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Spin The Racket

Spin The Racket

This is the recreational tennis pod. Hosts Gerard Dash and Luis Arana bring you inside the world of recreational tennis with interviews, stories, and insights that speak to the everyday player.

Whether you're grinding through league matches, picking up your first racket, or juggling pickleball and tennis, this is your courtside companion. Expect real talk about league tennis, new gear, and stories from the courts you play on.

New episodes drop bi-weekly. Subscribe now and join the conversation that's been missing from tennis media – the one that's actually about us.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 5

Episodes20

Newest first
  • June 7 · 48 min

    2026 French Open Recap: New Champions Emerge and What This Means for the Grass Season | Spin The Racket Ep. 26

    Join G and Lu as we reflect with Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network on the chaos and surprises of the French Open, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming grass season and Wimbledon. From Serena's potential comeback to young stars making their mark and first-time grand slam champions, this episode covers the highs, lows, and what to expect next in the tennis world.

  • May 22 · 50 min

    Stick 'Em in Cement: Taj Hibbert on Playing D1, Building T3 Tennis, & Dominating in Doubles | Spin The Racket Ep. 25

    Spin the Racket welcomes Taj Hibbert — coach, content creator, and the mind behind T3 Tennis — fresh off finishing his Division I career at Tennessee State University. Taj breaks down his game: an old-school serve-and-volley style built around applying pressure early and getting comfortable at the net. If he's grinding from the baseline? That's the tell he's not confident. G and Lu dig into his coaching philosophy too — why most recreational players just need to simplify, why movement gets overlooked, and how he's seen players jump a full level in six months when they commit to the process. The crew also gets into doubles strategy, and Taj drops a gem: hit your first two returns straight at the net person, every time — first or second serve. You might lose the point, but you'll own the match. Plus, the debate that never gets old — no serve or no forehand? Taj is firmly in the no forehand camp, and G finally has backup. Follow Taj at @T3TennisOfficial on Instagram and TikTok.

  • May 8 · 51 min

    From USTA Atlanta to INTENNSE: Amy O’Connell on Building Tennis Community | Spin The Racket Ep. 24

    In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Luis are joined by Amy O’Connell, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta—and head coach of Team Outriders in the INTENNSE pro team tennis league. They break down how USTA Atlanta actually works (leagues, grants, beginner pathways, and what your fees really fund), why Atlanta is such a unique tennis city, and how USTA compares to ALTA for rec players deciding where to compete. Amy also shares what’s next for tennis in Atlanta—plus how INTENNSE is helping fill the “pro tennis” gap and bring a faster, fan-first product to the city. They cover the difference between USTA National vs the Southern Section vs USTA Georgia vs USTA Atlanta, what rec players get wrong about fees and ratings, where court funding and grants really go, and the best entry points for beginners (including Tennis Apprentice and the StillFire League). We also get into red ball tennis, pickleball’s role in the tennis ecosystem, why padel is coming, and what fans should expect from INTENNSE Season 2 with the Outriders. If you’re new to Atlanta tennis—or you’ve been grinding leagues forever—this one’s for you. Follow Spin The Racket for more rec + pro tennis convos, ATL tennis culture, and weekly storylines.

  • April 26 · 1 hr 6 min

    Would You Go to the White House? The Georgia Women's Photo, Our Fantasy Squad Picks & RacquetX Recap | Spin The Racket Ep. 23

    It's been a busy few weeks for Spin the Racket — and we're just getting started. G and Lu recap their first-ever trip to RacquetX in Fort Lauderdale, from racket sports apps to Padel courts and running into creators from across the tennis world. Then they break down the big news: Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Rome and Roland Garros due to a wrist injury — what does that mean for the rankings, for Sinner, and for the rest of the clay season? Plus, the guys play a fun "fantasy squad" game, each naming their four riders on tour right now (spoiler: Shelton is a unanimous pick). And to close it out — that viral White House photo of the Georgia women's tennis team. Would you have gone? G and Lu are in different camps. Drop your answer in the comments. Also: Wilson Blade giveaway with Premier Racquet Sports is LIVE 🎾 + mailbag episode coming soon — send us your questions!

  • April 11 · 1 hr 16 min

    Technique vs. Equipment: The Evolving Role of Equipment in Player Development with Matt Previdi | Spin The Racket Ep. 22

    In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Matt Previdi, who discusses the evolving landscape of tennis, emphasizing the importance of community, equipment, and strategy over traditional techniques. Matt shares his journey from a tennis enthusiast to a professional stringer, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of tennis equipment and the tactical advantages of unconventional plays like the underhand serve. The conversation also delves into the balance between technique and equipment, urging players to rethink their approach to improvement in the sport. In this conversation, Matt Previdi discusses the multifaceted aspects of tennis performance, emphasizing the importance of tennis IQ, mindset, and decision-making over mere technique. He argues that while physicality and equipment play roles, the psychological aspect is crucial for players, especially adults. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding string tension and the often flawed communication between players, coaches, and stringers. Matt shares his experiences stringing for professional players at Indian Wells, highlighting the unique challenges and insights gained from that environment. Matt emphasizes the value of experimentation with racket weight and string types to enhance performance and prevent injuries. He also highlights the significance of sharing knowledge within the tennis community, particularly for recreational players.

  • February 27 · 1 hr 4 min

    Covering Fitness, Diet, and Aging with Edin Sehovic from Evidence Nutrition | Spin The Racket Ep. 19

    In this episode, Lu and G meet with Edin Sehovic as he shares his journey from a young tennis player to a nutrition expert, emphasizing the importance of community in tennis. Edin discusses the challenges he faced, including his diagnosis of type one diabetes, and how it shaped his approach to fitness and nutrition. Edin provides valuable insights on the mental aspects of tennis, the significance of proper nutrition, and common pitfalls players encounter. He encourages beginners to set small milestones and highlights the importance of building a supportive tennis community. The conversation wraps up with Edin's advice on engaging with followers and the value of feedback.

  • February 14 · 1 hr 9 min

    DÜS Tennis with Kevin Perkins: Bridging the Gap Between Sports & Streetwear | Spin The Racket Ep. 18

    In this engaging conversation, Gerard and Luis meet with Kevin Perkins, founder of DÜS Tennis, as he shares his journey from a young tennis player in the Philippines to a college athlete and eventually a coach. Kevin discusses the challenges of pursuing professional tennis, memorable matches, and his transition into the world of tennis apparel with DÜS Tennis. The brand aims to blend tennis culture with streetwear aesthetics, creating a community-focused identity. Kevin also highlights his involvement in running and how it complements his tennis journey, fostering connections within the community. In this engaging conversation, Kevin shares his insights on the importance of community in sports, particularly in running and tennis. He discusses how camaraderie enhances the experience of challenging activities, the significance of celebrating milestones through fun runs, and the growth of his running club in Atlanta. Kevin also highlights his ambassadorship with On Running, his experiences at the US Open, and the role of mental health in sports. The discussion culminates in a rapid-fire segment where Kevin shares his favorite spots and advice for newcomers to the tennis community.

  • February 1 · 1 hr 7 min

    Australian Open 2026 Recap & Highlights with Nic Howe | Spin The Racket Ep. 17

    In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Luis recap the 2026 Australian Open, discussing standout matches, record attendance, and the emergence of new American talent. They delve into the impact of the heat stress scale on player performance, Coco Gauff's struggles with fame, and the double standards surrounding racket smashing. The conversation also touches on innovative fan engagement strategies, the complexities of streaming tennis, and the future of women's tennis, including Sabalenka's prospects and rumors of Serena Williams' potential comeback. Finally, they explore the controversy surrounding the use of wearable technology in the sport. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of tennis, particularly focusing on the recent Australian Open. They discuss the role of technology in coaching, the challenges faced by emerging players, and the impact of injuries on performance. The conversation also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in matches, the dynamics of crowd influence, and the discipline required for longevity in sports. The hosts express their hopes for future contenders in tennis, emphasizing the rivalry between current top players.

  • January 16 · 1 hr 8 min

    Australian Open 2026 Predictions: Who Will Take the Title? | Spin The Racket Ep. 16

    In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Lu are joined by Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network to preview the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year. The conversation kicks off with excitement about the tournament, discussing the unpredictable nature of early-season matches and the challenges of watching matches from different time zones. They delve into the rankings of the grand slams, with a lively debate about the Australian Open's place among them. As they analyze the draws, they highlight key players to watch, including Sabalenka, Gauff, Anisimova, Alcaraz, and Sinner, while also discussing the impact of recent changes in commentary teams and the potential for upsets in the tournament.

  • January 10 · 41 min

    2026: New Year, New Goals in Tennis | Spin The Racket Ep. 15

    In this episode, Gerard and Luis discuss their goals for the new year, reflecting on the importance of setting realistic ambitions while remaining motivated. They delve into the dynamics of mixed doubles tennis, exploring the balance of competition and camaraderie. The conversation shifts to the rising popularity of pickleball and padel as accessible alternatives to traditional tennis, emphasizing their role in introducing new players to racket sports. Finally, they express excitement for the upcoming Australian Open, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the tournament and the players' performances.

  • Dec 27, 2025 · 55 min

    2025: A Year of Tennis Highlights | Spin The Racket Ep. 14

    In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Jake to reflect on the highlights of 2025 in tennis, discussing new formats, the rise of social media influencers, and the impact of injuries on players. They also explore the recent coaching changes, particularly the split between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, and share their aspirations for the upcoming year, including players to watch in 2026.

  • Dec 11, 2025 · 47 min

    Building a Tennis Community: The Journey of Netgains Tennis with Marcus Gilliam | Spin The Racket Ep. 13

    In this episode, Gerard and Luis talk with Marcus Gilliam, CEO of Netgains Tennis, as he shares his journey from being mentored in tennis to creating a community-focused organization that promotes the sport in Atlanta. He discusses the importance of mentorship, community engagement through events, and the personal growth that comes from playing tennis. The conversation also touches on the challenges of marketing and promoting tennis events, the role of social media, and the future aspirations for Netgains Tennis, including expanding their reach and impact in the community.

  • Nov 26, 2025 · 46 min

    ATP/WTA Finals, Off-season Activities, and Top 10 ATP Review | Spin The Racket Ep. 12

    In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts Gerard and Luis reflect on the Thanksgiving season, discussing gratitude and the end-of-year slowdown in tennis. They explore the challenges of maintaining availability for recreational tennis during the holidays and recap the ATP & WTA finals, highlighting emerging players and their prospects for the future. The conversation shifts to personal offseason plans, focusing on skill improvement and setting goals for the next season. They conclude by discussing player rankings and expectations for 2026, emphasizing the competitive landscape of tennis.

  • Nov 8, 2025 · 39 min

    Swinging Into Fall: Approaching the End of the ATP & WTA 2025 Season | Spin The Racket Ep. 11

    In this episode, Lu and G dive into the latest happenings in the tennis world, including insights from the Paris Rolex Masters, the current state of men's tennis rankings, and the impact of injuries on player performance. They discuss the excitement surrounding the ATP and WTA finals, the dynamics of doubles tennis, and the challenges of transitioning to indoor play as the seasons change. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with winter tennis, string tension adjustments, and the mental aspects of competing in colder conditions.

  • Oct 24, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

    Secrets of Success: Diving into the Atlanta Open and the Future of Tennis with Eddie Gonzalez | Spin The Racket Ep. 10

    In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts G and Lu invite Eddie Gonzalez, former director of the Atlanta Open, to share his journey in tennis, the evolution of D1 college tennis, the importance of community tennis organizations, and the unique atmosphere of the Atlanta Open. They explore the challenges of running a tennis tournament, the significance of player relationships, and the future of American men's tennis. Eddie shares insights on innovations in tennis events and his current projects, emphasizing the health benefits of tennis and the need for continued growth in the sport.

  • Oct 11, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min

    Chasing Dreams: James Hopper's Journey from DIII College Tennis to the Challengers | Spin The Racket Ep. 9

    In this episode, G and Lu dive deep into the journey of professional tennis player James Hopper, exploring his transition from a college athlete to the professional circuit. James shares insights about his early life, the challenges of balancing multiple sports, and the pivotal moments that shaped his tennis career. He discusses his experiences at Case Western and Virginia, the mental and physical demands of professional tennis, and the importance of recovery and training. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring players and reflects on the financial realities of pursuing a career in tennis. The conversation wraps up with a fun rapid fire round of "Quick Hands".

  • Sep 27, 2025 · 57 min

    From Standout to Stand-Up: Giulio Gallarotti on Tennis and Comedy | Spin The Racket Ep. 8

    In this episode of Spin the Racket, comedian Giulio Gallarotti joins G and Lu to share his insights on tennis, his personal journey in comedy, and the evolving landscape of both sports and entertainment. He discusses his tennis philosophy, the current state of the ATP tour, and the impact of young players like Alcaraz and Sinner. Giulio also reflects on the challenges of maintaining a career in comedy, the importance of consistency, and the balance between talent and hard work. The conversation touches on various topics, including the drama at the US Open, the rise of pickleball, and the dynamics of tennis culture in New York City.