The BIG T

Brad Gilbert, Andrea Petkovic, and Mark Petchey

Enter the greenroom of tennis legends, coaches and insiders as Brad Gilbert, Andrea Petkovic, Mark Petchey and Nick Monroe gather weekly to guide fans through the biggest storylines, sharpest debates and competitive chaos shaping the global tennis landscape. Produced by the authority in tennis coverage for 23 years, Tennis Channel has designed THE BIG T podcast to serve every level of fandom with a front row seat and backstage pass to key tournaments. Each episode is suited to help tennis fans cut through the clutter and get right to the heart of what matters in the tennis world.

Brad Gilbert, former World No. 4 and 20-time ATP titleholder, brings unmatched perspective from a career that includes coaching legends Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Coco Gauff. His relationships, instincts, and energy are second to none.
Andrea Petkovic, former World No. 9 and German No. 1 with seven career titles, has emerged as one of the sport’s most thoughtful voices since retiring in 2022—known for her nuanced analysis and storytelling as a broadcaster and host.

Mark Petchey, a decade-long ATP professional, is revered for his tennis intellect and coaching acumen, having worked closely with Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu.
Unlike other tennis podcasts, THE BIG T is on location at the sport’s biggest events—bringing fans courtside conversations with the true MVPs of the tennis world. From Melbourne to Indian Wells, Rome, and beyond, the show skips the small talk to deliver bold takes, real scoops, and insider perspective.
Whether it’s Sinner vs. Alcaraz, the legacy of the Big Three, or the ever-evolving WTA landscape, THE BIG T is designed to make you the smartest tennis fan in the room.
New episodes every Wednesday plus Drop Shots with breaking news and at the Majors.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch full episodes on YouTube.com/TennisChannel and on the Tennis Channel App, featuring exclusive premium bonus content.

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58 episodes
Updated Friday
Explicit

Episodes58

Newest first

May 31 · 59 min
THE BIG T At RG: DAY 8 - Kostyuk Shocks Iga, Jodar or Fonseca? Special Guest: Genie Bouchard
Middle Sunday at Roland Garros means one thing — BG and Petko take stock of a wild week one and set the stage for championship week. Genie Bouchard stops by to talk about her TNT role covering RG, pickleball, and predictions, while the team fires off hot takes, drops the monthly, BIG T, mixed-power-rankings, and answers your fan mail. 🎾 Why did Sinner, Coco, and Iga all lose in week one? 🎾 Jodar vs. Fonseca — who joins Sinner & Alcaraz as the new Big Three? 🎾 Genie Bouchard on broadcasting, the PPA Tour, and life between two sports worlds 🎾 The Big T Monthly Mixed Power Rankings (TOP-5) 🎾 Fan Mail: Clay court tech, ELC, and Roland Garros spending habits 🎾 Monday preview: Sabalenka vs. Osaka, Tiafoe vs. Arnaldi, and Svajda-man *Presented by SERVICE NOW 📺 Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel 📱 Stream all episodes + bonus scenes on the Tennis Channel App 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Leave a Comment 📞 Call us: 1-844-678-BIGT 📧 Email us: theBIGT@tennischannel.com #TheBigT #RolandGarros #FrenchOpen #CocoGauff #Fonseca #TennisChannel #Tennis #WTA #ATP #GrandSlam
May 30 · 19 min
Day 7 - THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION - Fonseca vs Djokovic Aftermath, Defending Champ Coco Stunned & 'Cinderella' Svajda!
🎙️ Hosted by Petko & BG | Paris is electric — and not just for tennis. With PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League Final taking over the city, Petko and BG bring the energy for a massive Day Seven at Roland Garros. BG is fully embracing the Paris vibes — French beret and all. 🎾 Fonseca-mania is in full swing — the aftermath of his clash with Djokovic has everyone talking. 🎾 UPSET ALERT: Defending champion Coco Gauff is out! Anastasia Potapova stuns the fourth seed 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. 🎾 The story you need to know: Zachary Svajda — a relative unknown — just reached the fourth round of a major for the first time, beating 25th seed Cerundolo in five sets, and pointed to the sky for his late father, who was also his first coach. It's the kind of moment that reminds you why we watch. 🎾 Naomi Osaka reaches the fourth round at Roland Garros for the first time. 🎾 With Sinner out, Cobolli and Berrettini are flying the Italian flag. 🎾 Tomorrow brings Fonseca vs. Ruud, Bencic vs. Svitolina, and more. Don't miss it. Watch on the TC App and YouTube. Listen on all major podcast platforms. For video versions https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes. Follow. Download. Leave a comment. 1-844-678-BIGT theBIGT@tennischannel.com We love talking tennis with you. 🎾
May 29 · 18 min
Day 6 - THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION - Iga Dominates, Rafa Releases New Doc, Sinner Aftermath...
BG shows up in full Parisian mode — scarf and baguette, ready to break down every moment one day after one of the most eventful days in recent tennis history. Petko and BG reset after yesterday's chaos (Sinner's upset, Serena news, drama everywhere) and look ahead to what's coming on Day Seven. 🎾 Today's topics: The Rafa Nadal Netflix documentary is here — and the footage of the foot injury he played through for years will put his greatness in a whole new light Iga rolls on, Kostyuk looks sharp, and the rest of today's standout matches A preview of tomorrow: Coco Gauff, Sabalenka, and new fan favorite Moisé Kouamé all in action 🎙️ Hosted by Petko & BG | Recorded live from the booth at Roland Garros 📺 Watch on YouTube & the Tennis Channel App 🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms
May 28 · 56 min
Roland Garros Day 5: Sinner Stunned, Serena is Back! Kouame, Tien & Jovic keep Rolling
Hold onto your rackets — Day Five at Roland Garros just blew the tournament wide open. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, is stunned by Juan Manuel Cerundolo in one of the most jaw-dropping collapses you'll ever see. Up 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 — and then gone, losing 18 of the last 20 games. The draw is shattered. The field is wide open. And Petko and Brad Gilbert are live in the booth to make sense of it all. But that's not even the only bombshell. Serena Williams has officially announced her comeback — and she's starting in Queens. The ripple effects across the sport are immediate and immense. Meanwhile, the next generation is making noise: Moïse Kouamé grinds through five gritty sets, Learner Tien saves two match points to survive, and Iva Jovic absolutely dismantles Emma Navarro. The kids are not waiting their turn. Add a war of attrition — five men and three women have already retired, two walkovers, and Fokina's bizarre situation with his coach — and this is a Day Five that will not be forgotten. BG and Petko break it all down, debate what the Sinner loss means for Shelton, Tsitsipas, Zverev, and Novak, and look ahead to a massive Day Six: Djokovic vs. Fonseca, Ruud vs. Tommy Paul, Zverev in action, Jodar rolling, and Iga back on court. We need a nap. But first — this. 🎾 Sinner stunned by Cerundolo in five — was up 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 and lost 18 of the last 20 games 🎾 Wide open draw — what it means for Zverev, Djokovic, Shelton, and Tsitsipas 🎾 Serena is back — official comeback announced, starting in Queens 🎾 War of attrition — 5 men, 3 women retired; two walkovers and counting 🎾 Kouamé guts out a five-set win after being up 2 sets — next gen is real 🎾 Tien saves two match points to advance in five — the drama was insane 🎾 Iva Jovic crushes Navarro 0 and 3 — a statement match 🎾 Women playing night matches — BG has thoughts (the BG Solution) 🎾 Fokina and his coach — what on earth happened there? 🎾 Tomorrow: Djokovic vs. Fonseca | Ruud vs. Tommy Paul | Zverev | Jodar | Iga 🎙️ Hosted by Petko & BG Watch on the TC App and YouTube. Listen on all major podcast platforms.
May 27 · 35 min
Day 4 - THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION - Baptiste Heartbreak, Djokovic Scare & The Legend of '89 Is Back at Roland Garros
Day Four at Roland Garros brings the heat — and the upsets. BG sits down with tennis legend Michael Chang for a deep, wide-ranging conversation recorded right here at the venue where history was made 37 years ago. Then BG and Petko reunite in the booth to break down the day's biggest moments and set the table for what's coming tomorrow. Iga Swiatek survives. Novak grinds through. And in the day's biggest shock, Elena Rybakina falls to Yulia Starodubtseva — while Hailey Baptiste's tournament ends in heartbreak with a serious injury on court. But the centerpiece of Day Four is Michael Chang — the 17-year-old who stunned the sports world at this very address in 1989, becoming the youngest Grand Slam champion in history. A record that has stood for 37 years. Rafa couldn't break it. Alcaraz couldn't break it. Nobody has. BG takes Chang all the way back — the clay, the cramps, the underhand serve against the No. 1 player in the world, and the question nobody had an answer to: why didn't you quit? They go deep on the three Grand Slam finals Chang couldn't close, the six straight years inside the Top 10, and the long road back to the game he loved. And then there's the future: Learner Tien — the 20-year-old Chang is now coaching, and one of the most exciting young players in the game today. What does Chang see in him? How much of a young Michael Chang does he recognize? And the big one — are we ever going to see an American win Roland Garros again? Plus — don't miss tomorrow's American showdown: Iva Jovic vs. Emma Navarro, first on Tennis Channel. 🎾 The legend of '89 — back at the scene of the miracle 🎾 The youngest Grand Slam champion in history. 37 years and counting. 🎾 The cramps, the underhand serve, and why he never quit 🎾 Three Grand Slam finals. All losses. How do you carry that? 🎾 Six straight years in the Top 10 — what kept the engine running? 🎾 Rybakina out. The biggest upset of the tournament so far. 🎾 Hailey Baptiste — a heartbreaking end to her Roland Garros 🎾 Learner Tien — the next American hope, coached by a legend 🎾 The future of American tennis at Roland Garros 🎾 Tomorrow: Iva Jovic vs. Emma Navarro — American showdown on Tennis Channel 🎙️ Hosted by BG & Petko | Guest: Michael Chang Watch on the TC App. Listen on all major podcast platforms.
May 26 · 28 min
THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION — Medvedev Shocker, Jovic wins big + Novak preps for 2nd round
Day Three at Roland Garros delivered the goods — and Petko and Brad Gilbert had a birds-eye view. Medvedev goes down in five to wildcard Adam Walton in one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, 17-year-old Moïse Kouamé stuns Cilic with a scorching display, and it's last dance territory as both Monfils and Wawrinka face the curtain at Roland Garros. Plus, Jovic beats Eala, Navarro advances, and Coco and Sabalenka stay on course. Then it's eyes forward — Blockx hands Demon a walkover, Jodar will tackle Duckworth, Khachanov faces Trungelliti, and Bencic meets McNally on the women's side. Don't miss the "first on" matches on Tennis Channel — and catch us on the TC App for video. Au revoir! 🎾 Medvedev shocked by wildcard Walton in five sets 🎾 17-year-old Kouamé stuns Cilic — the kid is for real 🎾 Last dance at Roland Garros for Monfils & Wawrinka 🎾 Jovic def. Eala | Navarro advances | Coco & Sabalenka on track 🎾 Tomorrow: Jodar vs. Duckworth, Khachanov vs. Trungelliti 🎾 Women's look-ahead: Bencic vs. McNally
May 25 · 25 min
THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION — The Heat Is On!
Paris is turning up the heat, and the first two days at Roland Garros didn't disappoint. Petko and Brad Gilbert are back in the booth breaking down everything you need to know. Novak Djokovic survives a first-set scare against ‘SERVE-BOT,’ G.M. Perricard. There's a ‘New Rafa’ in town as Jodar scorches past Kovacevic in what could be a favorable draw for the Spaniard and the heat is already becoming a factor for everyone on clay. BG and Petko then look ahead to tomorrow's must-watch matches: Jovic vs. Eala, Navarro vs. Tjen, Medvedev vs. Wildcard Adam Walton, and a potentially electric atmosphere when 17-year-old Frenchman Moïse Kouamé steps up against Cilic with the home crowd firmly behind him. Don't miss the "first-on" matches on Tennis Channel — and catch us on the TC App for video. Au revoir! | ~24 mins 🎾 Paris heat wave — how it's shaping play on clay 🎾 Djokovic survives a first-set scare vs. Perricard 🎾 There's a new Rafa in town — Jodar scorches Kovacevic 🎾 Looking ahead: Jovic vs. Eala & Navarro vs. Tjen 🎾 Medvedev vs. wildcard Adam Walton 🎾 17-year-old Frenchman Kouamé vs. Cilic — home crowd factor
May 24 · 25 min
THE BIG T AT RG: DROPSHOT EDITION — Special Guest Darren Cahill
We are LIVE from Paris. The clay is red, the stakes are historic, and The Big T is open for business. Brad Gilbert kicks off Roland Garros 2026 with the perfect guest — his close friend of over 40 years, the legendary Darren Cahill, coach of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Two old friends. Forty years of receipts. Everything you need to know about the most important two weeks in tennis. Both grinded the ATP Tour in the late '80s and early '90s. Both coached Andre Agassi. Both became two of the most respected minds the sport has ever produced. Darren has 7 Grand Slam titles as a coach — Brad has him beat, but only by one. With Sinner on the doorstep of a Career Grand Slam in Paris, that gap could close fast. Darren tells the story of how he got here — from running a bar to a fearless 12-year-old named Lleyton Hewitt knocking on his door. He coached the youngest World No. 1 ever, then the oldest, and now the most dominant. The throughline? He answers that here. It gets personal too. Darren shares what genuinely marvels him about Brad — including watching a card-carrying germaphobe willingly roll around in Paris clay for a BIG T photoshoot. Commitment to the brand conquers all. Then it's all Jannik Sinner, the World #1 on pace for a historic season and a self-awareness rare in any athlete at any age. Plus, the piece of advice a young Sinner received from Novak Djokovic that quietly changed the trajectory of his entire career. They revisit the 2025 the gut-punch of three championship points away at Roland Garros 2025, and what Darren learned about his player from both moments. the rivalry redefining tennis — Sinner vs. Alcaraz. Ice vs. fire. Precision vs. improvisation. Two players who like each other, already splitting Grand Slams, building something that belongs alongside Borg-McEnroe, Agassi-Sampras, Federer-Nadal. The Big 3 era is over. This is what comes next. Brad closes with one simple question — "If Jannik lifts the trophy here in Paris, what does that moment mean to you?" The answer is worth the listen alone. 🎧 Subscribe to The Big T. Leave a review. Tell a tennis fan. In this episode: 🎾 40+ years of friendship — two tennis lifers reunited in Paris 🎾 From running a bar to coaching World No. 1s — Darren's wild road 🎾 Youngest No. 1 ever, oldest No. 1 ever, most dominant No. 1 of his era 🎾 Both coached Agassi — comparing notes 30 years later 🎾 A germaphobe rolls in clay. For a photoshoot. In Paris 🎾 What makes Jannik Sinner truly generational 🎾 Advice from Novak during 2024 AO. 🎾 The 2025 RG heartbreak. What Darren learned 🎾 Sinner vs. Alcaraz — the rivalry that's redefining tennis 🎾 The Career Grand Slam. Paris 2026. History waiting to happen
May 21 · 52 min
RG PREVIEW: The Paris Prophecy – Can Coco Repeat, Is Sinner a Lock, Djokovic Eyes #25
The draws are out, the stakes are high, and the debates are HEATED! Brad Gilbert, fresh off of his clay court, spoof of Carlos Alcaraz's recent magazine cover, joins Chiz, and Nick at Tennis Channel Studios with your ultimate Roland Garros preview. Is Sinner already booking his victory speech? Can Coco defend her crown on the Parisian clay? And is this finally the year Novak Djokovic chases down that elusive 25th Grand Slam? The guys dig deep into both draws, break down the biggest threats, and field fan mail on some of tennis' most burning questions. Then it's rapid-fire "Quick Hands" — first-round must-watches, sleeper picks, teenagers to track, and which upset could blow the whole tournament wide open. To cap it all off, tennis legend and co-host Andrea Petkovic brings her Paris predictions, one bold call nobody sees coming, and the kind of insider insight only a former tour pro can deliver. Roland Garros starts now. Who's got Paris? 🎾 🎾 Men's & Women's draw breakdowns 🎾 Sinner's path, Novak's quest for #25 & Coco's title defense 🎾 Fan mail — why don't pros wear sunglasses & the serving stat you never knew you needed 🎾 Rapid-fire "Quick Hands" — sleepers, upsets & teenagers to watch 🎾 Andrea Petkovic's bold Roland Garros predictions Presented by ServiceNow. 📺 Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel 📱 Stream all episodes + bonus scenes on the Tennis Channel App 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Leave a Comment 📞 Call us: 1-844-678-BIGT 📧 Email us: theBIGT@tennischannel.com #TheBigT #RolandGarros #FrenchOpen #CocoGauff #Sabalenka #Sinner #Djokovic #TennisChannel #RGPreview #Tennis #WTA #ATP #GrandSlam #ClayCourtTennis
May 17 · 28 min
THE BIG T: DROP SHOT EDITION - Svitolina Soars & Sinner Unstoppable In Rome + Dino Prizmic Talks the Novak Upset
What a weekend in Rome! Elina Svitolina — last week's special guest on The Big T — backed up her appearance in style, taking down American phenom Coco Gauff in a thrilling three-set battle to claim her 3rd Italian Open title and first in eight years. Then, just 24 hours later, hometown hero Jannik Sinner delivered a masterclass, defeating the resurgent Casper Ruud to win his sixth consecutive Masters 1000 crown. Hosts Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe break it ALL down in a special Drop Shot Edition — giving you the HOW and the WHY behind Rome's biggest moments. 🔥 PLUS — 20-year-old Croatian sensation Dino Prizmic joins the show to talk about his jaw-dropping upset over Novak Djokovic in Rome, and reveals the training techniques that have tennis fans buzzing all over social media! Don't miss a single point. 🎯 📺 Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel📱 Stream all episodes + bonus scenes on the Tennis Channel App 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Leave a Comment 📞 Call us: 1-844-678-BIGT 📧 Email us: theBIGT@tennischannel.com #TheBigT #ItalianOpen #RomaMasters #Svitolina #Sinner #Prizmic #Djokovic #TennisChannel #Tennis #WTA #ATP
May 13 · 1 hr 3 min
'Eternal City' Stunners - Djoker & Sabalenka lose, Roger vs. Rafa GOAT Flashback & Super-Mom Svitolina Stops By
Petko and Petchey are joined for the first time by Notorious "P," Prakash "Worldwide" Amritraj in Rome and they are NOT wasting a single second. Our trio kicks things off with one of the greatest what-were-you-doing-that-day moments in tennis history between Roger and Rafa. They dissect the clay court chaos and upsets ahead of Roland Garros and shed a bright spotlight on the Grand Slam prize money controversy. Plus, a sit down with one of the most inspiring figures on the WTA Tour. Buckle up. What's on this episode: The Anniversary Drop — 20 years ago in Rome, Nadal and Federer played a 5-set, 5-hour, 57-game thriller that set the tone for their rivalry. Petko sets the scene, the crew reacts to this nostalgia. Headlines & Hot Takes — Sabalenka and Djokovic both suffered early losses in Rome — so where exactly are we on the panic meter? Show me the $$ — Top players are reportedly threatening a strike to demand a bigger revenue share. Will it happen? Should it happen? Would it even work? Guest Interview: Elina Svitolina — The two-time Rome champion and WTA Super-Mom sits down for a candid conversation about life as a mother on tour, the emotional final chapter of husband Gaël Monfils' career, and yes — Petko asks her about her hair. Post-interview the crew debates whether Svitolina is actually a better player now than before motherhood. Buy – Sell – Hold — Prakash runs the rules, the crew plays ball. Who is going to outperform their ranking at Roland Garros? Who is a sell heading into Paris? And who do you want in your portfolio for the entire grass and US hardcourt summer stretch? Fan Mail — A parent writes in about her 14-year-old daughter who dominates group classes but struggles to translate her game in tournaments — the crew delivers real, experience-backed advice. Code Violations — Prakash has things to get off his chest with some gym etiquette and cheat meal shenanigans. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Watch on YouTube and the Tennis Channel App. And stay tuned — a special Dropshot episode drops after the Rome Final. 🎾
May 6 · 1 hr
When In Rome! Sinner Unstoppable, Novak Is Back and Special Guest Lorenzo Musetti
🎂 Big T birthday szn — Carlos Alcaraz turns 23 and Aryna Sabalenka turns 28. Celebratory vibes from the jump. 🇮🇹 Mark Petchey and Coco Vandeweghe are ON LOCATION at the Italian Open in Rome — in the heart of the action, hobnobbing with the best in the game. 🐐 Jannik Sinner just won Madrid. Should we hand him every trophy now and call it a clay season? The debate is real. 👑 Novak Djokovic is BACK — and tracking toward what could be his best shot at Slam #25 in a few weeks. Don't count him out. 🎤 Alexander Zverev drops a soundbite for the ages — two tiers on tour, and he's not shy about where everyone stands. ⬆️ Hailey Baptiste is on the rise and developing the right way. Can she make more noise in Rome? 🎾 Lorenzo Musetti joins the show — Italian tennis, the Sinner effect, one-handed backhands, fashion, all of it. One of the best guest conversations of the season. 🔧 Fix It or Forget It — Tsitsipas, Anisimova, Medvedev and Osaka all go under the microscope. Petch and Coco don't hold back. 📬 Fan Mail closes the show — including a spicy question about Sabalenka's alleged "16th match curse." Three winning streaks. Three times broken at 15. Coincidence? 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@TennisChannel 📱 Tennis Channel App — full episodes + bonus scenes 📞 1-844-678-BIGT | theBIGT@tennischannel.com
May 3 · 25 min
THE BIG T: DROP SHOT EDITION – Sinner Sets Record & Kostyuk Masters Madrid
🎾 "Sin-Sational" — Jannik Sinner dominates Alexander Zverev in just 58 minutes in Madrid, claiming a record-setting fifth Masters 1000 title 🎾 Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe break down Sinner's masterful performance and historic achievement 🎾 Monroe revisits BG's jaw-dropping "Nostradamus-like" prediction from January — that Sinner would lose only five matches in 2026, putting him in elite company alongside John McEnroe, Roger Federer, and Martina Navratilova for the best single seasons in tour history 🎾 BG and Monroe also dissect Marta Kostyuk's Madrid championship — including her signature backflip celebration — and what it means for her game going forward 🎾 Exclusive voice notes from Kostyuk's coach Sandra Zaniewska give rare insight into Marta's meticulous development and rise to the top 🎾 Will Kostyuk disrupt Rome and Roland Garros? Listen and find out! 🎾 Find Us: 🎾 Video episodes: YouTube – @TennisChannel 🎾 All episodes & bonus scenes: Tennis Channel App 🎾 Call us: 1-844-678-BIGT 🎾 Email: theBIGT@tennischannel.com Follow. Download. Leave a comment. We love talking tennis with you! 🎾
April 29 · 49 min
The 'Next' Rafa + Special Guests: Feliciano Lopez & 'TENNISNERD' Jonas Eriksson
THE BIG T | Episode 18 — Presented by ServiceNow Petch and Petko are back and they are NOT wasting any time. Episode 18 opens with breaking news that Jannik Sinner does not need a dating app — Petch has thoughts, opinions and a sarcastic take that sets the tone perfectly for everything that follows. The big story out of Madrid — Carlos Alcaraz is OUT of Rome AND Roland Garros. We're talking about the biggest domino to fall in tennis this clay season and the our hosts break down every angle — does Sinner now just cruise to a second French Open? Are the tennis gods handing Novak Djokovic another lifeline? And is this finally — FINALLY — Zverev's moment to stop being the guy who almost wins Slams? Meanwhile in Madrid, 19-year-old Rafa Jodar is out here beating João Fonseca and absolutely refusing to stop being must-watch television. Then Feliciano Lopez walks in and immediately becomes the best guest of 2026. Twenty years on tour. Four ATP titles. Davis Cup legend. And now the man who runs the Mutua Madrid Open — one of the biggest events on the planet. Feli opens up about life as a tournament director, what REALLY happens behind the scenes when your marquee star pulls out, the electric rise of Rafa Jodar and whether Spain's golden generation ever ends. Plus a genuine, heartfelt send-off to Roberto Bautista Agut — one of the great warriors the sport has ever seen. Oh — and the hair? Still perfect. Inexplicably, magnificently perfect. Later, tennis equipment obsessive Jonas Eriksson — better known as Tennis Nerd — arrives and the geek-out is REAL. Racquets. Strings. Tensions. Who switched what and why it matters. Clay season adjustments the average fan never thinks about. And Jonas drops his take on the three greatest racquets ever made — a conversation you didn't know you needed but absolutely cannot miss. And to close — the moment this Episode was BUILT for: The debut of the Big T Combined Power Rankings, end of April edition, (presented by ServiceNow.) Petko's top 5. Petchey's top 5. Based on titles, wins and overall performance. Agreements? Probably not many. Arguments? Almost certainly. Must-listen tennis talk from two people who have actually lived this sport at the highest level. IN THIS EPISODE: 🎾 Sinner doesn't need a dating app — Petch's sarcastic take opens the show 🎾 Alcaraz OUT of Rome and Roland Garros — what it means for Sinner, Djokovic and Zverev 🎾 Rafa Jodar stuns Fonseca in Madrid — is Spain's next superstar already here? 🎾 Feliciano Lopez — tournament director life, the Alcaraz withdrawal crisis and the future of Spanish tennis 🎾 A heartfelt goodbye to Roberto Bautista Agut — a true warrior of the game 🎾 Tennis Nerd Jonas Eriksson on racquets, strings, clay season gear and the three greatest racquets ever made 🎾 The debut of the Big T Combined Power Rankings — Petko vs Petchey, top 5, no mercy For video versions https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes. Follow. Download. Leave a comment. 1-844-678-BIGT theBIGT@tennischannel.com We love talking tennis with you. 🎾
April 24 · 20 min
THE BIG T DROP SHOT EDITION - Alcaraz Alert: Former World #1 To Miss Rome and Roland Garros
Tennis just got a major shake-up. In today’s Big T-Drop Shot, episode, we break down the shocking injury news surrounding Carlos Alcaraz, as the young superstar is set to miss both Rome and Roland Garros. What does this mean for the clay season—and the race for Grand Slam glory? Hosts Brad Gilbert and Mark Petchey dive deep into the ripple effects across the tennis world. With Alcaraz sidelined, the door swings wide open… Will Jannik Sinner continue his dominant run and stack more titles? Or can Novak Djokovic summon greatness once again in pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam? And don’t sleep on the next wave—could rising stars like João Fonseca, Arthur Fils, or Martín Landaluce seize their moment under the bright lights? Plus: Is this finally the breakthrough opportunity for Alexander Zverev to capture that elusive first Slam? New Storylines. High Stakes. Big Surprises. It’s all here on THE BIG T Podcast.
April 22 · 1 hr
Alcaraz Injury Update, Biggest Forehands on ATP Tour + Special Guest Marcos Baghdatis
The Big T brings the heat this week with bold takes, big questions, and a legend added to the mix. Brad Gilbert and Coco Vandeweghe dive straight into the biggest story in tennis — the status of Carlos Alcaraz. With concerns around his wrist and forearm, could Roland Garros already be in jeopardy for the former World #1? With opportunity opening up, the conversation turns to Munich Open Champ Ben Shelton or Barcelona winner, Arthur Fils. Can they seize the moment and make a real run in Madrid or Rome? From there, BG and Coco break down their picks for the top clay-court players right now — outside of the usual names — and things get opinionated. Then, former World No. 8 and fan favorite Marcos Baghdatis joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation — from battling in the Federer/Nadal era to shaping the next generation through IMG Future Stars. Plus: “On The Line” debates get heated Iga’s evolving form under the microscope The ultimate tennis controversy: underarm serve on match point — genius or disrespect? Fan Mail + Code Violations close it out This is the episode for insight, access, and unfiltered tennis conversation. Watch full episodes and bonus content on the Tennis Channel YouTube and app.
April 17 · 14 min
THE BIG T DROP SHOT EDITION - Madrid Mutiny: Alcaraz & Djokovic Out — Who Seizes the Moment?
Shockwaves hit the clay as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic withdraw from the Madrid Open, leaving one of the biggest stops on tour suddenly wide open. On this Drop Shot Edition of The Big T, Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe break down what these high-profile absences really mean—from the physical toll of the clay season to the strategic and financial ripple effects behind the scenes. With the top seeds sidelined, the conversation turns to opportunity: Can Jannik Sinner capitalize—or will he also step back? Is this the moment for contenders like Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev to dominate? Or could rising Spanish talent Rafa Jodar ignite the home crowd and steal the spotlight? A tournament in flux. A draw turned upside down. And a rare chance for the next wave to break through.
April 15 · 55 min
THE BIG T: Sinner Grabs the Spotlight From Alcaraz + Stand-Up Comedy Star and Tennis Fan, Matt Rife
The buzz from Jannik Sinner's masterful Monte Carlo performance is still being felt around the tennis world as Brad Gilbert and Nick Monroe dig into his fourth consecutive Masters 1000 win, reclaiming the World #1 ranking and grabbing a firm hold of the SINCARAZ rivalry. How will Carlos Alcaraz respond as the clay season progresses? Plus, recent co-host Chris Eubanks catches up with actor and stand-up comedy star, Matt Rife for a fun filled discussions comparing stand-up comedy with being a pro tennis player. Rife and Eubanks also reveal their choices for the GOATS of Comedy and GOATS of Tennis. Geoff Chizever also joins this episode for a jolt of energy and debate with his weekly, BANK OR SHANK segment plus our fanmail gets us into the discussion of grunts on the tennis court. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.
April 13 · 27 min
THE BIG T DROP SHOT EDITION: Jannik Sinner Reigns Supreme In Monaco!
Jannik Sinner wins his 27th title and regains the World #1 ranking, beating rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets to capture the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters. Brad Gilbert, Coco Vandeweghe and special guest, Paul Annacone recap this chapter of the SINCARAZ rivalry. Annacone, who coached both Roger Federer and Pete Sampras gets nostalgic with Gilbert, who coached Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. Both look back at the differences and similarities among the rivalries having had a front row seat to many epic encounters. A nice comparison between Sampras vs. Agassi and Sinner vs. Alcaraz with a trip down memory lane.
April 8 · 59 min
Iga Turns To Roig & Rafa, Jodar Wins His 1st ATP Title + Analytics Guru Craig O'Shannessy Reveals Winning Patterns
In this episode of THE BIG T, Brad Gilbert welcomes Nick Monroe to the podcast as they slide onto the red clay of Monte Carlo and recap the movers and shakers from Houston, Charleston and Marrakech. From Tommy Paul's fighting spirit and Jess Pegula's back to back dominance to a Rocky Balboa-esque feel-good story, this episode covers it all. Gilbert and Monroe examine Iga Swiatek's mission in Mallorca with new coach Francisco Roig under the watchful eye of the 'King Of Clay' himself, Rafa Nadal. Speaking of 'Rafas,' Rafa Jodar is a topic of interest this week as BG and Nick look into the Spanish phenom's game and his first ATP Tour title. Jodar's opponent in the Marrakech final was the Argentine Marco Trungelliti who against all odds became the oldest first-time ATP Tour finalist since 1969 and became the oldest player in 51 years to make his Top 100 debut. Known for blowing the whistle on match-fixing in 2015, this breakthrough is seen as a major career vindication for the Argentine and Monroe goes deep into this story of redemption and resilience. Special guest Craig O'Shannessy joins the BIG T as well to explore tennis analytics and how his data driven systems have recently helped Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini overcome rough patches in their game. Plus, Geoff Chizever brings back the BANK OR SHANK segment and your Fanmail will reveal how players choose their doubles partners. For video versions check out Tennis Channel’s Youtube page https://www.youtube.com/@TennisChannel or the Tennis Channel App for all episodes and bonus scenes.