The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Brian Anderson is one of the premier sports broadcasters in the world, and he joins the podcast to discuss the journey that led him to become a titan in the industry. Anderson details his Texas upbringing, how supporting his brother and having a technical background opened the broadcasting door, and why he listened to his own voice, and even worked on changing it to improve what has become a signature soundtrack for many of sports biggest moments.

The Turner Sports commentator is known for calling March Madness College Basketball to Major League Baseball, but in 2025 he became one of the lead play-by-play voices for Roland Garros. Anderson reflects on how he immersed himself in tennis, even taking lessons himself, to truly devote himself to his newest endeavor. He looks back at calling the epic 2025 final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, highlights the specific parts that make tennis both unique and challenging, and points out the current players and storylines that have his full attention. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Bradley Klahn joins the podcast to discuss the final push of the 2026 season, with a lot trophies and ranking points on the line. Klahn recaps the impressive tournament wins by Lorenzo Musetti and Tallon Griekspoor, and explains why Daniil Medvedev is ready to challenge the game's best again after defending his crown in Almaty. He also reacts to the breaking news that Jannik Sinner will turn to Magnus Norman to replace Darren Cahill on his team in 2027, and explains why that partnership could be very successful. The broadcaster also discusses the push for the ATP Finals with several players such as Lyon finalist Taylor Fritz and the Novak Djokovic making a late charge.

Klahn also dives into Elena Rybakina's victory in Ningbo, her first since becoming World No. 1, The former NCAA champ reacts to Katerina Sinakova's abilities in both doubles and singles, and he reflects on fellow Stanford Cardinal Arthur Ferry's incredible 2026, highlighted by his sensational Wimbledon Semifinal Run. And Klahn looks ahead to the thrilling men's action this week, with a pair of 500 level events in Basel & Vienna. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Mark Knowles returns to the podcast to recap another outstanding year working with Jessica Pegula, who improved her ranking and has the most wins on tour heading into the WTA Finals. The coach explains how their dynamic works in terms of goal-setting, communication, and using practice efficiently. Knowles weighs on the current landscape at the top of the women's game, and highlights how young players such as Linda Noskova and Mirra Andreeva have entered the conversation of the very best in the world.

The former doubles No. 1 and current broadcaster also discusses Novak Djokovic's decision to play Basel next week and looks at the Serbians motivation and goals as he heads into 2027. Knowles praises David Goffin, Stan Wawrinka, and Gael Monfils at the conclusion of their careers, looks at Moise Kouame as a beacon of hope for French Tennis, and breaks down the 2027 Hall of Fame new nominees. And Knowles explains why confidence and belief is everything in sports... but you have to back it up. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

CiCi Bellis joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about her life after tennis, how she came to terms with the end of her playing career, and transitioned to a successful position in the venture capital world. Bellis discusses everything from the business of sports, the grueling tennis schedule, and her role as a board member on the USTA. The former Top 40 player also recaps the career-defining wins by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Shanghai and Maja Chwalinska in Wuhan.

Bellis also analyzes what makes Iva Jovic so special, who's coach Tom Gutteridge was hers as well. The former American mainstay and founding partner of Cartan Capital reacts to the race for the ATP and WTA Finals, Jannik Sinner's injury, and more. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Christopher Clarey joins the podcast for a great conversation about what's going on in the world of pro tennis. Clarey recaps Qinwen Zheng's big title in Beijing, and reflects on a few outbursts and controversies during the Asian Swing. The journalist also dives into Carlos Alcaraz's quest to return to the top of the sport, Alexander Zverev as a the year-end No. 1, and Ben Shelton's potential to keep growing.

Clarey takes a detailed look at some tennis coaching news, with Ivan Ljubičić working with Felix Auger-Aliassime and rumors swirling around Jannik Sinner's team in 2027. The esteemed author reflects on Gael Monfils' career after the Frenchman's confirmed retirement, and discusses the impact of books in the tennis space, including several that he has written. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Rachel Stuhlmann joins the podcast to discuss her path to becoming the No. 1 influencer in tennis, and how she tries to put a spotlight on game at all levels. Stuhlmann reflects on how a gig in Bulgaria at the Sofia Open was the jumping off point for her career, and how the game continues to grow with more brand partnerships than ever before. The former Mizzou college tennis player discusses her 2026 US Open experience that featured an influx of influencers, and recounted watching Ben Shelton make his career breakthrough after notching a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz.

Stuhlmann discusses several topics including her friendship with Genie Bouchard, working with Hall of Famers Tracy Austin and Gigi Fernandez, and meeting Serena Williams. The influencer also lists off her favorite players to watch in the current game and some rising talents that everyone should keep an eye on. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Monica Puig joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics in the tennis world, which proved in the past week that there is no shortage of drama and breaking news. Puig recaps Novak Djokovic's title-run in Beijing, and analyzes how the 24-time major champion can carry this into 2027. The 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist also reacts to Jannik Sinner's decision to end his 2026 season, and dives into Carlos Alcaraz's Tokyo triumph and his ability to enjoy the process.

Puig also explains why she's not reading too much into the early losses of Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka in China, and explains why the latter is perfectly fine balancing her off-court and on-court lives. And Puig goes in depth about Emma Navarro's public disclosure of her health conditions, speaking passionately about the struggles female athletes face and how brave the young American is in speaking up. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Scott Sheffield joins the podcast for a conversation about his path from successful oil businessman to philanthropist and tennis enthusiast who is actively growing the game. Sheffield discusses his philanthropical efforts with the New Mexico First Serve Foundation, and their newly minted "Forked Lightning Racquet Club" that was just honored as the USTA's Feature Facility of the Year. On October 17th, First Serve New Mexico will host it's second gala that will feature legends of the sport such as Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova playing, connecting, and supporting local youth in the tennis community. Sheffield explains what is on tap for this event, why the game means so much to his family. and why he's still a dedicated player himself. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

International Tennis Hall of Famer Charlie Pasarell is the guest on this episode for a great and revealing conversation. Quite simply a pioneer, Pasarell discusses his new book, "Serving First: Dreams Realized and Lessons Learned from Family, Friends, and a Life in Tennis." Pasarell dives into his upbringing in Puerto Rico, what drew him to chase excellence, and how he became one of the most important tennis figures in the 20th century.

Pasarell sheds light on his close friendship with Arthur Ashe and he explains just what made Pancho Gonzales, Rod Laver and other players from his era so special. The Hall of Famer opens up about his serving prowess and how it came to be his signature shot, and why playing for the USA Davis Cup Team was his most proud tennis honor. And Pasarell reveals how he came to found the tennis tournament now known as the BNP Paribas Open, and why he understood early that Indian Wells had the potential to be a smash hit. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Jan-Michael Gambill joins the show to chat about a wide range of tennis topics, including Jannik Sinner continuing to miss time with a knee injury. Gambill gives his thoughts on Sinner's recovery process and what it means for the men's game, which has an sizable opening in the World No. 1's absence. The commentator breaks down Alexander Zverev's sustained success after notching the clinching victory in the Laver Cup, and the race for the ATP Finals which could feature several Americans such as Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz.

Gambill also recaps Czechia's triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup, and explains why that relatively small nation has been able to pump out world class women's players for several generations. The broadcaster shares his fixes for all the late finishes at the US Open, reacts to a controversial decision to prevent Tatiana Prozorova from taking the court in Singapore, and ponders what next season could hold for Amanda Anisimova after she decided to conclude her 2026 campaign. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Jason Stacy joins the podcast to discuss his new book, "The Pressure Code: How Elite Performers Align Their Energy, Emotions, and Environment." Stacy explains why he decided to write his first book, and the decision to discuss deeply personal topics and obstacles from his life. The mental and performance coach for Aryna Sabalenka dives into how he collaborates with a team of coaches, the value he gets from martial arts and reading, and why "meeting people where they are at" is a core component in his work and life.

Stacy discloses what "The Pressure Code" is all about, and how tennis players and everyday people alike can learn from his writing debut. it's a fascinating chat with the longest-running member of Sabalenka's team, a self-made high-performance coach and a true innovator in the pro tennis space. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Gill Gross joins the podcast to recap his time covering the US Open, and to shed light on some of the post-match interviews he conducted with the game's best players. Gross assesses how Alexander Zverev changed his career trajectory in the span of a few months, and analyzes Elena Rybakina's key attributes that guide her in big moments. The broadcaster dives into Holger Rune's return to the court after 11 months, Joao Fonseca's unfortunate injury luck, and why the Davis Cup reverting back to the environments of the past is a wise move.

Gross also predicts who Juan Carlos Ferrero will coach next, and lists a few players you might not expect. The commentator forecasts Jannik Sinner's level when he resumes competition, states his case for why tactics are lacking in the current pro game, and gives an outlook on Novak Djokovic in the winter of his legendary career. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Dick Gould joins the show to discuss his extraordinary life in tennis, and how he established one of the all-time greatest athletic programs in college sports. Gould led the Stanford Cardinal men's tennis team to 17 NCAA team titles during his 38 seasons as head coach, and he explains how he built that program from the ground up with proper teaching, honest recruiting, and a willingness to trust his players.

The coach shares his own tennis upbringing story, discusses the current developments in the game, and shares some personal antidotes from coaching legends of the sport such as John McEnroe and Bob & Mike Bryan. Gould was honored at the 2026 US Open for his contributions to the tennis community as an educator and an innovator, and he reflects on what tennis means to him in this episode. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Patricia Tarabini joins the show to discuss her path from a small town in Argentina to the world of pro tennis, where she continues to make a lasting impact. Tarabini explains how she became involved in the coaching world after a successful playing career, and goes in depth into her long-lasting relationship with her current player, Anna Kalinskaya. Listen as the coach shares the dynamics to their relationship, the keys to structuring a good practice, and how both teacher and tennis pupil are able to learn from one another and build a successful partnership in this fascinating conversation. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

John Lloyd joins the podcast to recap the 2026 US Open finals, which saw Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina reign over the tennis world. Lloyd explains how Zverev enacted a masterful strategy from start to finish against Ben Shelton, and goes in depth about why Zverev is a different player now that he has broken through and won major titles. The former British No. 1 also evaluates Ben Shelton's game and the American's potential to win a slam in the future.

Lloyd reviews the high-quality tennis that Rybakina played in her final victory over Aryna Sabalenka, and why the newly minted No. 1 player in the world has embraced the role. Lloyd also gives his thoughts on Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula as well as a few other players he enjoys watching on the WTA. And Lloyd makes his passionate plea for areas that tennis can improve, from axing early morning finishes and limiting time in between first and second serves, to his more controversial take... the end of best-of-5 sets. Hosted by Mitch Michals Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

TennisNow writer Chris Oddo joins the podcast to discuss the epic 2026 US Open, which has featured triumphs, heartbreaks, emotional wins and tears of both joy and sadness. Oddo recaps Ben Shelton's thrilling win over Carlos Alcaraz, and explains why it's the biggest American men's tennis win in decades. The writer also dives into Frances Tiafoe snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, and his emotional embrace with Alex Michelsen.

Oddo analyzes how the top four seeds all advanced to the women's Semifinal round, which include the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. The journalist gives his thoughts on Coco Gauff's comeback win over Andreeva, Elena Rybakina's win that clinched the World No. 1 ranking, and whether it's time for Jessica Pegula win her first major title. And Oddo proviews all the semifinal matches, which includes an All-American showdown between Shelton and Tiafoe. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Nick Monroe joins the podcast on-site from The US Open to dive into all the action and drama from Flushing Meadows. Monroe breaks down Carlos Alcaraz's impressive form in his return, and looks at how Ben Shelton can rise to the challenge in their upcoming quarterfinal match. The broadcaster also explains how Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen have elevated their games in NYC, and assesses Alexander Zverev's level as he looks to claim his first US Open title.

Monroe also weighs in on the women's draw, where Qinwen Zheng rallied from 5-0 down in two consecutive matches, with the latter being a tremendous upset win over Iga Swiatek. The former player discusses Elena Rybakina's sustained brilliance in her win over Naomi Osaka, Aryna Sabalenka's game rounding into form, and Linda Noskova's tremendous short-term memory. And Monroe explains how Americans Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro are racking up the wins at The US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast for some early US Open reactions, where the much anticipated return of Carlos Alcaraz continues to capture the headlines. Hubbs evaluates Alcaraz's play, and looks at if the American men are ready to end the 23-year slam drought. The online personality breaks down Ben Shelton's dynamic game, Taylor Fritz flying under the radar, and whether Tommy Paul or Frances Tiafoe can have their moment in New York.

Hubbs also recaps the early results in the women's draw, where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are continuing to shine on the hard courts. The Barstool Sports writer weighs in on Jessica Pegula's chances to finally capture a major, Aryna Sabalenka's mission to repeat as champion, and Mirra Andreeva's highs and lows. And Hubbs lists his favorite Round 3 matchups as the 2026 US Open rolls along. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Steve Flink joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics from the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to the start of The US Open, and his new excellent book about the greatest names in American tennis history. Flink, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017, recaps this year's festivities which saw Roger Federer and Mary Carillo take their place in tennis eternity. He also explains why his new book: "The Immortals of American Tennis," provides an all-encompassing look at the greatest and most impactful names the USA has produced in this sport. The author details his writing process, the emphasis on the pre-open era stars, and what readers can expect to learn as they dive into the pages.

Flink also looks at the beginning of the 2026 US Open, which saw Novak Djokovic lose his opening match to Mariano Navone in five agonizing sets. The journalist recaps the match, details the biggest obstacles in Djokovic's way, and predicts where the Serbian legend might go from here. And Flink gives his thoughts on the other early storylines from Flushing Meadows, which included Carlos Alcaraz's return to the court, Stefanos Tsitsipas' huge upset win over Arthur Fils, and the decision to start the Venus Williams/Sofia Kenin match after midnight. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.

Zachary Cohen joins the podcast to preview The 2026 US Open, with a thorough breakdown of both the men's and women's singles draws. The men's draw is highlighted by the return of Carlos Alcaraz, and the guys discuss his tricky path to defending his title at Flushing Meadows. Cohen examines Ben Shelton's rocky road that includes a potential fourth round showdown with Arthur Fils, and looks at whether Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe or another American truly contend for the crown. The VSIN writer evaluates 24-time major champ Novak Djokovic's chances, and dishes out some of his favorite sleepers in the men's bracket.

In the women's draw, Cohen predicts whether Aryna Sabalenka can return to her trophy-winning form from a year ago, and examines Jessica Pegula's favorable path the final stages of the tournament. Cohen assesses Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek's routes to more US Open glory, Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka's title chances, and Alexandra Eala's ability to truly arrive in New York City. The fellas dish out their favorite first round matchups, and predict who will stand alone as the 2026 US Open champions. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.