The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Mitch Michals, Bleav

Host Mitch Michals takes you inside the world of professional tennis with the past, present, and future of the sport. This podcast features broadcasters, players, and many others who eat, sleep & breathe tennis. Stay in the loop and in the know with The Inside-In Podcast

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150 episodes
Updated Today

Episodes150

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Today · 36 min
Matthew Futterman on His New Book, "The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis"
The Athletic's Senior Tennis Writer Matthew Futterman joins the show to discuss the release of his new book, which takes a look at the true price of pursuing your dreams at the highest level in tennis. Futterman explains the idea for the book came to be, and why tennis is a uniquely beautiful yet torturing game that has led many of the best players to retire well before their skills have distinguished. The journalist expands on several of the central characters and themes in the book, which incl
Friday · 42 min
Tennis Heads To Canada: Looking At Auger-Aliassime, Pegula, And More From The National Bank Open With Mike McIntyre
Podcast host and journalist Mike McIntyre joins the show to preview the National Bank Open, with the entire tennis world heading to Canada for their prestigious 1000 level combined event. McIntyre explains how he became hooked on the sport, and shares some of his favorite memories from witnessing the tournament and covering it for 18 years. The co-host of "Match Point Canada" also examines the absence of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from this year's event, while highlighting the many stars t
Tuesday · 49 min
Robbie Koenig On Shelton's Next Steps, Lilli Tagger's 1st Title and The North American Hard Court Swing
Nobody brings the excitement to tennis broadcasting like Robbie Koenig, and he joins the podcast to get you primed and ready for the North American hard court swing. Koenig recaps Austrian teen Lilli Tagger's maiden title, and explains how she's learned from none other than Jannik Sinner in her pursuit of greatness. The commentator also recaps last week's results on tour and explains what Ben Shelton needs to improve in order to keep climbing in the men's game. Koenig covers a variety of topics
July 21 · 44 min
Christina McHale on Alcaraz's Return, The Race To The US Open and Putting The Finishing Touches On Her Career
Former WTA Top 25 player Christina McHale joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about the pro game, and how she was able to end her career on her own terms. McHale explains why she decided to make one final tennis push, and what she learned from her return to the court. The 2012 Olympian also dives into the depth on the WTA, and explains why Iva Jovic impressed her firsthand when they practiced together. McHale dives into topics such as Carlos Alcaraz's return from the same injury she had,
July 16 · 44 min
Adnan Virk on Federer's Hall of Fame Induction, The Top 10 Male Players of All-Time and The State of Tennis
Sportscaster Adnan Virk joins the show to chat about his unabashed enthusiasm for tennis, and to remind one and all about Roger Federer's greatness. Virk dives into Federer's appearance at this year's Wimbledon and his upcoming induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and engages in a lively debate about the greatest male players in tennis history. The MLB Network broadcaster evaluates Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner's credentials, and laments on Sinner's victorious performance over
July 13 · 36 min
Sinner and Noskova Claim Victory At Wimbledon: What's Next for Djokovic, Zverev and More With Pamela Maldonado
Jannik Sinner and Linda Noskova claimed the titles at Wimbledon, and ESPN betting analyst Pamela Maldonado is here to break down the thrilling conclusion to the major tournament on this episode. Maldonado explains why Sinner has the most complete game in the world, how he was able to turn the page after a disastrous Paris, and the areas Alexander Zverev has taken tremendous strides in his game and confidence. The analyst also examines Novak Djokovic's forthright comments after his semifinal loss
July 9 · 43 min
Djokovic vs. Sinner At Wimbledon + Fery's Magical Run and A Preview of The All Czech Women's Final with Chris Oddo
TennisNow writer Chris Oddo joins the podcast to dive into the final push at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, where everything is on the line for those remaining in the field. Oddo recaps Karolina Muchova's emotional win over Coco Gauff to reach the finals, and explains how the dynamic player was able to conquer a foe who has given her nothing but problems. The journalist also breaks down how Linda Noskova topped Marta Kostyuk in the other semifinal, and highlights the special skills that make
July 6 · 49 min
Wimbledon Breakdown With Alexandra Stevenson: Osaka Ousts Sabalenka, Fritz Roars and A Pegula/Gauff Showdown
Alexandra Stevenson joins the show to breakdown all the drama at Wmbledon, where we will crown a different women's champion for the 10th straight year. Stevenson recaps Naomi Osaka's impressive win over Aryna Sabalenka, and explains how the Japanese superstar has returned to her top form. The former Wimbledon semifinalist also looks at a pending showdown between Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff, and dives into where each player has as advantage on the grass. Stevenson shares her thoughts
July 3 · 52 min
Wimbledon Reactions With Steve Flink: Djokovic Marches On, Osaka Shines, And Swiatek Vs. Eala
Hall of Famer journalist Steve Flink returns to the podcast to break down all the action at Wimbledon, where the tennis is supreme at The All England Club. Flink assesses the early performances of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, and laments on Ben Shelton's shocking upset loss. The writer discusses Taylor Fritz's chances to make a run at the title, Grigor Dimitrov's surprising win, and his appreciation for Daniil Medvedev's raw honesty in defeat. Flink goes in depth about the women's draw, wh
June 30 · 42 min
Sinner and Djokovic Pushed As Wimbledon Begins + The Women's Contender List with Zachary Cohen
VSIN tennis writer and podcast host Zachary Cohen joins the show to dive into all the action from Day 1 at Wimbledon, where the top two men's favorites dug deep to advance. Cohen recaps the gritty wins by Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, and analyzes their paths to glory at The All England Club. The journalist weights in on the American male hopefuls, Joao Fonseca's grass potential, and Alexander Zverev's first major act since winning Roland Garros. Cohen also debates which women are legitimat
June 23 · 40 min
Hanlon Walsh on The American Wimbledon Contenders, Serena's Return And Why Doubles Matters
Hanlon Walsh joins the podcast to discuss the top storylines heading into a Wimbledon, with uncertainty reigning supreme among both tours. Walsh looks at the American men led by Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, and examines whether Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe can continue to thrive on the grass. The writer for Tennis Tribe discusses whether Aryna Sabalenka is poised for a bounce back at The All England Club, explains why he Jessica Pegula is ready to for a deep major run, and weighs in on Serena
June 17 · 47 min
Monica Puig Dives Into Grass Season: Sinner and Sabalenka's Regroup, Shelton as a Contender, Wimbledon Wild Cards For Serena & Chwalinska and More
Monica Puig joins the podcast to discuss the changing of seasons in the tennis world, with the pros heading to the grass as the race to Wimbledon intensifies. Puig recaps her time covering Roland Garros, and shares her thoughts on the crucial next step for champions Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva. The Olympic Gold Medalist ponders how Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka can regroup after faltering in Paris, and explains what to expect from Serena Williams in her inspiring comeback to the game
June 10 · 48 min
Zverev and Andreeva Win Roland Garros, Serena Williams Returns And Grass Season Begins With Jimmy Arias
Jimmy Arias joins to recap 2026 Roland Garros, where Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva were victorious in Paris. Arias discusses how Zverev was able to conquer the demons and Flavio Cobolli to win his first major title, and what it means for the German going forward now that he is a slam champion. The broadcaster dissects Andreeva's championship-run and potential to be a major force, and explains why finalist Maja Chwalinska is his new favorite player as well. Arias dives into all the top sto
June 4 · 35 min
Roland Garros Final Thoughts With Chanda Rubin: Is It Zverev's Time? Mensik Makes His Move + Andreeva Vs. Chwalinska For The Title
Chanda Rubin joins the podcast to discuss the final weekend of Roland Garros 2026, where everyone should expect the unexpected. Rubin explains what went wrong for Aryna Sabalenka in her quarterfinal collapse vs. Diana Shnaider, and dissects Mirra Andreeva's dominant win over Marta Kostyuk. The Tennis Channel broadcaster reflects on Andreeva's special bond with her Hall of Fame Coach Conchita Martinez, and reacts to Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska's improbable run to the Final in Paris. Rubin a
June 2 · 52 min
Fonseca Dazzles, Kostyuk and Svitolina March On And More From Roland Garros With Sam Jacot
ATP writer Sam Jacot joins the podcast to discuss all the drama at Roland Garros, where the tennis keeps delivering and the chaos keeps coming. Jacot recaps Joao Fonseca's impressive wins over Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud, and explains how the Brazilian teenager's game has come together in Paris. The journalist also reacts to the brutal call that went against Casper Ruud, and dives into the weight of expectation on Alexander Zverev as the favorite to win his first major title. And Jacot analyz
May 29 · 49 min
Jannik Sinner Stunned In The Sun, Roland Garros Thrown Into The Chaos With Barstool Hubbs
Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast to react to one of the most shocking upsets in tennis history, as Jannik Sinner faltered in the heat and lost to Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round of Roland Garros. Hubbs breaks down how the sun continues to cause Sinner problems, and what it means for the men's draw that suddenly appears to be open for the taking. The Barstool Sports personality reacts to Ben Shelton's loss, Frances Tiafoe and Learner Tien's chances to keep advancing, and whether Alexand
May 27 · 47 min
Medvedev and Fritz Fall, Swiatek's Ostapenko Obstacle and More Roland Garros Reactions With Brett Connors
Brett Connors joins the podcast to recap an entertaining first round at Roland Garros, where Americans Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula were knocked out. Connors reacts to another early exit for Daniil Medvedev, Learner Tien's impressive game on clay, and Casper Ruud finding a way to survive and advance. The producer and podcast host looks at Novak Djokovic's path to a deep run, Alexander Zverev's opportunity to finally change the narrative, and who can challenge Jannik Sinner's quest for the car
May 22 · 1 hr 12 min
Roland Garros Preview: Inevitable Sinner, Djokovic's Path, The WTA Contender List And A Full Draw Breakdown With Zachary Cohen And Kenny Ducey
Roland Garros is here, and we've got a comprehensive breakdown of the men's and women's draws on this episode! Zachary Cohen and Kenny Ducey return to the show to preview all the action in Paris, with Jannik Sinner as a historic favorite as he begins his quest for the trophy. The guys discuss whether Novak Djokovic can navigate a tricky draw, which seeded players are primed to go on deep runs, and who is on upset alert. The fellas also dissect the women's draw, with Iga Swiatek as the betting
May 20 · 39 min
Shelby Rogers on Svitolina's Italian Triumph, Sinner's Roman Empire And Life After Her Playing Career
Shelby Rogers joins the podcast to recap The Italian Open, where Elina Svitolina went on a sensational run to win the event for the third time. Rogers explains why Svitolina is better than ever and what finalist Coco Gauff can do to keep improving. The former WTA pro also examines the field of contenders for the women's title at Roland Garros, and even suggests a few younger players that could be ready for their moment. Rogers also recaps Jannik Sinner's victory on home-soil, as the Italian win
May 13 · 49 min
Top Clay Court Storylines With Steve Weissman: Gauff and Swiatek Rev Up, Sabalenka and Djokovic Look Ahead and Sinner Seems Invincible
Steve Weissman joins the podcast to discuss all the drama in the pro tennis game, as the road to Roland Garros heats up. Weissman dives into Jannik Sinner's dominance as his aims to collect a fifth straight Masters title in 2026, and examines what it will take to knock him off his throne with rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined. The Tennis Channel broadcaster explains why he's still confident in Aryna Sabalenka's clay court game after two early losses, and reminds everyone to watch out for Iga Swiate