Best Of Three

In this episode, the hosts explore the power of rivalries and star power in shaping sports narratives, drawing parallels between basketball and tennis. They break down the growing tension between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, reflect on classic tennis rivalries, and examine recent standout performances—including Ben Shelton’s surprise run on clay and the role of home-court advantage. On the WT...

In this episode of Best of Three, Alvin and Torrey dive into the Monte Carlo Masters and the opening beats of the clay court season. They dissect Alex de Minaur’s uphill battle on clay, what makes Monte Carlo such a special stop, and the tactical and mental demands of the surface. Carlos Alcaraz takes center stage as they explore his continued evolution, his connection to coach Juan Carlos Ferrero...

In this episode, Torrey Hawkins, Trent Bryde, and Alvin Owusu dive into the personal journeys that shape a tennis player’s growth—from early coaching and mentorship to the grind of international competition. They reflect on pivotal moments, mental breakthroughs, and the lessons learned both on and off the court. The conversation explores how community, coaching, and peer support foster not only at...

Summary In this episode, Alvin and Torrey review the Miami Open, focusing on the women's tournament. They discuss the dominance of Aryna Sabalenka and the consistency of Jessica Pegula, while also highlighting the rise of young talents like Alexandra Eala and Emma Raducanu. The conversation shifts to the upcoming clay court season and the challenges faced by players like Coco Gauff, who is un...

In this episode of the Best of Three podcast, hosts Alvin and Torrey discuss the recent Miami Open, focusing on the performances of the men's side of the tournament. They analyze Novak Djokovic's continued dominance in men's tennis, the struggles of Carlos Alcaraz, and the current state of American tennis. The conversation also touches on the future of young players like Ben Shelton...

In this episode of the Best of Three Podcast, hosts Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins welcome Angie Haynes, a former professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of 95 on the WTA tour. The conversation explores Angie's journey from her early days in tennis, training alongside Venus and Serena Williams, to her experiences on the professional circuit, including her time in Europe....

In this episode, Alvin and Torrey break down the unique challenges of the Indian Wells tournament, exploring its historical significance and the factors that make it a true test for players. They analyze the court conditions, how they impact player adaptability, and the tactical nuances that define competitors like Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper. The conversation expands to the broader evolution o...

In this episode, Alvin and Torrey discuss their recent experiences, including a trip to Punta Cana, and delve into the intricacies of player development in tennis. They introduce the concept of the 'five rings of player development,' which encompasses skill development, fitness, mental toughness, tactics, and intangibles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach...

In this episode, Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins are joined by Bobby Reynolds of Auburn University. They explore the role of the USTA in supporting college tennis, the impact of NIL on college sports, and the changing responsibilities of coaches in player development. The conversation also touches on the future of NCAA and USTA collaboration, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to s...

In this conversation, Alvin and Torrey are joined by Christian Hill.  The guys delve into the legacy of Arthur Ashe and the influence he had on their lives and careers. They discuss the challenges faced by African American coaches in the tennis world, the importance of mentorship, and the journey from junior to professional tennis. The conversation highlights the significance of community support,...

In this conversation, Alvin Owusu and Dasef Weems explore the intricacies of tennis practice, the importance of player detail and technique, and the transformative experience of watching live tennis. They discuss how understanding the mental aspect of the game and the evolution of training approaches can significantly impact performance. The dialogue emphasizes the need for representation and beli...

In this episode of the Best of Three podcast, hosts Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins welcome former professional tennis player Scoville Jenkins. The conversation delves into Scoville's journey from junior tennis to the professional circuit, highlighting his training experiences, competitive landscape, key matches, and the decision-making process that led him to pursue a professional career.  Th...

In this episode, Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins engage with Peter Lebedevs, the tournament director for the ATP 500 Dallas event, discussing the intricacies of running tennis tournaments, enhancing fan experiences, and the evolving landscape of the sport. They explore the transition from 250 to 500 events, the impact of betting, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game. Peter sh...

In this episode of the Best Three Podcast, hosts Torrey Hawkins and Alvin Owusu discuss the recent performances of Madison Keys in women's tennis, reflecting on her resurgence and the importance of competition in the sport. They analyze her tactical adjustments during matches, the role of doubles in player development, and the evolution of her game. The conversation highlights the dynamics of...

In this conversation, Torrey Hawkins and Alvin Owusu provide an in-depth analysis of the upcoming semi-finals of the Australian Open, discussing key matchups, player strengths, and strategies. They delve into the men's draw, focusing on Novak Djokovic's clash with Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton's match against Jannik Sinner. The discussion then shifts to the women's draw, hig...

Summary In this episode, Alvin and Torrey discuss a recent Australian Open match between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, focusing on the coaching perspectives on how matches are watched and analyzed. They delve into the differences between fan and coach viewpoints, the importance of objectivity, and the tactical adjustments made by players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. The conversatio...

In this episode of the Best of Three podcast, hosts Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins discuss the ongoing Australian Open, analyzing key matches, player performances, and the overall tournament atmosphere. They delve into the match between Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of both players. The conversation bounces around the draw, discussing the implication...

In this episode, Alvin and Torrey are joined by Bobby Reynolds, head coach of the Auburn University men's tennis team.  The trio discusses the evolving landscape of men's tennis, particularly in light of the recent Australian Open. The conversation covers the emergence of young talent, the impact of technology on player development, and the changing strategies in the game. The hosts refl...

Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins preview the mens side of the Australian Open draw. Send us Fan Mail

Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins break down the Australian Open draw on the womens side. Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Alvin and Torrey discuss the ATP Next Gen competition and its implications for player development, particularly focusing on the lack of a women's equivalent.  Next, they analyze the current state of American women's tennis, highlighting Coco Gauff's potential and the challenges she faces, especially regarding her serve. The conversation emphasizes the importance of...

In this conversation, Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins discuss the current state of American men's tennis, focusing on players like Taylor Fritz, Francis Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Sebastian Korda. They analyze each player's strengths, weaknesses, and potential for the upcoming seasons, while also reflecting on the cultural expectations surrounding American tennis. The discussion...

In this conversation, Alvin Owusu and Torrey Hawkins discuss the challenges young players face in maintaining consistency and the emerging rivalries in women's tennis. They also discuss the importance of winning skills, and the impact of college tennis on player development. They analyze emerging talents and the role of coaching in shaping successful players, while also addressing the future...

In this episode of Best of Three , Alvin and Torrey delve into the factors shaping the modern tennis landscape, from the critical role of continuous learning for players and coaches to the immense challenges of winning that elusive first Grand Slam title. We talk about the career of Dominic Thiem, and then discuss sponsors “five-year rule” that can predict many players’ peak performances.  With st...

In this episode, Alvin and Torrey delve into the year-end championship format, the need for a tennis commissioner, and the impact of injuries on player rankings. They reflect on the legacies of tennis legends like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray, emphasizing the importance of rivalries in the sport. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of spectatorship, discussing the balance...