DiscoverThe Big T
The Big T
Claim Ownership

The Big T

Author: Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe, Andrea Petkovic, Mark Petchey

Subscribed: 36Played: 452
Share

Description

Enter the greenroom of tennis legends and insiders as Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe, Andrea Petkovic, and Mark Petchey gather weekly on THE BIG T podcast to guide fans through the biggest storylines, sharpest debates, and competitive chaos shaping the global tennis landscape. Produced by the authority in tennis coverage for 23 years, Tennis Channel has designed THE BIG T podcast to deliver elevated tennis conversations intended to make you feel as though you’re pulling up a chair alongside four of the sport’s most respected minds.
Each episode is suited to help tennis fans cut through the clutter and get right to the heart of what matters in the tennis world. 



Brad Gilbert, former World No. 4 and 20-time ATP titleholder, brings unmatched perspective from a career that includes coaching legends Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Coco Gauff. His relationships, instincts, and energy are second to none.
Coco Vandeweghe, former US Open Doubles Champion and WTA veteran of 15 seasons, offers bold, fearless opinions shaped by the same competitive edge that defined her career.
Andrea Petkovic, former World No. 9 and German No. 1 with seven career titles, has emerged as one of the sport’s most thoughtful voices since retiring in 2022—known for her nuanced analysis and storytelling as a broadcaster and host.
Mark Petchey, a decade-long ATP professional, is revered for his tennis intellect and coaching acumen, having worked closely with Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu.

Unlike other tennis podcasts, THE BIG T is on location at the sport’s biggest events—bringing fans courtside conversations with the true MVPs of the tennis world. From Melbourne to Indian Wells, Rome, and beyond, the show skips the small talk to deliver bold takes, real scoops, and insider perspective.

Whether it’s Sinner vs. Alcaraz, the legacy of the Big Three, or the ever-evolving WTA landscape, THE BIG T is designed to make you the smartest tennis fan in the room.
New episodes every Wednesday.

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch full episodes on YouTube.com/TennisChannel and on the Tennis Channel App, featuring exclusive premium bonus content.

21 Episodes
Reverse
The buzz from Jannik Sinner's masterful Monte Carlo performance is still being felt around the tennis world as Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe dig into his fourth consecutive Masters 1000 win, reclaiming the World #1 ranking and grabbing a firm hold of the SINCARAZ rivalry. How will Carlos Alcaraz respond as the clay season progresses?   Plus, recent co-host Chris Eubanks catches up with actor and stand-up comedy star, Matt Rife for a fun filled discussions comparing stand-up comedy with being a pro tennis player. Rife and Eubanks also reveal their choices for the GOATS of Comedy and GOATS of Tennis.   Geoff Chizever also joins his episode for a jolt of energy and debate with his weekly, BANK OR SHANK segment plus our fanmail gets us into the discussion of grunts on the tennis court.   For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
Jannik Sinner wins his 27th title and regains the World #1 ranking, beating rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to capture the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters. Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and special guest, Paul Annacone recap this chapter of the SINCARAZ rivalry. Annacone, who coached both Roger Federer and Pete Sampras gets nostalgic with Gilbert, who coached Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. Both look back at the differences and similarities among the rivalries having had a front row seat to many epic encounters. A nice comparison between Sampras vs. Agassi and Sinner vs. Alcaraz with a trip down memory lane.
In this episode of THE BIG T, Brad Gilbert welcomes Nick Monroe to the podcast as they slide onto the red clay of Monte Carlo and recap the movers and shakers from Houston, Charleston and Marrakech. From Tommy Paul's fighting spirit and Jess Pegula's back to back dominance to a Rocky Balboa-esque feel-good story, this episode covers it all. Gilbert and Monroe examine Iga Swiatek's mission in Mallorca with new coach Francisco Roig under the watchful eye of the 'King Of Clay' himself, Rafa Nadal. Speaking of 'Rafas,' Rafa Jodar is a topic of interest this week as BG and Nick look into the Spanish phenom's game and his first ATP Tour title. Jodar's opponent in the Marrakech final was the Argentine Marco Trungelliti who against all odds became the oldest first-time ATP Tour finalist since 1969 and became the oldest player in 51 years to make his Top 100 debut. Known for blowing the whistle on match-fixing in 2015, this breakthrough is seen as a major career vindication for the Argentine and Monroe goes deep into this story of redemption and resilience.   Special guest Craig O'Shannessy joins the BIG T as well to explore tennis analytics and how his data driven systems have recently helped Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini overcome rough patches in their game.   Plus, Geoff Chizever brings back the BANK OR SHANK segment and your Fanmail will reveal how players choose their doubles partners.   For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
This week it’s CLAY TIME on the BIG T Podcast. Andrea Petkovic is joined by Charleston’s own Alison Riske-Amritraj as they discuss the annual transition from the hard courts to the clay. The hosts talk about their own struggles - and successes - on the ‘dirt’ and which players benefit most on both the European red clay and the less common ‘green’ version played in the USA.  Special guest Jessica Pegula joins the show and explains why winning the Credit One Charleston Open title in 2025 was one of her biggest goals.  Pegula discusses why ‘staying true to herself’ was something she had to learn as she climbed the ranks on the WTA Tour.  She also talks about THE PLAYERS BOX podcast she hosts with Madison Keys, Jennifer Brady, and Desirae Krawczyk, and even shares why she misses arguing with umpires! The episode wraps up with viewer fanmail, including a video submission from a familiar face who’s never been to Charleston and wants advice on what to do there.  Then Petko and Ali give their ‘Quarter Season Awards’ to their favorite players and moments from the start of the 2026 Tennis Season.  For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
We kickoff this episode of THE BIG T with Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey taste testing the $100 Golden Glizzy Caviar Hotdog in Miami where Week Two of tennis action serves up stunning upsets and incredible matchups.   Iga Swiatek parts ways with coaching guru Wim Fissette and Petchey and Petko analyze who could be next for the former World Cup #1. Could THE BIG T’s own Brad Gilbert get a call or will we see a familiar face in Iga’s corner? What would coach Petchey do to fix Iga’s game and help her find the right balance of aggression and defense?   In this episode we also look into the stunning upset of Carlos Alcaraz at the hands of Seb Korda.  American phenom, Iva Jovic joins Andrea Petkovic to discuss her first full season on the WTA Tour. She opens up about the new challenges of life on tour, learning to handle losses in a healthier way, and her morning battles vs. her alarm clock and snooze button. Plus, she shares which tennis legend she’d most want to sit down with for dinner. A candid conversation with one of the game’s most exciting young prospects.   João Fonseca’s forehand is already one of the most talked-about shots in tennis — but how does it stack up against… everything else? In this episode, Mark Petchey puts Andrea Petkovic through a hilarious challenge: choosing between Fonseca’s forehand and a series of unique options — from a $100 caviar hot dog to a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick. A fun, unpredictable segment that shows a lighter side of tennis debate.   Is Jannik Sinner Too “Robotic”? Fonseca’s Take Sparks Debate Did João Fonseca just sum up Jannik Sinner’s game — or oversimplify it? Petchey and Petko react to Fonseca’s comments comparing Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, suggesting that Alcaraz brings more variety while Sinner plays a more “robotic” style. Is that an accurate assessment — or is there a better way to describe Sinner’s relentless, precise approach? A thoughtful breakdown of two of the biggest stars shaping the future of tennis. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
The Big T ventures east from Indian Wells to Miami for the second leg of the 'Sunshine Double' as hosts Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey are on location to check the temperature on all the breaking news and developments in the tennis world. Can Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka complete the tough task of winning back to back 1000's or will it be Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina's turn in the Magic City? Our duo also discusses if the Sabalenka vs Rybakina rivalry is the new BIG-THING in tennis. Speaking of the World #1, our special guest is Sabalenka's high-performance coach, Jason Stacy, the man behind her championship mindset and fitness level. Stacy's book, THE PRESSURE CODE explores the habits of elite performers and how managing emotions and pressure can lead to better success on and off the court. This interview features a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to compete — and win — at the highest level. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
Men's Champion, Jannik Sinner joins THE BIG T Podcast, Live from the BNP PARIBAS OPEN as hosts Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and Mark Petchey recap an epic Championship Sunday from Indian Wells. Plus we look ahead to the Miami Open to see if Sabalenka and Sinner can complete the 'Sunshine Double' or if Rybakina, Mensik and Alcaraz can take the crown. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
The Championship Showdowns in the desert are set! In this DROP SHOT edition of THE BIG T Brad Gilbert and Coco Vandeweghe dissect and analyze the Women's Final between Sabalenka and Rybakina and the Men's Final between Sinner and Medvedev. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
Brad Gilbert and Mark Petchey unite for a rapid fire, ‘Drop Shot’ edition of the Big T, live at the BNP Paribas Open. The coaching tandem analyzes the upcoming hard-hitting final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, a rematch of the Australian Open Women’s Final. Plus, BG and Petch reveal how they would coach Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev respectively in their upcoming Semi-Finals against the favored Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.Gilbert and Petchey also dissect the the re-invention of Alcaraz’s serve and how some mechanical tweaks have made it one of the most improved shots in tennis history. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
This DROPSHOT version of THE BIG T breaks down an epic day of tennis featuring 8 QF's matchups with the likes of Sinner, Alcaraz, Zverev and Sabalenka advancing. We also dissect Elina Svitolina's upset of Iga Swiatek. Hosts Brad Gilbert and Mark Petchey break down the key moments and preview the Women's Semi-Finals from a coaches perspective. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
Hosts Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and guest-host Chris Eubanks go live from the Paradise Pavilion at the BNP Paribas Open to recap the biggest stories from week one and look ahead to how week two is shaping up.Special guest Joao Fonseca stops by to talk about his early round success and the excitement of Brazilian fans following him worldwide. Fonseca also provides a scouting report on the Brazilian National Team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.Eubanks and Coco resume their friendly rivalry and convince BG to weight in on if they’ve ever gotten aggressive during a match or in warmups. Plus a special segment with the fans who serve up questions for our hosts including what to do when your club team gets too serious with spreadsheets and data. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
The BIG T is in the heart of Tennis Paradise this week as Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and Mark Petchey provide a first look at the main draws. Can Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva repeat or will Alcaraz, Sinner, Sabalenka or Iga reign supreme in the desert? Gilbert also weighs in on which American has the best chance of winning it all while Petch and Coco offer their predictions and analysis of the draws.   Former US OPEN and Indian Wells champ, Bianca Andreescu joins the podcast to discuss her mental and physical resurgence along with her off court cooking skills.   American star, Sebi Korda also visits THE BIG T to talk about his recent victory in Delray and having momentum heading into this tournament. BG, Coco and Petch talk to Seb about his recent engagement and what life is like as part of a successful sports family. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
On this episode, US Tennis legend and International Tennis Hall Of Fame President Patrick McEnroe joins THE BIG T to dissect the current state of US Tennis and look ahead to Roger Federer's Hall Of Fame Induction this coming summer.   McEnroe, Brad Gilbert and guest Co-Host, Alison Riske Amritraj also discuss the impact of tennis rivalries throughout history with Borg vs. McEnroe, Chrissy vs. Martina, Sampras vs. Agassi and now Alcaraz vs. Sinner.   Plus, Gilbert and Riske- Amritraj examine the rise of analytics in tennis.   For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes. Tennis Channel Stream every ATP & WTA match live & on-demand. Download the Tennis Channel App or go to tennischannel.com 🔥
On this episode of THE BIG T, Brad Gilbert, Andrea Petkovic and Coco Vandeweghe unite to recap a busy week of WTA and ATP action from Doha, Dallas and Rotterdam and look ahead to Delray and Dubai. BG, Petko and Coco V lean into Karolina Muchova as tennis' biggest 'WHAT IF' talent with coaching insight on how her opponents have beaten her in the past. Our trio explores Ben Shelton vs Taylor Fritz and which player will be the #1 American by end of the calendar year.   Coach BG also gives us his ideal roadmap for how he would coach and navigate a Serena Williams comeback in 2026. Coco V, Petko and Brad also weigh in on Mboko's meteoric rise and if her ceiling as a player is higher than Coco Gauff's?   Plus a dynamic edition of BANK OR SHANK and a spicy CODE VIOLATIONS segment make this a 'Can't Miss' episode.   For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
On this episode, hosts Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey brace themselves for a potential Serena Williams comeback which could happen as early as Feb 22. Petchey and Petko also dig deep into the heated rivalry between tennis legend, Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and Patrick Mouratoglou, who have a difference of opinion on the best players of today vs. the top players 10-20 years ago. Plus, 'Petch and Petko' look at the recent success of British stars Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠⁠⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
In this episode, Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and Daniel Collins join forces to recap the epic SF’s and Finals of the Australian Open. Coco, who was live and court-side for the Women’s Final, dissects the hard hitting Rybakina vs. Sabalenka match where no ball was left unharmed.Gilbert and the Girl-Gang duo also dig into the epic Men’s Semi-Finals where both Alcaraz and Djokovic narrowly prevailed in historic 5-setters to meet in a thrilling final where the young Spaniard edged the undisputed GOAT for his 7th Slam.This episode also features the debut of our BANK OR SHANK segment where our hosts debate today’s most intriguing scenarios: 1- Will Sabalenka and Swiatek win 10 Majors 2- Will Novak Djokovic reach another Slam Final? 3- Will Iva Jovic or Learner Tien enter  the top 10 in 2026?Last but definitely not least, get your Super Bowl predictions from a unique tennis POV! For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
In this episode of THE BIG T, Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey gather in the sweltering temperatures of Melbourne where top seeds Sabalenka, Alcaraz and Sinner continue to bring the heat and the next generation of stars have emerged.Petch and Petko dissect phenoms Learner Tien and Iva Jovic, the two breakout stars of AO. Tien’s tennis IQ and mindset are at the forefront of this conversation while Jovic seeks mentorship and wisdom from Novak Djokovic. Additionally, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber joins best-friend, ‘Petko’ on the podcast to reminisce about her Australian Open victory over Serena Williams 10 years ago. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel⁠ or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
In this episode, hosts Mark Petchey and Andrea Petkovic gather in the heart of the Australian Open which has become tennis’ version of Disneyland for fans, players and the entire industry.  'Petch' and 'Petko' have been calling matches down-under and describe their awe of Novak Djokovic’s current form with unprecedented ball striking from his first round match. Our hosts will not be shocked if the GOAT captures his 25th SLAM and ruins the duopoly of Sinner and Alcaraz. Also, since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, Petchey and Petko dissect Carlos Alcaraz’s newest serve technique modeled after the aforementioned Djokovic who made similar changes to his mechanics early in his career as well.  Plus, Iga Swiatek’s wardrobe malfunction brings back memories for Andrea and Mark who take us behind the scenes of kits that have caused fits over the years with some stories about Andy Murray and Roger Federer being picky and precise.  Lastly, our special guest onsite is the newest member of the millionaire club as 1-Point Slam winner Jordan Smith joins The BIg T to recap his memorable win and what comes next in his life.  For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
On this episode of THE BIG T, WTA star Danielle 'DANIMAL' Collins joins hosts Brad Gilbert and Coco Vandeweghe to predict the winners and sleepers for the upcoming Australian Open , AKA' The Happy Slam.'  Collins and Vandeweghe also reveal some of their biggest pet peeves on and off the court plus, does Brad have what it takes to coach Danielle? Would he survive the experience?   This episode is available starting January 14th. New episodes will be released every Wednesday. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
On this premiere episode on THE BIG T, hosts Brad Gilbert, Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey dive right into the biggest topic in tennis today which is the split between World #1 Carlos Alcaraz and longtime coach Carlos Ferrero. Gilbert, who has coached World #1’s Andrea Agassi and Andy Roddick, speaks from experience and reveals the complexity of coaching contracts in tennis while Petchey, former coach of Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu gets emotional over the vulnerable relationship between players and coaches where sacrifice often doesn’t match loyalty.   Also, host Andrea Petkovic and Gilbert also explore the next phase of Ferrero’s career and the possibility of him coaching a WTA player?  Will any top 20 players be sliding into Juan Carlos’ DM’s for a chance to be coached by the top coaching free agent available today?   In this episode we will also include the interview with World #1 Carlos Alcaraz, conducted just prior to his split with Ferrero as Petko caught up with him during an off-season Exhibition match in Miami against Joao Fonseca.   THE BIG T podcast will be available January 7th and new episodes will be released every Wednesday. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
loading
Comments