In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Luis are joined by Amy O’Connell, Executive Director of USTA Atlanta—and head coach of Team Outriders in the INTENNSE pro team tennis league.

They break down how USTA Atlanta actually works (leagues, grants, beginner pathways, and what your fees really fund), why Atlanta is such a unique tennis city, and how USTA compares to ALTA for rec players deciding where to compete. Amy also shares what’s next for tennis in Atlanta—plus how INTENNSE is helping fill the “pro tennis” gap and bring a faster, fan-first product to the city.

They cover the difference between USTA National vs the Southern Section vs USTA Georgia vs USTA Atlanta, what rec players get wrong about fees and ratings, where court funding and grants really go, and the best entry points for beginners (including Tennis Apprentice and the StillFire League). We also get into red ball tennis, pickleball’s role in the tennis ecosystem, why padel is coming, and what fans should expect from INTENNSE Season 2 with the Outriders.

If you’re new to Atlanta tennis—or you’ve been grinding leagues forever—this one’s for you.

Follow Spin The Racket for more rec + pro tennis convos, ATL tennis culture, and weekly storylines.

It's been a busy few weeks for Spin the Racket — and we're just getting started. G and Lu recap their first-ever trip to RacquetX in Fort Lauderdale, from racket sports apps to Padel courts and running into creators from across the tennis world. Then they break down the big news: Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Rome and Roland Garros due to a wrist injury — what does that mean for the rankings, for Sinner, and for the rest of the clay season? Plus, the guys play a fun "fantasy squad" game, each naming their four riders on tour right now (spoiler: Shelton is a unanimous pick). And to close it out — that viral White House photo of the Georgia women's tennis team. Would you have gone? G and Lu are in different camps. Drop your answer in the comments.

Also: Wilson Blade giveaway with Premier Racquet Sports is LIVE 🎾 + mailbag episode coming soon — send us your questions!

In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Matt Previdi, who discusses the evolving landscape of tennis, emphasizing the importance of community, equipment, and strategy over traditional techniques. Matt shares his journey from a tennis enthusiast to a professional stringer, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of tennis equipment and the tactical advantages of unconventional plays like the underhand serve. The conversation also delves into the balance between technique and equipment, urging players to rethink their approach to improvement in the sport. In this conversation, Matt Previdi discusses the multifaceted aspects of tennis performance, emphasizing the importance of tennis IQ, mindset, and decision-making over mere technique. He argues that while physicality and equipment play roles, the psychological aspect is crucial for players, especially adults. The discussion also touches on common myths surrounding string tension and the often flawed communication between players, coaches, and stringers. Matt shares his experiences stringing for professional players at Indian Wells, highlighting the unique challenges and insights gained from that environment. Matt emphasizes the value of experimentation with racket weight and string types to enhance performance and prevent injuries. He also highlights the significance of sharing knowledge within the tennis community, particularly for recreational players.

Join us as G and Lu explore the inspiring journey of Jonathyn Young from XXL Tennis, a content creator and tennis enthusiast who breaks stereotypes and promotes inclusivity in the sport. Discover insights on tennis culture, content creation, and community impact.

In this episode, Lu and G chat with Annabelle Thomas, a former college tennis star and current rising star within the innovative team tennis league, INTENNSE. Discover her journey from college to professional-style competition, her insights on the league's format, and how this new wave of tennis is shaping the sport's future.

In this episode, Lu and G meet with Edin Sehovic as he shares his journey from a young tennis player to a nutrition expert, emphasizing the importance of community in tennis. Edin discusses the challenges he faced, including his diagnosis of type one diabetes, and how it shaped his approach to fitness and nutrition. Edin provides valuable insights on the mental aspects of tennis, the significance of proper nutrition, and common pitfalls players encounter. He encourages beginners to set small milestones and highlights the importance of building a supportive tennis community. The conversation wraps up with Edin's advice on engaging with followers and the value of feedback.

In this engaging conversation, Gerard and Luis meet with Kevin Perkins, founder of DÜS Tennis, as he shares his journey from a young tennis player in the Philippines to a college athlete and eventually a coach. Kevin discusses the challenges of pursuing professional tennis, memorable matches, and his transition into the world of tennis apparel with DÜS Tennis. The brand aims to blend tennis culture with streetwear aesthetics, creating a community-focused identity. Kevin also highlights his involvement in running and how it complements his tennis journey, fostering connections within the community. In this engaging conversation, Kevin shares his insights on the importance of community in sports, particularly in running and tennis. He discusses how camaraderie enhances the experience of challenging activities, the significance of celebrating milestones through fun runs, and the growth of his running club in Atlanta. Kevin also highlights his ambassadorship with On Running, his experiences at the US Open, and the role of mental health in sports. The discussion culminates in a rapid-fire segment where Kevin shares his favorite spots and advice for newcomers to the tennis community.

In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Luis recap the 2026 Australian Open, discussing standout matches, record attendance, and the emergence of new American talent. They delve into the impact of the heat stress scale on player performance, Coco Gauff's struggles with fame, and the double standards surrounding racket smashing. The conversation also touches on innovative fan engagement strategies, the complexities of streaming tennis, and the future of women's tennis, including Sabalenka's prospects and rumors of Serena Williams' potential comeback. Finally, they explore the controversy surrounding the use of wearable technology in the sport. In this conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of tennis, particularly focusing on the recent Australian Open. They discuss the role of technology in coaching, the challenges faced by emerging players, and the impact of injuries on performance. The conversation also highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in matches, the dynamics of crowd influence, and the discipline required for longevity in sports. The hosts express their hopes for future contenders in tennis, emphasizing the rivalry between current top players.

In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Lu are joined by Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network to preview the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year. The conversation kicks off with excitement about the tournament, discussing the unpredictable nature of early-season matches and the challenges of watching matches from different time zones. They delve into the rankings of the grand slams, with a lively debate about the Australian Open's place among them. As they analyze the draws, they highlight key players to watch, including Sabalenka, Gauff, Anisimova, Alcaraz, and Sinner, while also discussing the impact of recent changes in commentary teams and the potential for upsets in the tournament.

In this episode, Gerard and Luis discuss their goals for the new year, reflecting on the importance of setting realistic ambitions while remaining motivated. They delve into the dynamics of mixed doubles tennis, exploring the balance of competition and camaraderie. The conversation shifts to the rising popularity of pickleball and padel as accessible alternatives to traditional tennis, emphasizing their role in introducing new players to racket sports. Finally, they express excitement for the upcoming Australian Open, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the tournament and the players' performances.