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In this episode, Sam Jacot sits down with Ravi Ubha, an experienced tennis commentator, broadcaster and journalist who has covered the sport’s biggest events for nearly two decades. Ravi takes us inside the commentary box during the era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, sharing stories from covering three of the greatest players in tennis history and conducting one-to-one interviews with all three. We discuss what it is like to commentate on the sport’s biggest stars, the preparation that goes into every match and what a typical day on the job looks like at a Grand Slam. We also explore Ravi’s experiences commentating on Olympic tennis, including multiple gold-medal matches, and the most memorable atmospheres he has encountered throughout his career. From the pressure of calling some of the biggest moments in sport to knowing when to let the action speak for itself, Ravi explains what makes great commentary. Ravi reflects on his time reporting for CNN International, his background in sports journalism and how his experience as a writer and interviewer shapes the way he tells stories on air. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by the biggest tennis reporter on X. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Jerome Coombe sits down with Matt Futterman, senior tennis writer at The Athletic, to discuss his new book, The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis. Matt takes us inside the stories behind the book, exploring the mental and physical demands of professional tennis and what separates the very best players from the rest. We discuss Carlos Alcaraz, including Matt’s memorable walk around Melbourne Park with the Spaniard when he was just 17, and how watching Naomi Osaka navigate the challenges of the sport helped spark the idea for the book. We also explore Novak Djokovic’s place in the modern game and the relentless pursuit of greatness, before turning to Ben Shelton, one of tennis’s most exceptional athletes, and his later route into the sport, his relationship with his father and what his journey tells us about developing a professional player. Matt also reflects on his career as a journalist, the hardest interview he has ever conducted, his favourite moments covering tennis and what continues to motivate him to find new stories after years spent around the sport. You can buy The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis here: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/243596813-the-cruelest-game 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a commentator & broadcaster. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with presenter, producer and writer Nick McCarvel, who has covered all four Grand Slams, hundreds of tour-level events, multiple Olympic Games and some of the biggest moments in tennis. Nick takes us behind the scenes of life at the majors and the many different roles he has played across tennis media, from presenting and producing live shows to interviewing some of the greatest players in the sport, including Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Rafae Nadal and John McEnroe. We hear about Nick's experiences with Roger Federer, including hosting the pre-show around Federer's return to Arthur Ashe at this year's US Open and being a key part of the former World No. 1's International Tennis Hall of Fame induction in Newport. Nick shares what those huge live occasions are really like behind the scenes, as well as his approach to interviewing some of the most recognisable personalities in tennis. We also discuss Nick's experiences covering multiple Olympic Games, including interviewing Andy Murray following the final match of his career. Nick explains his philosophy of breaking down the fourth wall and bringing fans into the story, what goes into producing hours of behind-the-scenes coverage at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, and some of the moments viewers never get to see. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with another guest from the tennis world. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Gustavo Marcaccio, Director of the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, to go behind the scenes of one of the most renowned tennis academies in the world. Gustavo takes us inside his day-to-day role running the Academy, the continued influence of Rafael Nadal and the philosophy that underpins the development of young players. We discuss what it really takes to become a professional tennis player, from talent and technical development to mindset, education, discipline and creating the right environment for players growing up within the Academy. We also talk about the development of players including Martín Landaluce and Alex Eala, and the challenges of helping young talents make the transition towards professional tennis. Gustavo shares what he learned from working closely with Rafa during the final years of his career and how Nadal’s influence continues to shape the Academy. We also explore the Rafa Nadal Museum, its recent renovation and Roger Federer’s visit, as well as the Academy’s ATP Challenger event and the importance of bringing professional tennis into the environment. From children arriving at a young age to the importance of creating a settled environment around them, this is a fascinating look at what happens behind the scenes at the Rafa Nadal Academy. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with a leading presenter and producer. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with former Irish professional Conor Niland to discuss his award-winning book The Racket, which tells the story of life on the professional tennis circuit and the reality of competing outside the very top of the sport. Conor takes us inside some of the biggest moments of his career, from beating Roger Federer as a teenager to qualifying for Wimbledon in 2011 and coming agonisingly close to reaching the second round and setting a meeting with Federer. We also hear the story of facing Novak Djokovic at the US Open later that year, before illness forced Conor to retire from the match. We discuss the less glamorous side of life on Tour too, looking at the loneliness of constant travel, the relentless pace of winning one week and immediately getting on a flight to the next tournament, and the financial challenges of competing at ITF and Challenger level. Conor explains what life can really be like for players outside the spotlight and how difficult it can be to maintain momentum from week to week. We also talk about the influence of Conor's father, the support he received from Tennis Ireland and the experiences that shaped his view of professional tennis. Buy The Racket here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Racket-Tenniss-Golden-Generation-other/dp/1844886409 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with the Tennis Director of the Rafa Nadal Academy. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Sebastián Varela, co-founder of CLAY and winner of the 2025 Tom Perrotta Prize for Tennis Journalism. Sebastián takes us inside the stories that earned him one of tennis journalism's leading young-writer awards, including his extraordinary feature on a man who escaped drug trafficking and went on to transform lives through tennis. We also discuss his approach to open, ambitious journalism and why some of the most interesting stories in tennis exist away from the scoreline. Sebastián shares his experiences speaking with players including Eva Lys, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz, and explains why openness from players can completely change the conversations journalists are able to have. We also get into the story behind CLAY, the bilingual tennis publication Sebastián co-founded in 2020, and his mission to bring greater attention to South American and Spanish-speaking tennis. With South American tennis producing an exciting generation of players and growing in influence across the sport, Sebastián explains why he believes the region deserves greater coverage and a bigger voice. Read Sebastián's work discussed in the episode: https://www.claytenis.com/features/escaping-drug-trafficking-to-transform-lives-with-tennis/ https://www.claytenis.com/cov/director-netflix-nadal-documentary-in-the-us-there-arent-many-rafa-fans/ https://www.claytenis.com/home-en/ 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with the author of the award-winning book 'The Racket'. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode of Tales from Tennis, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Mitch Michals, podcast host, producer and editor at Tennis Channel and host of The Inside-In Tennis Podcast. Mitch takes us behind the scenes of his work in tennis media, from producing and editing at Tennis Channel to hosting Inside-In and interviewing some of the biggest names across the sport. We hear stories from conversations with Andrea Petkovic, Brad Stine, Paul Annacone, Mark Petchey and Brad Gilbert, as well as Mitch's experiences speaking with players including Lorenzo Musetti and Ethan Quinn. We also get into what it's really like working in a sport that never stops, the relentless nature of the tennis calendar and how Mitch manages to keep up with the ATP and WTA Tours. With the US Open here, Mitch gives his thoughts on the state of tennis heading into the final major of the year, looking at the biggest storylines on both the men's and women's tours and the players to watch in New York. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a leading journalist. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Alex Gruskin, host of Cracked Racquets and one of the leading voices covering college tennis and the ATP Challenger Tour. Alex takes us inside the growing world of college tennis, exploring why more young players are choosing the American college route, the unique atmosphere around the sport and how the system is producing a new generation of stars. We discuss the journeys of players including Ben Shelton, Rafael Jodar and Learner Tien, and why college tennis has become such a successful pathway into the professional game. Alex also shares stories from life on the road with Cracked Racquets, travelling to Challenger and WTA events, conducting on-court interviews and getting to know players away from the spotlight. We hear what it's like spending week after week around the Challenger Tour, the buzz of discovering emerging talent and the people and stories that make travelling so rewarding. Cracked Racquets: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/cracked-racquets/id6445044099 https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a podcast host. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by broadcaster Marcus Buckland, who spent 12 years as the lead tennis presenter at Sky Sports, covering the sport's biggest tournaments throughout the unforgettable Big Four era. Marcus reflects on some of the defining moments of his career, including being in New York to witness Andy Murray win his first Grand Slam title, presenting coverage from the ATP Finals at The O2 and following tennis around the world during one of the sport's greatest periods. He also shares recent experiences hosting Wimbledon champions' dinners with Jannik Sinner and Linda Noskova, along with behind-the-scenes stories from life in broadcasting. The conversation explores what it takes to present live television at the highest level, the controlled chaos behind major broadcasts, working alongside some of the sport's biggest names and why, after nearly four decades in broadcasting, tennis continues to produce stories that keep him coming back for more. Marcus also discusses writing The Man Who Saved Wimbledon: Roger Taylor's Official Biography, offering an insight into one of British tennis' most influential figures and the process of bringing his remarkable story to life. You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Who-Saved-Wimbledon-Biography/dp/1836801467 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by an insider on the ATP Challenger Tour Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Adam Docker, whose work has taken him to more than 100 countries, capturing some of the biggest names and most remarkable stories in sport. Adam shares behind-the-scenes experiences filming Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, explains how he worked alongside Martin Landaluce to tell the story of the Spaniard's breathing techniques and mindfulness, and reflects on the challenge of finding authentic moments with elite athletes. He also recounts an unforgettable encounter filming Diego Maradona at a rehabilitation centre in Cuba, as well as extraordinary assignments in Tibet, remote parts of Africa and the mountains of Kazakhstan with Corentin Moutet. The conversation explores what it takes to tell compelling stories through film, the importance of earning trust with athletes, working in some of the world's most demanding environments and why the best sporting documentaries are about far more than what happens in competition. Check out more of Adam's brilliant work here: https://www.adamdocker.art/ https://www.adamdocker.com/ 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of the best tennis & sports presenters in Europe. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by broadcaster and commentator Abigail Johnson, who has covered everything from ATP Challenger events to Grand Slams. Abigail reflects on witnessing the rise of some of the game's biggest stars, including Joao Fonseca, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, sharing the early signs that suggested they were destined for the top. She also discusses Aryna Sabalenka's importance to the women's game, why Daniil Medvedev remains one of her favourite players to interview, and the stories that make life on the professional tour so unique. The conversation also explores Abigail's route into commentary, what it's really like working courtside at Wimbledon and the Grand Slams for the BBC, the differences between covering Challenger events and the biggest tournaments in tennis, and why she loves telling the stories behind the sport. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. Next time we will be joined by a leading film producer. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot sits down with Jordanian tennis player Abdullah Shelbayh, one of the most exciting young players on the ATP Challenger Tour, who has trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy since the age of 14. Shelbayh reflects on his journey from Jordan to Spain, explaining how Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal helped shape his development, the advice he has received from Nadal over the years and what it has been like training alongside Carlos Alcaraz. He also discusses his experiences competing at ATP Tour events, winning Challenger titles and playing at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals. The conversation also explores Shelbayh's path through college tennis, life at the Rafa Nadal Academy and the realities of building a career on the professional Tour. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this on-site special episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Taylor Fritz, Jenson Brooksby, Daniel Altmaier and Rajeev Ram in Eastbourne to hear their stories in the game. The guests reflect on defining moments from their careers, from chasing Wimbledon success to breakthrough runs at majors, while also offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into life on Tour. They discuss training with rising star Joao Fonseca, supporting Alexander Zverev after his Roland Garros title, and facing icons like Novak Djokovic at the US Open. Rajeev Ram also shares insight into reuniting with long-time partner Joe Salisbury, lifting major titles, and the responsibility of mentoring the next generation. The players also open up on the realities of life in the sport, breaking down how practice sessions are scheduled at events, how players and teams operate in the player areas, and what a typical matchday actually looks like from arrival to departure. 🚨 Stay tuned for another special guest from the tennis world on Wednesday 8 July. Subscribe now. 📲 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this third on-site episode from the Lexus Ilkley Open, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with a range of Top 150 players competing during the grass-court season, bringing together stories from behind the scenes of the tennis world as the road to Wimbledon continues. Featuring Darwin Blanch, Lulu Sun, Viktorija Golubic, Arthur Gea, Dane Sweeny, Harmony Tan and August Holmgren, the episode explores the journeys, experiences and moments that shape life on Tour. The guests reflect on memorable Wimbledon runs, breakthrough moments at Grand Slams and what it is like competing on some of the biggest stages in tennis. Along the way, they share stories involving some of the sport’s biggest names, including Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, while also discussing career-defining matches, favourite practice partners and the unseen realities of life on Tour that fans rarely get to hear about. In the first Ilkley special, Sam and Jerome spoke to the people who help bring the tournament to life in Ilkley, including tournament director Rik Smith and broadcaster Abigail Johnson. In the second Ilkley special, they chatted with the British players ahead of Wimbledon. Both episodes are live in the feed. 🚨 Stay tuned for a special episode from Eastbourne on Wednesday 1 July, featuring Taylor Fritz. Subscribe now. 📲 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this second on-site episode from the Lexus Ilkley Open, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with a range of British players competing during the grass-court season as the countdown to Wimbledon continues. Featuring conversations with Jack Pinnington Jones, Charlie Broom, Paul Jubb, Toby Samuel, Oliver Crawford and physio Sam Carter, the episode explores the realities of life at ATP Challenger level, the importance of the college tennis pathway and what it takes to build a career in professional tennis. The guests reflect on memorable Wimbledon experiences, breakthrough moments on the ATP Tour and the challenges of climbing the rankings. Along the way, they share stories involving some of the biggest names in the sport, including Stan Wawrinka, Jack Draper, Nick Kyrgios and Taylor Fritz, while also discussing their love of the grass-court season and the unique opportunities it presents. In the previous episode, Sam and Jerome spoke to the people who help bring the tournament to life in Ilkley, including tournament director Rik Smith and broadcaster Abigail Johnson. Part two of the Ilkley player special will go live on Wednesday 24 June, featuring interviews with Harmony Tan, Lulu Sun, Darwin Blanch and many more. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.