Tennis with an Accent

Former World No. 3 Brian Gottfried joins us as this week’s podcast guest, taking us back through an extraordinary tennis career that saw him reach the highest levels of the game and capture an impressive 25 ATP singles titles. In this fascinating and insightful conversation, Gottfried revisits his early roots, recalling a time when he had to choose between baseball and tennis as a young man. He then takes us into the vibrant Florida tennis scene, where he honed his skills and laid the foundations for a stellar professional career. Gottfried was part of a remarkable generation of American tennis players that included Harold Solomon, Roscoe Tanner and Jimmy Connors. Together, they helped shape a memorable era in the sport. For fans who remember those times, this episode offers a wonderful trip down memory lane. For younger listeners, it is an opportunity to discover the journey of a player who made his mark on the international tennis stage. Join us as we relive the Brian Gottfried story, revisiting the people, places and moments that shaped his remarkable career.I can also make this more nostalgic and conversational, with a stronger emphasis on the golden era of American tennis, if that better suits your podcast’s style.

One of the ultimate debates among sports fans is how to measure greatness across eras. How do we compare the careers and achievements of players who never competed in the same generation? Chances are, we’ve all been part of this conversation at some point. In today’s episode, we bring together an exceptional panel featuring former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, Hall of Fame tennis journalist Steve Flink, and WTA coach Mert Ertunga to explore the criteria used to evaluate greatness across generations. How do we weigh Grand Slam titles, longevity, peak performance, consistency, and the level of competition? What factors should matter most when comparing players from different eras? We put the panel’s framework to the test as we examine the careers of modern greats and legendary champions, including John McEnroe, Boris Becker, and Andy Murray, among others. Tune in for an insightful discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on one of tennis’s most enduring debates. Check out Pat Cash's new book -http://unfktennis.com/ Check out Steve Flink's new book -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H6QWD1BT?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Lew Hoad is considered one of the all-time greats of tennis. Those who saw him play—including many of his peers—considered him the best they ever saw. In the latest episode of the pod, we try to recreate the mythical Aussie legend. To unpack an exercise like this, you need the right crowd—and we have exactly that. Tennis historian Richard Evans and Aussie great John Alexander join TWAA hosts Saqib Ali and Skip Schwarzman for an incredibly rich discussion about Hoad’s talent, fitness, playing style, and backstory. It’s packed with details, detours, and anecdotes that bring one of tennis’s most fascinating legends back to life.

The recently concluded US Open takes center stage as host Matt Zemek is joined by TWAA analyst Andrew Burton and renowned tennis historian Steve Flink for an in-depth look at the tournament’s biggest storylines. The panel breaks down championship runs from Elena Rybakina and Alexander Zverev, both of whom leave New York with their second Grand Slam titles of the year. What made their victories possible, and what do these results mean for the evolving landscape of men’s and women’s tennis? The conversation also examines several of the tournament’s other key players, including Ben Shelton, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Carlos Alcaraz. From breakthrough performances and championship pressure to the bigger picture of the 2026 tennis season, Matt, Andrew, and Steve offer expert analysis and historical perspective on an event packed with compelling storylines.

Hall of Fame tennis writer Steve Flink returns to the podcast to discuss his latest book, The Immortals of American Tennis. Across a career spanning more than five decades, Flink has witnessed multiple generations of tennis history from the closest vantage point. In his new book, he profiles many of the greatest figures in American tennis, including Arthur Ashe, Pete Sampras, Bill Tilden, Chris Evert, and Serena and Venus Williams, along with several other legendary champions. In this episode, Flink explains the criteria behind his selections, discusses some of the notable omissions, and reflects on what separates the truly immortal players from the rest. The conversation also explores the evolution of American tennis and the lasting impact these icons have had on the sport. Whether you’re a lifelong tennis enthusiast or simply interested in the game’s rich history, The Immortals of American Tennis offers a compelling look at the athletes who shaped the American legacy in tennis.If you’d like, I can also make these show notes more SEO-friendly or tailor them to a more conversational podcast style.