The Behind the Racquet with Mike Cation and Noah Rubin
The Behind the Racquet Podcast is the best glimpse you can get in to the ins and outs of professional tennis, told by its players, and voiced by Tennis Star Noah Rubin, and his podcast partner, tennis commentator Mike Cation.
Michael Mmoh is alive and well
As Challenger tennis returns to the US this week in beautiful Cary, North Carolina, Noah and Mike sit down with returning finalist Michael Mmoh to talk about his covid break, how his runs in Cary and Knoxville in 2019 changed his perspective, his long term development, his relationship with his parents, and yes, Frances Tiafoe's note from Saturday that Mike was MIA.
Disclosure: This podcast was recorded outdoors, and socially distanced. We're incredibly thankful to our patreon supporters and others who have allowed for us to have good enough equipment to sit six feet apart from each other, or further, and have a good discussion without having to shout. It's such an incredible luxury in this difficult time. But all safety precautions were taken to make sure the three of us were safe and apart from each other, while also still having a healthy, and well heard, discussion.
You can help us grown the podcast by becoming a patreon supporter as well, by visiting patreon.com/BehindTheRacquetPod. We remain overwhelmed and appreciative of all the support, big and small, especially in this challenging time of covid.
Posted on 9 November 2020
CiCi Comes Back
Native Californian CiCI Bellis' injury battles through 2018-9 are well documented, going through four surgeries on her arm. After withdrawing before her semifinal match Saturday at the USTA Pro Circuit event in Tyler, Texas, CiCi joined Noah and Mike for a chat about her preparation for this week's event in Charleston, how she's handling the schedule post Covid-hiatus, and her newfound fame on the cooking circuit!
Posted on 2 November 2020
Behind the Behind the Racquet Tour
Last week, Behind the Racquet founder Noah Rubin announced the BTR Tour, his vision for a reimagined tennis experience. Today, Mike presses him on the details behind the larger vision, including the details of BTR Tour weekend, and whether it's a long term competitor for the ATP and WTA Tours.
Posted on 26 October 2020
Pondering the ATP Player Council Picks
Just a slew to unpack this week, in this order
1) The French results, Iga on BTR, Nadal's achievement at the French
2) The return of the USTA Pro Circuit
3) PTPA vs the New Player Council
4) Mental Health Awareness Week and where Noah and Mike are in that regard
Posted on 13 October 2020
The Jump with Emilio Gomez
28 year old Emilio Gomez made tennis headlines last week after qualifying for the French Open for the first time in his career. The story gained traction because it's where his Dad Andres won a grand slam title in 1990.
But Emilio's story has had a much longer progression. How has that progression helped or hindered him, and where does his relationship with his father go from here?
As always, thanks to our patreon sponsors, including this week's new sponsor, Matthew Sellwood. You can join us at patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod
Posted on 5 October 2020
Back to Life, Back to Reality
Noah lost a tough one to Ivo Karlovic. To Mike's delight, the gentle giant threw in THREE underarm serves. We'll get Noah's take on his French Open experience, what's next, and what the hell is going on with the French Open balls?
Then the boys discuss the complete lack of consistency pointed out this week by former guest Gaby Dabrowski, among others, on medical protocols from week to week. What's the ATP telling it's players? Noah tells us.
Then, Mike takes on some wild tangents, because that's what Mike does when he has little sleep.
HUGE thanks to our latest patreon sponsors, Scott Cole, and Lee Stanley. You can help support the pod by visiting patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod
Posted on 28 September 2020
Noah takes us Inside a very messy French Open Bubble
It's not a great start to the French Open, with multiple positive tests, and more questions about the bubbles and the rules than answers. Noah Rubin invites us inside the bubble as he prepares for a first round qualifying matchup with Dr. Ivo on Monday.
Posted on 20 September 2020
US Open Reflections, and can you have an social impact without winning?
A week after he leaves the bubble, Noah Rubin reflects on his times at the Open, while Mike appears to have a different view entirely. The boys dissect their reflections on it.
And Mike was moved immensely by Naomi Osaka, but also wondered if it's possible for someone like Noah, or any player around 200 in the world, to have an impact socially, if they don't win at the highest level.
Posted on 13 September 2020
A mini-ask us anything, on the day of the Mannarino conundrum
Thoughts on the bubble?
Thoughts on the play?
Should the Paire 11 have been removed from the tournament?
Noah sounds off, once again
Posted on 4 September 2020
Is the Bubble Busted, Plus Noah's PTPA Rationale
Noah breaks news on a Sunday, explaining what ramifications are coming from Benoit Paire's positive covid test.
And yes, you saw Noah in his BTR shirt in the PTPA photo. Why was he there????
