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The Inside-In Tennis Podcast
The Inside-In Tennis Podcast
Author: Mitch Michals, Bleav
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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
542 Episodes
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Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win the Monte Carlo Masters, and commentator Nick Lester joins the podcast to break down another chapter in this transcendent rivalry. Lester explains how Sinner dictated play, the areas where he's improved physically and tactically, and what led Alcaraz to come up short against his main adversary. The broadcaster also shares his thoughts on the future of this rivalry as the road to Roland Garros continues, and explains why they're the top two players in the world are pushing themselves to become even better and widen the gap with the rest of the tour.
Lester also dives into a wide-range of topics including Joao Fonseca's improvements in 2026, and the emergence of Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar as a player with serious potential. The broadcaster also examines the trajectories of Alexander Zverev who is still trying to gain ground on the top two players, and Valentin Vacherot who is reached the ATP's Top 20 for the first time. And Lester covers the WTA's biggest headlines as their clay season kicks off, which includes Mirra Andreeva winning in Linz and Iga Swiatek set to take the court for the first time in Stuttgart with her new coaching team. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Joel Drucker joins the podcast to discuss a wide-range of pro tennis topics and storylines, as the calendar switches to the red clay. Drucker gives his thoughts on Rafael Nadal's decision to work with Iga Swiatek, and examines why former some elite level players decide to enter the coaching world. The esteemed journalist also discusses the two rivalries at the top of the sport, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still awaiting their first encounter in 2026, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to play extraordinary matches against one another.
Drucker dives into a wide range of topics including a prediction of what Novak Djokovic's schedule might look like in 2026, and why Alexandra Eala's popularity is unlike anything he has seen in quite some time. The writer also discusses the challenges Americans face on clay courts, several players he enjoys watching, and his newest venture as editor of the innovative instructional website Tennisplayer.net. And you can receive an exclusive 15% discount with the promo code "inside-in15" on a yearly subscription at Tennisplayer.net, a deal too good to pass up. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Bradley Klahn returns to the podcast to recap the first week of the clay season, where American Tommy Paul reigned supreme at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston. Klahn breaks down how Paul was able to dig deep and overcome his heartbreak in Miami, and explains why the American has grown on and off the court. The commentator dives into Ben Shelton's character, Learner Tien's first go on the clay, and how Jessica Pegula was able to defend her Charleston Title as she aims for that first major championship.
Klahn also discusses Rafael Jodar's first title in Marrakech, where he defeated 36-year-old Marco Trungelliti, who made a historic debut in the Top 100. The former pro also weighs in on Francisco Roig leaving Giovanni MPetshi Perricard for Iga Swiatek, the ethics of coaching changes, and why working with Roig and Rafael Nadal could bring the Polish superstar back to the winner's circle. And Klahn previews the Monte Carlo Masters, where several talented players are aiming to prevent the first showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 2026. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Mark Knowles joins the podcast to reflect on the Sunshine Double, and review the championship performances by both both Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner in Miami to add to their trophy collections. Knowles explains how Sabalenka has refined her game and embraced the top spot on the WTA, and commends Coco Gauff for competing her way to the final in South Beach. The Tennis Channel broadcaster points out what separated Jannik Sinner from the field in Miami, and breaks down the performances by finalist Jiri Lehecka, talented Frenchman Arthur Fils, and Alexander Zverev.
Knowles also discusses his tenure coaching Jessica Pegula, and goes in depth about how working alongside fellow coach and friend Mark Merklein has created an special team dynamic. The former doubles No. 1 reveals how Pegula consistently strives to improve beyond wins and losses, and goes in depth on several topics including the American's refined serve and the challenge of competing against Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. And Knowles explains the nuances of clay-court tennis as the season commences on the dirt with ATP action in Houston and the WTA event in Charleston. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Robbie Koenig joins the podcast to recap the thrilling action from The Miami Open, where Arthur Fils pulled off a stunning comeback over Tommy Paul to reach his first Masters semifinal. Koenig dives into Fils' mental makeup, how Paul will process such a tough loss, and whether Jannik Sinner will win the Sunshine Double. The commentator also dives into Jiri Lehecka's successful tournament, Alexander Zverev's aggressiveness, and Francisco Cerundolo's hot streak in Miami.
Koenig also dives into the next chapter of the rivalry between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, and predicts how their upcoming match at Miami will unfold. The broadcaster assesses Coco Gauff's game ahead of her semifinal showdown with Karolina Muchova, and explains what the Czech player can do to notch her first victory over the American. Koenig gets you primed and ready to go for the thrilling conclusion to the Miami Open on this episode! Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Simon Cambers joins the podcast to react to all the drama taking place at the 2026 Miami Open, headlined by Sebastian Korda's shocking upset victory over World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Cambers analyzes Korda's world-class game when he's firing on all cylinders, and dives into the deep pool of American male tennis players that continue to push each other. The journalist also dissects Joao Fonseca's comments summarizing the different challenges that Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner face, and gives his thoughts on several ATP players such as Jack Draper, Daniil Medvedev and Arthur Fils as the season amps up.
On the women's side, Cambers reacts to the big news that Iga Swiatek has parted ways with coach Wim Fissette. The reporter dives into Swiatek's struggles and how she can fix them, and also breaks down Coco Gauff's constant battle as she looks to improve her serve. Cambers weighs in on the Sabalenka/Rybakina rivalrly, Victoria Mboko's continued improvement, and Australian Talia Gibson's rise up the rankings as the Miami Open rolls along. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Robyn Duda joins the show to talk about RacquetX, the largest all-racquet sports festival and a world-class gathering that unites the leaders of tennis, padel, pickleball and more. Duda explains what goes into to putting on a weekend of this magnitude, the importance of each sport's rightful place in the event, and why there really is something for everyone in the racquet-sports sphere. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink returns to the podcast to recap the outstanding 2026 Indian Wells tournament, which saw two decorated champions claim their first titles at Tennis Paradise. Flink breaks down how Jannik Sinner handled the opposition and the conditions to win the men's event, and points out just how rock solid the Italian is after facing adversity. The writer also discusses how Daniil Medvedev was able to pull of a massive upset over Carlos Alcaraz, and points out what the key will be for the 2021 US Open champion to return to the top of the game consistently. And Flink reflects on the other highlights from men's side of Indian Wells, which included a coming out party for Joao Fonseca and an ultra impressive win for Jack Draper over Novak Djokovic.
Flink also analyzes how Aryna Sabalenka was able to overcome her nemesis Elena Rybakina to win the women's title, in a battle that might go down as the WTA match of the year when the season concludes. The International Hall of Fame member explains why this win was vital for Sabalenka, how these two women have separated themselves from the WTA for the time-being, and why this rivalry reminds him of Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe. And the episode concludes with a lookahead to The Miami Open, the second leg of the Sunshine Double and a tournament very different from Indian Wells. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis Channel broadcaster and producer Geoff Chizever joins the podcast to dive into all the action at Indian Wells, which may be the early favorite for pro tournament of the year. Chizever recaps Jack Draper's epic win over Novak Djokovic and analyzes his ceiling in the men's game. The commentator also discusses Carlos Alcaraz's brilliance as an athlete, Joao Fonseca's potential, and Alexander Zverev's chances to score a big title. He also explains whether the hindrance call between Draper and Daniil Medvedev was fair or foul.
And Chizever breaks down the women's draw, where Elina Svitolina stunned two-time Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek. The broadcaster explains how Svitolina has improved, looks at Swiatek's areas of concern, and assesses how Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to find success. Chizever finishes the show by previewing the semifinal round, and predicts whether all roads will lead to another matchup between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Jan-Michael Gambill joins the podcast to dive into all the outstanding action at Indian Wells. Gambill looks at the thrilling performances by young players Joao Fonseca, Victoria Mboko and Learner Tien, and explains why Carlos Alcaraz can do it all on the court. The former Top 15 player also examines the game's of Jack Draper and Novak Djokovic as they prepare to faceoff, and analyzing Arthur Fils' successful run at Tennis Paradise.
Gambill also highlights what Elena Rybakina is doing even better in 2026, and how Aryna Sabalenka has evolved her already outstanding tennis arsenal. The broadcaster looks at Iga Swiatek's tailor-made style of play for the Indian Wells' conditions, and recaps Mirra Andreeva's outburst after falling to Katerina Siniakova. And Gambill explains why coaching is a vital necessity in pro tennis, even if not everyone believes it. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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VSIN sports betting expert Gill Alexander joins the podcast to preview Indian Wells, with all the best players in the game flocking to the California desert yet again. Alexander looks at what to expect from last year's champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva, and explains why world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka could be on upset-alert. The host of the Beating the Book Podcast assesses Iga Swiatek's form, braces for a showdown between Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina, and explains why he's high on Iva Jovic at Tennis Paradise and beyond.
Alexander also breaks down the men's draw, where Alcaraz and Sinner are once again heavily favored over the field. The host of VSIN's show, "A Numbers Game," predicts whether Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien or another American man can have a successful runs, and debates whether Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev can find their best form. And is Novak Djokovic a contender to win his first Indian Wells title since 2016? Alexander predicts that and more on a dynamic episode. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis coach Mike James joins the podcast to discuss his unique journey to becoming one of the most trusted and respected minds in the sport, with a proven track-record of using analytical data to improve the very best players in the world. James details his path from coaching at an academy in Florida to working with Stan Wawrinka and his coach Magnus Norman, and explains how he ended up at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, where he established himself as a legitimate performance analyst for current future pros. The coach explains why Holger Rune has all the ingredients to contend with Alcaraz and Sinner, and recalls the Danish star's epic run at the 2022 Paris Masters.
James also dives into his personal thoughts on the tennis landscape, from the best-of-five format to the concern with tennis balls on player health, as well as the types of skills needed to truly shine at the apex of the sport. The performance analyst explains how every player and coach can leverage data to benefit their own game, and shares the exciting projects he's currently working on in his new position at Orreco Tennis. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis broadcaster Candy Reid joins the podcast to recap her time covering the ATP tournament in Doha, where Carlos Alcaraz took home another title. Reid explains how Alcaraz was able to make quick-work of Arthur Fils in the final, and looks at how the World No. 1 continues to improve as he remains undefeated in 2026. The commentator also reacts to Jakub Mensik's upset win over Jannik Sinner, and analyzes what to make of Sinner's game after a lackluster performance in Doha.
Reid also recaps Tomas Martin Etcheverry's first title in Rio that saw him play two matches in one day, and gives her take on the status of The Golden Swing. The broadcaster also discusses several stories from around the game, including Stefanos Tsitsipas' struggles, the dynamic between Andrey Rublev and Marat Safin, and the coaching free-agent that could be a huge addition to some perspective players. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Journalist and podcast host Amy Lundy joins the show to recap The Delray Beach Open, where Sebastian Korda triumphed over Tommy Paul in the final. Lundy explains how Korda's game came together, and examines whether he can return to the elite ranks of the sport. The Tennis Connected writer explains what she learned from covering the event in person, from Paul's practicing habits to Fritz's decision to play the tournament, and what to like about Spanish newcomer Rafael Jodar. And Lundy also goes into great depth about why Learner Tien is here to stay, and why his movement is uniquely effective.
Lundy also weighs in on The WTA 1000 event in Dubai, where Jessica Pegula emerged victorious. She analyzes what makes Pegula effective against Amanda Anisimova, how finalist Elina Svitolina has continuously improved, and what to make of Coco Gauff's serve after some more struggles. The journalist covers the top storylines in the game as pro tennis enters North America in this lively discussion. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nicolas Pereira returns to the podcast to recap another outstanding week of pro tennis, headlined by Ben Shelton outlasting Taylor Fritz in a thrilling Dallas Open Final. Pereira explains where Shelton has grown, and examines whether the American can continue to ascend in the men's game. The broadcaster also reacts to Karolina Muchova's huge 1000 level title in Doha, and predicts what could be in store for finalist Victoria Mboko, who makes her Top 10 debut this week at the age of 19!
Pereira also looks back at Alex De Minaur's dominant win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Rotterdam, and discusses the recent run of withdrawals at the WTA 1000 in Dubai, as the crowded tennis calendar falls under serious scrutiny. The commentator also looks ahead to the ATP action Delray Beach and Rio, the latter of which part of the special "Golden Swing" section of tournaments in Latin America that Pereira is adamant about keeping around. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Steve Bellamy joins the podcast to explain the newest racket sport on the block, TYPTI. Bellamy details the genesis of the game several decades ago, and explains how and why it is played. Featuring a 22 inch strung racket, a 3.5 inch foam ball and played on a standard Pickleball court, TYPTI was officially launched last month and is here to stay.
Bellamy dives into TYPTI's place in the racket sports ecosystem, the origins of the sport's name, and why its scoring system is simply the best there is. And as someone who founded several sports networks such as Tennis Channel and The Surf Channel, and created the game now known as "Live Ball," Bellamy explains his way of thinking and offers some astute advice as an entrepreneur. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Abigail Johnson joins the podcast to discuss all the tennis around the globe as the 2026 season gets going. Johnson recaps the titles won on the WTA tour by Katie Boulter and Sorana Cirstea, and explains how Felix Auger-Aliassime was able to secure his 9th career ATP title in Montpellier. The broadcaster also examines what's next for Emma Raducanu, and explores how women's tennis in Czechia continues to shine after 20-year-old Sara Bejlek won her first pro tournament.
Johnson also dives into the WTA 1000 event in Doha, which has seen defending champ Amanda Anisimova and fellow American Coco Gauff bounced early. The commentator discusses where Gauff goes from here, Aryna Sabalenka's decision to skip the event, and looks at a hoist of other topics including Serena Williams' being cleared to play pro tennis at the end of the month. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Gill Gross joins the podcast to recap the 2026 Australian Open, which featured a fantastic finish to the fortnight in Melbourne. Gross explains how Carlos Alcaraz was able to complete the career-slam at just 22 years old, and how he displayed his tenacity and tactical brilliance down under. The host of "Monday Match Analysis" also reflects on Novak Djokovic's sensational victory over Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, and predicts the Serbian legend's future in 2026 and beyond. And Gross gives his thoughts on Sinner's setback, Alexander Zverev's ups and down, and how the tour will take on the task of competing against Alcaraz.
Gross also review's the women's final, which saw Elena Rybakina defeat Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first Australian Open title. The broadcaster dives into what truly makes Rybakina elite, assesses Sabalenka's performance, and looks at the top storylines going into the 2026 season on the WTA. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Casper Ruud joins the podcast for a chat about his quest to continue chasing the best players in the game, the pride he takes in what he has already accomplished in his terrific career. The former World No. 2 dives into the need to evolve at the top of the sport, how he prioritized his return to the court in 2026, and the steps it took to achieve accolades that make him the most accomplished Norwegian tennis player in history.
And then it's time to preview the business end of the Australian Open with Chris Oddo, journalist for Tennis Now. Oddo dives into Aryna Sabalenka's brilliance on the hard courts, and Elena Rybakina's elite level tennis as she returns to a major final. The writer also shares his thoughts on Novak Djokovic's fortunate route to the semifinals, Jannik Sinner's efficiency, and why Carlos Alcaraz continues to dazzle as he looks to complete the career-slam in Melbourne. Oddo wraps up the show by giving his predictions on Alcaraz's next test with Alexander Zverev, Djokovic's chances vs. Sinner, and what to expect in an epic women's final between Sabalenka and Rybakina. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Dustin Fox joins the podcast to preview the Australian Open quarterfinal round, which features four American women and all the top seeds in both draws. Fox analyzes Carlos Alcaraz's greatness, Jannik Sinner's form after surviving the heat, and the level that Ben Shelton and Learner Tien are bringing in Melbourne. The former NFL player and tennis enthusiast also weighs in on Novak Djokovic's chances for another grand slam, and whether young American Iva Jovic can challenge Aryna Sabalenka. Fox also dives into Coco Gauff's chances, and looks at some dynamic women's matches that include Jessica Pegula vs Amanda Anisimova and Iga Swiatek vs. Coco Gauff. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.




