Claim OwnershipThe Inside-In Tennis Podcast
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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
524 Episodes
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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.
The Australian Open rages on, and Barstool Sports' Eric Hubbs returns to the podcast to dissect all the madness in Melbourne. Hubbs recaps Stan Wawrinka's emotional win, the newfound consistency of Alexander Bublik, and how Daniil Medvedev rallied from two sets down to book a rematch with upstart American Learner Tien. The sports commentator also analyzes the breakthrough of young American Ethan Quinn, Tommy Paul's chances against Carlos Alcaraz, and whether Novak Djokovic, Ben Shelton or someone else is the third favorite in the men's draw after Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
And in the women's draw, Hubbs reacts to the brilliant performance of Victoria Mboko. Hubbs assesses Mboko's chances against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and marvels at the youth movement the Canadian is leading in Melbourne alonside Iva Jovic and Mirra Andreeva. The Barstool Sports personality also weighs in on Naomi Osaka's tense R2 encounter, Yulia Putinseva's post-match celebration, and the number of American women still alive in Australia. The guys finish the episode by previewing the big matches coming up as The Australian Open continues. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Daily Express Senior Tennis Writer Yasmin Syed joins the podcast from Melbourne to recap the opening round of the 2026 Australian Open, where Novak Djokovic looks as fit as ever as he pursues Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the title. Syed examines Stan Wawrinka's form and attitude as he competes in his final tournament down under, and reacts to Joao Fonseca's early exit at the hands of Eliot Spizzirri. The journalist assesses whether Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul or another American make a run down under, and reflects on Gael Monfils' final Australian Open.
On the women's side, Syed predicts which player can challenge World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Syed dives into Amanda Anisimova's excellent form, Iga Swiatek's chances, and Naomi Osaka's outfit that captivated the entire tennis world. And Syed breaks down Viktoria Mboko's ability to contend right now, before previewing all the exciting matchups in Round 2 of The Australian Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The first major of the year is upon us, and gambling experts Zachary Cohen and Kenny Ducey join the show to break down the men's and women's singles draws for the 2026 Australian Open. The analysts discuss Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's status as overwhelming favorites, and look at whether Novak Djokovic has enough magic left in his racket for one more glorious run. Cohen and Ducey break down whether Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton or other contenders can emerge, and list their favorite first round matchups.
And on the women's side, the gambling gurus assess Aryna Sabalenka's path to another title in Melbourne. The fellas discuss whether Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are on serious upset alert, they weigh in on Amanda Anisimova's chances to capture her first slam, and look at a list of potential contenders that include Elena Rybakina, defending champ Madison Keys, and newcomer Victoria Mboko. 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.
Lorenzo Musetti joins for an exclusive chat about his breakout 2025, and why he will continue to push his own limits and chase the very best players in the game. The Italian opens up about his aggressive and flashy style of play, how his growing family continues to motivate him, and why winning an epic ATP Finals match over Alex De Minaur in Turin was a signature moment in his young career. The newly-minted Top 5 player also explains why he's always had an interest in fashion, and why he's extremely excited to take part in the MGM Slam in Las Vegas on March 1.
And then Leif Shiras recaps the first week of the 2026 season, which featured some terrific action and drama. Shiras discusses Aryna Sabalenka's brilliance in Brisbane, Daniil Medvedev's successful start to the year, and Alexander Bublik finding his rightful place in the winner's circle yet again. The commentator also reflects on Poland's triumph at the United Cup, analyzes Coco Gauff notching another win over Iga Swiatek, and examines whether Novak Djokovic could be embarking on his final Australian Open in a few days. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Joao Fonseca has been captivating tennis fans across the world since his first pro match in 2023. The Brazilian sensation joins the podcast to discuss his first tennis memories, how he's adjusted to the pro tour as a teenager, and explain his plans to achieve greatness and his goal of the No. 1 ATP ranking. Fonseca also recounts his first meeting with Roger Federer, and taking part in "The MGM Slam," an eight-person event in Las Vegas on March 1.
And Brett Connors previews the start of the 2026 season, which begins with the shocking breakup between Carlos Alcaraz and his former coach Juan Carlos Ferraro. Connors looks at which contenders could challenge Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the early results in the United Cup, and Stan Wawrinka's impressive beginning to his final season on tour. The co-host of "Advantage Connors" also predicts the WTA champions this year, and discusses how "Garage Tales" with his dad Jimmy Connors became a smash hit. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Young American Ethan Quinn joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about the beginning of his career, and how he's found his game and identity in the ultra competitive world of pro tennis. Quinn details how he thoroughly attacks his off-season, and goes in depth of the mentorship he's received from players such as Tommy Paul. The young ATP player dives into the stakes at play when Americans face off against each other, and recalls his experience facing Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona, during a pivotal moment of his 2025 breakthrough.
Quinn dives into how he honed his forehand into one of the top weapons in the game, and explains why the serve was always a priority for his development. The American also goes in depth into his interests away from the court and his passion for the University of Georgia, where he won an NCAA Singles title as a freshman. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Kate Daggett is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of CourtsApp, a new company that aims to make it easier than ever to book a tennis court and get in the game. She joins the podcast to discuss how tennis entered her orbit, and how this idea was born in frustration, a frustration that she hopes to eliminate with this exciting endeavor. Daggett dives into steps CourtsApp has taken work with clubs and players, why it has entered the Pickleball space as well, and the value the game of tennis has provided to her in other areas of her life. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Jason Stacy has been a mainstay on the tennis tour for several decades, and with work with World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has been groundbreaking. He joins the podcast to discuss his path to becoming one of the most respected high performance coaches in the game, and why he is constantly looking at problems and challenges from a different lens than his peers. Stacy goes in depth about his process for building trust with his players, and details the steps that Aryna Sabalenka took under his tutelage to have her major breakthrough, and become the best player in the world.
Stacy explains his philosophy on working as both a fitness and mental coach, and outlines the pillars of his teaching, "The Three E's," which are emotions, energy and environment. The accomplished grappler in his spare time dives into the similarities between jujitsu and tennis, the unpredictable variables that make the sport unique, and why he has decided to write a book on his coaching philosophy, aptly titled "The Pressure Code." Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Alexandra Stevenson joins the show to recap the WTA season, and discuss how each of the top players made their mark in 2025. Stevenson explains why Amanda Anisimova was the story of the tennis world this calendar year, and how the American has worked on her physical and mental sides to become a premier player. The analyst also assesses if Aryna Sabalenka's year was unfulfilled, dives into Iga Swiatek's growth on the court, and evaluates Coco Gauff's season which featured a Roland Garros Title and the decision to totally revamp her serve.
Stevenson weighs in on Americans Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula, and explains why every young player should study Italian Jasmine Paolini. And the former WTA vet lists the players she expects to keep climbing up the rankings in 2026, headlined by teenage sensation Victoria Mboko. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Cracked Racquets provides coverage of pro, college and junior tennis like nobody else in the industry. Their CEO and founder Dalton Thieneman joins the podcast to explain how the company was created, and in less than a decade became a destination for fans of the game. Thieneman explains the company's approach to broadcasting, and dives into their revolutionary "CrossCourt Cast" that enhances and expands college match broadcasts like never before.
The CEO shares his own personal story as well, which features a day job as a lobbyist in the state of Indiana. Cracked Racquets features several successful podcasts, partnerships with ESPN and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, and has added pickleball and volleyball broadcasts to their catalog. Listen to Dalton Thieneman, the man behind the media juggernaut. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The Cranbook Tennis Classic has become one of the top events on the Challenger Tour, and founder David DeMuth joins the podcast to explain why he embarked on such a passionate journey to bring the pro game to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. DeMuth discusses how the idea came to be, why the location is a perfect fit, and how in three short years the tournament has become one of the best on the calendar. With several upstart players competing such as 2024 champion Learner Tien, DeMuth shares some professional and personal stories about the impact that The Cranbook Tennis Classic has had on his community.
David DeMuth is also the CEO at Doner Partners, and he has a highly successful career in marketing and advertising. The executive discusses how he uses his professional skills to help with his new tennis venture, and why telling the stories of players at the Challenger Level can be very valuable. The Cranbook Tennis Classic returns in the summer of 2026, and DeMuth pulls back the curtain on what really goes into putting on a pro tournament. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Texas A&M coach Steve Denton joins the podcast for a lengthy conversation about his time as the Texas A&M men's tennis coach, and he's built one of the premier programs in college tennis in the past two decades. Denton explains what he looks for in players, the value of teaching an all-court game, and why they've been able to churn out several pros including former Doubles No. 1 Austin Krajicek and cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech, who met in the Shanghai Masters Final in 2025.
The coach also gets candid about his own pro career, which saw him reach No. 12 in the world in singles and reach two Australian Open Finals. Denton looks back on the day he beat John McEnroe, and explains why getting into coaching was the right decision for him. It's an all encompassing chat with one of the best and most renowned coaches in college tennis, so listen intently! Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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John Lloyd joins the podcast for an all-encompassing chat about the state of pro tennis, and how Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner continue to dominate the men's game. Lloyd examines the depth at the top of the sport, and explains why he's in favor of eliminating Best of 5 matches entirely. The former British No. 1 also reacts to Roger Federer's selection to be the newest International Hall of Fame member, and discusses who else deserves serious consideration. And as a former Davis Cup player and captain for Great Britain, Lloyd makes an impassioned plea for a complete reboot of the event. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Patrick Kypson joins the podcast to recap his sensational second half of the 2025 season, which included four Challenger Titles after a career-high ranking. Kypson recounts how he was able to lock in and win the USTA's Australian Open Wild Card Challenge, which gives him a spot in the main draw at next year's slam in Melbourne. The American explains how he was able to analyze and improve his game while injured, the reason why he enjoys playing on the clay, and why attacking and moving forward is crucial in the modern game.
Kypson also dives into his North Carolina roots, which included a tough choice between tennis and a budding ice hockey career. The pro reveals how he stays calm on the court, his method for measuring success that does not include wins and losses, and what his hobbies are when he gets some down time. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The 2025 season is over, and Hall of Famer writer Steve Flink joins the show to recap the ATP Finals and the year's top storylines. Flink analyzes how Jannik Sinner was able to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in Turin, and explains why the Italian is so tough to beat on indoor hard courts. The journalist examines the Italian's commitment to evolve, the gap between the top two and their peers, and how Novak Djokovic will adjust to his new position off of the top of the tennis mountain in 2026. And Flink assesses Felix Auger-Aliassime's first Top 5 ranking, and the state of American tennis.
As someone who's written for many of the biggest tennis publications in the world, Flink has established himself as one of the most credible voices in the game. He recounts how he discovered a love for tennis, his first jobs in the industry, and what he learned from legendary mentors Bud Collins and John Barrett. The Hall of Famer even shares his favorite memory of the Davis Cup on this informative episode of Inside-In. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Eliot Spizzirri appears on this episode of the podcast to discuss his path to the pros, and how he has able to have a breakthrough season in 2025 and reach his career high ranking. Spizzirri recounts when his junior tennis career got serious, his crucial development years in college with the Texas Longhorns, and the unforgettable experience practicing with his idol Roger Federer. The American explains the emotions of competing in his first US Open, and the ultimate thrill in 2024 of winning three qualifying matches to reach the main draw, which received a congratulations from Matthew McConaughey.
Spizzirri sheds light on what it takes to succeed in pro tennis, and the areas of his game he worked to improve as he rose up the ranks. The winner of the 2023 ITA All-American Championships also dives into what it's like facing the best in the sport, why he's benefited from fellow Americans who have offered advice, and what it's like having a twin brother who's an elite squash player, and equally competitive. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Journalist and Host Nick McCarvel joins the podcast for thorough discussion about the 2025 tennis season, and his many roles covering the game. McCarvel explains the differences at each of the four tennis majors, and looks back at the emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal at this year's Roland Garros. The journalist also shares his thoughts on the Sinner/Alcaraz rivalry and their place as the new leaders of the game, why it's a special bonus to have legends like Andre Agassi involved in the sport yet again.
McCarvel also looks at the outstanding season on the WTA, which saw Amanda Anisimova's rise to the top and more terrific tennis from Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. He examines where tennis coverage can improve, discusses his work with the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and why the Olympics hold a special place in McCarvel's heart. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nick Monroe joins the podcast to recap Elena Rybakina's dominant triumph at the WTA Finals, where she won every match to claim the final title of the women's season. Monroe also breaks down how Novak Djokovic was able to battle past Lorenzo Musetti in Athens, and the the 24-time major champion's subsequent decision to withdraw from the ATP Finals. The broadcaster looks at what makes Learner Tien so special after he won his first career title in Metz, and explains why this crop of American men continues to push each other to be better.
Monroe discusses all the action taking place at The ATP Finals, where Jannik Sinner is receiving a hero's welcome in Italy and Carlos Alcaraz is one match away from clinching year-end No. 1. The former doubles pro looks at whether Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alexander Zverev or the rest of the field can challenge the top two, or if another Alcaraz/Sinner showdown is looming in the final match of the season. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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