The Inside-In Tennis Podcast

Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink returns to the podcast to recap the outstanding 2026 Indian Wells tournament, which saw two decorated champions claim their first titles at Tennis Paradise. Flink breaks down how Jannik Sinner handled the opposition and the conditions to win the men's event, and points out just how rock solid the Italian is after facing adversity. The writer also discusses how Daniil Medvedev was able to pull of a massive upset over Carlos Alcaraz, and points out what the key will be for the 2021 US Open champion to return to the top of the game consistently. And Flink reflects on the other highlights from men's side of Indian Wells, which included a coming out party for Joao Fonseca and an ultra impressive win for Jack Draper over Novak Djokovic.

Flink also analyzes how Aryna Sabalenka was able to overcome her nemesis Elena Rybakina to win the women's title, in a battle that might go down as the WTA match of the year when the season concludes. The International Hall of Fame member explains why this win was vital for Sabalenka, how these two women have separated themselves from the WTA for the time-being, and why this rivalry reminds him of Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe. And the episode concludes with a lookahead to The Miami Open, the second leg of the Sunshine Double and a tournament very different from Indian Wells. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis Channel broadcaster and producer Geoff Chizever joins the podcast to dive into all the action at Indian Wells, which may be the early favorite for pro tournament of the year. Chizever recaps Jack Draper's epic win over Novak Djokovic and analyzes his ceiling in the men's game. The commentator also discusses Carlos Alcaraz's brilliance as an athlete, Joao Fonseca's potential, and Alexander Zverev's chances to score a big title. He also explains whether the hindrance call between Draper and Daniil Medvedev was fair or foul.

And Chizever breaks down the women's draw, where Elina Svitolina stunned two-time Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek. The broadcaster explains how Svitolina has improved, looks at Swiatek's areas of concern, and assesses how Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to find success. Chizever finishes the show by previewing the semifinal round, and predicts whether all roads will lead to another matchup between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Jan-Michael Gambill joins the podcast to dive into all the outstanding action at Indian Wells. Gambill looks at the thrilling performances by young players Joao Fonseca, Victoria Mboko and Learner Tien, and explains why Carlos Alcaraz can do it all on the court. The former Top 15 player also examines the game's of Jack Draper and Novak Djokovic as they prepare to faceoff, and analyzing Arthur Fils' successful run at Tennis Paradise.

Gambill also highlights what Elena Rybakina is doing even better in 2026, and how Aryna Sabalenka has evolved her already outstanding tennis arsenal. The broadcaster looks at Iga Swiatek's tailor-made style of play for the Indian Wells' conditions, and recaps Mirra Andreeva's outburst after falling to Katerina Siniakova. And Gambill explains why coaching is a vital necessity in pro tennis, even if not everyone believes it. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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VSIN sports betting expert Gill Alexander joins the podcast to preview Indian Wells, with all the best players in the game flocking to the California desert yet again. Alexander looks at what to expect from last year's champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva, and explains why world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka could be on upset-alert. The host of the Beating the Book Podcast assesses Iga Swiatek's form, braces for a showdown between Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina, and explains why he's high on Iva Jovic at Tennis Paradise and beyond.

Alexander also breaks down the men's draw, where Alcaraz and Sinner are once again heavily favored over the field. The host of VSIN's show, "A Numbers Game," predicts whether Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Learner Tien or another American man can have a successful runs, and debates whether Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev can find their best form. And is Novak Djokovic a contender to win his first Indian Wells title since 2016? Alexander predicts that and more on a dynamic episode. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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Tennis coach Mike James joins the podcast to discuss his unique journey to becoming one of the most trusted and respected minds in the sport, with a proven track-record of using analytical data to improve the very best players in the world. James details his path from coaching at an academy in Florida to working with Stan Wawrinka and his coach Magnus Norman, and explains how he ended up at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, where he established himself as a legitimate performance analyst for current future pros. The coach explains why Holger Rune has all the ingredients to contend with Alcaraz and Sinner, and recalls the Danish star's epic run at the 2022 Paris Masters.

James also dives into his personal thoughts on the tennis landscape, from the best-of-five format to the concern with tennis balls on player health, as well as the types of skills needed to truly shine at the apex of the sport. The performance analyst explains how every player and coach can leverage data to benefit their own game, and shares the exciting projects he's currently working on in his new position at Orreco Tennis. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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