The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Journalist Molly McElwee is the guest on this episode, and she discusses the book she wrote that highlights the different champions that the WTA has produced in the 21st century, and just how unique and different each story is. In "Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women's Tennis," McElwee highlights how there is not one set method to produce a major champion, diving into the backstory and approach to the sport of the women who have made it to the top of the mountain in the grand slams.

The author profiles several champions such as the Williams Sisters, Kim Clijsters who had a renaissance after being a mom, Ashleigh Barty, Aryna Sabalenka and others. Go beyond the pages with this podcast as Molly McElwee reveals how this book was written, and what she learned documenting these incredible and inspirational women's tennis players. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

You can purchase McElwee's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Champions-Success-Womens-Tennis/dp/1913759237

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the trophies at The US Open, and former Top-5 player Jimmy Arias joins the podcast to explain how the major champions achieved their dreams in New York. Arias dives into Alcaraz's serving success, how he's improved his consistency and why he is the only person on the planet that is giving Jannik Sinner serious problems. The broadcaster also reacts to Sinner's comments about needing to adapt, and gives his take on what Novak Djokovic and the rest of the ATP can do to challenge for grand slam titles.

Arias also discusses how Sabalenka has turned her serve into a weapon when it mattered the most, and why she continues to conquer the mental side of tennis as she collects major trophies. The commentator dives into Amanda Anisimova's career resurgence, Jessica Pegula's stellar performance at Flushing Meadows, and how Coco Gauff can overcome her own service issues and remain an elite WTA player. And Arias ends the show by telling a Davis Cup story from his playing days that is too insane to believe! Hosted by Mitch Michals.

We've reached the semifinal round at the US Open, and journalist Chris Oddo joins the podcast to break down all the drama in New York. The TennisNow and USOpen.org writer recaps Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz, and explains how the Serbian legend continues to reach the business end of slams at age 38. Oddo dives into the brilliance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as they advanced to the Final Four with ease, Felix Auger Aliassime's major breakthrough, and the unfortunate fortnight for the American men.

Oddo also dives into the women's draw which has featured plenty of excellent tennis and feel-good storylines. The journalist analyzes how Amanda Anisimova was able to avenge a brutal loss in the Wimbledon Final and defeat Iga Swiatek in New York, and he summarizes why Naomi Osaka's return to the final weekend of a grand slam is something truly special. And Oddo previews all the semifinal matchups including a rematch of last year's women's final as Aryna Sabalenka faces off against Jessica Pegula, and a transcendent, cross-generational matchup between Alcaraz and Djokovic. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast to discuss Week 2 at The US Open, where the action has heated up and the matches have featured some serious firepower. Hubbs reacts to Jannik Sinner's brilliance in the 4th Round, and assesses Carlos Alcaraz's chances to stop his Italian rival. The Barstool Sports contributor also discusses Taylor Fritz's role as the lone American left, his chances against Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, and what to make of fellow quarterfinalists Alex De Minaur and Felix Auger Aliassime as they prepare for battle.

Hubbs also breaks down Naomi Osaka's dominant win over Coco Gauff, and looks at the four-time major champ's chances to go all the way in New York. He dives into Aryna Sabalenka's insane tiebreak record, Iga Swiatek's impressive form, and American hopefuls Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova, who gets a chance to redeem herself in a rematch of the Wimbledon Final. Hosted by Mitch Michals.

The US Open rages on, and journalist Lukas Weese joins the show to recap all the action from New York. The Athletic Live Reporter discusses the tense exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko, Tommy Paul's late night victory, and Coco Gauff's ability to fight through her service woes. Weese also explains why knocking off Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will be a tall task for the field, but if anyone can do it, it's American Ben Shelton.

The journalist also breaks down Iga Swiatek's close victory in Round 2, Karolina Muchova's eclectic game, and the Jasmine Paolini being the subject of one of the greatest sports photos ever. And Weese analyzes Novak Djokovic's performance through two matches, and debates whether the Serbian can contend for the US Open title. Hosted by Mitch Michals.