Tennis Now's Podcast

St. Edwards senior Chase Bartlett is reacting to the Universities decision to cut men's and women's tennis with the same fighting spirit that made him a top player for the Hilltoppers. He's asking hard questions and encouraging the school to take a look at creative solutions. Chris Oddo speaks with the senior to find out how the tennis community can help... Here's how we can: Go here https://www.change.org/p/seu-athletics-bring-back-the-six-sports-impacted-by-the-st-edward-s-university-athletics-budget-cuts and put your name on the petition. If you're so inclined, pledge what you can and help these kids get something spectatular achieved. This movement is about more than just one program. Listen to the interview and find out why... Thanks for listening and for supporting college tennis and tennis at large! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Rubin of Behindtheracquet.com joined Chris Oddo to talk about his web site and the issues currently facing the sport of tennis. Below you will find a full transcript of the interview. You can find Behind the Racquet on the web here: You can find Behind the Racquet on Instagram here: You can find Noah's podcast, "Coffee Cast" with Mike Cation here: Topics discussed and hit points: Noah's current life in NY during Coronavirus (interview starts at 2:45) What it meant to be named as one of tennis' 20 most important people by L'equipe (5:15) How the mission of Behind the Racquet has not changed due to the pandemic (14:15) Why it's important to use the time to make tennis better so we can come back to a sport that is better than it was before, and why Noah is not holding his breath (4:30) The importance of financial aid for lower-ranked players (8:09) How Noah sees Behind the Racquet evolving in the years to come (14:15) The future of ATP and WTA Collaboration (12:55) A player's union or just a union? (9:05)

It has been a strange, surreal two and a half weeks since Indian Wells was cancelled and the global grip of the Coronavirus pandemic ended sports—and life—as we know it. Three weeks into a shutdown that could last for a devastatingly long time we caught up with World No.19 Alison Riske to talk about what the experience has been like from a player’s perspective. ***INTERVIEW BEGINS AT 3:45*** Alison Riske on Twitter Alison Riske on Instagram Alison Riske's WTA Profile Riske is a consummate pro. She has notched seven consecutive Top 100 finishes and is sitting just one spot shy of her career-best ranking of 18. She was also in line to qualify for a spot in the 2020 Olympic Games as the fourth-ranked American, but that dream is also on hold as the IOC announced the postponement of the games on Tuesday, just a day before we reached Riske at her home in Orlando where she is making the most of her time at home with her husband Stephen Amritraj.  As the 29-year-old Pennsylvania native points out, we are all in this

On today's edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast we chat with Bret McCormick, tennis beat writer for the Sports Business Journal. Follow Bret on Twitter: @Bretjust1T Follow Bret at Sports Business Journal: https://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal.aspx Bret covers the business side of the sport and has been following multiple storylines as the Coronavirus has thrown the globe--and tennis--into financial disarray. We talk about the French Tennis Federations' decision to change the play date of Roland Garros and the implications of their unilateral move. We discuss the reaction of the WTA and ATP and wonder if their joint statement could signify the beginning of a new era of cooperations of tennis' governing bodies. If so, what would that look like? We discuss the plight of the numerous ATP and WTA events that have been cancelled and wonder what the tour will look like when the dust settles. Will tournaments be forced out of business? What are some of the more vexing problems that the smaller events face? And

On this edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast host Chris Oddo is joined by tennis journalist, author and historian Joel Drucker at the historic Berkeley Tennis Club in Northern California. We begin the interview with a bit of a rundown of the club's history. As it turns out we happened to be sitting by a two-foot tall photo of the great Helen Wills Moody, a 19-time major winner who used to play that the club, which was founded in 1906. We move into a deep dive into the career and legacy of the recently retired Maria Sharapova, discussing: The gut reaction to Sharapova's announcement Sharapova's earning power and how that will pay into her legacy. Sharapova as Claypova -- what made her so special on the clay surface in her 20s? Meldonium and the ban -- what does it all mean? Sharapova's inability to win against Serena -- does it say more about Maria or Serena? Sharapova's competitiveness, where does it rank? In the second half of the podcast we discuss Joel's career in tennis, from his formative years a

Chris Oddo and Richard Pagliaro break down a thrilling 2020 Australian Open, looking closely at the title runs of Sofia Kenin and Novak Djokovic as well as the runner-up performances of Dominic Thiem and Garbiñe Muguruza. Before you read the show notes please take a moment to pop over to iTunes and drop a review. If you like the podcast and have a moment, it would mean a lot to us! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lucky-letcord-podcast/id1141129184 On Sofia Kenin "To come from triple break point down and hit the five gutsiest and greatest shots of your life in a row, in succession, against a two-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1 and just to lay it all out there at the moment when you need it the most--it blew my mind and it must have blew Muguruza's mind as well too, because it was just incredible that she was able to produce at that level, under that pressure. Just unbelievable." Pagliaro adds: "Her ability to time the ball and take the ball on the rise, I think it's really unsettling f

The semis are set at the 2020 Australian Open and we are celebrating an amazing first ten days of the tournament by chatting with tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink. We catch up with Steve to get his take on Dominic Thiem's massive takedown of Rafael Nadal on Day 10. "It was a beauty," says Flink. "You have to look at this as another step--a serious step--in the evolution of Thiem as an all-surface player who is really going to be challenging for majors this year. Not just this one or Roland Garros but everywhere, with perhaps the exception of Wimbledon." We talk about the crucial turning points of the match and what it might mean for Thiem going into the semis. We discuss the performance of Nadal and how he could have easily won this match if a few more big points went his way. And what to make of Thiem's nerves at the finish and the sway of Nadal v Thiem as a rivalry moving forward? The discussion then moves to Roger Federer and his match point miracle on Day 9. Will Federer have anything left as he prep

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast we are throwing the spotlight on a rising star of the ATP -- Miomir Kecmanovic. Currently the fourth highest-ranked player aged 20 and under on the ATP Tour, Kecmanovic has already reached an ATP semifinal in 2020. He did that in Doha, just weeks after breaking camp in Dubai where he spent the off-season training with the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. We hear from Kecmanovic from Dubai, where he gives his thoughts on what it is like to practice with the legends of the game and why he was able to have so much success in 2019, a season that saw him rise from outside the Top 130 to inside the Top 50 for a spell. Kecmanovic also talks about his time in Tenerife with Dominic Thiem and why he feels he was able to have a successfull 2019 campaign. The Serb won 24 matches on tour last season and reached his first ATP final as well as qualifying for the final four at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan. He also won three matches at the Grand Slam level and set himself up fo

In today's edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast Tennis Now editor Richard Pagliaro joins Chris Oddo to break down the top tear-inducing moments of the decade that was. From the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio to Andy Murray's tear-stained runner-up speech at Wimbledon in 2012, there were certainly plenty to choose from. Richard and Chris break down their favorites, such as Francesca Schiavone's Roland Garros title and Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut's special moment in Paris in 2018. The conversations gently turns to the player of the decade and Richard and Chris both agree that Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams were head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to the 2010s. Is there even an argument for any other player? Maybe. Maybe not. Thanks for listening and if you have a moment and want to support the podcast the best way to do it is by rating and reviewing us on iTunes or wherever you listen to your podcasts! All the best and HAPPY OFF SEASON! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon

In today's edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast we announce our move to the Tennis Channel Podcast Network, which has us stoked to bring you better and bolder podcasts! We celebrate by talking with longtime ATP commentator Nick Lester, who joins and talks to host Chris Oddo about several topics. How mind-blowing was the decade and how can we sum it up in words? Nick has answers to this question and he also has a prediction for the 2020 Grand Slam season that you won't want to miss... Will the Big 3's remarkable streak of major titles won be halted by an surging upstart? Tune in and find out. Nick also speaks about other topics, such as the rise of Dominic Thiem. Will he be the man to crack the code and snag a major in 2020? What about Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev? Do they have what it takes? We also discuss Davis Cup and look back at the pros and cons of this year's event and what it changes could be in store... We also have a chat about Andy Murray. What does he mean to his country and what do

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast sponsored by Tennis Express, Chris Oddo and Richard Pagliaro talk about the major topics in tennis as we head out of the Asian swing. 1. How good is Daniil Medvedev and what will he have left for the ATP Finals? Also, has the Russian single handedly cracked the door to the BIG THREE open so that the rest of the next generation can swoop in and start making hay? 2. Who is the WTA's player of the year, and could what happens in Shenzhen change that? 3. What's the deal with Serena and why is she not interested in ensuring that she qualifies for Shenzhen. Is there a strategy there? 4. Coco Gauff is a massive story, but how much Coco-mania is too much Coco-mania? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week ATP legend Mike Bryan joins Chris Oddo to talk about his passion for biohacking and give us an update on how the Bryan Brothers are feeling ahead of the U.S. Open Series. We talk about Mike's evolution as an athlete and how biohacking now plays a key role in his ability to keep playing elite tennis at the age of 41. We talk about theraguns and Oura Rings (full disclosure: host had to look these up after the show!). Mike talks about his brother Bob's recovery from surgery and how he is beginning to embrace some of the concepts that Mike has been following for over a decade. Mike talks about that special cup of Bulletproof coffee that he likes to take on court with him for matches and how his fitness has benefited immensely from altering the ratio of court time to fitness time. We also chat about what it means to be back on tour after Bob's career-threating surgery and, of course, what the goals are moving forward, both for this season and beyond. Here are some of Mike's quotes: On the B

Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep are the 2019 Wimbledon singles champions and Tennis Hall of Famer joins host Chris Oddo to talk about one of the more incredible Wimbledon finals we've ever seen. Djokovic wins it 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 13-12(3) and Steve gives his take on why the Serb was able to get over the hump and what special characteristics he possesses to make him a winner. Steve talks about what happened to Djokovic in his good moments and bad, and breaks down the two championship points that he saved to earn the title. We talk about the historical implications of the final, and what made it special. We talk about Federer's performance and what it represents. Then we switch gears and talk about Simona Halep's sparkling performance in Saturday's final and what her future might look like. Finally we touch on Serena Williams and whether or not she still has a shot to win more majors. Thanks for listening, and thanks to Steve Flink! !! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink joins the podcast and gives his initial reaction to Roger Federer's victory over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon. We also discuss Novak Djokovic's victory over Roberto Bautista Agut and look ahead to Sunday's Wimbledon men's final, which is the third Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Federer. Next we pivot and talk about Saturday's women's final, keeping our eye on the form of Serena Williams and Simona Halep. What would the win mean to Serena if she can get it? And how about Halep? Thanks for listening and thanks to Steve Flink for joining? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast former World No.5 Jimmy Arias stops by to talk about his gig as the Director of Tennis at IMG Tennis. Currently at Wimbledon to oversee the academie's tennis prospects, Arias had comments about some of this year's top juniors at Wimbledon--notably American, Martin Damm and Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki, who are both in the Boys' Girls Singles semi-finals. Arias talks about the challenge that the young kids face and we hit upon the many aspects of his career that have enabled him to be an excellent mentor for young aspiring pro tennis players. Arias talks about his days as a tennis prodigy and the two biggest mistakes of his career, which were made at a very young age. We talk about Arias' favorite moments on tour--his win over Yannick Noah in the 1984 U.S. Open semi-finals and his run to the quarter-finals when he eventually faced John McEnroe. And finally, Arias gives his take on the Nadal v Federer rivalry at Wimbledon and what surprises him the most about the Big 3

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast BBC Commentator Pete Odgers joins host Chris Oddo to break down Wednesday's men's quarter-finals. Odgers talks about his Wimbledon experience and his top moments of week one. We look carefully at the men's singles quarterfinals and wonder which member of the Big 3 is the most likely to fall prey to upset at SW19. We discuss the dearth of serve-and-volley tennis currently being played at Wimbledon and wonder WHY? Pete gives his take on the sudden rise of 15-year-old Coco Gauff and why it's best to proceed with caution when it comes to Gauff and other top WTA teenagers. Thanks for listening and special thanks to Pete Odgers. Be sure to tune into the BBC to hear him commentating the action during the second week of Wimbledon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Mert Ertunga of Tennis with an Accent and Tenis Dunyasi and Ros Satar of Britwatch Sports join host Chris Oddo to break down week on of Wimbledon and look ahead to Manic Monday and further down the road to week two. Mert says that Kei Nishikori has pulled the biggest upset of week one. Ros and Mert break down the Konta Kvitova showdown that is set for Monday. We all reflect on 15-year-old sensation and wonder what she can do against Simona Halep. We also discuss the rock-solid start of Ash Barty and drool over a projected quarterfinal between the Aussie and Serena Williams. Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/MertovsTDesk Follow Ros: https://twitter.com/rfsatar Follow Britwatch Sports: https://twitter.com/britwatchsports Follow Tennis With an Accent: https://twitter.com/accent_tennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast the venerable tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink joins Chris Oddo to break down the match of Day 4: Rafael Nadal v Nick Kyrgios. Steve talks about how it's a shame that Kyrgios doesn't have a higher ranking and that they should never be meeting in the second round. But he admits that it is a mouthwatering clash and gives his reasons why Nadal should have success. He also reflects back on Kyrgios' biggest wins against Nadal--at Wimbledon in 2014 and at Acapulco earlier this season. We also talk about the other Big 3 members--Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer--and Steve explains why he is tipping Djokovic for a fifth Wimbledon title and thinking that Nadal might take out Federer if the pair end up meeting in the semis. Thanks to Steve Flink for joining and sharing his insights, and thanks to all for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast former World No.25, Wimbledon doubles champion and singles quarter-finalist joins Chris Oddo to talk about his comeback, the rise of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Canadian tennis and, of course, ATP Politics. As a member of the ATP's Player Council Pospisil hopes to affect change for the players of his generation and the next. We break down what it was like being in that much-publicized seven-hour meeting on Friday. We talk about how he shares a vision with Novak Djokovic, and how he sees the World No.1's role as ATP president. We talk about the difficulties that the players face as they try to negotiate a fairer share of the revenue pie, and how he sees future negotiations shaping up. Thanks to Vasek for his time! And thanks to all for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast, Mert Ertunga of Tennis with an Accent an Tenis Dunyasi stops by to break down the quarter of death on the women's side. We also take a deep dive into the qualies at Wimbledon and discuss what this event is like for players and spectators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices