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.
New Year; Same Mohawk
A quick note from your editor, Mike: There was a major issue with Noah's recorder in Delray halfway through, along with another issue which you'll hear about....so there's a noticeable audio difference when we had to switch to a cell line. Apologies, it's all we could do in a rushed situation.
Now, a big thanks to our latest patreon sponsor, Steve Quick. He and our other patreon sponsors will be receiving a special pod later this week. You can join at patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod.
The tennis world is absolutely chaotic right now. Yet here we are, embarking on another season. What's the vibe like in Delray, where Noah kicks off his season in a couple days?
Posted on 5 January 2021
Rejoining Reilly
Young American Reilly Opelka spoke with Mike during a trip to NorCal back in 2018. A heck of a lot has changed since then. He'd just started his foray in to fashion, but he's now a force on the Tour, with a couple of ATP titles in his pocket, and one of the most feared serves in the sport.
We talked to him about his growing health concerns, how he's adjusting to them, and where the sport is after a difficult 2020.
Thoughts and concerns, as always, to patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod!
Posted on 28 December 2020
Where in the World is Jared Donaldson?
Jared Donaldson is just 24 years old, but has been out of action for essentially two years, since originally hurting his knee in the summer of 2018. It's not been a smooth process for him on the road to recovery. He walks us through his prognosis, and the reality of what's staring him in the face.
He also goes in the way back machine with his former Jr Davis Cup teammate Noah Rubin to discuss their epic win over Russia, featuring three future top 10 players.
We will also be releasing our patreon only episode this week. I promise. I've just been a little out of it the last few days, and need to get down to business.
Stay healthy everyone.
<3 Mike
Posted on 14 December 2020
Ay yo, what's the deal with the AO?
It's been a while, so Noah and Mike have some catching up to do.
Noah brings you all the latest info the players have received when it comes to the Australian Open. Hint: It's still a little dicey.
Plus the schedule for 2021 is way up in the air. What's it mean?
Posted on 8 December 2020
Dispatches from Cary Part 2
In part 2 of our dispatches from Cary, Noah and Mike chat with Denis Kudla (who is in the final on Sunday at the Atlantic Tire Championships in Cary), doubles specialist Nate Lammons, Jack Sock's coach and former top 100 player Alex Bogomolov, Jr., and top 70 doubles star Luke Bambridge.
More coming up next week from Orlando!
Posted on 16 November 2020
Dispatches from Cary Part 1
On a rainy day in Cary on Wednesday, Noah and Mike chatted with eight different players for mini-interviews, culminating with the more serious question of how to improve the quality of life and opportunity for Challengers, and Challenger level players. On Part 1, we chat with Christopher Eubanks, Hunter Reese, Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, and Teymuraz Gabashvili.
Part 2 will be released on Monday, with thoughts from Luke Bambridge, Denis Kudla, Alex Bogomolov, Jr, and Nate Lammons.
Thanks so much to our patreon sponsors. You can help the podcast by visiting patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod.
Posted on 13 November 2020
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
