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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Taylor Townsend's life has been a bit different of late, shifting to a new role as Mom, and also just recently returning to the tennis court! She and Noah go WAY back, and after a bit of reminiscing, we walk through how much her life has changed, her recent "The Players Tribune" article about her prior battles with the USTA, and how she views and sees the recent discussions in the sporting world over mental health.
The boys have a quick chat about Noah's return to competitive tennis, and why it's so important to him again after a difficult stretch.
Mike takes a look back at the Atlantic Tire Championships in Cary, North Carolina, some of the surprises and big stories, as well as a quick discussion on Jenson Brooksby, Atlanta, and the potential US Open wild cards.
Then we hear Mike's chat with Mitchell Krueger, recorded just after the Texan won his title on Sunday.
Subscribe, and be a part of the discussion, @noahrubin33 and @mikectennis
Petros Chrysochos is 25 years old, from Cyprus, and is currently ranked 359 in the world on the ATP Tour. But his story is fascinating. A junior top 20 player, an NCAA singles and team champion while at Wake Forest in 2018, and since leaving Wake in 2019, he's played professionally while serving his mandatory service time in the army in Cyprus. Remarkable stuff.
He and Noah did not overlap at Wake, but their relationship is deep as you'll hear in this wide ranging conversation.
