The Inside-In Tennis Podcast - podcast cover

The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Mitch Michals, Bleavbleav.com
Host Mitch Michals takes you inside the world of professional tennis with the past, present, and future of the sport. This podcast features broadcasters, players, and many others who eat, sleep & breathe tennis. Stay in the loop and in the know with The Inside-In Podcast
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Episodes

Wimbledon Upsets! Gauff, Pegula and Zverev Fall, Alcaraz and Djokovic Advance and More With Barstool Hubbs

Barstool Hubbs is back on the podcast to recap a wild first round at Wimbledon, where seeds fell left and right in both the men's and women's draws. Hubbs reacts to the shocking upsets that sent Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula packing, and explains what's wrong with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev as they crash out as well. The guys dive into Carlos Alcaraz's tricky first round match, Novak Djokovic's path to another major title, and why Taylor Fritz and the other American men remaining can b...

Jul 01, 202548 min

Chris Fowler on Calling Classic Tennis Matches, His Journey As A Broadcaster and Thoughts On Wimbledon 2025

ESPN's leading tennis broadcaster Chris Fowler joins the show to discuss his passion for the game, and his admiration for the athletes that compete on the highest level. Fowler explains his love connection with the sport, and how he jumped at the chance to be a part of his network's tennis coverage, learning along the way from some of the best and brightest broadcast partners in the history of the game. The commentator also explains what it was like from his vantage point to call the rise of the...

Jun 27, 202543 min

Sportscaster Adnan Virk on The Big 3, The Sinner/Alcaraz Era, and Why Tennis Has His Heart

Sportscaster Adnan Virk is the guest on this episode of the podcast, and the Canadian has a lot to say about the past, present and future of tennis. Virk laments on the loss of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and contemplates Novak Djokovic's motivation as he pursues a 25th major title. The MLB Network and Amazon Prime NHL host also explains why Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have brought life to the sport, and discusses the pros and cons of comparing eras in any sport. Virk also dives into th...

Jun 23, 202538 min

Grass Court Action With Jan-Michael Gambill - Fritz, Maria, Diallo and Mertens Claim Trophies

Former Top 15 player and current tennis broadcaster Jan-Michael Gambill joins the podcast to discuss the beginning of grass season, which featured several exciting matches and storylines in its opening week. Gambill recaps Taylor Fritz's title in Stuttgart, and explains why he holds such a commanding edge over Alexander Zverev, who he defeated in the final. The commentator also breaks down the incredible run by 37-year-old Tatjana Maria to win Queen's Club, and explains why her slice-heavy style...

Jun 17, 202547 min

Alcaraz Beats Sinner In An Instant Classic To Win Roland Garros + Coco Gauff Triumphs in Paris With Greg Rusedski

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a match for the ages to defend his Roland Garros title, and prominent tennis broadcaster Greg Rusedski recaps that thrilling encounter on the podcast. Rusedski analyzes the ins and outs of the match, how Alcaraz battled from the brink of defeat to triumph in a five hour and twenty-nine minute marathon battle on the red clay in Paris. The BBC announcer and former Top-5 player also reviews Coco Gauff's incredible victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the women's ...

Jun 11, 202538 min

Sabalenka Conquers Swiatek, Djokovic Advances to Face Sinner, and More From Roland Garros With Candy Reid

Broadcaster Candy Reid joins podcast to recap Aryna Sabalenka's monumental win over Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros, and explain how the World No 1. player dethroned the four-time champ in Paris. Reid also breaks down Coco Gauff's comprehensive victory over French Wild Card Lois Boisson, and previews the epic showdown between the American and the WTA's highest ranked competitor in the final. The commentator reviews how Novak Djokovic was able to outfox Alexander Zverev, and assesses his chances aga...

Jun 05, 202542 min

Barstool Hubbs on Tommy Paul's Heart, Fonseca's Explosion and Monfils Magic at Roland Garros

Barstool Hubbs returns to the podcast to discuss the thrilling beginning to Roland Garros, which featured American Tommy Paul battle back from two sets down to reach Round 3. Hubbs dives into Joao Fonseca's explosive start in Paris, Stefanos Tsitsipas' struggles, and another edition of Monfils magic under the lights. The Barstool Sports contributor also examines the women's draw, previews some big matches next round, and predicts who will reign supreme at the conclusion of Roland Garros. Hosted ...

May 30, 202557 min

Roland Garros Round 1 Reactions: Fritz and Medvedev Crash Out, Mensik Silences The Crowd and More with Sam Jacot

ATP Writer Sam Jacot joins the podcast to recap a thrilling first few days at Roland Garros, where several top seeds have fallen victim to upsets. Jacot discusses what wrong for Americans Taylor Fritz and Emma Navarro, and analyzes why Daniil Medvedev is still searching for better results after another early exit. The journalist also breaks down an epic encounter between Paula Badosa and Naomi Osaka, dives into Ben Shelton's ability to dig deep, and explains why Jakub Mensik has that special som...

May 27, 202551 min

2025 Roland Garros Preview With Jill Craybas: Will Swiatek and Alcaraz Defend The Throne, or Will Djokovic, Sinner, Sabalenka, Gauff and The Field Rise Up?

It's time for Roland Garros, and former WTA pro Jill Craybas joins the podcast to preview all the action on tap in Paris. Craybas dives into whether Iga Swiatek can bounce back at the tournament she's won four times, and discusses whether Marta Kostyuk, Jelena Ostapenko or another player can end her fortnight early. The broadcaster also explains why Aryna Sabalenka should be considered the favorite, dives into Coco Gauff's chances to hoist another major title, and examines whether Mirra Andreeva...

May 23, 202551 min

Alcaraz Tops Sinner On Clay, Paolini's Triumph in Rome and Early Roland Garros Thoughts With Ted Robinson

Veteran tennis broadcaster Ted Robinson joins the show to recap the 2025 Italian Open, where Carlos Alcaraz dazzled to defeat World No. 1 Jannik Sinner to take the title. Robinson reviews Alcaraz's supreme performance, evaluates Sinner's first tournament back since his supsension, and discusses the state of the best rivalry currently going in tennis. The sportscaster also recaps the women's event in Rome, where Italian Jasmine Paolini notched the biggest win of her career over Coco Gauff on home...

May 19, 202544 min

Sinner's Back In Black, Gauff and Paolini Notch Wins and More From Rome With Chris Oddo

TennisNow writer Chris Oddo joins for a chat on the podcast about The 2025 Italian Open, headlined by the return of ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Oddo evaluates Sinner's level of play, and examines whether Carlos Alcaraz can hold a firm advantage over his rival on the clay. The journalist also covers Lorenzo Musetti's exceptional play on home soil, Alexander Zverev's continued struggles, and American Tommy Paul's breakthrough in Rome. Oddo also dives into the women's tournament, where Coco Gauf...

May 15, 202544 min

Christopher Clarey on His New Book, "The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom Of Clay"

Christopher Clarey, one of the most respected and acclaimed tennis writers of all-time joins the podcast to discuss his newest endeavor, a book about the great Rafael Nadal and dominance at Roland Garros. Clarey's masterpiece is titled, "The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay," and it is and all-encompassing look at the most dominant feat in tennis, and perhaps all of sports history. The author explains how the project came to be, his own tie to the city of Paris, and what he came to ...

May 12, 202547 min

Tennis Emcee/Interviewer Blair Henley on The Start of 2025, Emotional Titles for Ruud and Brooksby and Tennis Having A Moment

Blair Henley joins the podcast to discuss her thriving career as an on-court interviewer, emcee and overall outstanding representative for pro tennis. Henley recaps the events she covered in 2025, highlighted by a powerful title for Jenson Brooksby in Houston and an interactive new show called "The Blue Zone" in Australia. Henley also explains why Madrid Champion Casper Ruud is one of the best interview subjects in the game, and what it was like covering the expanded Dallas Open at the site of t...

May 09, 202552 min

Paul Annacone on Ruud's Masters Title, Djokovic's Chances and Sinner's Return

Esteemed coach and commentator Paul Annacone is the guest on this episode of The Inside-In Podcast, and he recaps Casper Ruud's biggest title of his career at The Madrid Open. Annacone explains why Aryna Sabalenka remains a dominant force in the women's game, and he analyzes where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek could go from here. The Tennis Channel broadcaster also discusses Novak Djokovic's chances for a successful Roland Garros given his recent results, and dives into what makes the all-time grea...

May 06, 202538 min

Steve Weissman on Coco Gauff's Statement Win vs. Swiatek, Djokovic's Status and The Male Contenders on The Clay

Tennis Channel broadcaster Steve Weissman joins the podcast to break down all the action from the Madrid Open, headlined by Coco Gauff's dominant win against defending champion Iga Swiatek. Weissman explains what this match means for Gauff, and how Swiatek can respond with Roland Garros less than a month away. The commentator also looks Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a first title in Paris, and how Mirra Andreeva has emerged as a big-time on player. Weissman also analyzes the game, which is more wi...

May 01, 202551 minEp. 209

Rising ATP Player Martin Landaluce on Learning From Nadal, Carrying On The Spanish Tradition and Making Progress

Martin Landaluce joins the podcast to discuss his emergence on the pro tour, and why the young Spaniard is next up to carry on the tradition for his country. The teenager recounts his humble beginnings as a player, how his older siblings inspired him, and the opportunity to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy, and practice with the legendary sports icon himself. Landaluce gets candid about his development, why he loves playing on grass courts and what he hopes to accomplish in this fun conversatio...

Apr 28, 202530 min

Rune Steps Up, Ostapenko's Heat Check, And A Preview Up The Madrid Open With ATP Writer Grant Thompson

ATP writer Grant Thompson joins the show as the clay season ramps up and the road to Roland Garros intensifies. Thompson recaps Holger Rune's thrilling title run in Barcelona, and what it means for the Danish player going forward. The journalist also discusses Carlos Alcaraz's health, and Alexander Zverev's victory in the Munich final over a very in-form Ben Shelton. And Thompson reacts to Jelena Ostapenko's shockingly good performance in Stuttgart, where she beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final wh...

Apr 24, 202547 min

Giulana Olmos, The All-Time Billie Jean King Cup Wins Leader For Mexico Opens Up About Her Tennis Journey

Giulana "Gugu" Olmos is the guest on this episode of the podcast, and she opens up about a career that has seen her make history and carve out a successful career on the WTA tour. Olmos discusses her upbringing in California, and how she was influenced by her family lineage to represent Mexico, where she went on to record the most Billie Jean King Cup wins in the country's history. The USC graduate also explains why college was the perfect path for her, and how it has become a viable path for ma...

Apr 22, 202541 min

Monica Puig on Clay Season, Sabalenka Coming For Swiatek's Throne and New Stars Emerging In Tennis

Monica Puig joins the podcast during an exciting time for her, as the tennis season ramps up and she prepares for motherhood! The Olympic gold medalist recaps her broadcasting work at The Miami Open, and why news stars like Joao Fonseca, Jakub Mensik and Alexandra Eala have brought in a ton of fans to the sport. Puig dives into the beginning of clay season, where Aryna Sabalenka is itching to finally start her campaign and set her sights on catching Iga Swiatek as the top player on the surface. ...

Apr 18, 202547 min

Caty McNally on Her Comeback, Facing Serena and Being Everyone's Favorite Doubles Partner

Caty McNally joins the podcast for a conversation about her professional career, dealing with adversity, and competing through turmoil. The American discusses how she excelled at the sport from a young age, learning from her talented mother and brother, and the decision to turn pro before her 18th birthday. McNally recalls competing admirably against Serena Williams at the US Open, and explains how she developed her attacking style in a similar fashion to her idol, Roger Federer. McNally opens u...

Apr 16, 202543 min

Robbie Koenig On Alcaraz's Monte Carlo Excellence, The ATP's Next Gen And One Week Masters Events

The electrifying commentator Robbie Koenig joins the podcast to recap Carlos Alcaraz's dominant display on the clay in Monte Carlo, and to explain how the Spaniard took the title in the Principality. Koenig discusses Lorenzo Musetti's run to the final, Arthur Fils' longterm potential, and shares an early story witnessing Jakub Mensik's potential greatness up close and personal. The broadcaster also dives into what has been plaguing Alexander Zverev, and ponders if the German can steady the cours...

Apr 14, 202545 min

Monte Carlo Chatter With Brett Connors: Alcaraz Comes Alive, Djokovic Falls and Tsitsipas Goes Title No. 4

It's the start of clay season, and Brett Connors stops by the podcast to discuss the grandest setting in tennis as the ATP hits the dirt in Monte Carlo. Connors reacts to Novak Djokovic's early loss, and questions what his motivation might be at this stage in his storied career. The Tennis Channel producer also reacts to Carlos Alcaraz's sizzling play, and breaks down whether Arthur Fils can continue to rise to the occasion in their quarterfinal showdown. Connors also examines why Stefanos Tsits...

Apr 10, 202544 min

Author Daniel A. Miller on Riding The Wave, Finding Fun and Fulfillment Through Tennis, and Going With The Flow

Award winning author Daniel A. Miller joins the show to discuss his new book, "The Way Of The Wave," and explain how tennis plays an enormous factor in his life and written work. Miller reflects on a life that has included many different passions and successes, while also making several big decisions along the way. The author of several best selling books discusses why he dove back into tennis passionately as a senior player, and what makes the game so special for players of all levels. Miller g...

Apr 07, 202530 min

Mensik's Next Move, Rublev Turns To Safin And The Start Of Clay Season With Nicolas Pereira

Nicolas Pereira is one of the pillars of Latin American tennis, an he joins the podcast to discuss the fallout from a groundbreaking Miami Open. Pereira reacts to Jakub Mensik's title, assesses Novak Djokovic's chances on the clay, and explains how he would advise players to compete against the dominant WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The broadcaster also reacts to the news that Andrey Rublev is working with Hall-of-Famer Marat Safin, and explains how Rublev can get over the hump at the major tournam...

Apr 04, 202539 min

Mark Knowles Recaps Jakub Mensik and Aryna Sabalenka's Miami Open Titles

Mark Knowles is the guest on this episode of The Inside-In Tennis Podcast, and he has a lot to say recapping the thrilling conclusion to The Miami Open. Knowles explains how Czech teenager Jakub Mensik went on an remarkable run to claim the Masters 1000 title and defeat his idol Novak Djokovic in the final. The Tennis Channel broadcaster assesses Mensik's remarkable skillset, evaluates Djokovic's level at this stage of his career, and explains why the new generation of men's tennis has a lot of ...

Mar 31, 202541 min

Alexandra Eala's Moment, Fils Stands Out And More From The Miami Open With Anastasia Folorunso

The Miami Open continues to impress, and Ground Pass podcast host Anastasia Folorunso joins the show to recap all the madness on the hard courts. Folorunso reacts to Filipino teenager Alexandra Eala's improbable win over Iga Swiatek, and analyzes how the Wild Card was able to embrace the moment and do the unthinkable. The podcast host also examines Aryna Sabalenka's high level, Jasmine Paolini's underrated power, and why Jessica Pegula might have some extra motivation in Miami. On the men's side...

Mar 27, 202542 min

Upsets Galore At The Miami Open with Leif Shiras - And Looking For Tennis' Next Superstars

Leif Shiras joins the podcast to recap all the unpredictable results at the Miami Open, where the men's draw was filled with upsets. Shiras discusses Carlos Alcaraz & Daniil Medvedev's early exits, the opportunity for Novak Djokovic, and whether Alex Zverev or Taylor Fritz can make their move on the hard courts. The Tennis Channel broadcaster also analyzes into the next wave of potential superstars, which include Arthur Fils, Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca, who are all putting on a show in Mi...

Mar 25, 202555 min

Nick Monroe Dives Into The Miami Open, The PTPA's Lawsuit, And His Work On "Second Serve"

Nick Monroe joins the podcast to discuss all the happenings in the tennis world, and to chat about his thriving career as a broadcaster. Monroe analyzes the growth shown by champion Jack Draper and finalist Holger Rune at Indian Wells, and looks at the rise of Mirra Andreeva on the women's side. The former pro tennis player also reacts to the Professional Tennis Players Association(PTPA)'s decision to sue several governing bodies in the sport, as they look to have a bigger voice in the direction...

Mar 19, 202542 min

Simon Cambers Recaps Jack Draper & Mirra Andreeva's Titles At Indian Wells and Looks Ahead To Miami

Journalist Simon Cambers is the guest on this episode of the podcast, and he recaps the championship level performances by Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells. Cambers explains how Draper rounded into form to lift the trophy at Tennis Paradise, and analyzes the British man's potential to be a legit contender in the grand slam events. The writer also discusses why Andreeva has cemented herself as one of the top players on the WTA, and breaks down why the teenager's game is so effective...

Mar 17, 202542 min
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