Best United States Tennis Association Podcasts (2024)

1
Atlanta Open history: Tournament directors talk 2010-2012 31:33

4d ago31:33

31:33

As the Georgia capital says farewell to its most important pro tennis tournament – the Atlanta Open – we chat with the first two tournament directors. Bill Oakes, USTA Southern’s Director, Marketing & Sales in 2010, helped bring the tournament to metro Atlanta. Bob Bryant ushered in its move to Atlantic Station. Both reminisce about the joys and ch…

1
John Isner on Atlanta Open; Martin Blackman on Wimbledon 22:51

10d ago22:51

22:51

In this episode, we welcome two special guests: John Isner, the six-time Atlanta Open champion, and Martin Blackman, the USTA General Manager of Player Development. John discusses his upcoming exhibition match with Andy Roddick against the Bryan brothers, shares his experiences as a player in the Atlanta Open, and gives his insights on the future o…

1
Lake Norman Expands on Red Ball Tennis for Adults 15:23

17d ago15:23

15:23

Amy Brandon has the Lake Norman, N.C., tennis community hitting red balls on short tennis courts. As a pioneer for adults in metro Charlotte, she started the ServeAces Mini-Tennis Brewery League, which has grown to more than 500 players from 64 players since 2016. The Lake Norman Tennis Association Executive Director’s efforts align with the expand…

1
Tennis Helps 15-year-old Radio Personality Survive Leukemia 11:52

28d ago11:52

11:52

Five years ago, at the age of 10, Lex Stolle was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He began a years-long series of chemotherapy treatments at Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s in Atlanta. Now, his recovery includes tennis, a love he shares with his father. His talents in communication and inspiring hope in o…

1
America’s Top Junior: Georgia’s Al Parker 15:22

1M ago15:22

15:22

No one can match Al Parker’s junior career … a national champion 25 times and ranked No. 1 in Boys’ 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s from 1981-86. He reminisces about playing at the University of Georgia, which hosted and won NCAA Championships in the 1980s. “We were definitely a force,” the four-time All-American said. He has been inducted into three Halls o…

1
Spring/Summer Buying Guide 15:09

1M ago15:09

15:09

Want to hear a behind-the-scenes perspective from a photo shoot with Frances Tiafoe and Aryna Sabalenka? Michelle Heidbrink of Tennis Warehouse talks about being on-site with the tennis stars and previewing new clothing a year in advance. She also recommends checking out the sleek designs of Naomi Osaka and Rafa Nadal shoes. Of course, the newest r…

1
Promoting tennis: USTA South Carolina’s advocacy success 14:27

2M ago14:27

14:27

Sheryl McAlister, Senior Director of Advocacy and Community Development for USTA South Carolina, discusses their efforts in promoting tennis during National Tennis Month. She highlights their advocacy work, increased grant applications and the enthusiastic involvement of staff and volunteers. Sheryl also addresses challenges in providing quality pu…

1
USTA’s Martin Blackman: covering Roland Garros 12:09

2M ago12:09

12:09

USTA General Manager, Player Development Martin Blackman, discusses the growing crop of Americans showing their grit on the French Open’s terre battue. Among the players highlighted are Danielle Collins and Frances Tiafoe, along with Southerners Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro, Alycia Parks, Tommy Paul and Christopher Eubanks. Another hot topic is the Sum…

1
Bill Oakes on ATP pro tournaments 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Oakes, the former tournament director of the acclaimed ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open and Senior Associate Athletic Director of Wake Forest University. Bill shares his thoughts on innovative tournament formats, the significance of college tennis, and reflects on the upcoming last year of the Atlanta Open, which he…

1
Advocating for tennis courts 13:16

2M ago13:16

13:16

We applaud anyone playing tennis in a driveway. But, realistically, 99% of tennis is played on courts. Paul Pittman, the long-time dominant force of tennis in Florence, S.C., is now chairing USTA Southern’s push to protect and increase the number of our tennis courts. Pittman speaks to grassroots tennis advocates who are working to ensure that new …

1
Auburn’s Bobby Reynolds: from ATP to college 14:10

3M ago14:10

14:10

In this episode, we chat with Bobby Reynolds, Auburn Men’s tennis head coach, a former No. 1 collegiate player at Vanderbilt and a former ATP player. He shares insights from coaching in the SEC and offers advice for aspiring players aiming for college and pro success, along with tips for competitive coaching. Reflecting on his pro tour days when he…

1
National Tennis Month: Bob Willis 17:14

3M ago17:14

17:14

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Bob Willis, President of the Louisville (Ky.) Area 10 & Under Tennis Association. Willis will host a National Tennis Month “Bring A Friend” lesson on May 25 at Charlie Vettiner Park. He recounts last year’s experience with a successful NTM event. Don't miss out on Willis’s valuable tips and strategies for…

1
National Tennis Month: Kristie Flowers 13:36

3M ago13:36

13:36

Kristie Flowers hosted a Cardio Tennis session during 2023 and plans more sessions next month during National Tennis Month (NTM). She gets people active at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center in Florence, S.C. Flowers has had as many 50 participants get their heart rates up. She cites USTA Southern Board Member Ernie James for promoting NTM …

1
Tennessee tennis recruiter: Tyler Strong 13:31

3M ago13:31

13:31

How do you expand tennis in your state? A strategic focus of USTA is increasing the number of providers like parks and recreation departments, coaches, teachers, tournament directors and grassroots tennis associations. Tyler Strong is using his knowledge of Junior Team Tennis to make connections with coaches and facilities. A nearly 10-year veteran…

1
Tennis Channel on-court host Andrew Krasny 18:30

3M ago18:30

18:30

Andrew Krasny is best known for his post-match interviews on court for Tennis Channel. This week he is the host and emcee of Credit One Charleston Open, a tournament he considers among the best in the world for featuring the brightest women’s stars in the game. Over his storied career, Krasny has been one of the faces you've seen at Indian Wells, t…

1
WHM: WTA player Arianne Hartono & Coach Jason Ontog 16:07

4M ago16:07

16:07

Arianne Hartono, a Dutch professional tennis player ranked No. 140 in WTA singles, made history at the University of Mississippi by winning the 2018 NCAA Women's Singles Tennis Championship, the first Dutch player to do so. She also received the 2018 Honda Sports Award for top female collegiate tennis player. Hartono is engaged to her coach Jason O…

1
Teaching: true passion for former UT coach Elizabeth Henderson 14:35

4M ago14:35

14:35

Elizabeth Henderson’s life in tennis started by being No. 1 in numerous junior age levels in USTA Southern before being recognized as an All-American at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. She started her collegiate coaching odyssey at the University of North Carolina, followed by her first head coaching job at William & Mary. That led to a fo…

1
No-Cut Coach Starfish Award winner John Cox 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

We chatted with John Cox, whose volunteer work covers many areas of tennis, including numerous posts in USTA Southern. Still, he has a soft spot for the students of Bayou Academy in Cleveland, Miss., where he began coaching the tennis team in 2017. His goal is to make tennis “cool” and get players on court and practicing. Winning two state titles a…

1
WHM: Local League Coordinator honoree Anna Martin 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

We talk with the 2023 USTA Southern Local League Coordinator of the Year Anna Martin. She is a veteran of more than 23 years of promoting and organizing USTA League, providing a rich history of tennis in Wilmington, N.C. She now supports nearly 200 adult recreational teams. Martin highlights the importance of playing against players with similar sk…

1
The weekly: ‘Talking Tennis Southern Style’ goes to weekly podcast 15:21

5M ago15:21

15:21

Interviewed are two podcasters: Chris Godby & Chad Young of the awarding-winning “Game Set Match Kentucky!” After more than four years of uploading a two-interview podcast every other Thursday, the new “Talking Tennis Southern Style” plans on showcasing a single interview every Tuesday or Wednesday. Chris Godby & Chad Young produce “Game Set Match …

1
Adult and Junior winners: George “Ged” Schwing, Male Player & Ryan Cozad, Junior Sportsmanship 19:35

5M ago19:35

19:35

George “Ged” Schwing was honored with the Slew Hester Male Player of the Year for top adult player. Schwing has been a member of Team Louisiana for the Callen Cup and served as a captain the last few years, along with competing on the winning Southern team at the 2022 Keith Donoff Cup. Ozaki-Hastings Junior Sportsmanship Award winner Ryan Cozad was…

1
BHM: Calvin Kemp plus advocating for tennis courts 25:48

6M ago25:48

25:48

With the number of tennis players growing in the last five years, more tennis courts are needed. While some courts are being converted to pickleball courts, the USTA Southern Advocacy Task Force is enabling grassroots advocates to make the case for adding, and not reducing, the number of tennis courts. Former Board Member Paul Pittman chairs the ta…

1
Australian Open preview, a Mexican star on her French Open, women’s tour success 33:34

6M ago33:34

33:34

It’s a new year and time for our Grand Slam correspondent to preview American and Southern players. USTA General Manager, Player Development Martin Blackman calls in from Down Under with high hopes for players with Georgia roots: Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend, Ben Shelton & Christopher Eubanks. Yolanda “Yola” Ramírez Ochoa won mixed doubles and finis…

1
It’s a wrap: Outstanding interviews in 2023! 22:41

7M ago22:41

22:41

Finishing our fourth season, “Talking Tennis Southern Style” wraps up 2023 with compelling excerpts of eight of our favorite interviews. We are proud to highlight insightful conversations with these guests: Michelle Curry of the Althea Gibson CTA Tennis memorabilia collector and USTA Kentucky Past President Mike Eden USTA Chairman of the Board and …

1
From WTA & ATP tours to Southern Tennis Hall of Fame: Jane Preyer and Keith Richardson 44:16

8M ago44:16

44:16

Jane Preyer made her mark as an All-American at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill before succeeding in the WTA Tour. She reached No. 43 and defeated some top players including Evonne Goolagong. Later she took to coaching and led the Duke University women to four ACC championships. Keith Richardson is now inducted into his fifth hall of…

1
Marshall Happer’s book, “Pioneers of the Game,” documents the rise of the men’s professional tours 40:26

8M ago40:26

40:26

Marshall Happer headed the Men’s Tennis Council from 1981-89, making him the only unofficial commissioner of men’s professional tennis. He draws upon his extensive tennis background – including USTA Executive Director, USTA Southern President & CEO and Southern Tennis Hall of Fame inductee – in writing “Pioneers of the Game.” The 871-page history d…

1
Inclusive and accessible: Wheelchair tennis No. 1 junior and adaptive tennis supports blind, visually impaired 30:03

8M ago30:03

30:03

Wheelchair tennis is booming and Zane Goodwin is riding the crest to the top of the game. The 16-year-old Birmingham, Ala., resident is the top junior wheelchair tennis player in the country and winner of the Cincinnati Wheelchair Open. Zane talks about his dedication to the sport while his mom, Lara Polk, describes how she loves traveling to tourn…

1
UGA's SEC winningest coach Manny Diaz & holiday buying guide 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

In a remarkable achievement, Manny Diaz, the veteran men's tennis coach at the University of Georgia, will be inducted into the prestigious Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, this January. Diaz reflects on his illustrious career, during which he achieved a remarkable SEC-record of 767 wins for the University of Georgia men's tennis team. He takes pride …

1
Barred Owl in Flight 7:17

8M ago7:17

7:17

So send us your image and tell us your story as "Every Photo Has A Story". email: mitch@mitchschlimerartography.comBy Mitch Schlimer

1
Playing Tennis as an Adult: Former Atlanta Falcon player Brian Finneran, plus US Open Chief Umpire Andrew Walker 37:15

9M ago37:15

37:15

Tennis is the sport of a lifetime and a former Atlanta Falcon wide receiver Brian Finneran is now excited about playing and watching tennis. He was wowed by the speed and athleticism of pro tennis players at the Atlanta Open. Brian can be heard on air on 680 The Fan, an Atlanta sports radio station. Andrew Walker worked four years at USTA Kentucky …

1
Hispanic Heritage Month: JTT captain extraordinaire Omar Alcaino, plus ITF captain Brenda Carter 27:48

9M ago27:48

27:48

Omar Alcaino has been at the helm of seven straight USTA Mississippi Junior Team Tennis champion teams including winning a Southern 10 & Under Intermediate title this year. Embracing his Chilean heritage, he reflects on his journey, which led him to excel as a Sun Belt singles champion at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and thrive as a dedi…

1
Hispanic Heritage Month: NJTL organizer Belén Gómez-Jordana, former NC State player Ponch Ochoa 32:57

10M ago32:57

32:57

Talking Tennis Soutern Style promotes Hispanic Heritage Month. With almost twenty years of experience as a tennis teacher, Belén Gómez-Jordana founded the non-profit and NJTL United Tennis. In order to counter stereotypes, Gómez-Jordana created the Tennis for All program. She delivers group and individual classes at a very low cost. Gómez-Jordana v…

1
Great Blue Heron Embrace With Young Gazing 6:18

10M ago6:18

6:18

So send us your image and tell us your story as "Every Photo Has A Story". email: mitch@mitchschlimerartography.comBy Mitch Schlimer

1
Teaching tennis: NFL football star Leigh Torrence and coach Dr. Mark Kovacs 44:30

10M ago44:30

44:30

Leigh Torrence says tennis was his first love and dreamed of being another Arthur Ashe. He was a top-level junior out of Atlanta. Still, he’s most famous for his NFL career, playing for six teams including the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, and coaching for the Saints and New York Jets. “I think tennis is demanding of you mentally … and gr…

1
Mitch Schlimer Artography Signs With Mary Martin Galleries 23:53

10M ago23:53

23:53

So send us your image and tell us your story as "Every Photo Has A Story". email: mitch@mitchschlimerartography.comBy Mitch Schlimer

1
Ep 6: Equal pay for all with Rebecca Lobo and Sam Saperstein 42:22

10M ago42:22

42:22

In our last episode, we explore the issue at the very heart of the podcast: equal pay for all. More than 50 years ago, Billie Jean King and the Original Nine paved the way for fair pay. Several generations of athletes in their stead have continued the fight, including basketball star and broadcaster Rebecca Lobo. As a UConn championship winner and …

1
Ep 5: Women take the lead with Lesley Visser and Stacey Allaster 41:45

11M ago41:45

41:45

Seeing women in leadership roles off the court is just as important as highlighting our star athletes—and US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster and sports journalist Lesley Visser know this firsthand. Stacey and Lesley are two of the “firsts” in their respective fields of sports management and sports broadcasting. They join host Chris McKendr…

1
Ep 4: Motherhood with Dara Torres and Taylor Townsend 43:18

11M ago43:18

43:18

For years, women athletes were expected to give up competing when they became mothers. But some pushed back against expectations, like Dara Torres: a 12-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer. At the age of 41, two years after giving birth to her daughter, Dara became the oldest swimmer to compete on the U.S. Olympic team. We’ll also hear from American…

1
Bald Eagles Holding Wings in Flight 6:45

11M ago6:45

6:45

So send us your image and tell us your story as "Every Photo Has A Story". email: mitch@mitchschlimerartography.comBy Mitch Schlimer

1
Ep 3: The mental game with Laurie Hernandez 34:38

11M ago34:38

34:38

Being an elite athlete isn’t just hard on the body—it can also test an athlete’s mental wellness. After her gold and silver medal-winning appearance in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, gymnast Laurie Hernandez reported her longtime coach for abusive behavior. Laurie joins host Chris McKendry to discuss what it took to publicly address her strug…

1
Wheelchair tennis: Jennifer Edmonson & Chuck McCuen 34:06

11M ago34:06

34:06

More than 25 years ago, Jennifer Edmonson volunteered at the Cajun Classic, a wheelchair tennis tournament in Baton Rouge. Her role expanded to the USTA Southern Wheelchair Tennis Chair and then the USTA chair. Now, she takes on the role of US Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament Director. Talking about wheelchair tennis in collegiate tennis is Chuck …

1
Ep 2: Chris Evert’s star turn helps raise the game 34:41

11M ago34:41

34:41

When a 16-year-old Chris Evert made it to the semifinals of the 1971 US Open, a star was born—helping steer women’s tennis toward exciting new heights. From there, Chris dominated, claiming 18 Grand Slam singles titles and winning an astounding 125 consecutive matches on clay courts. Known for her calm demeanor on the court, Chris has left her mark…

1
Ep 1: The legacy of the Original Nine with Rosie Casals and Sloane Stephens 36:45

11M ago36:45

36:45

At the 1973 US Open, male and female champions received equal prize money for the first time, 86 years after the first women competed in a national championship in the U.S. in 1887. Just weeks before, the Women’s Tennis Association was established, creating a tour that united women’s professional tennis. The founding of the WTA was the result of th…

1
Equal Play: 50 Years of Equal Pay in Tennis | Official Trailer 2:00

11M ago2:00

2:00

At the 2023 US Open, the United States Tennis Association celebrates 50 years of equal pay—a milestone spearheaded by legendary champion Billie Jean King and, a group of women tennis players who demanded equal compensation. Hosted by ESPN’s Chris McKendry and presented by J.P. Morgan, Equal Play: 50 Years of Equal Pay in Tennis offers conversations…

1
US Open preview: Martin Blackman on Gauff, Pegula, Fritz and Tiafoe 29:15

11M ago29:15

29:15

US Open preview: Martin Blackman on Gauff, Pegula, Fritz and Tiafoe UNC champion Carson Tanguilig heads to US Open doubles main draw It’s US Open time! USTA’s Martin Blackman previews the year’s last Grand Slam and breaks down the chances of Americans Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. Alpharetta, Georgia’s Carson Tanguili…

1
“Second Serve” reaches out to USTA League players; Dr. Brian Hainline on the summer heat 36:49

12M ago36:49

36:49

What is your pursuit in the middle years of life? Two USTA Southern volunteers decided they wanted to talk about USTA League tennis. North Carolina residents Carolyn Roach and Erin Conigliaro named their podcast "Second Serve" and connect with thousands of listeners to their weekly conversation. Everything from rules to pet peeves to etiquette q…

1
Atlanta Open draws native Christopher Eubanks and Georgia Tech player Andres Martin 24:45

12M ago24:45

24:45

The annual ATP Tour 250 tournament – the Atlanta Open – has the game’s breakout star Christopher Eubanks in the main draw. “Of course, he’s playing” says Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs about the Atlanta native and former Georgia Tech star who played only a few miles away from the Atlantic Station site. The Tech connection continues with the sec…

1
The Alligator and the Orange Dragonfly 6:07

1y ago6:07

6:07

In his first episode of "Every Photo Has A Story" published and award-winning Artographer Mitch Schlimer shares with you in each podcast one of his "One In A Million Moments" such as this first one today of "The Alligator and the Orange Dragonfly" shot in Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina and how it was finally captured after an hour …

1
USTA coaches Martin Blackman and Atlanta’s Jermaine Jenkins on Americans at Wimbledon 32:01

1y ago32:01

32:01

With American players competing at the Big W in London, USTA Director, Player Development Martin Blackman tracks the preparation of up-and-coming pros in Florida and European warmup events. He proudly mentions four US players who now reside in the top 10: Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. Among the Southerners he profiled…

1
From ’Bama to UGA, two collegiate tennis coaches reminisce about their outstanding careers 37:19

1y ago37:19

37:19

Sone of the most exciting – and often overlooked – tennis matches are played on college campuses. These two coaches made their women’s teams among the best in the country. As Alabama’s women’s tennis coach, Jenny Mainz was named the 2013 ITA National Coach of the Year and won two NCAA Doubles Championships in 2014 & 2015. She offers a rich history …

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