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.

In this episode, G and Lu are joined by Jake to reflect on the highlights of 2025 in tennis, discussing new formats, the rise of social media influencers, and the impact of injuries on players. They also explore the recent coaching changes, particularly the split between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, and share their aspirations for the upcoming year, including players to watch in 2026.

In this episode, Gerard and Luis talk with Marcus Gilliam, CEO of Netgains Tennis, as he shares his journey from being mentored in tennis to creating a community-focused organization that promotes the sport in Atlanta. He discusses the importance of mentorship, community engagement through events, and the personal growth that comes from playing tennis. The conversation also touches on the challenges of marketing and promoting tennis events, the role of social media, and the future aspirations for Netgains Tennis, including expanding their reach and impact in the community.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts Gerard and Luis reflect on the Thanksgiving season, discussing gratitude and the end-of-year slowdown in tennis. They explore the challenges of maintaining availability for recreational tennis during the holidays and recap the ATP & WTA finals, highlighting emerging players and their prospects for the future. The conversation shifts to personal offseason plans, focusing on skill improvement and setting goals for the next season. They conclude by discussing player rankings and expectations for 2026, emphasizing the competitive landscape of tennis.

In this episode, Lu and G dive into the latest happenings in the tennis world, including insights from the Paris Rolex Masters, the current state of men's tennis rankings, and the impact of injuries on player performance. They discuss the excitement surrounding the ATP and WTA finals, the dynamics of doubles tennis, and the challenges of transitioning to indoor play as the seasons change. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with winter tennis, string tension adjustments, and the mental aspects of competing in colder conditions.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts G and Lu invite Eddie Gonzalez, former director of the Atlanta Open, to share his journey in tennis, the evolution of D1 college tennis, the importance of community tennis organizations, and the unique atmosphere of the Atlanta Open. They explore the challenges of running a tennis tournament, the significance of player relationships, and the future of American men's tennis. Eddie shares insights on innovations in tennis events and his current projects, emphasizing the health benefits of tennis and the need for continued growth in the sport.

In this episode, G and Lu dive deep into the journey of professional tennis player James Hopper, exploring his transition from a college athlete to the professional circuit. James shares insights about his early life, the challenges of balancing multiple sports, and the pivotal moments that shaped his tennis career. He discusses his experiences at Case Western and Virginia, the mental and physical demands of professional tennis, and the importance of recovery and training. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring players and reflects on the financial realities of pursuing a career in tennis. The conversation wraps up with a fun rapid fire round of "Quick Hands".

In this episode of Spin the Racket, comedian Giulio Gallarotti joins G and Lu to share his insights on tennis, his personal journey in comedy, and the evolving landscape of both sports and entertainment. He discusses his tennis philosophy, the current state of the ATP tour, and the impact of young players like Alcaraz and Sinner. Giulio also reflects on the challenges of maintaining a career in comedy, the importance of consistency, and the balance between talent and hard work. The conversation touches on various topics, including the drama at the US Open, the rise of pickleball, and the dynamics of tennis culture in New York City.

In this episode of Spin The Racket, host G and Lu welcome JY Aubone, Director of Player Relations and Media Host at INTENNSE. They discuss JY's extensive background in tennis, his transition from professional tennis player to coach, and the innovative concept of INTENNSE, a team-based tennis format. The conversation covers the challenges of becoming a professional tennis player, the importance of community in the sport, and the future of American men's tennis. JY shares insights on superstitions, coaching experiences, and the excitement surrounding INTENNSE matches, as well as his thoughts on the current state of tennis and the potential for American players to win grand slams.