Episodes
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Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink stops by to break down his thoughts on Novak Djokovic's 2024 season.
It has a season that has not met the 24-time major champion's lofty standards, but Flink believes that we have not seen the best of the Serbian legend in 2024. He gives his thoughts on Djokovic's performance at Wimbledon, and his 2024 in general, and points ahead to this year's US Open.
Flink also talks about the remarkable rise of Carlos Alcaraz, and singles out a key contributor to the Spaniard's stunning summer.
And where does it all leave World No.1 Jannik Sinner? Flink, who has just returned from his 55th Wimbledon, has thoughts on that as well.
We also look at the women's side, which was wide open this year, and featured a feel good final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini in the final. Nothing against the matchup, but Flink would prefer to see the top players in the women's game performing better at Wimbledon? Why were they not in the mix on finals weekend this year, and will Iga Swiatek ever find her footing on the grass.
Finally we conclude with the performance of the American men and women at Wimbledon as we look at head to the summer and the US Open.
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In this episode of the Lucky Letcord Podcast, Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join to break down Wimbledon 2024:
Topics discussed:
Krejcikova – How did she pull this off?
Carlitos – what impressed us the most about him during Wimbledon?
Iga on grass – is there hope?
What’s next for Novak? Has hiw window for 25 passed him by?
Was it a failure for Sinner, losing to Medvedev? He’s No 1 in the rankings but it feels like he’s a distant No.2 now
Most pleasant surprise for you guys?
Grass is a dangerous surface? But is it more dangerous than it used to be? If so what can be done about it?
American breakdown – who impressed? Who disappointed?
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ON this week's Wimbledon preview podcast Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to break down the men's and women's singles draws at this year's Championships.
Key topics discussed:
What to expect from Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray's last dance
Iga Swiatek's tricky draw and lack of grass matches
Coco Gauff's chances
We reveal our picks for the singles titles
Our fave first-round matchups
Unseeded and dangerous players
Who will make a better commentator: Nick Kyrgios or John Isner?
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This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro joins Chris Oddo to break down the March Madness known as the Sunshine Double.
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Andrey Rublev was defaulted in today's Dubai semifinal, causing us to revisit memories of David Nalbandian at Queen's Club in 2012 and Novak Djokovic at the US Open in 2020. What went wrong? Whose fault was the default? What could have been done differently?
WE talk about this and more in today's podcast, as we venture beyond Dubai to discuss upcoming events at Indian Wells in Miami.
Items discussed:
Who's hot? Who's not?
When will Andy Murray retire?
Rafa and Nole back at Indian Wells, will it be the last time they both come together?
Jakub Mensik... how good is this kid?
Osaka and Wozniacki comebacks, what is the upside?
And so much more!
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Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to recap the 2024 Australian Open.
We commence with a brief convo of late night finishes in Melbourne. Can anything be done to limit the damage of players staying on court until after 3 AM at the majors?
Then we proceed into a breakdown of a player who was impacted by such madness - Daniil Medvedev. What can the Russian do to get over the hump at the majors, and how can he get through a Slam with more fuel in his tank. Medvedev famously spent 24:17 on court, a new record for time on court at a major, and dropped a two sets to love lead in the final as the fatigue set in.
Of course we move to Jannik Sinner next. What makes him special and what does his title run mean for the shape of the ATP season? Does he have a shot at No.1? What, specifically, made his performance a cut above the rest of the field, and is it repeatable?
On to the women, we talk about the wild chaos in the top half of the women's draw? Is it a sign of cracks in the armor of the top players, or yet another indication of the supreme depth of the WTA Tour?
Then, to Aryna Sabalenka and her breathtaking, unblemished run to the title. What can we say about her that hasn't already been said? A few things, it turns out.
Finally we look at China's Zheng Qinwen and what made her run to the final special. Yes, she didn't take out a Top 50 player en route to the final, and that is rare, but that doesn't mean she isn't deserving.
And finally, a list of things that made the fortnight special. Things that may have been lost in the blur of a final weekend that captivated us and gave us tunnel vision. Remember Arthur Cazaux? Rohan Bopanna? Hsieh Su-Wei? We do...
Thanks for listening!
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In today's edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to preview the 2024 Australian Open.
Topics discussed:
Nole's push for a 25th major and an 11th at Melbourne Park.
The four corners of the men's draw, and why Alcaraz could face a difficult path to the final weekend.
Sinner's progress against Djokovic in 2023.
The return of Naomi Osaka and what we might see from the four-time Slam champion at this year's AO.
Coco Gauff and her chances of backing up her US Open breakthrough.
The solid state of the WTA's Top 4.
The next American man to win a major? Who? What? When? Where?
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2023 - what a year for tennis? And a wild one as well...
Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris stop by to help us relive the glory of the tennis season that was, covering the big sweeping storylines as well as some of the subtle trends that emerged.
We start with a deep discussion of our key moments, followed by a deep dive into Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, our 2023 players of the year, before veering into a closer look at the brewing Sinner v Alcaraz rivalry and what we can expect from it - and from those rising talents - in 2024.
We also talk about the players who can present a challenge to Iga Swiatek in 2024 and the state of the WTA Tour with regard to leadership, and finance.
There's also a section on our favorite Grand Slam finals of 2024, as well as some chatter about the next American man to win a major!
Thanks for listening and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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In this episode of the Lucky Letcord Podcast, venerable Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink joins the podcast to look back at Novak Djokovic's 24th major title and break down the Serbian's stunning legacy at the conclusion of a Grand Slam season that has seen him move to the top of the men's singles Grand Slam title list for the first time.
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This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Erik Gudris joins Chris Oddo and Richard Pagliaro to talk about his time on site at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
Erik was around the grounds all week for Tennis Now, taking in the action and participating in press conference featuring top players.
We get his insights on the resurgence of Coco Gauff, who won her biggest career title, as well as Dan Evans, who became the oldest champion at DC since Jimmy Connors in 1988.
Other topics discussed:
The future of the Citi Open and the evolution of the tournament over the years.
The disparity in prize money at the event between men and women.
Coco's forehand, and her new coaching setup with Pere Riba at the helm and Brad Gilbert consulting.
The excitement - and pressure - surrounding Frances Tiafoe at his hometown event.
The game of talented Tallon Griekspoor.
The plight of the American men, who had the top two seeds in DC but came away disappointed. How is the summer shaping up for the American man?
Andy Murray's frustration, excitement, jubilation and heartbreak - what does it all mean?
The comebacks of Caroline Wozniacki, Jennifer Brady and Milos Raonic.
The return of Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek in Canada.
And much much more (including the best snacks at the Citi Open)
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In this week's special preview podcast, Erik Gudris and Richard Pagliaro join Chris Oddo to look ahead to the Wimbledon fortnight.
Here are the topics we canvas:
Can we really read anything into the grass court warm up results as indicators before Wimbledon? Maybe it’s recency bias but I have my eyes on Keys / Kasatkina. I’d say yes. Huge experience for Alcaraz/ Swiatek/ I think you can pick out positives, and maybe not sweat the negatives.
The draw’s out, did it change anything about the way you view this Wimbledon playing out? To me it worked in Swiatek’s favor a bit because the bottom half is stacked.
Is Djokovic the best men’s grass-court player in history if he wins this title? Federer 192-29 on grass with 19 titles. Djokovic 109-18 with eight titles.
DJOKOVIC 3-1 VS FEDERER AT GRASS AND 3-0 VS FEDERER IN WIMBLEDON FINALS
Has Swiatek played herself into favorite status with her performance at Bad Homburg?
How is this year’s draw different, with Russian and Belarusian players in the mix again? How will Wimbledon’s decision to allow them to play impact the fortnight?
What is your most outrageous pick for a run to the semis or beyond?
How much has Alcaraz improved on grass – and as a player in general – since last Wimbledon? Won his final 10 sets at Queens. Using the slice. Returning aggression.
Is Medvedev a tad overlooked as a grass-court talent? 35-19 with a title on grass. 8-4 at Wimbledon, missed last year but made second week for the first time in 2021 (Hurkacz)
Can we expect anything from Berrettini or Kyrgios?
What do we make of Venus Williams and what does it mean for Wimbledon to have her in the draw?
What do we think of Wozniacki’s comeback? 30 titles No.1 for 71 weeks Slam champion going to be 33. physicality???!!!
Your favorite first-rounder, men’s and women’s?
You’re favorite potential round of 16 matchup and why? (just one) Jabeur v Kvitova or Muchova v Sabalenka
You’re winners and why? (men’s and women’s)
Does Gauff have a better shot at Swiatek on grass than any other surface? Has lost all 14 sets against her… (AND ONLY ONCE WON MORE THAN FOUR GAMES IN A SET V IGA)
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In this week's Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro joins Chris Oddo to discuss the happenings at Madrid and look ahead to Rome.
Some show notes:
Discussion of Carlitos in Madrid and his clay game | 19-1 on clay this season, 58-12 overall | Is it his best surface, even though he says he prefers clay?
Question for Richard:
IS ALCARAZ YOUR RG FAVORITE AT THE MOMENT, KEEPING IN MIND IT COULD CHANGE IF NOVAK PLAYS WELL IN ROME?
Rafa on the brink/ Nole let’s wait and see -- what does the status of Nadal and Djokovic mean for the rest of the tour and how do we feel about the chances of our 22-time Grand Slam champions, given that they are way behind in their preparation?
Sabalenka gets it done in Madrid | 5 finals already this year, previous career best was four | 29-4 on the season | We ask Richard: what’s the difference in your opinion?
IS IGA STILL THE PLAYER TO BEAT ON THE SLOWER CLAY?
Reminder: Keep an eye on Sinner...
Sinner - 40-18 (.833 lifetime) on clay 5-1 this year… quarterfinal at rome last year / week two at RG three years in a row!
WTA others: Krejcikova / Kasatkina / Ons Jabeur (if healthy) / Garcia/ Sakkari / Gauff / Kudermetova / Ostapenko
HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR ATP PLAYERS WITH RAFA QUESTIONS, RUUD QUESTIONS, NOLE INJURY CLOUD, MEDVEDEV NOT AS DANGEROUS ON THIS SURFACE -
GAUFF’S STRUGGLES? How can she shore up her game in time for Roland-Garros, where she is defending runner-up points?
A discussion on #CakeGate? Really, you think silencing the doubles finalists is a viable solution, Madrid? Wow....
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This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro joins host Chris Oddo to break down a fun week of February tennis across the globe. We start with Iga Swiatek's run of dominance in Doha and then enter a discussion of Aryna Sabalenka's goal of chasing the No.1 ranking.
Is it even possible?
What would it take?
What do we think of Sabalenka's attitude?
Next, we move to Rotterdam where Daniil Medvedev has made a strong statement of intent by claiming the title. Jannik Sinner, the runner-up who falls to 0-5 lifetime vs Medvedev, was also strong.
What did we see from Medvedev that we have not seen of late?
Next, it's over to Buenos Aires, where Carlos Alcaraz made a swift return to the podium by winning his 7th career title. How good did he look and what makes this teenager one of the most compelling watches in the sport right now?
Meanwhile, another player, Austria's Dominic Thiem, continues to struggle - what gives?
We also discuss Novak Djokovic's 377th week at No.1 and Taylor Fritz' push for the top five.
Thanks for listening!!!!
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This week the Lucky Letcord Podcast welcomes special guest Aleks Kovacevic.
A former NCAA All-American at Illinois, Kovacevic has transitioned seamlessly to the ATP Tour over the last 18 months. He was 370 in the rankings this time last year but now sits at 125 -- a stone's throw from the top 100 -- after claiming his maiden challenger title in Cleveland on Sunday.
Host Chris Oddo talks to the 24-year-old about the difficulties of transitioning into the pro game and the highs and lows of his first formative months on tour.
We run through Kovacevic's journey to South Korea last year, where he made his ATP debut in Seoul and powered into the semifinals with wins over Miomir Kecmanovic, Jason Tseng and Mackenzie McDonald.
It's not so much about hitting a high level, Kovacevic tells the podcast, it's about hitting a high level consistently.
Kovacevics talks about his difficult trip to Australia this year and then reflects on what it was like watching his good friends JJ Wolf and Ben Shelton battle for a spot in the quarterfinals in Melbourne. Naturally, there were some mixed emotions but ultimately the rise of the American men is giving Kovacevic reason to believe he can soon be there too.
We also get an inside view on the emotional pitfalls of spending life on the road full-time, and get a coaching update.
Thanks to Aleks for joining and thanks to y'all for listening!!!!
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Richard Pagliaro joins Chris Oddo to break down the finals of the 2023 Australian Open.
We pay special attention to Novak Djokovic, and his incredible triumph in Melbourne, where he won his 22nd major and 10th AO title, discussing everything from his post-victory emotions to his hamstring to his bulletproof game and aura.
Of course we've got time for Stefanos Tsitsipas after a breakthrough run to the final in Melbourne - what did the Greek do right? What did he do wrong?
Moving on to Aryna Sabalenka, the first-time Slam winner who took out Aryna Sabalanka in an absolutely epic final, we talk about the Belarussian's passion and dedication, how she rebuilt her serve - and her mindset - to conquer this massive challenge.
And what does the AO tell us about the aura of Iga going forward? We made time for a brief discussion of it, naturally.
Then onto Stefano Vukov and Elena Rybakina and the controversy that surrounded them in Melbourne. What can we take away? How can we all grow from this?
Thanks for listening!
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Alex Gruskin of Cracked Racquets joins Chris Oddo to talk about the fantastic performances of the American men at this year's Australian Open.
You can find Alex's brilliant work at Crackedracquets.com, he hosts several podcasts, covering NCAA tennis and the pro game as well, and also works as a commentator for the Tennis Channel.
Cracked Racquets
Gruskin on Twitter:
Topics discussed:
Tommy Paul -- why is he the last American standing and what is his long-term upside? How is the Paul of 2023 different from previous versions of himself, which elements of his arsenal have been sharpened and why is he able to muster such success against the Top-5? What are his chances against Novak Djokovic and what could the rest of the season look like for him?
Ben Shelton -- how has this kid come from out of nowhere to be such a force? What are his assets, why are they so effective and what are some of the elements of his game that could improve to make him even better? Shelton has emerged as a fan favorite - what is it about him that makes fans gravitate to him?
JJ Wolf - He was edged by Shelton in the round of 16, but he's clearly another American on the rise. What are his weapons and how has he changed since his college tennis days? He's kinda cool, and Alex says if it's true, it's mainly due to his sister...
Sebi Korda -- will the smooth striker one day be best in class for the Americans?
Fritz and Tiafoe - They didn't join the party for long in Australia, but for now they are the leaders.
Next, a breakdown of the women's singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, followed by a discussion of Friday night's men's semifinals, which Tsitsipas fans are gonna love...
Thanks for joining Alex! Make sure you follow Mr. Gruskin on Twitter and check out all his work -- trust us, you will learn a lot about tennis from this passionate tennis freak!
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Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to talk about a wonderful week one in Melbourne.
Topics Discussed:
Rafa's future? Is there more glory to come?
If not Novak, then who? A discussion of potential winners of the men's singles crown in Melbourne, and the form and fitness of the nine-time champ.
Iga's aura, is it still intact?
Netflix curse? Is it real? Is it fun? Is it annoying? Can it be all three?
Andy Murray, let us count the ways we love you.
Sam Stosur, let us count the ways we love you.
American men, y'all are so good!
Sebastian Korda and the art of closing matches. An improving work in progress.
So much more! Thanks for listening and supporting!
Emotional moments of week one (our faves)
ENJOY WEEK TWO!!!!
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Erik Gudris, Tennis Now's resident film buff, joins the podcast to discuss Netflix new tennis docuseries, Break Point, and Richard Pagliaro joins to help Erik break down the draws and key storylines at the 2023 Australian Open. Host Chris Oddo, as always, is there to lend moral support! Thanks for listening!
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Join Chris Oddo and Richard Pagliaro as we look back at an eventful opening week of the 2023 tennis season and look forward to the Australian Open.
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The New York Times journalist spent more than two decades chronicling the fantastic career of Roger Federer, and in his book he turns over every rock to find out more about the formative years of the legendary Swiss, so that we may better comprehend what made Federer the player he was.
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