Spin The Racket

In this episode, Corey Matney, owner of Premier Racket Sports, shares insights on tennis equipment, player development, and the future of the sport. Discover expert tips on choosing the right gear, understanding the evolution of tennis, and how to enjoy the game at any level.

Join G and Lu as we reflect with Rishi Loungani from Inside Sports Network on the chaos and surprises of the French Open, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming grass season and Wimbledon. From Serena's potential comeback to young stars making their mark and first-time grand slam champions, this episode covers the highs, lows, and what to expect next in the tennis world.

Spin the Racket welcomes Taj Hibbert — coach, content creator, and the mind behind T3 Tennis — fresh off finishing his Division I career at Tennessee State University. Taj breaks down his game: an old-school serve-and-volley style built around applying pressure early and getting comfortable at the net. If he's grinding from the baseline? That's the tell he's not confident. G and Lu dig...

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 decid...

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 Then they break down the big news: Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from Rome and Roland Garros due to a wrist injury — what does that mean...

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 unde...

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...

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 cultur...

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 engag...

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...

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...

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 challeng...

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 offseas...

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 conv...

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 Amer...

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...

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 co...

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...

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts G and Lu welcome Sarah Christopher as they dive into the intersection of tennis and fashion at the US Open. They discuss their personal experiences with tennis, Sarah's creative career in sports branding, and the cultural significance of fashion in tennis. The conversation transitions into a segment called 'Fit or Fault,' where they critique th...

In this episode of Spin The Racket, hosts Gerard and Lu, along with special guest Nic Howe, dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming US Open. They discuss the changes in the mixed doubles format, the appeal of doubles tennis, and analyze both the women's and men's draws. Predictions are made for potential champions, and the hosts share their thoughts on various players' perfor...

In this episode of Spin The Racket, Gerard and Lu discuss their recent experience playing USTA tournaments and share personal anecdotes about fitness, training, and the challenges of managing expectations in matches. The episode also features a segment called Courtside Chat, where they answer listener questions about ranking Grand Slams and the best generation of tennis players. The conversation w...

In this episode of Spin the Racket, hosts Gerard and Lu welcome their first guest, Jake Tuchmann, to discuss his journey as both a competitive tennis and pickleball player. They explore the impact of match length on player performance, the balance between academics and athletics in college tennis, and the transition from competitive play to recreational leagues. Jake shares his personal journey, i...