Episodes
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Dallas Open Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs joins the podcast to discuss the big news that his event is upgrading to a 500 level competition in 2025. Lebedevs discusses the planning that goes into such a great event, and how partnering with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys has helped elevate the tournament in the eyes of the fans and the players. And he discusses the importance for more tennis events in the United States, while explaining why new and innovative ideas are crucial for growing the game and increasing fan interest.
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Tim Stallard, executive director of The Bush Tennis Center in Midland, Texas, joins the show for a conversation about how he developed a passion for the game and and for helping others over several decades of work. Stallard explains how he was drawn to tennis at a young age, got into coaching, and helped grow the sport in the southern region of the country. He discusses his experience at the Challenger level, and recalls a certain player he gave a wild card to before she became a global superstar.
Stallard also discusses why it was important to bring the pros to San Antonio, which is hosting the "International Team Tennis Championship" November 10-12. And the coach dives into what it was like coaching former all-star NFL quarterback Drew Brees and tennis hall-of-famer Andy Roddick during their formative years.
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Episodes manquant?
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Former player and current coach Roger Smith joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from the Bahamas to living his dream on the pro tour. Smith details how he emerged from his small island with a tennis dream and explains how his college experience at Ohio State propelled him to high heights. He re-lives some of his favorite matches, such as his upset win over world #1 Ivan Lendl. And Smith explains why he was so drawn to coaching when he retired, and what his overarching message is to those he teaches.
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Best selling author and award winning coach Frank Giampaolo returns to the podcast to discuss how athletes can master their emotions to achieve peak performance. Giampaolo breaks down the various roadblocks tennis players face, and how he and others are working hard to overcome these challenges and enable players to reach their full potential. The author has done extensive work with the Southern California Junior Tennis Organization, and has written books with lessons for players, parents, and those willing to learn about the mental side of the sport.
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This week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast is Eric Diaz, former Georgia Bulldogs player and current coach of rising American Alex Michelsen. Diaz discusses the lessons he learned from his father, legendary college coach Manny Diaz, and how he applies those teachings in his own career. He also details his history with Michelsen, his decision to turn pro early, and what makes the teenager special. Diaz, who's now based at the Coto Tennis Club in Southern California, also explains what a day in the life entails for the players in his program.
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Kamau Murray chats with Michael Parks, father of rising American star Alycia Parks, about his family's journey in pro tennis. Parks details the unconventional way his daughter discovered the game, the challenges & adversity they've experienced, and the powerful influence & advice that helped his family along the way. The former professional basketball player also offers his thoughts on how to incorporate education into a junior tennis career, why faith is a driving force in his family's life, and what the next steps are for his daughter after breaking into the Top 50.
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Tennis analytical guru Craig O’Shannessy returns to the podcast to recap all the action from the 2023 US Open, which saw Novak Djokovic & Coco Gauff claim the trophies. O’Shannessy explains how Novak Djokovic was able to conquer the challenges and pressures in yet another title run, and why American Ben Shelton is well on his way to establishing himself as major threat.
The Director of “Brain Game Tennis” analyzes how Coco Gauff came back in the final against Aryna Sabalenka, and what the American teenager has improved mightily en route to her first grand slam title. And O’Shannessy explains why the match itself should be required viewing for all junior tennis players.
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Tennis coach and analytical strategist Craig O'Shannessy joins the podcast to discuss the budding rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. O'Shannessy dives into what makes each player special, and how likely a trilogy match will be at the US Open. And the creator of "Brain Game Tennis" also examines which American men's player can make a deep run in New York, and how the field looks on the women's side.
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Listen to one of the most popular episodes from our archives, as Canadian veteran Vasek Pospisil explains how he's continued to make a living in the competitive tennis world, and why he still has a lot left in the tank. In a conversation from last year, Pospisil also dives into topics such as the need for a player's union, how to bring more money into the sport, and where he sees the game going in the future.
Host Kamau Murray begins the show with some thoughts on Coco Gauff's title win in Washington D.C., the pressure on Canadian players in their lone opportunity to play at home, and who has impressed him the most on the road to the US Open.
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Former NCAA national champion veteran tour player Bradley Klahn joins the show to discuss the genesis of his love-affair with tennis, and why he's still committed to finishing his career on his own terms. Klahn explains how tennis was one of the last sports he picked up, and why Stanford was his destination for college, where he graduated early en route to collecting the biggest prize in the game. The California native dives into his early pro experiences, the adversity & injuries he faced along the journey, and how commentary has helped his approach to playing. It's a wide-ranging chat that will leave you informed and inspired.
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This week's podcast features two players are different trajectories in pursuit of the same tennis goals. Kamau Murray sits down with Ethan Quinn, the winner of the NCAA men's singles title this past year as he begins his pro career. Quinn explains how he fell in love with the game, the decision to go to Georgia, and what ultimately led to his choice to turn pro in 2023. The young man from Fresno also shares some of his favorite moments being coached, and what the transition has been like on the tour.
And then Illya Marchenko joins the show for an in-person interview. Marchenko has been a pro since 2005, and he describes how he was able to make it to the big-time from the Ukraine. The veteran also recounts his experience facing Nick Kyrgios, why he decided to start a successful tennis YouTube channel, and why he is starting a foray into coaching.
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Kamau Murray is on-site from his own club, as the XS Tennis Center is hosting a men's tournament as part of the Oracle Challenger Series. Ernesto Escobedo sits down for a chat about finding a renewed love of tennis, his decision to represent Mexico, and why there's no secret other than hard work in establishing a pro career.
And former Michigan standout Andrew Fenty joins the show to discuss the start of his rookie year on tour, and what the biggest adjustments have been since college. Fenty, a product of the Washington D.C. area, explains what advice Frances Tiafoe & Denis Kudla have given him as well.
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Journalist Peter Bodo joins Kamau Murray to preview the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, with a look at whether Novak Djokovic can add another title to his collection at the All England Club. Bodo examines which male players can stand in Djokovic's way, whether Frances Tiafoe is legit contender to go all the way, and if Elena Rybakina can repeat on the women's side. Bodo also shares some of his favorite stories covering the event over the years as well.
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American Austin Krajicek joins the podcast to discuss the biggest triumph of his career, winning this year's Roland Garros men's doubles title with Ivan Dodig. Krajicek explains how he transitioned from college to the pros, why he decided to put all of his energy into doubles, and how he rebounded from last year's heartbreak in the French Open final to claim the trophy in 2023. It's an all encompassing chat with a player who grinded for years to rise all the way to world #1 in men's doubles.
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Georgia men's tennis head coach Manny Diaz joins Kamau Murray for an insightful chat about his tenure with the Bulldogs, and how he built a successful culture in over three decades with the program. Diaz recalls his experiences coaching John Isner & other standouts, details what a day in the life of an athlete on his team entails, and professes his philosophy in player development & a commitment to team success.
The coach also dives into topics such as the transfer portal's effect on the tennis world, & how the game can be grown with media exposure. Manny Diaz is one of the most successful college tennis coaches of his era, and this podcast takes you inside the mind of the man who built a juggernaut in Athens, Georgia.
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Former top 5 singles player and current Tennis Channel broadcaster Jimmy Arias joins the podcast to discuss how he emerged from Buffalo to become of the best tennis players in the world. Arias discusses his origin story, how he met & started working with Nick Bollettieri, and shares some of his favorite stories from life on the ATP. The commentator also breaks down this year's Roland Garros, and makes some predictions as the tournament heats up. Arias, who also serves as Director of Player Development for IMG, sheds light on some of the best prospects & where the game is as a whole in the current day.
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Kamau Murray chats with Canadian coach Rob Steckley about his path to big-time coaching, and how he made the successful transition from playing to developing others. Steckley discusses his time working with French Open finalist Lucie Safarova & top 10 ATP player Denis Shapovalov, and how he developed his style over time. It's an educational conversation between two coaches who have made it to the highest level of the profession, with many stories & laughs to be had.
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Stella Sampras joins the show to discuss her groundbreaking tenure as UCLA's women's tennis coach, where she just recently notched her 500th victory at the helm. Sampras goes in depth about her coaching style, how she fosters a competitive environment that puts the team first, and how she strives to get the best out of her players. The coach also explains how she recruits, when she knows a player is ready for the pro game, and what it was like guiding Australian Open finalist Jen Brady.
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This week's guest is Coco Vandeweghe, one of the most consistent American players of her generation & someone who has a different approach than a lot of her peers. Vandeweghe explains why she's not big acting friendly during the heat of competition, and why her accomplished sporting family pushed her to find her passion & be the best at it from an early age.
The American also re-lives some of her career defining moments, discusses why her coaches have all had colorful personalities, and shares stories from her time as a traveling professional. It's a conversation you're not going to want to miss.
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Luke Jensen joins the Kamau Murray to reminisce about some of the most memorable moments & highlights of his life in tennis. Jensen details how the sport united his family in the Midwest, why he prioritized doubles, and that thrilling Roland Garros title with his brother Murphy.
Jensen & Murray share stories about the highs & lows of the professional game, including their epic encounter as coaches in World Team Tennis during the 2020 season. And the former major champion explains why coaching the Syracuse women's team was as fulfilling of an experience as he's had in his career.
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