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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
486 Episodes
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WTA coach Sandra Zaniewska joins the podcast for a great conversation about life on tour, as she has guided Marta Kostyuk to another successful season. Zaniewska reveals how the pair have handled the ups and downs of a grueling tennis season, and why having continuity is a valuable tool at the pro level. The coach also gives her thoughts on coaches wearing microphones, how she has to be an expert planner, and why you can't be too rigid when there are unpredictable moments in her line of work. And Zaniewska discusses what's next for Kostyuk and why she takes pride in being a strong representation for female coaches in pro tennis. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Journalist Molly McElwee is the guest on this episode, and she discusses the book she wrote that highlights the different champions that the WTA has produced in the 21st century, and just how unique and different each story is. In "Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women's Tennis," McElwee highlights how there is not one set method to produce a major champion, diving into the backstory and approach to the sport of the women who have made it to the top of the mountain in the grand slams.
The author profiles several champions such as the Williams Sisters, Kim Clijsters who had a renaissance after being a mom, Ashleigh Barty, Aryna Sabalenka and others. Go beyond the pages with this podcast as Molly McElwee reveals how this book was written, and what she learned documenting these incredible and inspirational women's tennis players. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
You can purchase McElwee's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Champions-Success-Womens-Tennis/dp/1913759237 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the trophies at The US Open, and former Top-5 player Jimmy Arias joins the podcast to explain how the major champions achieved their dreams in New York. Arias dives into Alcaraz's serving success, how he's improved his consistency and why he is the only person on the planet that is giving Jannik Sinner serious problems. The broadcaster also reacts to Sinner's comments about needing to adapt, and gives his take on what Novak Djokovic and the rest of the ATP can do to challenge for grand slam titles.
Arias also discusses how Sabalenka has turned her serve into a weapon when it mattered the most, and why she continues to conquer the mental side of tennis as she collects major trophies. The commentator dives into Amanda Anisimova's career resurgence, Jessica Pegula's stellar performance at Flushing Meadows, and how Coco Gauff can overcome her own service issues and remain an elite WTA player. And Arias ends the show by telling a Davis Cup story from his playing days that is too insane to believe! Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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We've reached the semifinal round at the US Open, and journalist Chris Oddo joins the podcast to break down all the drama in New York. The TennisNow and USOpen.org writer recaps Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz, and explains how the Serbian legend continues to reach the business end of slams at age 38. Oddo dives into the brilliance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they advanced to the Final Four with ease, Felix Auger Aliassime's major breakthrough, and the unfortunate fortnight for the American men.
Oddo also dives into the women's draw which has featured plenty of excellent tennis and feel-good storylines. The journalist analyzes how Amanda Anisimova was able to avenge a brutal loss in the Wimbledon Final and defeat Iga Swiatek in New York, and he summarizes why Naomi Osaka's return to the final weekend of a grand slam is something truly special. And Oddo previews all the semifinal matchups including a rematch of last year's women's final as Aryna Sabalenka faces off against Jessica Pegula, and a transcendent, cross-generational matchup between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast to discuss Week 2 at The US Open, where the action has heated up and the matches have featured some serious firepower. Hubbs reacts to Jannik Sinner's brilliance in the 4th Round, and assesses Carlos Alcaraz's chances to stop his Italian rival. The Barstool Sports contributor also discusses Taylor Fritz's role as the lone American left, his chances against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, and what to make of fellow quarterfinalists Alex De Minaur and Felix Auger Aliassime as they prepare for battle.
Hubbs also breaks down Naomi Osaka's dominant win over Coco Gauff, and looks at the four-time major champ's chances to go all the way in New York. He dives into Aryna Sabalenka's insane tiebreak record, Iga Swiatek's impressive form, and American hopefuls Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova, who gets a chance to redeem herself in a rematch of the Wimbledon Final. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The US Open rages on, and journalist Lukas Weese joins the show to recap all the action from New York. The Athletic Live Reporter discusses the tense exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko, Tommy Paul's late night victory, and Coco Gauff's ability to fight through her service woes. Weese also explains why knocking off Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will be a tall task for the field, but if anyone can do it, it's American Ben Shelton.
The journalist also breaks down Iga Swiatek's close victory in Round 2, Karolina Muchova's eclectic game, and the Jasmine Paolini being the subject of one of the greatest sports photos ever. And Weese analyzes Novak Djokovic's performance through two matches, and debates whether the Serbian can contend for the US Open title. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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The 2025 US Open is underway, and Mitch is joined by Anastasia Folorunso to break down all of the early action. The host of the "Ground Pass" podcast reacts to the Alexandra Eala's comeback win, Renata Zarazua pulling off a stunning upset over Madison Keys, and Daniil Medvedev's antics in a losing effort vs Benjamin Bonzi. Folorounso also dives into Carlos Alcaraz's new buzzcut, Novak Djokovic's form in his opening round win, and Holger Rune's emotionally-charged win in Round 1.
The podcast host also explains her strategy when attending the early rounds at Flushing Meadows, and shares which matches captivated her up close and in person. Folorunso dives into the best fashion trends, along with which female contenders can make a claim for the crown in New York. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Leif Shiras returns to the show to recap the Cincinnati Open, which saw Carlos Alcaraz outlast the heat as Jannik Sinner retired in the final. Shiras weighs on the brutal Midwest conditions, what it means for Sinner as he heads to the year's final major, and how this title can give Alcaraz the boost he needs. The broadcaster also explains what makes Iga Swiatek so dangerous after she notched another big title in the Queen City, and why Aryna Sabalenka's schedule is a fascinating subplot heading into New York.
Shiras also looks at the top contenders heading into The US Open, and examines whether Novak Djokovic will be in form as he aims for major title number 25. The commentator looks at the potential of Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper on the men's side, and dives into female contenders Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, who just parted ways with her coach. And Shiras gives his thoughts on the brand-new US Open Mixed Doubles event, which has been a smash hit in terms of popularity. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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We have a special interview on the podcast, on the launch day of a brand new tennis initiative that will elevate the game at all levels. USTA Coaching is the groundbreaking platform invests, educates, supports and rewards coaches at all levels, and we are delighted to be joined by CEO Craig Morris and Managing Director/Head of Business Development and Operations Megan Rose for an interview all about this exciting new project.
Morris and Rose explain why the USTA decided this massive coaching project was a worthy initiative, how it will grow the game at all levels, and why this program will lead to increased participation in tennis in all areas of this great country. The executives share some of their own personal stories, discuss several innovative features with USTA Coaching, and dive into this game-changing platform in great detail in this wonderful conversation. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis commentator Jason Goodall joins the podcast to discuss all the action from the North American Hard Court Swing, fresh off the heels of Victoria Mboko and Ben Shelton winning their first Masters 1000 Titles in Canada. Goodall recaps how the teenager Mboko was able to go all the way on home soil, and looks at where finalist Naomi Osaka heads from here. The broadcaster also dives into Ben Shelton's breakthrough and consistency, and highlights the areas in which the American has made the biggest strides with his game.
Goodall turns his attention to Cincinnati, where he's on site calling matches at the new and massively upgraded venue in Mason, Ohio. The commentator discusses the returns of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz and the differences they possess in their elite skillsets, as well as what to expect from WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after some time off. And Goodall dives into several of the game's top storylines such as Novak Djokovic's lack of match preparation, Daniil Medvedev's struggles, and the competitive drive that Coco Gauff takes with her to the match courts. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Pro player Asia Muhammad joins the podcast to discuss her journey on the tennis court, and how she has become one of the premier doubles players in the world. Muhammad explains why she gravitated towards tennis in an extremely athletic family, and why growing up in Las Vegas helped propel her towards a career in the sport. Muhammad goes into detail about her time spent with various partners such as Taylor Townsend and Jessica Pegula, and reveals how her current partnership with Demi Schuurs has led to several titles in 2025.
The American also gets candid about the current state of doubles and the new US Open Mixed Doubles format, as well as her general approach to life on tour. Muhammad reveals several interests off the court, and sheds light on how she's been able to play the best tennis of her career during the last few seasons. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Former pro and current commentator Vicky Duval joins the podcast for a lengthy chat about the Canadian Open, where local prodigy Victoria Mboko is arriving on the big-time after a win over Coco Gauff. Duval discusses Mboko's impressive game, and dives into Clara Tauson's performance in an upset victory over Iga Swiatek. The broadcaster also weighs in on Madison Keys' fighting spirit, Elina Svitolina's renewed confidence, and Naomi Osaka's momentum in Canada after making a coaching switch.
In the men's event, Duval dives into Taylor Fritz competitive drive after he advanced in a grueling three-set match with Jiri Lehecka. The former WTA pro also analyzes Ben Shelton's powerhouse style of play, Alex De Minaur's mobility, and whether top-seed Alexander Zverev or rising American Alex Michelsen can go the distance in Toronto. And Duval discusses her own tennis career, and the path that led her to the broadcast booth at Tennis Channel. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Former ATP pro Bradley Klahn joins the podcast to recap an action-filled Citi Open, as Alex De Minaur and Leylah Fernandez took home the hardware in Washington D.C.. Klahn examines De Minaur's ability to stay in the fight, and analyzes how Alejandro Davidovich Fokina can overcome another tough loss as he pursues his first career title. The broadcaster also dives into what is next for Naomi Osaka and Stefanos Tsitsipas after each decided to change coaches.
Klahn also reacts to Alexander Bublik winning yet another clay-court tournament and reinventing himself in 2025. And the 2010 National Champion previews the Canadian Open, highlighting whether top-seed Alexander Zverev, Americans Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz or another player can make an impact in the Great White North. And on the women's side, Klahn assesses Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova and others as they begin their run-up to the US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nick Lester makes his debut on the podcast to discuss his journey from player to elite broadcaster. Lester examines some of his favorite matches and moments on the call, and lists off the players that might be able to contend with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the near future. The commentator also analyzes Holger Rune turning to Andre Agassi for answers, and questions whether several player are being forced to look for answers to compete at the top of the game.
Lester shares his thoughts on the tennis schedule after the long list of withdrawals from The Canadian Open, and takes a look at the future of Novak Djokovic after he reached his 900th week in the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings. It's a lively conversation with one of the top broadcasters in the business that will have you primed for the North American hard court swing. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Chanda Rubin joins the podcast to recap the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, which saw Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek reign supreme over the competition on the grass. Rubin explains how Swiatek performed flawlessly against Amanda Anisimova in the final, and how the Polish superstar was able to breakthrough on the surface that gave her the most trouble. The current Tennis Channel commentator also reviews how Sinner was able to best Carlos Alcaraz to win Wimbledon, and how the World No. 1 was able to overcome last month's heartbreak in Paris to secure another major title.
Rubin shares her thoughts on Novak Djokovic's level and motivation after another tough semifinal loss, and looks at which men and women can challenge the players currently standing atop the tennis mountain. And the broadcaster discusses Caty McNally's grass court title in Newport, Alexander Zverev seeking some counsel from Toni Nadal, and the transition to the hard courts with the US Open on the horizon. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Daily Express tennis writer Yasmin Syed joins the podcast to discuss the final stages of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, with an unlikely women's final set for Saturday. Syed recaps how Amanda Anisimova was able to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka, and how the American has built to this brilliant run in London. The journalist also anlayzes Iga Swiatek's big breakthrough on the grass, and predicts how the women's championship match will unfold.
Syed also dives into Jannik Sinner's impressive win over Ben Shelton, and assesses whether Novak Djokovic has the goods to defeat the Italian in the semifinals. The writer also previews an epic semifinal showdown between Taylor Fritz and Carlos Alcaraz, and explains what the American must do to stand a chance against the reigning two-time Wimbledon champion. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Barstool Hubbs is back on the podcast to recap a wild first round at Wimbledon, where seeds fell left and right in both the men's and women's draws. Hubbs reacts to the shocking upsets that sent Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula packing, and explains what's wrong with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev as they crash out as well. The guys dive into Carlos Alcaraz's tricky first round match, Novak Djokovic's path to another major title, and why Taylor Fritz and the other American men remaining can be dangerous going forward.
Hubbs also assesses the women's draw, which features Aryna Sabalenka as the favorite in a tricky section. The fellas discuss Amanda Anisimova's potential, Iga Swiatek's improved form, and debate whether Mirra Andreeva or past champions Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova can find a way to advance deep at The All-England Club. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis.com and VSIN Gambling Writer Zachary Cohen joins the show for a Wimbledon update, where the seeds continue to fall. Cohen analyzes how Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have been able to have success, and he looks at the form of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as they advance in the draw. The writer also weighs in on Joao Fonseca's third round loss, and comments made by Stefanos Tsitsipas' new coach Goran Ivanisevic.
Cohen goes in depth on the women's results at Wimbledon as well, reacting to the upset losses suffered by Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka. He also discusses why Iga Swiatek has found her footing on grass, Aryna Sabalenka's chances, and whether past champions Elena Rybakina and Barbora Krejcikova can re-capture some magic at The All England Club. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Brett Connors returns to the podcast to dive into all the drama at Wimbledon, where the chase for the titles is on at The All England Club. Connors recaps the unfortunate events that led to Grigor Dimitrov retiring and Jannik Sinner advancing to the quarterfinals, and explains what to expect from the Italian as he prepares to battle rising American star Ben Shelton at less than full health. The host of "Advantage Connors" also examines Novak Djokovic's chances for a 25th major, Carlos Alcaraz's supremacy on the grass, and whether Taylor Fritz is a legit contender to go all the way in London.
Connors also discusses how Aryna Sabalenka was able to fend off Laura Siegemund and reach the semifinals, and explains why it finally be the Belarussian's time at Wimbledon. The podcast host and tennis producer dives into Iga Swiatek's newfound game on the grass, Mirra Andreeva's ability to bounce back after Roland Garros, and American Amanda Anisimova's fortitude as she reaches the final four. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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ESPN's leading tennis broadcaster Chris Fowler joins the show to discuss his passion for the game, and his admiration for the athletes that compete on the highest level. Fowler explains his love connection with the sport, and how he jumped at the chance to be a part of his network's tennis coverage, learning along the way from some of the best and brightest broadcast partners in the history of the game. The commentator also explains what it was like from his vantage point to call the rise of the "Big 3" era, and what he sees in Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner that give him faith in the next great tennis rivalry.
Fowler also goes in depth about the top storylines and subplots heading into Wimbledon 2025, and analyzes whether Novak Djokovic or any other man can challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. He also goes in depth about a wide open women's field in London, and reflects on some of his favorite matches that he has called in the broadcast booth. It's a powerful chat with a pro's pro in Chris Fowler, who has established himself as a premier voice in both college football and tennis. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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