We introduce you today to Dr. Jonathan Katz, a member of the BTR team who will take us on a journey of exploring mental health in athletics.

Today, we talk about the impacts of social media on us all in the midst of the pandemic, as well as the challenges facing athletes, specifically tennis players, when they return to the field of competition.

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Important to note, we had to record BEFORE Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for Covid-19. Which is too bad, as we have some damned thoughts.

But, hear Noah's surprising take on whether the Open should go on or not, and how he's combatted the Novak fans he argued with through the last week.

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Noah Rubin likes to take us Behind the Racquet, today he's taking us behind the scenes of the ATP's phone call to discuss the US Open with 400 pros. Hear details of what was discussed, and Noah's opinions on the options.

Noah's also received criticism from Novak's fam, hear why, and see if you agree.

And Mike explores regional slams just a little bit more in depth.

As always, thanks to our fantastic patreon sponsors. You can help support the pod and our future endeavours at patreon.com/BehindtheRacquetpod

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A difficult topic parsed by Noah and his longtime friend Phillip Simmonds, taking a look at race in the sport of tennis, and how it affects the players and fans.

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Lots to catch up on for Noah and Mike, and so they hit the Muzza/Nick instagram live, Reilly Opelka's momentous and page turning interview in Racquet mag, and whether Noah will be hitting at any exos.

We also thank our incredibly kind and generous patreon donors, who have helped sustain us, literally and figuratively, the last couple months. You can donate at patreon.com/behindtheracquetpod

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Quick tech note: Mike's recorder went wayward the first few minutes. It restarted a few minutes, the audio is clean about 7 minutes in.

Now.

This is Mental Health Week for the Behind the Racquet.

Join Noah as he explores mental health from a variety of perspectives, with special guests on the Behind the Racquet Instagram live:

All times Eastern:

Monday 2PM Dr. Jonathan Katz

Tuesday 2PM: Sven Groeneveld

Wednesday 2PM: Marcos Baghdatis

Thursday 5PM: Reilly Opelka

Friday 2PM: Marco Trungelliti

Any questions, join Noah and discuss!

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Lots to unpack with Evan King (Career High #181, All-American at the University of Michigan, from Chicago, Illinois)

1) His (editor's note: HORRIBLE) decision to attend Michigan instead of the home state school of Illinois.

2) His willingness to travel the globe in his professional career.

3) What it's been like playing in Florida exhibitions the last two weeks in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Three topics to hit today:

1) the whirlwind over the Coco Gauff BTR and Noah's learning moment

2) The odd exhibition tennis down in Florida last weekend

3) The 6 million dollar payments for lower ranked players, and how it's just a bandaid.

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Limits are getting pushed indeed.

For Mike, it's the all too familiar feel of depression that's hit pretty hard.

For Noah, it's a level of frustration with the leaders of tennis.

Listen, react, and reach out.

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Wide ranging chat with the pride of Carmel, Indiana Rajeev Ram this week. Mike gets to chat all things University of Illinois with one of the legends from the undefeated National Championship team of 2003, and Noah looks ahead with the Australian Open champion about how the sport might be changing due to the pandemic delay.

Huge thank you to our patreon supporters this week. We're so thankful for the support in this difficult time, and if you're able, we'd appreciate your support too. Go to patreon.com/BehindtheRacquetPod

<3 Mike and Noah

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