The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

The Athletic's Senior Tennis Writer Matthew Futterman joins the show to discuss the release of his new book, which takes a look at the true price of pursuing your dreams at the highest level in tennis. Futterman explains the idea for the book came to be, and why tennis is a uniquely beautiful yet torturing game that has led many of the best players to retire well before their skills have distinguished. The journalist expands on several of the central characters and themes in the book, which include the American male tennis hopefuls, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's quest for immortality, Novak Djokovic in the final stages of a legendary career, and the role of tennis parents in the pro game.

"The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis," is available everywhere on August 4. In this episode Futterman takes you behind the scenes of writing this book, and sheds light on how the current ATP and WTA elite are truly wired. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Podcast host and journalist Mike McIntyre joins the show to preview the National Bank Open, with the entire tennis world heading to Canada for their prestigious 1000 level combined event. McIntyre explains how he became hooked on the sport, and shares some of his favorite memories from witnessing the tournament and covering it for 18 years. The co-host of "Match Point Canada" also examines the absence of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from this year's event, while highlighting the many stars that will be competing this year.

McIntyre shares some of his early observations from the grounds in Toronto where they women are competing, which include Amanda Anisimova reuniting with her coach, and Mirra Andreeva's powerful yet light-hearted approach to practice. The local Canadian also gives his thoughts on Felix Auger-Aliassime's coaching change, Bianca Andreescu's optimism, and the buzz surrounding the arrival of Alexandra Eala at the National Bank Open. And McIntyre answers two poignant questions: Is Jessica Pegula an honorary Canadian? And how do the Mounties select who gets to pose for the trophy? Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Nobody brings the excitement to tennis broadcasting like Robbie Koenig, and he joins the podcast to get you primed and ready for the North American hard court swing. Koenig recaps Austrian teen Lilli Tagger's maiden title, and explains how she's learned from none other than Jannik Sinner in her pursuit of greatness. The commentator also recaps last week's results on tour and explains what Ben Shelton needs to improve in order to keep climbing in the men's game.

Koenig covers a variety of topics including the mental block that Alex De Minaur faces against Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the brutal injury luck that continues to plague Jack Draper. And Koenig looks ahead to the action in Washington D.C. that features a blockbuster R1 clash between Rafael Jodar and Arthur Fils, hometown hero Frances Tiafoe, and more of the game's elite as they begin their march towards to the US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Former WTA Top 25 player Christina McHale joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about the pro game, and how she was able to end her career on her own terms. McHale explains why she decided to make one final tennis push, and what she learned from her return to the court. The 2012 Olympian also dives into the depth on the WTA, and explains why Iva Jovic impressed her firsthand when they practiced together.

McHale dives into topics such as Carlos Alcaraz's return from the same injury she had, and explains what that rehab process is really like. She also recaps the titles won by Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Barbora Krejcikova this past weekend, and explains why Maria Sakkari's run to the finals in Athens was very special. And McHale reacts to all the recent tennis weddings before setting her sights on the race to the US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Sportscaster Adnan Virk joins the show to chat about his unabashed enthusiasm for tennis, and to remind one and all about Roger Federer's greatness. Virk dives into Federer's appearance at this year's Wimbledon and his upcoming induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and engages in a lively debate about the greatest male players in tennis history. The MLB Network broadcaster evaluates Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner's credentials, and laments on Sinner's victorious performance over a very game Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon Final.

It's a unique and passionate conversation with Virk, who weighs on and everything from the ATP doubles dilemma to the current affordability of watching tennis live. Virk shares his thoughts on the women's game, Canadian tennis hopefuls, and his excitement to witness Federer's exhibition doubles match at this year's US Open. And as an expert cinephile, Virk discusses what's trending in the world of movies. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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