The TENNIS.com Podcast

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray is joined by Peter Smith, a legend in the game of college tennis, and somebody that continues to dedicate his life to teaching the sport. Smith discusses his time leading program's at the NCAA level, which started at Long Beach State, as the youngest coach in history. His path led him to several stops before he took over USC and established a dynasty, winning five team national championships. The member of this year's ITA Men's College Hall of Fame class explains how developed his coaching style, why he was put on this earth to teach the game, and what it was like working with Steve Johnson as he won 72 straight matches for the Trojans. Smith also delves into his current role as the General Manager & Director of Tennis at the legendary Jack Kramer Tennis Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tennis analyst & coach Craig O'Shannessy returns to break down the 2023 Miami Open, and offer up his take on the event's most exciting matches & interesting outcomes. The Director of Brain Game Tennis discusses the epic match between Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz, how each young player has progressed, and why Karen Khachanov has really caught his eye with his improvements. O'Shannessy & host Kamau Murray then turn their attention towards clay court season, explaining which WTA players are primed to have a great spring on the red surface. The coaches also discuss the return of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal trying to return to full-health, and whether a young player can have a big breakthrough on the clay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig O'Shannessy, Australian tennis coach & director of "Brain Game Tennis" joins Kamau Murray to recap the 2023 Indian Wells tournament. The guys recap how Carlos Alcaraz played dazzling and cerebral tennis to win the title, Daniil Medvedev's struggles in the final, and which other players stood on in an action-filled event. O'Shannessy discusses the state of the female game after Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the women's title, and how Iga Swiatek can correct the struggles that she made in the semifinals. Both coaches then preview the Miami Open before making their picks for the second leg of the sunshine double. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray is joined by Brian Teacher, the 1980 Australian Open men's singles champion who's new passion is changing how the game is coached and taught with technology. Teacher explains how it all came together to win a grand slam trophy, and what it was like competing against Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, & other legends of his era. And the SoCal native explains how he's helping to change the game with Full Court Tennis, an app that makes it easy to coach & teach remotely for players at all levels. Whether you're a professional looking for improvements that will take you to the next level, or a recreational player just trying to better your game, Brian Teacher's app has got you covered and he explains why in great detail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray chats with award-winning coach & renowned author Frank Giampaolo in a wide-ranging conversation about maximizing tennis potential. Giampaolo explains how parents & coaches can develop players that enjoy the game & find success, while becoming problem solvers in their own regard. A best-selling author, Giampaolo's latest book "The Psychology of Tennis Parenting" is available on Amazon today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former USTA President & CEO Katrina Adams joins the show for a thoughtful chat about the sport of tennis, growth, & how it can open doors to a better & more fulfilled life. Adams explains how she was drawn to tennis as a kid in Chicago, & how she ended up staying local for college at Northwestern. After a decade on tour, Adams dives into her trailblazing run with the USTA, where she became a pioneer as the USTA CEO & President for two successful terms. Adams, who also serves on the board of directors for the International Tennis Hall of Fame, discusses the importance of having diversity of thought in the game, and how tennis has made her life & countless others significantly better. As the first black woman & youngest person ever to lead the USTA, Adams has a lot say with her good friend Kamau Murray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast is Martin Blackman, who currently serves as the General Manager of Player Development with the USTA & has had an huge role in shaping the current wave of American tennis stars making an impact on the world stage. Blackman goes in depth about his upbringing in Barbados, and how he was given the opportunity of a lifetime to train at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy alongside Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, and many other elite prospects. That opportunity led him to Stanford and a brief pro career before he found his true calling, working with younger generations & developing their skills on & off the court. Blackman explains why college is now a viable pathway for pro success, the importance of having pro events in the United States, and why team competitions like the Davis Cup & Billie Jean King Cup are meaningful experiences. Listen to the man who helped shape some of the rising stars on the ATP & WTA on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray is joined by the legend Stan Smith on this week's podcast. Smith explains how he rose to prominence in the tennis world, rising up the junior, collegiate, & professional ranks to become a champion at every level. The Hall of Famer shares stories of playing with and against tennis legends like Arthur Ashe, Ilie Năstase & countless others. Stan Smith is also known as an O.G. in the world of sneakers, as his signature Adidas shoe was the first of it's kind. Smith shares the origin story of the shoe, how it has remained relevant and popular with young people, and what it was like to get name-checked in a Jay-Z song. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

South Carolina men's tennis coach Josh Goffi joins Kamau Murray for a wide-ranging interview on what it's like to shape the game & lives of young men in the world of tennis. The son of a world renowned teacher himself, Goffi explains what his childhood was like, having known John McEnroe as a student at his father's academy. Goffi also details why he chose coaching after a brief pro career, what his recruiting strategy is, and how he came to coach two current pros in Paul Jubb & Francisco Cerundolo. And did you know that Goffi has a victory over Stan Wawrinka? That career-win & more are covered on this week's episode of the Tennis.com Podcast with Kamau Murray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kamau Murray is joined by the best tennis player in Hollywood, actor & producer Boris Kodjoe. A former tennis prodigy, Kodjoe recalls how he discovered the game growing up in Germany, and how he credits the sport for providing him his life as a TV star in the United States. The "Station 19" TV star discusses what it was like meeting Boris Becker as a youth, the advice he offers to Frances Tiafoe & other athletes, and which current talents he thinks are destined to win major championships. And Kodjoe also explains why it was important to create the Love All Scholarship Program in conjunction with Tennis Channel, which provides young African American tennis players an opportunity to attend the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy in France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two-time Australian Open champion Johan Kriek joins the show to explain how he made it top of the game, and why elite tennis players can come from anywhere in the world. Kriek discusses what it was like growing up in South Africa, what it will take to grow the game in his homeland & other parts of the world, and what his post-playing career is like as a teacher of the sport he's dedicated his life to. He also shares several of his favorite on & off court stories with Kamau Murray, & picks his favorites for the 2023 Australian Open on deck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's guest is former WTA Tour Supervisor Yannick Yoshizawa, who discusses his tennis roots & how he's on the forefront for the technology that is changing the sport as we know it. Yoshizawa explains how the sport took him from Brazil to the University of South Florida, and what propelled him to work with the women's tour after his playing career ended. The VP of Sense Arena For Tennis also goes into detail about how his new company is using cutting edge VR technology to give athletes a new way to develop & prepare for competition. It's a chat you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode features renowned tennis coach Casey Curtis, the man that developed the game & lethal serve of Canadian major finalist Milos Raonic. Curtis explains how his parternship with Raonic came to be, how they perfected one of the best serves in tennis history, & why they elected to remain in Canada to train in a much colder climate. The veteran coach gives his opinions on various topics related to high performance coaching, explains why he elected to relocate to Florida, & gives his outlook for Canadian tennis in the near future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is one of the most accomplished coaches in tennis history, current Tennis Channel Commentator Paul Annacone. Having worked with legends such as Pete Sampras & Roger Federer, Annacone discusses how he transitioned from a solid pro career into the upper echelon of coaches, and why he continues to learn and adapt his style in the present day while working with top ranked American male Taylor Fritz. Annacone discusses what makes Fritz standout among his peers, ways to continue to grow the game, & why communication & commitment are his keys to proper player development and ultimately success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's show features Marijn Bal, Vice President of IMG Tennis and one of the most respected agents in the world of tennis. Bal discusses what really goes on behind the scenes, and how he worked tirelessly to pursue a career in tennis that he dreamed of as a boy from The Netherlands. Listen to this fascinating chat on how to grow the sport, what it takes to succeed in the sports world, and stories from working with clients such as Petra Kvitova & Monica Puig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig O'Shannessy, one of the leaders in analyzing tennis strategy & teaching the game, joins Kamau Murray for some instant reactions from the site of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. O'Shannessy recaps Rafael Nadal's struggles in his first two matches, explains why Taylor Fritz & Felix Auger-Aliassime are having success, & goes into detail regarding Novak Djokovic's refreshed body and mind. The "Brain Game Tennis" founder also predicts how the rest of the tournament will go, and which matches he is most looking forward to witnessing live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2020 USA Olympic Tennis Coach David Nainkin joins Kamau Murray for an all-encompassing chat about the state of American tennis, & how he has worked to develop the next generation of successful players. Nainkin works for the USTA and details his time with players such as Mardy Fish, Sloane Stephens, & Sam Querrery, and also shares why he believes this new crop of talented individuals has been able to succeed beyond their supposed expectations. Don't miss this conversation between two of the sharpest coaching minds in the world of tennis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned journalist Simon Cambers joins the podcast to discuss the release of his new book, "The Roger Federer Effect." Cambers has 20 years of experience covering tennis, and he discusses the idea to profile the Swiss Maestro and the lasting impact Federer has made on the game & future generations of tennis players. "The Roger Federer Effect" is available online and in bookstores everywhere, and you won't want to miss this interview for some revealing stories about one of the greatest sports icons of all-time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest rising superstar in tennis joins the show, as Coco Gauff chats with Kamau Murray about her path from up-and-coming teen sensation to a top five tennis player in the world. Gauff explains where her drive comes from, how she broke through at this year's French Open, and what it was like to get her own signature New Balance shoe. And fellow American Danielle Collins joins the show to discuss how she's able to return to the court without missing a beat, and why she's such a naturally competitive person. Collins shares her love for her "Danimal" nickname, and what interests she has off the court that few in the tennis world know about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the grounds of the inaugural WTA San Diego Open, Kamau Murray chats in-person with a pair of accomplished players. Donna Vekic returns to the show to discuss how she's found her rhythm again on court, and what it was like to finally beat her on-court nemesis Karolina Pliskova en route to an appearance in the final of the event. Vekic also discusses her DNNA candle line & why she is very grateful for great friendships on tour. And doubles mainstay Alexa Guarachi Murray to discuss how she was able to make the transition from college tennis at Alabama to the pro game. Guarachi discusses what she looks for in a good doubles partner, why it takes time for teams to achieve success on the court, & how she balances her job with being a newlywed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Kamau Murray's two interviews with Tunisian legend Ons Jabeur, who rose up the ranks in the last two years to reach a pair of major finals and the number two ranking in the WTA. Jabeur sat down with Murray in Chicago last fall to discuss how her game was coming together, her upbringing in Tunisia, and what she hoped to accomplish on the court. Seven months later she re-joined Murray in Charleston, as she looked towards the clay & grass court seasons. Jabeur is a pioneer on the court and a fun-loving person off of it, and it's easy to see why she has such a following worldwide. Take a listen to these two classic interviews on the Tennis.com Podcast with Kamau Murray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Rubin joins Kamau Murray for a chat about the ups and downs of his tennis career, and why there isn't just one path a life in the pro game. Rubin explains why he's stayed loyal to his home of New York, and what it was like for him & his father to claim the Wimbledon Boys Junior Title in 2014. The American also discusses the struggles of maintaining a living in life outside the Top 100, and why he decided to start his "Behind The Racquet" media platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamau Murray is joined by San Diego ATP & WTA Tournament Director Ryan Redondo on this week's show, with pro tennis returning to southern California this month. Redondo explains how he got involved in the game as a player, and why he decided to make the transition into coaching, culminating in three "Coach of the Year" honors while running men's program at the University of Pacific. The San Diego native explains why he wanted to bring pro tennis to his native area, & the challenges of putting on such events. Redondo also explains why junior tennis development is so crucial to him, and how tying in both the pro & junior games is crucial to the ultimate growth of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alize Lim joins the podcast to chat about her latest endeavor, hosting "Academy Life" on Tennis Channel International, Lim, who turned pro in 2007, explains what she witnesses & learns as she travels to some of the best tennis breeding grounds in the world, and highlights her experiences with teaching legends such as Chris Evert & Nick Bollettieri. And Lim also discusses the difficulties in saying goodbye to playing the game, and why she hasn't officially closed the book on her own career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chanda Rubin & Kamau Murray discuss the legendary career of 23-time major champion Serena Williams on this episode, as she prepares to play her final tournament at the US Open. Rubin explains what it was like to compete against Williams, the special qualities that led to her iconic career, & the challenges that aging athletes face as their time in their sport winds down. And both Murray & Rubin make their US Open women's pick to claim the crown in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vasek Pospisil is the guest on this week's show, and he has a lot to say about his fifteen year pro career. The Canadian explains his roots in his homeland, & how he worked his way up the tennis circuit. He also explains why fighting for a player's union is so important to him, and how it could help everyone at the professional level. And Pospisil discusses what it will take to climb back up the rankings at this point in his career, & why he's confident he can accomplish more of his goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Knowles joins Kamau Murray on this episode for a lengthy chat about his tennis beginnings in The Bahamas, & how he found his footing in the Bollettieri Tennis Academy en route to the pro tour. Knowles discusses what kept him from achieving more as a singles player, while also diving into why his doubles career was able to flourish, with three major titles & a run as the #1 player in the world. The guys also discuss Knowles' transition to coaching, what it was like to work with players like Mardy Fish & Milos Raonic, and whether the Bahamian sees a life in tennis as the best option for his own kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Boynton joins Kamau Murray to discuss his coaching experiences on the ATP, which included working with several of the top American men of the 21st century. Boynton explains his different methods & relationships with John Isner, Stevie Johnson, & Sam Querrey, & how he adjusted his style to suit each player specifically. As the current coach of rising star Hubie Hurkacz, Boynton discusses what makes the Polish player so special, & how he's quickly gaining the respect of his peers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Joyce was a Junior Wimbledon finalist who reached a career high of #64 in the rankings during his 12 year pro career. But he became well known & highly regarded as coach on the WTA, working with Maria Sharapova during three of her grand slam titles, and guiding other players such as Victoria Azarenka & Jessica Pegula. He chats with Kamau Murray about his experiences with those players, what he's learned from both the court and the coach's box, & much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast with Kamau Murray is none other than Leif Shiras, former pro and current "Swiss Army Knife" at Tennis Channel. Shiras discusses his work as both a play-by-play man & color commentator, and takes a look back the 2022 Wimbledon Championships that saw Novak Djokovic defend his throne. The guys also discuss the impactful absences of some players from Wimbledon, which young ATP player is ready to step up, and who the contenders will be for the US Open in a few short weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's only one person who's ever coached teams to both a men's & women's NCAA tennis title, and he's this week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast with Kamau Murray. Bryan Shelton joins the program to discuss how he excelled in the game growing up in the south, his pro ambitions, and his Cinderella run to the 4th round at Wimbledon. Shelton also discusses how his women's team at Georgia Tech shared similar championship DNA with his current Florida men's team, and explains how his son Ben got involved in the game & rose to the status of NCAA singles champion. You're not going to want to miss this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices