🎾 Breaking Back – Episode GuideTitle: US Open 2025: Taylor Townsend Steals the Show Amid Honey Deuce Highs & Weed-Filled SkiesEpisode OverviewThe first week of the 2025 US Open had it all: big serves, big drama, and bigger cocktails. In this episode, the Breaking Back crew dives into the chaos and color of tennis’ final slam of the year.What We Cover:Taylor Townsend vs. Jelena Ostapenko – the fiery net-side clash that lit up Ashe and why Townsend’s calm response stole the headlines.Weed in the Air, Honey in the Cups – how $12 million in Honey Deuces (and a contact high or two) define the modern US Open experience.Medvedev’s $42,500 Meltdown – racket smashes, court delays, and why Daniil’s patience snapped.Sinner’s Recovery & Coco’s Struggles – questions around fitness, form, and the odds that shifted overnight.Fashion Court – from Lacoste’s GOAT merch sellout to Coco’s New Balance jacket, the brands making waves.Fan Hacks – how to beat the lines, find the shortest Honey Deuce stand, and skip the subway squeeze.Why Listen:Week 1 served up as much tension as tennis — and we’ve got the hot takes, laughs, and insider tips you won’t hear on ESPN.
In S2 E1 we discuss BREAKING NEWS about Simona Halep's retirement, the Davis Cup drama between Cristian Garin and ZZ Bergs, and the lackluster and poorly kitted Australian Open highlighted by media antics more than on-court action.
Meet Natalie Cutter, a Boston native whose love for sports started at age 4, wielding a tennis racket at a Greensboro, NC sports camp. From playing to coaching, her days were filled with tennis, cheering for Roger Federer, making NFL game picks, and catching Red Sox and Patriots games—sports has always been her world. Fast forward to 2023, Natalie graduated from Wake Forest (GO DEACS!) with a double major in Economics and Psychology earning High Honors for her fascinating thesis exploring how betting markets responded to the introduction of the serve clock in tennis. Since then, Natalie’s presented her research at the Eastern Economics Association for the North American Association of Sports Economics and working on getting her study published in the Journal of Sports Betting. In this episode, we chat about her journey from tennis courts to academic conferences, what sparked her interest in sports economics, and how her work could change the way we think about betting markets. Whether you’re a tennis fan, sports nerd, or just curious about the numbers behind the game, this is a conversation you’ll love.
Norm and Peter break down the most upset-filled week one of Wimbledon's 148 year history, where the sharp money is going at SW19—and how you can get in on it.They’re joined by Natalie Cutter, betting guru and gambling aficionado, who drops serious intel on unique player props and actionable data to outwit the books this fortnight.Plus, John Butler, Executive Director of INTENNSE, shares how this fast-paced, team-based tennis league is transforming the sport with simplified scoring and a fan-first experience.
Today’s guest is René Vidal, head coach of Northern Illinois University’s men’s tennis team and a published author. With a dynamic coaching style and an unstoppable drive for excellence, René embodies a rare spirit of leadership that ignites transformation both on and off the court. His passion, energy, and commitment to greatness have set him apart — and today, we’re uncovering the powerful mindset and principles that make him a true force of inspiration.”
Join us for an insightful and entertaining conversation with the incomparable Canadian tennis journalist, Stephanie Myles. With decades of experience covering the sport, Stephanie has become a trusted voice in tennis media known for her sharp opinions, in-depth analysis, and unparalleled dedication to covering the game. In this episode, we delve into her journey from a budding baseball journalist to a prominent figure in tennis reporting. We discuss her work with Open Court and the challenges of covering a global sport in an ever-changing media landscape. Stephanie also shares anecdotes from her time appearing on television, offering expert commentary and analysis for major tennis events, and what it takes to balance print, online, and broadcast journalism.
Chris introduces us to Brian Drewes, founder of ZERO VFX, a visual effects and creative studio specializing in high-quality visual effects for film. Some of their work includes “Gran Turismo,” “Black Mass,” and “The Equalizer.” Brian takes us behind the scenes of “Challengers,” a film about three star-crossed lovers told through the lens of tennis, a sport that serves as an apt metaphor for internal conflict.
Nathan Roach, Sr. Category Manager at adidas, takes us behind the scenes of the legendary tennis brand where he’s worked for over 14 years. We learn about future predicting colorists and kit design, the logistics of athlete distribution, and the incredibly rich tennis history at adidas, including Billie Jean King’s blue suede shoes.
In E5 we talk all things Wimbledon ahead of the final, namely Djokovic’s meniscus, the meteoric rise of Jasmine Paolini, the cons of on-court coaching and the Americans playing for Old Glory in Paris. We also welcome back prodigal podster, Chris Jennings, who leads us off with his normal non-sequitur, this time adventures in Eagle Rock.
In this episode of “Breaking Back”, Curt Stefan, professional racquet stringer and understudy of the legendary Warren Bosworth, riffs on his first client, Ivan Lendl, Gugga, and the history of polyester string, and how the proper racquet setup can build a player’s confidence and keep them focused on the task at hand -- winning.
John Butler has delivered unparalleled ROI for fans, sponsors, civic partners and the game of tennis via creative and interactive physical programming on-site, on-the-town and in communications to fans and brands around the world. From grassroots ATP Challenger Tour events to top-level ATP Tour spectacles like the Delray Beach Open which John ran for more than three decades, to the charm of ATP Champions Tour legends matches, John has continually innovated to cross market and grow the game’s appeal. In this episode, John talks with Peter and me about the state of tennis and the solution he drafted and shared with leaders from the ATP, Tennis Australia and WTA.
In this episode, we wrap up the Australian Open and discuss how Nicky Kyrgios stole the show. Our guest, Eric Smallwood of Apex Marketing, shares how his firm performs valuations for brand sponsorships in tennis, and how the sale of Tennis Channel could further complicate an already fractured viewing experience.
In our first episode, we preview the year’s first slam, talk Djokovic’s oddly cut clothes, Netflx’s Break Point Season 2, and define what a Hublot watch says about its owner.