🎾 Breaking Back – Episode Guide

Title: US Open 2025: Taylor Townsend Steals the Show Amid Honey Deuce Highs & Weed-Filled Skies

Episode OverviewThe first week of the 2025 US Open had it all: big serves, big drama, and bigger cocktails. In this episode, the Breaking Back crew dives into the chaos and color of tennis’ final slam of the year.

What We Cover:

• Taylor Townsend vs. Jelena Ostapenko – the fiery net-side clash that lit up Ashe and why Townsend’s calm response stole the headlines.

• Weed in the Air, Honey in the Cups – how $12 million in Honey Deuces (and a contact high or two) define the modern US Open experience.

• Medvedev’s $42,500 Meltdown – racket smashes, court delays, and why Daniil’s patience snapped.

• Sinner’s Recovery & Coco’s Struggles – questions around fitness, form, and the odds that shifted overnight.

• Fashion Court – from Lacoste’s GOAT merch sellout to Coco’s New Balance jacket, the brands making waves.

• Fan Hacks – how to beat the lines, find the shortest Honey Deuce stand, and skip the subway squeeze.

Why Listen:Week 1 served up as much tension as tennis — and we’ve got the hot takes, laughs, and insider tips you won’t hear on ESPN.

Norm and Peter break down the most upset-filled week one of Wimbledon's 148 year history, where the sharp money is going at SW19—and how you can get in on it.

They’re joined by Natalie Cutter, betting guru and gambling aficionado, who drops serious intel on unique player props and actionable data to outwit the books this fortnight.

Plus, John Butler, Executive Director of INTENNSE, shares how this fast-paced, team-based tennis league is transforming the sport with simplified scoring and a fan-first experience.

Today’s guest is René Vidal, head coach of Northern Illinois University’s men’s tennis team and a published author. With a dynamic coaching style and an unstoppable drive for excellence, René embodies a rare spirit of leadership that ignites transformation both on and off the court. His passion, energy, and commitment to greatness have set him apart — and today, we’re uncovering the powerful mindset and principles that make him a true force of inspiration.”

In S2 E1 we discuss BREAKING NEWS about Simona Halep's retirement, the Davis Cup drama between Cristian Garin and ZZ Bergs, and the lackluster and poorly kitted Australian Open highlighted by media antics more than on-court action.

Meet Natalie Cutter, a Boston native whose love for sports started at age 4, wielding a tennis racket at a Greensboro, NC sports camp. From playing to coaching, her days were filled with tennis, cheering for Roger Federer, making NFL game picks, and catching Red Sox and Patriots games—sports has always been her world.

Fast forward to 2023, Natalie graduated from Wake Forest (GO DEACS!) with a double major in Economics and Psychology earning High Honors for her fascinating thesis exploring how betting markets responded to the introduction of the serve clock in tennis.

Since then, Natalie’s presented her research at the Eastern Economics Association for the North American Association of Sports Economics and working on getting her study published in the Journal of Sports Betting.

In this episode, we chat about her journey from tennis courts to academic conferences, what sparked her interest in sports economics, and how her work could change the way we think about betting markets. Whether you’re a tennis fan, sports nerd, or just curious about the numbers behind the game, this is a conversation you’ll love.