TENNIS.com Podcast

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