Open Stance Audio

The first guest from within Cliff Drysdale Tennis joins the show today; Scott McCulloch, Vice President of Operations, talks about how CDT is committed to growing the game of tennis through initiatives like Net Generation and Tennis 101. Getting new people of all ages to try our great sport is the ultimate goal!

One of the most difficult challenges in tennis is playing in different conditions. Pros regularly travel to new locations that could play totally different than the week prior. From court speed, temperature, humidity, wind; the list goes on. Today we talk about a few things you can do to help yourself to adjust to new conditions.

The ITF has released more details about the upcoming "Transition Tour", an initiative created to allow more players to make a living playing tennis while reducing the amount of professional tennis players. With a new points system just 11 months away, there is still significant confusion amongst players and fans alike. Joey gives his thoughts on the current information we have on hand, and talks about some possible side effects.

Read the ITF details: http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/about-pro-circuit/transition-tour-faqs.aspx

Today on Open Stance Audio we bring on a former All-American at the University of Illinois, Jared Hiltzik. After not being a highly touted junior, Hiltzik excelled at the collegiate level and has now risen up the professional ranks. We talk about his time at Illinois, college tennis culture, how he's managing his schedule with the looming transition tour and much more.

You can follow Jared on Twitter: @JaredHiltzik

And check out his website: http://www.jaredhiltzik.com/

The first round of Davis Cup play took place over the weekend, with two new rule changes introduced. The fifth set tiebreak and an additional player nomination made for interesting viewing and both very positive going forward. Joey discusses this and some notable results from the weekend.

Here's the clip of Fucsovic's amazing tweener lob: https://youtu.be/P94gEHbfiXc?t=1m36s

After spending some time talking with players and coaches at the RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas, Joey discusses the many emotional ups and downs that players go through, just like we do in our everyday life! This episode is all about managing your passion, and trusting the process.

Mike Cation, long-time voice of the men's USTA Pro Circuit, joins Open Stance Audio at the RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas to discuss practice(yes, we're talkin about PRACTICE) what differentiates challenger players from the tour, what he chooses to disclose on air, and how he feels tennis commentary could improve.

Check out the Coffee Cast with Cation: http://mikecation.podbean.com/

Follow Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeCTennis

Tim Smyczek is 30 year old professional tennis player from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has long been known as one of the best guys in the locker room, and has been ranked as high as #68 in the world. Joey sat down with Tim to discuss his recent move to Dallas, some minor technical changes in his game, the challenge of playing against your friends and much more.

We hope you enjoyed Tim's insight, and if you want to follow him, go here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/timsmyczek

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timsmyczek/

Kei Nishikori chose to play two challenger events in his return to tennis after dealing with a wrist injury in the second half of 2018. Playing at the RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas, Nishikori got his first win and then spoke to the media afterwards about his game and goals going forward. Joey gives his thoughts after spending the day in Dallas.

Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer are your 2018 Australian Open champs! Wozniacki defeated Simona Halep in a fantastic three setter to claim her first major title and reclaim the world no. 1 ranking, while Federer overcame Marin Cilic in five sets to seal his 20th major title, an astonishing feat we may never see again. Joey gives some quick thoughts on the tournament.