Paul Annacone on Ruud's Masters Title, Djokovic's Chances and Sinner's Return
Esteemed coach and commentator Paul Annacone is the guest on this episode of The Inside-In Podcast, and he recaps Casper Ruud's biggest title of his career at The Madrid Open. Annacone explains why Aryna Sabalenka remains a dominant force in the women's game, and he analyzes where Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek could go from here. The Tennis Channel broadcaster also discusses Novak Djokovic's chances for a successful Roland Garros given his recent results, and dives into what makes the all-time greats different from the rest of the players.
Annacone also gives his take on why Carlos Alcaraz has been prone to dips, and which member of the "Big 3" the Spaniard seems to resemble the most. The coach also details what to expect from Jannik Sinner when he returns at the Italian Open, states his case why great players in this game can succeed on any surface, and reacts to the titles won by Naomi Osaka and Alex Michelsen on the clay. And Annacone shares one of his favorite stories from Rome during his playing days! Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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38:02
Steve Weissman on Coco Gauff's Statement Win vs. Swiatek, Djokovic's Status and The Male Contenders on The Clay
Tennis Channel broadcaster Steve Weissman joins the podcast to break down all the action from the Madrid Open, headlined by Coco Gauff's dominant win against defending champion Iga Swiatek. Weissman explains what this match means for Gauff, and how Swiatek can respond with Roland Garros less than a month away. The commentator also looks Aryna Sabalenka's quest for a first title in Paris, and how Mirra Andreeva has emerged as a big-time on player.
Weissman also analyzes the game, which is more wide open than it has been in a very long time. He assesses Djokovic's form after another early loss at Madrid, and examines whether Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner should be viewed as prohibitive favorites at Roland Garros. And Weissman analyzes whether Casper Ruud, Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper or somebody else could emerge as real contender on the clay. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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50:48
Rising ATP Player Martin Landaluce on Learning From Nadal, Carrying On The Spanish Tradition and Making Progress
Martin Landaluce joins the podcast to discuss his emergence on the pro tour, and why the young Spaniard is next up to carry on the tradition for his country. The teenager recounts his humble beginnings as a player, how his older siblings inspired him, and the opportunity to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy, and practice with the legendary sports icon himself. Landaluce gets candid about his development, why he loves playing on grass courts and what he hopes to accomplish in this fun conversation. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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29:59
Rune Steps Up, Ostapenko's Heat Check, And A Preview Up The Madrid Open With ATP Writer Grant Thompson
ATP writer Grant Thompson joins the show as the clay season ramps up and the road to Roland Garros intensifies. Thompson recaps Holger Rune's thrilling title run in Barcelona, and what it means for the Danish player going forward. The journalist also discusses Carlos Alcaraz's health, and Alexander Zverev's victory in the Munich final over a very in-form Ben Shelton. And Thompson reacts to Jelena Ostapenko's shockingly good performance in Stuttgart, where she beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final while also improving to 6-0 against Iga Swiatek!
Thompson then dives into The Madrid Open, and examines which players on the ATP and WTA are poised to far well with the altitude on these Spanish clay courts. He also discusses some sleepers who could emerge on the men's tour who could emerge in 2025, and what Jannik Sinner's return in Rome will mean for the game. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
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46:42
Giulana Olmos, The All-Time Billie Jean King Cup Wins Leader For Mexico Opens Up About Her Tennis Journey
Giulana "Gugu" Olmos is the guest on this episode of the podcast, and she opens up about a career that has seen her make history and carve out a successful career on the WTA tour. Olmos discusses her upbringing in California, and how she was influenced by her family lineage to represent Mexico, where she went on to record the most Billie Jean King Cup wins in the country's history. The USC graduate also explains why college was the perfect path for her, and how it has become a viable path for many of the pros top players.
Olmos also goes into detail about her decision to focus on doubles, and how she found success and reached a career high ranking of No. 6. And Olmos reflects on her role as a pioneer, and why representation is critical to the growth of tennis and other sports in Mexico. Hosted by Mitch Michals.
Host Mitch Michals takes you inside the world of professional tennis with the past, present, and future of the sport. This podcast features broadcasters, players, and many others who eat, sleep & breathe tennis. Stay in the loop and in the know with The Inside-In Podcast
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