tennis shoe of choi...

May 26, 202051 minEp. 44

Tennis Warehouse Playtester Debate: Are Classic Racquets Still Relevant?

After the launch of the Head Pro Tour 2.0, we started wondering if classic racquets are still relevant for the modern game. And if so, who should be using these racquets? Which racquets on the market currently have that elusive classic feel? And which racquets have been inspired by classic frames of the past? Chris, Mark and Wolfeman join in on the topic and chat about all sorts of things, including racquets to demo if you're looking for that classic feel and how we define the word "plush." What...

May 19, 202041 minEp. 43

Combine the ATP & WTA? Player Relief for the Tour? Luisa Stefani and Quinn Gleason Talk All Things Tennis!

They have spent some of their career playing doubles together; they were both top college tennis players; they both are super talented and hard workers on and off the court. Luisa Stefani and Quinn Gleason chat about all things tennis, including how they met and how they choose where to focus their career, whether it is as a singles or doubles specialist. I also ask them about their thoughts on the current hot topics as well: - Should the ATP and WTA combine? - Should there be financial support ...

May 12, 202059 minEp. 42

Beyond the Playtest: Head Pro Tour 2.0 Tennis Racquet Review

The Head Pro Tour 2.0 is one of the most iconic racquet molds in the history of tennis. Originally released as the Pro Tour 280 in the USA (and Pro Tour 630 in Europe), this racquet has developed an almost mythical following amongst purists and professional tennis players. This updated racquet still retains that classic feel but has a few new characteristics. In this episode, we talk about what makes it different from the original and answer ALL your questions. We also dive deep into the playtes...

May 01, 202046 minEp. 41

Jamie Loeb: All-American Tennis Pro chats about Sunglasses, Smiles & Salads (and put on some Cardi B!)

Jamie Loeb opens up about some serious stuff! Like being a racquet-holic, the toughest time in her career, and how she's handling the quarantine. We also chat about what she loves about the sport, her success at the college level and how she pulls herself out of stressful situations. Listen to find out what her best day off looks like, who she admires on tour, where her love from Cardi B came from, and so much more! Follow Jamie: www.instagram.com/jloeb308 Shop Deals: in the US: www.tennis-wareh...

Apr 28, 202051 minEp. 40

Quarantine Check-In with Tennis Warehouse Playtester: Mark Boone

We're still in quarantine which means, we are still geeking out about our favorite pro tennis matches to go back and re-watch! Playtester, Mark Boone, remembers some of his favorite matches from the '80s & '90s and reminisces about some memorable matches for some strange reasons like that crazy injury that Bethanie Mattek-Sands endured and why it hit everyone at TW in it's own way! We also chat about our essential tennis items for quarantine and how we are handling this time without tennis! Shop...

Apr 21, 202039 minEp. 39

Tennis Warehouse Quarantine Check In: Must Watch Matches Part 2 (with Julie & Erik)

Some of our playtesters from around the world catch up and chat all things tennis! Including topics like their must have quarantine gear, their favorite pro rivalries, favorite pro matches to go back and re-watch and so much more! Listen in as they gossip about the beef between Rafa and Kyrgios, how someone might think Dominic Thiem can overtake Rafa the next time they play and how Serena used a tough moment early in her career to become the fighter she now is! Don't miss as they chat about thei...

Apr 14, 202046 minEp. 38

Tennis Warehouse Quarantine Check-In: Best Pro Tennis Matches that Made History (According to the Lefties)

What else would tennis players in quarantine talk about?! Troy and Safwane join Michelle remotely and geek out about some of their favorite pro matches and favorite rivalries over the years. The two lefties might just have a soft spot in their heart for other lefties (think: Rafa & Verdasco!) but this episode promises to help you generate a list of MUST WATCH matches for your time at home. Stock up on tennis gear: In the USA: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com In Europe: https://www.tenniswarehous...

Apr 07, 202049 minEp. 37