TennisWorthy

In this insightful episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast, Chris Bowers interviews Class of 2024 Hall of Famer and 18-time major champion Leander Paes. Beyond his remarkable career as one of tennis's greatest doubles players, Paes shares profound life lessons that transcend the sport. Discover how a childhood dream of owning an ice cream factory led him to Wimbledon success. Paes also recounts growin...

In 1991, Michael Stich was a relative unknown, seeded sixth at Wimbledon where he powered through to meet three-time champion Boris Becker. The match was the first all-German major final in the Open Era. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tennisworthy

In a special roundtable edition, Chris Bowers, Blair Henley, and Joel Drucker relive the magic that was 2025 Roland-Garros. The panel dissects the "match for the ages" between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, highlighting its clash of styles and inherent drama. The trio discuss what Joel views as three key elements for a "magical" match: a high-stakes occasion, two top contenders, and incredible...

Stan Smith saw it coming. The world saw it coming. But no one knew it would happen that fast. In what felt like an instant, a 17 year old Björn Borg went from a promising young star to a dominating force in the sport. By 1974, the future of tennis had arrived. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfam...

Hall of Famer Justine Henin knew from a young age that her dream was to become a champion, in particular at Roland-Garros. She went on to win the tournament four times as part of a decorated career, making sacrifices and staying true to her dream all the while. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfa...

In the 25th anniversary year of her milestone Roland-Garros singles title, the TennisWorthy Podcast revisits one of its original episodes with Hall of Famer Mary Pierce. Mary discusses her remarkable career and personal journey with Chris Bowers. Pierce reflects on her early start in tennis, turning pro at 14, and attributes her success to perseverance and hard work. A significant turning point in...

Chris Bowers sits down for an inspiring interview with Rick Draney, a remarkable individual inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 as a wheelchair tennis champion and pioneer. Draney shares his powerful journey, which began with a car crash at 19 that left him in a wheelchair. He candidly discusses the struggles of adapting to a new life and how discovering wheelchair tennis became a pivotal turni...

As protestors insisted on their rights in Tiananmen Square, Hall of Famer Michael Chang persisted in one of the hardest matches of his career: battling defending champion Ivan Lendl through cramps and doubt in the fourth round at 1989 Roland-Garros. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tenni...

Patrick McEnroe welcomes Amit Sood, head of Google Arts & Culture, to discuss Google's partnership with the International Tennis Hall of Fame. McEnroe highlights Google's work in digitizing the "American Lawn Tennis" magazine from the early 1900s, making this valuable historical resource accessible online on Google Arts & Culture's platform. Sood explains Google Arts & Culture's missio...

Host Patrick McEnroe interviews Dana Mathewson, a celebrated wheelchair tennis player and the first American woman to win a major wheelchair title in doubles. Dana shares her journey into tennis, which began after a rare autoimmune disease left her paralyzed at age 10. The conversation explores themes of overcoming setbacks, the importance of resilience, and Dana's experiences traveling the world...

This month, the TennisWorthy Podcast explores the theme of dedication, and how champions overcame various challenges in the lives and careers to reach the top. Hear inspiring stories of dedication from three Hall of Famers from the Open Era – Virginia Wade, Goran Ivanišević and Justine Henin – who faced significant journeys to achieve their major goals. Discover how Wade's early determination, spa...

Hall of Famer and 48-time major champion Esther Vergeer shares her story of inspiration. After becoming paralyzed at age 8, Esther discovered a love of sport through her rehabilitation process. Following a record-setting wheelchair tennis career, Esther has found her mission in providing opportunities for children with a disability to access and participate in sports. Since 2004, the Esther Vergee...

Spanish tennis greats weren't necessarily known for their success on grass before Conchita Martinez made the final at Wimbledon in 1994. Conchita shares the emotions behind her Wimbledon title, and how establishing her legacy on Centre Court paved the way for her to make and impact in coaching some of the greats of the next generation. This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame'...

Host Patrick McEnroe catches up with Hall of Famer Gigi Fernandez, discussing her career in the framework of tradition. Patrick and Gigi go behind the scenes at Wimbledon and the other Majors, sharing stories and memories of their favorite traditions in tennis, such as wearing white at Wimbledon, the evolution of night tennis, and the debate over best-of-five sets in men's tennis. Patrick and Gigi...

In April, we explore the delicate balance between tradition and progress in the world of tennis, focusing on the four major tournaments: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open. Each tournament, while steeped in history, has had to adapt to the changing times.   Chris Bowers delves into the decisions behind venue changes, like the Australian and US Opens' move to new, purpose-b...

In 2021, the International Tennis Hall of Fame inducted the Original 9, pioneers who signed $1 contracts in 1970 to create the first women's tennis tour. Facing challenges, they paved the way for equity in sports. Rosie Casals, Judy Tegart Dalton, and Ann Jones reflect on those early years with Blair Henley, discussing their risks, timing, and behind-the-scenes efforts. Later, Jones tells Chris Bo...

In celebration of Women's History Month, we dive into one of the most pivotal moments in tennis history—the story of the Original 9. In 1970, nine courageous women, led by Billie Jean King and Gladys Heldman, signed $1 contracts and risked their careers to revolutionize women’s tennis. Facing discrimination and a male-dominated tennis establishment, their bold move laid the foundation for professi...

Chris Bowers hosts special episode of the TennisWorthy Podcast as we pay tribute to Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle, who passed earlier this week at 86. In an interview recorded at Roland Garros in 2018, Fred reflects on his remarkable career—his rise from humble beginnings, Grand Slam triumphs, clashes with the legendary Harry Hopman, and his transition into coaching and broadcasting. With c...

Hall of Famer Cliff Drysdale joins the TennisWorthy Podcast ahead of Indian Wells to explore his legendary impact on the sport and talk current tennis happenings with host Patrick McEnroe. From his early days as a top-ranked player to his role in founding the ATP, Drysdale shares behind-the-scenes stories about the fight for player rights and the evolution of professional tennis. The two also disc...

February's theme of boldness continues with an insightful conversation surrounding Arthur Ashe's milestone Wimbledon title in 1975, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Host Patrick McEnroe relives the tournament and events surrounding it with two Hall of Famers who were there, Charlie Pasarell and Richard Evans. The discussion explores Ashe’s strategic brilliance in defeating Jimmy Co...

February is Black History Month in the United States, and the TennisWorthy podcast explores the theme of boldness in tennis. Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers highlight the courageous journeys of three African-American tennis legends—Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, and their mentor Dr. Robert Johnson. Chris narrates their struggles and triumphs, starting with Gibson, who broke racial barriers in the 19...

What makes a Hall of Famer? What is that unique something that led to their historic success? Was it innate? Or did they need to cultivate a winning mindset? TennisWorthy, a podcast presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and hosted by Patrick McEnroe, seeks to answer these questions and uncover what it takes to become the greatest of champions. These wide-reaching conversations go beyo...

Host Patrick McEnroe caught up with newly appointed Laver Cup Team World Vice Captain and Hall of Famer Pat Rafter in Melbourne. On site at the Australian Open, the pair wasted no time delving into January's subject of tenacity, and how digging deep played a massive role in some of Rafter's biggest moments on court. McEnroe and Rafter discuss how Rafter's serve-and-volley style of play required in...

Season 3 of the TennisWorthy Podcast is here, just in time for the Australian swing and welcomes a new host in ITHF President and ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe. Patrick and Chris Bowers bring two stories from Hall of Famers Hana Mandlíková and Pete Sampras. In reliving two key moments from their careers, Mandlíková and Sampras focus on their mental resilience and tenacity in overcoming challeng...

The TennisWorthy Podcast revisits Season 2 to close the year, featuring some of our favorite topics and legends. Today we're focusing on the psychology of tennis, which is not solely about psychology, but about dealing with pressure, keeping emotions at the right level, and generally looking after a player's mental health, which is becoming a more high-profile topic given the ultra-competitive nat...