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.
Challenger University? Get Me a Job.
First, yeah, Mike has covid. (I'm fine, I promise). So, this week's plans for multiple pods got completely shot in the foot.
But, Noah was a trooper and sat in the cold so we could record a pod to discuss ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi's quotes about Challengers. Obviously, this caused some heat. We'll recap, go over it, and go from there.
Posted on 20 December 2021
Stefan Kozlov wins the Australian Open Wild Card
This week, hear Mike's interview with Stefan Kozlov, who won the USTA's reciprocal wild card to the Australian Open by virtue of a final, title, and title over the last 4 weeks in Vegas, Charlottesville, and Champaign.
We've also got an interview with Christopher Eubanks, winner of the Knoxville Challenger one week ago.
Finally, to start the show, the boys discuss Koz's impeccable run over the last two months, Peng Shuai, and Novak's completely unnecessary post celebrating Alex Zverev.
Posted on 23 November 2021
Behind the Racquet with Aleks Vukic
Quiet, business like, and driven are great ways to describe Aleksandar Vukic. As opposed to a lot of the pros, who have had an amazing junior pedigree, he came to the University of Illinois as a secondary prospect. But now, after a run to the Finals in Charlottesville, he's starting to realize his top 100 dreams.
We'll also discuss his new coach, his Covid diagnosis immediately before the US Open, and the difficulties of being away from Australia for such a long period of time in 2021.
As a bonus, we do add in the post match interview with Stefan Kozlov after he won the title in Charlottesville.
Talk to you from Knoxville!
Posted on 8 November 2021
Vasek Pospisil on the state of the PTPA and how it impacts Challengers and Futures
One of the co-founders of the PTPA, Vasek Pospisil, joins Mike and Noah from Charlottesville, where he's the top seed at the Charlottesville Men's Pro Challenger.
Our half hour chat didn't even begin to get in to the full depths of the PTPA and how it fits in to the tennis landscape. But Vasek did give an update on where it's at now, how it impacts lower level players, and he debates the clarity of message with Mike.
He also discusses how it's impacted him on court...and hopefully, we'll get another opportunity to get in to it more during the offseason.
Posted on 1 November 2021
Quick Update on Noah's ankle (yes, again); and Mike's Indian Wells trip. Big guests upcoming...
Catching up with Noah here after a few weeks off, as the final stretch awaits. Back with new guests and shows next week.
Posted on 28 October 2021
Mary Carillo on the Zverev Allegations and Tennis Journalism
We dive in deep to the legendary commentator's decision to resign from her commentary duties with the Laver Cup this past weekend. You'll hear her explain why with regard to the domestic abuse allegations against Alex Zverev, and why that decision, and others in her career, have been so important to her, and have also cost her work.
Quick note from Mike: This was a difficult pod to record for me personally. Mary is as authentic as it can get, and it made me a) realize some of my own shortcomings in that department, while also b) inspiring me to find my own path forward in the same regards when it comes to journalism and authenticity. Hopefully it will be a fascinating pod for you guys as well!
Posted on 28 September 2021
Behind the Racquet with Francesca Di Lorenzo
Ohio State? The transition to the pro tour? Fishing? Insulting Noah Rubin? You name it, this pod has it. We talked with the 24-year-old about her standout career in Columbus, her ascension in the pro ranks, and how challenging it has been to maintain that level. We go through some fishing excursions she's had down in Tampa, and a very, very special and important request for the tournament organizers in Indian Wells.
Posted on 22 September 2021
Behind the Racquet with Jamie Loeb
Jamie Loeb takes the court on Grandstand this afternoon against Iga Swiatek after a gritty, and hard earned qualifying run last week. It's her first main draw appearance at the Open since 2015. And she's really, truly, been through a lot this last year. This is her story of how she's found new perspective, fought through covid, self doubt, and is allowing Jamie Loeb to be Jamie Loeb.
This is the Behind the Racquet Pod
Posted on 31 August 2021
Behind the Racquet with Paolo Lorenzi
Mike here: There are few people that I respect more than Paolo Lorenzi. When I heard that he had made his decision to retire last week here in New York, I can say I was genuinely saddened by the news, but am so, so thrilled that Paolo is moving on to the next phase of his life. He is one of the kindest souls off the court, and one of the more ferocious competitors I've ever witnessed. We discuss this dichotomy, and so much more, on this week's BTRPod, with a BONUS EPISODE TOMORROW!
Posted on 30 August 2021
"Lucky" Loser
Yeah, you heard about it. Noah Rubin decided yeah, sure, I'll play Andy Murray on Sunday after losing a heartbreaker 20 minutes earlier in Winston-Salem. He was lauded for giving it a go, and at least efforting to put on a show for a packed crowd.
But the story, and the pressure of that decision, was a lot more exhausting.
