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Talk Tennis
Talk Tennis
Author: Michelle Heidbrink, Tennis Warehouse
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Join our playtester, Michelle, in the Talk Tennis Podcast to get a peek behind the scenes from touring pros, industry experts, the physics behind tennis & more! You’ll stay up to date & well versed in all things tennis and learn more than you can imagine about gear!
Guests include product developers and creators, pro players divulging info about their gear and TW playtesters taking you behind the scenes with intimate chats about what they really thought about certain racquets, shoes, strings. Of course we also talk trends, pro gear, share sneak peeks and beyond! We continue to lean into what you want to hear and promise to keep the conversations fun, insightful and passionate!
Guests include product developers and creators, pro players divulging info about their gear and TW playtesters taking you behind the scenes with intimate chats about what they really thought about certain racquets, shoes, strings. Of course we also talk trends, pro gear, share sneak peeks and beyond! We continue to lean into what you want to hear and promise to keep the conversations fun, insightful and passionate!
235 Episodes
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If you’ve ever hit a low point or felt like starting over is impossible, this conversation is for you. In today’s episode, we sit down with WTA pro, Jamie Loeb, as she opens up about one of the toughest years of her life—including losing her father, stepping away from the sport, and rebuilding herself mentally and physically for a 2026 comeback.
Tennis players and fans alike know how overwhelming it can feel when life derails your goals. That’s why this episode focuses on the human side of the journey: how she’s healing, how she’s training, and how she’s preparing to grind her way from the bottom of the rankings back into competing with the world’s best.
We’ve covered pro tennis for years, and this is one of the most honest, grounded, and inspiring conversations we’ve ever hosted. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone simply trying to bounce back from a hard season, her story offers perspective—and a reminder that a comeback isn’t a moment…it’s a process.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How she processed grief and burnout while stepping away from the WTA Tour
Why 2026 represents more than a comeback — it's a fresh start
The mindset shift that helped her rebuild confidence
What training looks like when you’re starting from the bottom
Her plan to climb back into the top ranks
The pressure, the hope, the grind… and the excitement for what’s next
If you’re looking for motivation or simply want to understand what life on tour really looks like beyond the match results, this conversation brings clarity and encouragement.
Happy Hitting
In this episode, Catherine Harrison opens up about the toughest stretch of her career -- multiple injuries, months off tour, and the honest conversations that pushed her to rethink what longevity and success really mean. Now, with 2026 on the horizon, she’s committing fully to doubles to chase the Grand Slam she knows she’s capable of.
Tennis fans get an inside look at the mindset shift, the rehab grind, the challenge of rebuilding confidence, and what goes into choosing the right partner. Catherine breaks down how doubles offers a clearer path to winning at the biggest stages, and why this next chapter feels more intentional, more strategic, and more exciting than anything she’s done before.
Whether you’ve followed her since UCLA or discovered her on tour, this is Catherine’s open and detailed account and a powerful reminder of why comebacks in tennis matter.
You sent in your tennis gear questions — and we’re answering all of them 🎾
In this Ask Us Anything episode, we dive into the questions you’ve been sending about racquets, strings, shoes, and everything in between. From finding the right setup for your game to understanding the gear the pros use, this episode is all about your curiosity.
At Tennis Warehouse, we get that tennis gear can be overwhelming — so think of us as your friendly on-court guides. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a gear geek, or just getting started, you’ll walk away with practical answers, insider insights, and a few laughs along the way.
Here’s what we cover:
🎾 Racquet updates
🧵 String setups
👟 Our current gear & playlists
💡 Listener-submitted questions — answered live!
0:00:34 Football is here (bye Micah)! 🏈 & GO DODGERS! 💙
0:03:30 RESTRING Zero String Question
0:06:38 Tecnifibre TFight Question (new ones coming?)
0:08:26 Michelle & her RF97 / Pure Drive & her commitment issues & Dreddy Toroline Hybrid
0:11:00 Dustin Brown shout out
0:12:40 Ugly Strokes & backhands
0:18:00 Dead Strings Discussed
0:22:46 Gravity MP XL vs EZONE 98+ 0:25:15 Playtesters Playlist 🎶 🎧
0:27:54 Favorite mobility & warmup before tennis or on non-tennis days
0:30:27 What do we think about Danielle Collins?!
0:33:26 What strings are in that Pure Drive?!
0:34:47 What are our favorite tennis courts in SLO?!
0:38:26 Quality control: yonex vs everyone else
0:40:10 What's the most comfortable racquet that you love playing with?
0:43:00 Can you evaluate me hitting and what I should try or use?! We will match you to the best gear
0:44:44 Prince Legacy - should I get it?
0:45:08 What's the best Toroline string to try coming from BiPhase
0:46:50 Troy's gear RIGHT now!
0:49:55 Should Michelle buy this?! & her love for Quicksilver/Roxy Tennis back in the 90s!
In this Talk Tennis episode, host Michelle sits down with Carolyn and teammate Erin from the Second Serve Pod to share how tennis built resilience, hope, and community all while battling Breast Cancer.
Life changes after a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, we hear how these tennis players found strength in the sport and how it related to their cancer treatments. In this inspiring conversation, Michelle, Carolyn, and Erin open up about how tennis became more than a game — it became a lifeline.
You’ll hear how the lessons learned on the court — perseverance, teamwork, and focus — helped them face cancer head-on and discover new ways to stay connected, even when they couldn’t play.
At Talk Tennis, we believe the power of sport extends far beyond competition. This episode celebrates the way tennis teaches resilience, builds friendships, and unites a community through every challenge — on and off the court.
🎧 Listen or Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/L_LJkyqto8w
💬 Join the Conversation:
Share your story of resilience or tag a teammate who inspires you in the comments.
👉 Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/and.she.sparkles/
👉 Connect with Carolyn & Erin at Second Serve Pod: https://www.instagram.com/secondservepodcast/
👉 If you feel compelled to donate to Breast Cancer Research: https://give.bcrf.org/fundraiser/6747806
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Hot takes. Bold opinions. Playtesters have no filter talking all things tennis gear.
In this podcast, we serve up hot takes and controversial opinions on tennis gear. From racquets and strings to shoes and bags, nothing is off-limits. If it’s overrated, we’ll say it. If it’s a hidden gem, we’ll shout it out.
We’ve tested it all, and we’re here to help you cut through the hype so you don’t waste time or money on gear that won’t improve your game. Think of us as your gear guides—with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Looking for the next breakthrough in tennis strings? 🎾
In this Talk Tennis podcast, we dive deep into Grapplesnake, one of the newest and most talked-about string brands now available at Tennis Warehouse. If you’ve been wondering whether Grapplesnake can compete with big names like Luxilon or Solinco, this episode breaks it all down. We’ll share insights on how the strings feel, who they’re designed for, and whether they could take your game to the next level.
At Tennis Warehouse, we’ve tested thousands of strings — and Grapplesnake is making a bold entrance. Join us as we discuss performance, durability, and playability so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your game.
👉 Check out Grapplesnake & try it today: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Grapplesnake_Tennis_Strings/catpage-GRAPPLESTR.html
Happy Hitting!
Shop with us all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
🎾 One-handed vs two-handed backhands: which one really reigns supreme?
In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the age-old tennis debate — and let’s just say, things got heated.
We break down the strengths and weaknesses of each style, but along the way, the conversation turned into a fiery back-and-forth that even sparked a bit of fight.
If you’ve ever wondered why players are so passionate about their backhand, this episode is a must-listen. We bring you unfiltered tennis debates, honest opinions, and expert takes. This one had more fireworks than usual — and you’ll want to see how it all unfolded.
What should we debate next?!
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
https://youtu.be/SZtTEEEArFM
The playtest squad has some HOT Takes when it comes to the ATP & WTA Pro Tour...here we go...
What are your Pro Tennis Hot Takes?!
Happy Hitting!
Ever wanted to slide into Prince Tennis’s DMs and ask literally anything? Well… we did it for you—no filters, no fluff, just straight-up answers from the kingdom of O-Ports, classic frames, and gear geeks. Let’s get into it!
➤Shop Prince Tennis Gear: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince/catpage-PRINCE.html
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Tim Pottuck from Prince is here! We sit down and dive into ALL THINGS PRINCE TENNIS! In this 2-part episode, we break down where Prince has been and where the brand is going before we answer all of your questions (in episode 2)!
We cover:
- Tim's role with Prince & How long he's been with the brand
- What is Prince's strategy / motto / position / goals in the market – where do they see themselves fitting – who should use Prince?
- talk about the innovation and maybe an insight into the factory
- Explain the relationship with Tennis Warehouse and that role
- what's one of the most impressive things about Prince and what can you share that maybe most people aren't aware of?
- what makes Prince such a unique brand?
- What are some of your favorite stand out racquets and better yet, tech call outs from the brand through the years?
- any fun pro player stories?
- What are the most iconic racquets and moments in Prince history
- Explain the current segmentation of racquets and who each family is for
- when will the Tours get updated?
- any new models coming?
- any plans to update the Legacy line?
- will we see O3 technology through families or only in specific frames? And why / how do you choose?
- Strings! Explain the different segmentation of strings and who they are for?
- any new tech coming in strings? Hybrids? Recylced materials? Etc.?
- Bags and shoes – what is coming? & How did the T22 become so iconic and will it continue to evolve as we watch the game evolve?
- Pro Players...any focus or push to get Prince back on the pro tour?
- What can we plan to look forward to with Prince for the coming year
#princetennis
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Michelle is in London! And we wre previewing the Wimbledon 2025 tournament! Everything from top players & their gear to why Wimbledon is the best and the Babolat event we get to experience!
Grab your strawberries and cream and take a listen!
#protennis #wimbledon
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
With hundreds of string options to try, who has the time to test them all?! Especially when you are on the WTA and in season ALL YEAR LONG. So when Sabrina Santamaria switched racquets, she was craving a new string and started testing options with her long time friend, Eric, co-founder of the trendy string brand, TOROLINE. And from there, the perfect partnership began leading Toroline to create a string specifically for Sabrina and one now available for you to buy too!
➤Shop Toroline: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Toroline_Tennis_Strings/catpage-TOROLSTR.html
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
NEYA is quickly becoming one of our FAVORITE tennis content creators thanks to the fact she is super down to earth, relatable and she loves tennis as much as we do! In this episode, meet Neya and learn all about how tennis came to be and what she is working on in her tennis world!
https://www.instagram.com/supertoneyan/
We discuss:
- How did this all begin?
- What can people expect from your platform?
- Running, Tennis, What else?
- Why tennis?! Tournaments? What are you excited about in tennis RIGHT NOW?
- What do you love/hate about tennis?
- Tennis hot takes?!
- Tennis fashion
- What tennis pros do you love?!
- Favorite tennis gear now?!
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
We break down a practice with Henry Patten & Harri Heliovaara, and Jan Zielinski & Sander Gille and make it relatable so you can use it in your own doubles practices. From serve and return strategies and what to do on blustery days!
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Dennis Fabian from HEAD Tennis joins us on site at the BNP Paribas Open to give us an update on what is new and trending in terms of racquets, strings and beyond! We learn about the newest string featuring recycled PET materials in a poly / poly hybrid and how this was tested and came to market!
Dennis also offers racquet advice to Michelle who is forever searching for her next racquet of choice!
Take a listen and let us know if you have any questions!
Happy Hitting!
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
As tennis players, we know the sun can be just as much of an opponent in our sport from finding the right SPF and avoiding sun damage. Enter BLOQUV.
Founder and sun sport enthusiast, Corina Biton, joins us in this episode to help educate us on all things UPF apparel. As someone who loves to run, walk, paddleboard and play tennis. After noticing white spots on my arms, she founded BloqUV when finding skin damage even though she always wore long-sleeve T-shirts.
Turns out plain T-shirts only block 5% of the sun’s rays! Corina created BloqUV with BloqTek, their proprietary fabric with minimum Ultraviolet Protection Factor 50 that blocks 98% UVA/UVB rays; the protection is chemical-free, inherent to the fabric and unaffected by laundering.
After 15 years, BloqUV has emerged as a market leader in sun protection: unique in design, fit and sun protection technology; they’re moisture-wicking and quick-dry, allowing for a wide range of uses on land and water!
Learn even more & stay tuned for a chance to win some BloqUV gear!
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Olivier is here! All the way from Babolat Headquarters in Lyon, France he joins the Talk Tennis podcast in studio to answer ALL of your questions about the Babolat Pure Drive! From the origin story of this franchise of racquets to the current 2025 lineup, we cover all the things you wanted to know about these racquets.
We also discuss the elusive topic of STIFFNESS! How it is measured, why it is stiff and how this helps with power and control in the Pure Drive line of racquets.
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Using WTA star, Marta Kostyuk, as their main inspiration and playtester, she had just one request "I need a running shoe, but I need to drive it like a race car," and from this, the Intrigue shoes were born!
It's not very often the tennis industry gets a refresh and BRAND NEW shoes into the market, but that is exactly what Wilson has done with this Intrigue line, creating specifically what she wants and needs on the court.
In this podcast episode of Talk Tennis, we sit down with the Wilson team that developed and created the Wilson Intrigue line of tennis shoes! Take a listen on how this project began, how they utilized feedback from pro players, what they created with Marta's help and feedback and how to style and wear your Intrigue tennis shoes!
And don't miss the BONUS footage on our YOUTUBE channel where we hear from Marta herself as she explains her side of the creation of the Wilson Intrigue Tennis Shoes! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmgyIibKmFosnm-LyZEB7uQ
➤Learn more: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Learning_Center/WilsonIntrigue.html
➤& shop here: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Wilson_Womens_Tennis_Shoes/catpage-WSWILSON.html
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
It is always fun to connect and geek out with fellow tennis fanatics and in this episode, Beckett from TENNCOM joins us in the Talk Tennis studio to talk about all the things! From his hot takes on gear to genuine chit chat over things we love on the pro tour, racquets we want to see get made and beyond, any true tennis fan will appreciate this episode!
Check out Beckett's website: https://tenncom.media/
TennCOM on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR_J5swRE-l-8t0p9WrNIfw/featured
on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenncom.media/
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!
Was it all hype?! Or are we all genuinely gushing over the new Yonex EZONES?! Better listen to find out what we really think about the 100, 98, 98 + , 98 Tour and 98 +!
Have you tried a new Yonex EZONE yet? Let us know what you think!
If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at podcast@tennis-warehouse.com
Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD:
🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com
🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com
🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au
Happy Hitting!



