The Lucky Letcord Podcast

Today on the Lucky Letcord Podcast tennis Hall of Famer Steve Flink stops by to break down his thoughts on Novak Djokovic's 2024 season.

It has a season that has not met the 24-time major champion's lofty standards, but Flink believes that we have not seen the best of the Serbian legend in 2024. He gives his thoughts on Djokovic's performance at Wimbledon, and his 2024 in general, and points ahead to this year's US Open.

Flink also talks about the remarkable rise of Carlos Alcaraz, and singles out a key contributor to the Spaniard's stunning summer.

And where does it all leave World No.1 Jannik Sinner? Flink, who has just returned from his 55th Wimbledon, has thoughts on that as well.

We also look at the women's side, which was wide open this year, and featured a feel good final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini in the final. Nothing against the matchup, but Flink would prefer to see the top players in the women's game performing better at Wimbledon? Why were they not in the mix on finals weekend this year, and will Iga Swiatek ever find her footing on the grass.

Finally we conclude with the performance of the American men and women at Wimbledon as we look at head to the summer and the US Open.

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In this episode of the Lucky Letcord Podcast, Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join to break down Wimbledon 2024:

Topics discussed:

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ON this week's Wimbledon preview podcast Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to break down the men's and women's singles draws at this year's Championships.

Key topics discussed:

What to expect from Novak Djokovic

Andy Murray's last dance

Iga Swiatek's tricky draw and lack of grass matches

Coco Gauff's chances

We reveal our picks for the singles titles

Our fave first-round matchups

Unseeded and dangerous players

Who will make a better commentator: Nick Kyrgios or John Isner?

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This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro joins Chris Oddo to break down the March Madness known as the Sunshine Double.

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Andrey Rublev was defaulted in today's Dubai semifinal, causing us to revisit memories of David Nalbandian at Queen's Club in 2012 and Novak Djokovic at the US Open in 2020. What went wrong? Whose fault was the default? What could have been done differently?

WE talk about this and more in today's podcast, as we venture beyond Dubai to discuss upcoming events at Indian Wells in Miami.

Items discussed:

Who's hot? Who's not?

When will Andy Murray retire?

Rafa and Nole back at Indian Wells, will it be the last time they both come together?

Jakub Mensik... how good is this kid?

Osaka and Wozniacki comebacks, what is the upside?

And so much more!

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Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to recap the 2024 Australian Open.

We commence with a brief convo of late night finishes in Melbourne. Can anything be done to limit the damage of players staying on court until after 3 AM at the majors?

Then we proceed into a breakdown of a player who was impacted by such madness - Daniil Medvedev. What can the Russian do to get over the hump at the majors, and how can he get through a Slam with more fuel in his tank. Medvedev famously spent 24:17 on court, a new record for time on court at a major, and dropped a two sets to love lead in the final as the fatigue set in.

Of course we move to Jannik Sinner next. What makes him special and what does his title run mean for the shape of the ATP season? Does he have a shot at No.1? What, specifically, made his performance a cut above the rest of the field, and is it repeatable?

On to the women, we talk about the wild chaos in the top half of the women's draw? Is it a sign of cracks in the armor of the top players, or yet another indication of the supreme depth of the WTA Tour?

Then, to Aryna Sabalenka and her breathtaking, unblemished run to the title. What can we say about her that hasn't already been said? A few things, it turns out.

Finally we look at China's Zheng Qinwen and what made her run to the final special. Yes, she didn't take out a Top 50 player en route to the final, and that is rare, but that doesn't mean she isn't deserving.

And finally, a list of things that made the fortnight special. Things that may have been lost in the blur of a final weekend that captivated us and gave us tunnel vision. Remember Arthur Cazaux? Rohan Bopanna? Hsieh Su-Wei? We do...

Thanks for listening!

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In today's edition of the Lucky Letcord Podcast Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris join host Chris Oddo to preview the 2024 Australian Open.

Topics discussed:

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2023 - what a year for tennis? And a wild one as well...

Richard Pagliaro and Erik Gudris stop by to help us relive the glory of the tennis season that was, covering the big sweeping storylines as well as some of the subtle trends that emerged.

We start with a deep discussion of our key moments, followed by a deep dive into Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, our 2023 players of the year, before veering into a closer look at the brewing Sinner v Alcaraz rivalry and what we can expect from it - and from those rising talents - in 2024.

We also talk about the players who can present a challenge to Iga Swiatek in 2024 and the state of the WTA Tour with regard to leadership, and finance.

There's also a section on our favorite Grand Slam finals of 2024, as well as some chatter about the next American man to win a major!

Thanks for listening and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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In this episode of the Lucky Letcord Podcast, venerable Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink joins the podcast to look back at Novak Djokovic's 24th major title and break down the Serbian's stunning legacy at the conclusion of a Grand Slam season that has seen him move to the top of the men's singles Grand Slam title list for the first time.

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This week on the Lucky Letcord Podcast Erik Gudris joins Chris Oddo and Richard Pagliaro to talk about his time on site at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

Erik was around the grounds all week for Tennis Now, taking in the action and participating in press conference featuring top players.

We get his insights on the resurgence of Coco Gauff, who won her biggest career title, as well as Dan Evans, who became the oldest champion at DC since Jimmy Connors in 1988.

Other topics discussed:

The future of the Citi Open and the evolution of the tournament over the years.

The disparity in prize money at the event between men and women.

Coco's forehand, and her new coaching setup with Pere Riba at the helm and Brad Gilbert consulting.

The excitement - and pressure - surrounding Frances Tiafoe at his hometown event.

The game of talented Tallon Griekspoor.

The plight of the American men, who had the top two seeds in DC but came away disappointed. How is the summer shaping up for the American man?

Andy Murray's frustration, excitement, jubilation and heartbreak - what does it all mean?

The comebacks of Caroline Wozniacki, Jennifer Brady and Milos Raonic.

The return of Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek in Canada.

And much much more (including the best snacks at the Citi Open)

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