Under Review Tennis Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Bethanie Mattek-Sands , a current player and now broadcaster for ESPN'S tennis coverage in the United States has lived an incredible life in tennis. As a child she grew up in Minnesota and then Wisconsin, and she played multiple sports.  As a junior tennis player, she was one of the best players in North America and chose to turn professional after winning a big tournament in France at the age of 13.  Bethanie Mattek-Sands  rose to 30 in the world and posted wins over players such as Elena Svitolina, Sara Errani, and Flavia Pennetta.  On this episode Bethanie Mattek-Sands tells us her perspectives on the current tennis landscape.   She explains what it was like to turn pro at 14 years old.  And she’s going to tell us about her time when tennis had become unpleasant.  She explains how she became a better player at the age of 25 . She breaks down some of the adversity she faced when she injured her knee at Wimbledon and had to come back to the WTA TOUR.  Bethanie explained the inspiration for her tennis fashion line, and explained that she has ownership in a Mezcal company. (Recorded March 25, 2020. Released April 1, 2020) Related Episodes of UNDER REVIEW: For other episodes of UNDER REVIEW , check out: Patrick Mouratoglou [Ep32]; Nick Bollettieri [Ep28]; Paul Annacone [Ep15]; Brad Gilbert [Ep01]; To hear more from current players on the pro tour check out  these episodes: Belinda Bencic [Ep42] Bianca Andreescu [Ep43] To read CRAIG'S ARTICLE about the HUGGY BEAR, subscribe to RACQUET MAGAZINE. To hear more Wimbledon stories on UNDER REVIEW, check out: TIM HENMAN [Ep10], ANDRE SA [Ep33]. UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: Check out The Malibu Racquet Club: https://www.maliburacquetclub.com/ KEYWORDS: Wimbledon, England, Great Britain, Arizona, Safarova, Jamie Murray, Doubles, Grand Slam, Junior Tennis,Mezcal, Corona Virus, WTA, ATP,  Tennis

Greg Rusedski , former player, coach, and now broadcaster for Amazon Prime Video's tennis coverage in the UK, has lived an incredible life in tennis. As a child he grew up in Montreal, Quebec with a father that loved  tennis.  As a junior tennis player, he was one of the best players in North America and chose to turn professional instead of taking a scholarship to play at USC.  Greg Rusedski rose to 4 in the world and posted wins over players such as Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Gustavo Kuerten and Marat Safin.  On this episode GREG RUSEDSKI  tells us his perspectives on the current British tennis landscape.   He explains what it was like to see the rise of Tim Henman.  And he’s going to tell us about his time coaching  Heather Watson.  He explains how he changed coaches after his best season . He breaks down some of the adversity he faced when he turned pro and wasn't quite ready to be successful on the ATP TOUR.  Greg Rusedski explained what it was like to beat Pete Sampras at the Paris Masters. (Recorded March 7, 2020. Released March 25, 2020) Related Episodes of UNDER REVIEW: hear from Greg's former coach BRIAN TEACHER For other episodes of UNDER REVIEW , check out: Patrick Mouratoglou [Ep32]; Nick Bollettieri [Ep28]; Paul Annacone [Ep15]; Brad Gilbert [Ep01]; To hear more from current players on the pro tour check out  these episodes: Belinda Bencic [Ep42] Bianca Andreescu [Ep43] UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: Check out The Malibu Racquet Club: https://www.maliburacquetclub.com/ KEYWORDS: Wimbledon, England, Great Britain, Canada, Tim Henman, AELTC, Andy Murray, Essex, Prime Video, Heather Watson,

Brad Gilbert joins us for a pre Australian Open conversation.  We learned what he has been up to in the off season, and what amazing memorabilia he has at his store, BG Tennis Nation.  Brad shared his thoughts on the ATP Cup, Davis Cup, and Serena and Venus Williams. Now an ESPN broadcaster,  Brad  discussed how he grew up in a tennis playing family in Oakland, Ca.  He described how a coaching change  at Arizona State turned him towards junior college where he met the coach that changed his life.  He talked about his one incredible semester at Pepperdine University where he majored in tennis and reached the NCAA finals.  He shared his thoughts on Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne.  Brad also told us what his ideal scenario is for the 2020 tennis season. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: For other UNDER REVIEW episodes with Brad Gilbert, check out: 2018 US OPEN Preview: Brad Gilbert [Ep1] 2018 Season Wrap Up: Brad Gilbert [Ep14] And check out The Malibu Racquet Club: https://www.maliburacquetclub.com/ (Recorded January 13, 2020. Released January 20, 2020) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com KEYWORDS: Foothill College, Pepperdine, Dennis Shapovalov, Australian Open, Kooyong, Sascha Zverev, Andre Agassi, tennis coach, ATP Cup, Laver Cup, Davis Cup

Elite Coach Marc Lucero grew up in San Diego, California.  He saw Andre Agassi on  television and decided he wanted to play tennis.  He went from playing at Boston College to coaching at Princeton University, then then at the USTA Campus in California. He has coached Genie Bouchard, Allie Riske, and had been on tour working with Shelby Rogers until now. Marc Lucero describes how a failed attempt at law school drove him back to tennis.  He shares a story of Shelby Rogers' run to the quarterfinals of the French Open.  And talked about meeting Agassi, and training at Gil Reyes' facility in Las Vegas.  He also explains his split from Shelby Rogers, and  how he lined up new players Nicole Gibbs and Stevie Johnson.  Marc discussed an adjustment to the calendar, and the need for a tennis coaching criteria .   (Recorded December 24, 2019. Released January 9, 2020) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: For the UNDER REVIEW episode with Marc Lucero's former player, check out Shelby Rogers [Ep17]. And the UNDER REVIEW episodes with his current player Nicole Gibbs [Ep19] . For More on Marc as Coach of The Year: USPTR TENNIS KEYWORDS: Boston College, BC Eagles, Princeton, Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort, Genie Bouchard, Nicole Gibbs, Steve Johnson, USTA, USPTR, ATP, WTA, Andre Agassi

One of the premiere figures in the Beverly Hills tennis scene, TONY GRAHAM has lead an amazing tennis life. He came up in LA in the 1970s, honed his craft at UCLA, and turned pro during the sport's golden years where he played, practiced and paled around with legends like McEnroe, Connors, Borg, and the late Vitas Gerulaitis. At UCLA he got to the finals of the NCAA Championship. As a pro he beat Jimmy Arias and finalled Stowe. And when he wrapped up his pro career, he continued the tennis life, coaching and running the courts of the rich, famous and influential.  At one time, Tony was a coach at the Playboy Mansion. Now he facilitates at the super exclusive Executive Tennis Academy and runs the Beverly Hills Invitational. He also presides over one of the greatest tennis courts in the world, the infinity court at The Sheats-Goldstein Residence. On this episode, TONY GRAHAM divulges which former world #1 he pistol-whipped in a practice match while he was matriculated at UCLA . He also shares the story of how a country music superstar became his benefactor, flying him on his private jet to tennis tournaments around the world.  And finally, he lets us know which male American player he thinks will break into the top 10. (Recorded October 10, 2019. Released December 23, 2019) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: Pictures of The Sheats-Goldstein residence can be found at http://jamesfgoldstein.com/ For the UNDER REVIEW episode with Tony's friend and doubles partner, check out TREY WALTKE [Ep08]. And the UNDER REVIEW episodes with the man Tony once coached can be found at Michael Joyce  [Ep51] & [52]. For the UNDER REVIEW episode with a man who coaches at The Executive Tennis Academy, check out Mark Woodforde [Ep29]. And for the UNDRR REVIEW episode with the man who Tony beat to final Stowe, check out Jimmy Arias [Ep36] KEYWORDS: Bill Gates, Executive Tennis Academy, Beverly Hills Invitational, Sheats-Goldstein Residence, Naomi Osaka, Sascha Bajin, Michael Joyce, Gary Swain, Max Eisenbud, Pierce College, UCLA, Billy Martin, John Wooden, Jimmy Connors, Brian Teacher John McEnroe, Stowe, Lintz, Kenny Rogers, Trey Waltke, Hugh Heffner, Playboy, Porsche, Vitas Gerulatis, Alan King Tennis Classic,  

4-time Grand Slam doubles champion RENNAE STUBBS has been a fixture on the tour for nearly 3 decades.  As a player, she was the #1 doubles player in the world and won more doubles titles than any other Australian woman. She also was the longest serving member of the Australian Fed Cup team, playing for 17 years. And she participated in 4 Olympic Games. After her playing career finished, she found new life as a broadcaster, coach and podcaster. As a broadcaster she's worked for Australia's SEVEN NETWORK, The Tennis Channel and ESPN. As a coach she worked with current world #2 Karolina Pliskova and is currently working with 2011 US Open Champion Sam Stosur. And if that's not enough, she hosts the entertaining and insightful Racquet Magazine Podcast. On this episode, RENNAE STUBBS offers a behind the scenes look at what's currently happening on the women's tour. She tells us about scrapping around London as a young Australian upstart. She recounts the story of one of her most emotional on court interviews. And she breaks down the plusses and minuses of dating your doubles partner. (Recorded November 13, 2019. Released December 10, 2019) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: To hear more of Rennae, please check out The Racquet Magazine Podcast. To hear the UNDER REVIEW episode with her co-host and the founder of Racquet Magazine, check out Caitlin Thompson [Ep07]. For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring Top Level Coaches, check out: Michael Joyce  [Ep51] & [52] Patrick Mouratoglou [Ep32] Nick Bollettieri [Ep27] Paul Annacone [Ep15] For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring ESPN talent, check out: Brad Gilbert [Ep01] [Ep14] [Ep33] Nico Pereira [Ep03] For more episodes with Australian Tennis luminaries, check out: Mark Woodforde [Ep29] Sarah Stone [Ep16] KEYWORDS: Ray Ruffles, Lisa Raymond, ESPN, Sam Stosur, Karolina Pliskova, Roehampton, Helena Suková, Stefi Graff, Olympics, Wimbledon, Mirjana Lučić, Bianca Andreescu, Kristie Ahn,  Wildfires, Australia, Daniil Medvedev, Margaret Court  

In part 2 of our discussion with elite coach MICHAEL JOYCE, he discusses his transition from player to coach;  he breaks down the truth behind the Sharapova substance-abuse scandal; he tells how a seminal work of tennis writing came to be; and he lets us know who he thinks is the greatest coach of all time. Oh, and if that's not enough, he explains his connection to one of the most scandalous murders in recent history.  Meldonium, The Mendez Brothers and more in part 2 of our discussion with elite coach MICHAEL JOYCE. Michael Joyce is a world class player and the subject of David Foster Wallace's seminal story in Esquire magazine. "String Theory." But perhaps he's best known as one of the top coaches in women's tennis.  A fixture on the tour, Joyce has worked with Azarenka, Konta, Pegula and Bouchard. And he coached Maria Sharapova through three major championships and to #1 in the world. Currently, he's working with Timea Babos. To hear Part 1 of the interview, please see Michael Joyce [Ep51] (Recorded August 26, 2019. Released November 27, 2019) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: To hear more about the drug Meldonium, check out the UNDER REVIEW episode with Racquet Magazine founder and writer Caitlin Thompson [Ep07]. For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring Top Level Coaches, check out: Patrick Mouratoglou [Ep32] Nick Bollettieri [Ep27] Paul Annacone [Ep15] For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring top Southern California players, check out: Chuck Adams [Ep6] Brian Teacher [Ep18] Stan Smith [Ep50] To hear more of Michael Joyce's insight, check out: Belinda Bencic [Ep42] Bianca Andreescu [Ep43] For David Foster Wallace's seminal article about Michael Joyce: "STRING THEORY" For the Racquet Magazine follow-up article: "Michael Joyce's Second Act" KEYWORDS: Timea Babos, Maria Sharapova, Genie Bouchard, Robert Landsdorp, Chuck Adams, Vince Spadea, UCLA, Vika Azarenka, Yonex, Menendez Brothers, Rios, David Foster Wallace, String Theory, Maria Sharapova, Dr. David Altchek, Meldonium

Michael Joyce came up deep in the Southern California tennis scene: brushing shoulders with the rich and infamous; playing tennis with fabled champions; and receiving instruction from legendary coaches. After an illustrious junior career in which he finaled Junior Wimbledon and won Kalamazoo, Joyce went pro and caught the attention of David Foster Wallace who subsequently wrote one of the seminal articles about tennis about him. As a player, he beat Courier, Becker, Kafelnikov and many more. But he’s probably best known as one of the top elite coaches on the tour.  He’s worked with Azaranka, Konta, Pegula and Bouchard. And he coached Maria Sharapova through three major championships and to #1 in the world. The man has so many stories and so much insight we just couldn’t fit it into a single episode. So here is part 1 where Joyce discusses the machinations of coaching at the highest level. He tells us what it was like to grow up with a tennis obsessed father who learned tennis in Plummer Park from legends like Bill Tilden and Pancho Gonzales. And he shares the story of what exactly happened with him and Genie Bouchard. We met up with Michael during the US Open where he was coaching Timea Babos the Hungarian best known for her #1 doubles ranking. (Recorded August 26, 2019. Released November 25, 2019) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring Top Level Coaches, check out: Patrick Mouratoglou [Ep32] Nick Bollettieri [Ep27] Paul Annacone [Ep15] For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring top Southern California players, check out: Chuck Adams [Ep6] Brian Teacher [Ep18] Stan Smith [Ep50] To hear more of Michael Joyce's insight, check him out on these episodes: Belinda Bencic [Ep42] Bianca Andreescu [Ep43] For David Foster Wallace's seminal article about Michael Joyce: "STRING THEORY" For the Racquet Magazine follow-up article: "Michael Joyce's Second Act" KEYWORDS: Kayla Day, Timea Babos, Maria Sharapova, Genie Bouchard, Bill Tilden, Chris Evert, John Lloyd, Lansdorp, Chuck Adams, Brian Teacher, Paul Cohen, Howard Schoenfeld, Andrei Medvedev, Rusedski, Enqvest, Vince Spadea, Ivan Baron, UCLA, Fila, Martin Mulligan, Menendez Brothers,  David Foster Wallace, String Theory,

For the past 50 years, the name "Stan Smith" has been seen on nearly every street in the world. Written on nearly 40 million pairs of the iconic Adidas-made sneakers. But perhaps more notable than the shoe is the man himself. Along with Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith is considered the essence of class who ushered in the open era, formed the ATP, and effectively created the tennis world that we know today. He came up under the tutelage of Pancho Segura. Then played for USC. And in 1971 he won the US Open. The following year he won Wimbledon. And the year after that, in an act of solidarity with other players, he boycotted the All England Club. He beat Laver, Nastasi, Connors, Newcomb and Ashe. And Jack Kramer put him in his book as one of the top 21 players of all time. Currently, he leads the tennis academy he cofounded, The Smith Stearns Academy, and is The President of The International Tennis Hall of Fame. Former World #1, STAN SMITH tells us why he thinks Coco Gauff is the real deal. He explains how he helped make the player's union as strong as their country's federations during The Cold War. And he tells the story of how the famous shoe came to be. We met up with Stan in Newport Rhode Island the weekend of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Recorded July 21, 2019. Released for Patreon Patrons September 6, 2019. Released October 30, 2019) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact info@underreviewtennis.com SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: For more UNDER REVIEW episodes featuring Tennis Hall of Famers, check out: Jim Courier [Ep23] Gigi Fernandez [Ep27] Nick Bollettieri [Ep28] Mark Woodforde [Ep29] Steve Flink [Ep37] Mats Wilander [Ep38] Yevgeny Kafelnikov [Ep40] KEYWORDS: Adidas, Adolf Dassler, Alex Olmedo, Anisamova, Arthur Ashe, ATP, Coco Gauff, Danielle Collins, Dennis Ralston, Duofol, Frances Tiafoe, Ilie Năstase, Jan Kodeš, John Newcombe, Nikola Pilić, Pancho Segura, Puma, Rafael Osuna, Reilly Opelka, Tennis Hall of Fame, US Open, USC, Vijay Amritraj, Wimbledon

Former CEO of Oracle, MARK HURD loved tennis. In High School, Hurd battled it out with top-ten pros on the public courts in Miami Beach. In college, he played #1 at Baylor University. And while Chief Executive at Oracle, he helped forge one of the most significant relationships in the history of tennis between a corporation and the sport.  We interviewed Mark this year at The BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, but we had some technical difficulties and the interview was cut short so we tabled it, hoping to get a better, more thorough one, down the road. Unfortunately, we never got that chance. Mark passed away last week at the age of 62. The man did so much for the sport he loved and so we decided to release this episode in his honor.  On the episode MARK HURD discusses the state of college tennis, what Oracle is doing to advance the sport and what makes Larry Ellison so special.   (Recorded March 9, 2019. Released October 22, 2019.) UNDER REVIEW is a podcast in which tennis insiders share unique stories and insightful perspective. For more information, please contact:  info@underreviewtennis.com   SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: For other episodes of UNDER REVIEW with Technologists, check out: Gordon Uehling [Ep25]  Hurd's Obituary in The Washington Post. KEYWORDS: Eddie Dibbs, UTR, Indian Wells, Baylor, Kevin Kern, Larry Ellison, BNP Paribas Open, Miami, Title IX