Monday Match Analysis

On this edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Hall of Fame tennis journalist Steve Flink to discuss the finest ever meeting between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, in the quarterfinal of the 2001 US Open. We discuss their contrasting career arcs- while Pete was steady, Andre withstood dramatic peaks and valleys. Sampras the greatest server vs. Andre the greatest returner. The quality of the match was impeccable; four sets with zero breaks of serve. Although it was not a final, like the one they would play in New York the very next year, this match felt bigger than life. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

I'm joined by sportscaster Ian Eagle, who calls the French Open for Tennis Channel, plus the NBA, NFL and college basketball for CBS and Westwood One and the Brooklyn Nets on Yes Network, to discuss the art of commetnating tennis, what it's like to work with John McEnroe, ballboying at the US Open and upsetting Jimmy Connors, eating food in Paris, and who would win in a tennis match with his son and LA Clippers announcer, Noah Eagle. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

Gill Gross responds to your comments... why is there so much match-fixing in tennis, who are the best players without a slam and the worst with one, what would I add to the games of David Ferrer, Gael Monfils, Milos Raonic, and Kei Nishikori in order to give them the best chance at winning a major, what will the Big-3 do after retirement, what did Roger Federer do for increased success against Rafael Nadal, how can Nadal turn around results against Novak Djkovic, what is my racket setup, which American will have the best career out of Francis Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Rielley Opelka, what if Andy Murray had an elite forehand, what should Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem work on during the time off? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

On this edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Ben Rothenberg a freelance tennis writer for the New York Times and co-host of the No Challenges Remaining podcast, to discuss the 2009 Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. Federer was fresh off his first French Open title, looking to pass Pete Sampras in the all-time won with his 15th. Andy Roddick had won the US Open in 2003, but the Wimbledon title eluded him, losing to Federer in the 2004 and 2005 finals. Ben and I also discuss Novak Djokovic’s up and down week. Plus, a tennis book recommendation for your quarantine. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

On this edition of MMA Classics, I'm joined by Alex Gruskin of www.crackedracquets.com to discuss the 2009 US Open Final between Juan Martin Del Potro and Roger Federer. The 20 year old Argentine captured his first and only major to date and ended Federer's 5 year US Open title reign, plus his chance at the golden slam. At the time, we thought that both Del Potro and Federer would have plenty more USO titles coming their way, but niether have lifted the trophy in Queens since. We break down the match and talk about how Federer and Del Potro's career played out after this classic match. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

I'm joined by Amy Lundy, freelance tennis journalist for ESPN and FiveThirtyEight, to discuss the 2009 US Open semifinal between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. Before we get to the match, we hit on what needs to happen before tennis comes back, and how Amy compiles data and metrics for her articles. Later, we discuss the similarities between Williams and Clijsters on and off the court, why Serena hasn't won a major since coming back from maternity and what can be expected out of Clijsters most recent comeback. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

For today's episode of Monday Match Analysis Classics, I bring on Hall of Fame tennis writer Steve Flink to discuss a match that he remembers fondly. World #1 John McEnroe was undefeated in 1984, on the longest undefeated streak to start a season in tennis history. He looked for his first ever French Open title. An American had not won since 1953. His opponent in the final was second-ranked Ivan Lendl. The young Czech was 0-4 in major finals coming into this one. Lendl's before-his-time heavy groundstroke game against McEnroe's sensational net game made for an incredible watch. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

Gill Gross answers your questions! How will Federer, Nadal and Djokovic be affected by the Coronavirus break? What would have happened if Del Potro never got injured? Would you rather have Federer or Wawrinka's one-handed backhand? What do I like to watch on TV? What is my playstyle? What is my favorite rivalry in tennis? What are my thoughts on Marat Safin? Does Noah Rubin have good ideas? Is Salzenstein's opinion on S & V correct? Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

On this week Monday Match Analysis, Jeff Salzenstein, former top-100 pro and founder of https://tennisevolution.com/ joins Gill Gross to discuss... - How pros are staying in shape during coronavirus - How Federer, Nadal and Djokovic will be affected by the break - The need for political unity in tennis - The lost art of volleying and why it's not trained enough Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support

It's the first edition of Monday Match Analysis Classics! Why has the serve and volley play style died? It all comes down to effectiveness and necessity. Modern racket and string technology has enabled levels of topspin that make net play less effective,and less necessary. I break down the epic 4th set tiebreak in the 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjon Borg and John McEnroe to compare the old school game to the modern game. Plus, I review the 2009 tennis film Borg vs. McEnroe. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/monday-match-analysis/support