Nothing Major

Dive into nostalgic tennis tales as the hosts recount the legendary Kalamazoo boys' tournament and chaotic memories from the Cincinnati Open. They tackle fan questions revealing the worst practice partners on Tour and share insights into analytics in tennis. A hilarious pronunciation challenge takes center stage, with one host facing his previous mispronunciations head-on. The fun doesn't stop there, as they humorously debate parenting versus pet ownership, adding a light-hearted twist to their tennis-themed discussions.

The hosts discuss Ben Shelton's thrilling ascent in tennis, highlighting his first Masters 1000 title and his father's coaching brilliance. They also celebrate Canadian teen Victoria Mboko's stunning victory, examining her potential in the sport. The conversation shifts to the ongoing influence of the Big 4, debating players who have been overshadowed by their dominance. Expect insights on upcoming U.S. Open predictions and a unique life advice segment that intertwines career paths and sports aspirations.

Karl Hale, Tournament Director of the National Bank Open, shares his expertise on the new Masters 1000 format. He discusses player withdrawals and the potential impact on future tournaments. The group also reminisces about memorable Cincinnati moments while contemplating the significant renovations aimed at enhancing the tournament experience. Additionally, lively conversations unfold around coaching dynamics in tennis, sponsorship challenges for lower-ranked players, and some bold predictions for the upcoming Cincinnati event.

The hosts dive into a hilarious debate about the ugliest tennis strokes, responding to fan feedback with laughs. They reflect on their experiences at the Toronto and Montreal tournaments and discuss the retirement of Vasek Pospisil. Sam shares a cringeworthy but entertaining story from his time on Millionaire Matchmaker, complete with a fake house and dog! Plus, they're launching a new segment for life advice from tennis pros, inviting listeners to join the fun!

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, known for his Australian Open final appearance and multiple Masters 1000 titles, shares a hilariously candid conversation. He discusses the aftermath of his Australian Open experience and his quest to escape the 'No Majors' club. Zverev reveals a wild dinner story with Rafa Nadal, featuring a surprise forehand masterclass. He reflects on mental health in tennis, debates the 'Golden Generation' of players, and talks about life on the road with his dogs and a growing collection of dubious gold chains.

John, Jack, Stevie, and Sam kick off the week by breaking down the biggest headlines in tennis. The boys recap the big results from Washington D.C., discuss Venus Williams’ return to the court, and preview the tour’s upcoming stops in Canada. The crew start an important debate, what are the ugliest swings in tennis history? And reveal what insurance looks like for pro tennis players. Plus, they tease an exciting special guest joining Friday’s episode… 00:00 Intro 00:50 Weekend Recap 01:12 Washington DC Event Highlights 03:13 Men's Final Analysis: Thrills and Heartbreaks 05:34 First Titles and Player Reflections 10:10 Ben Shelton's Performance and Potential 16:23 Venus Williams' Comeback and Women's Highlights 21:29 Other Tournament Results and Cheap Points Debate 23:04 Insurance Talk and Retirement Benefits 23:42 Retirement Insurance Options 24:39 The Hassles of Dental Insurance 26:12 Booking Flights and Celebrity Tasks 27:27 Toronto vs. Montreal Tournaments 32:51 Debating Ugly Tennis Strokes 38:07 Heated Argument and Final Thoughts

Nothing Major turns one! Join John, Jack, Sam, and Stevie for the one-year anniversary episode as they celebrate 12 months of being on air, not being cancelled and somehow not being sick of each other. This week the boys are joined by Mark Ein, Tournament Director of the Washington DC Open and partner of the Washington Commanders, who shares his journey in tennis, what it takes to run a world-class tournament, and some unforgettable stories, including a special moment with Rafael Nadal. A big thank you for following, subscribing and listening to Nothing Major, here's to the future! 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 02:22 Celebrating One Year of the Podcast 03:20 Favorite Moments and Guests 06:24 Goals for the Next Year 08:24 Discussing the Washington DC Tournament 10:34 Memorable Matches and Experiences 19:09 Interview with Mark Ein 20:03 Debating Tennis Strategies 21:05 Transforming the Tournament Experience 23:04 From Ball Boy to Tournament Owner 24:13 Challenges of Hosting Top Players 26:17 Player Requests and Tournament Logistics 30:11 Crossover Between Tennis and NFL Ownership 32:23 Memorable Matches and Player Interactions 39:04 Fun Questions and Personal Stories 44:52 Outro and Future Plans

John, Sam, Stevie, and a late-arriving Jack are here to kick off your week! Sam and John’s Sinner/Doubles hot take took the tennis world by storm over the weekend, and the heated debate continues in today’s episode. With a flood of withdrawals, the Toronto Open is shaping up to look very different, and the boys break down the big dropouts. Looking ahead to D.C. Andre Agassi is back in the headlines as he prepares to mentor Holger Rune, while the crew weighs in on the status of a slightly underwhelming Hopman Cup. Plus with the third Slam of the year now in the rearview, The gang host their very own mid-season tennis awards featuring some highly questionable categories like “Coolest Coaching Entourage” and “Player Most Likely to Gain 100 Pounds.” 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Debate: Sinner vs. Doubles Champions 07:28 Midseason Awards Discussion 17:28 Most Likely to Gain Weight After Playing 18:58 Midseason Awards and Player Updates 19:53 Discussion on Player Performances 25:28 Hopman Cup: A Blast from the Past 29:20 Upcoming Tournaments and Player Withdrawals 35:19 Coaching Trials and Final Thoughts

Wimbledon may be done and dusted, but the boys have still got some stories to tell! John, Sam and Stevie discuss their own Wimbledon experiences and share stories from the Legends Tournament to Sam's surprising attendance at this year's Champion's Dinner. The boys dip into the Major Mailbag to answer some listener questions and the winner of the 2025 Wimbledon Bracket Challenge joins the boys to celebrate his victory. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 02:07 Wimbledon Recap and Highlights 03:17 Wimbledon Champion's Dinner Experience 09:57 Travel Stories and Anecdotes 14:27 Wimbledon Towels Tradition 22:58 Wimbledon Towels and Trading Stories 23:30 Hypothetical Tennis Match: Doubles vs. Sinner 25:55 Most European American Tennis Players 29:48 Junior Tennis Memories and Favorite Events 31:43 Bracket Challenge Winner Interview 35:55 Fashion Phases on Tour 41:59 Conclusion and Merchandise Promotion

Join three hosts as they dissect the thrilling finals of Wimbledon 2025! From Iga Swiatek’s dominant performance to Sinner’s epic revenge over Alcaraz, the excitement is palpable. Hear personal tales of bagels in tennis and get insider details about the glamorous Champions' Ball. They also discuss who might pose a threat to the young stars and share a curious story from 2021 that showcases Sinner's unique personality. The banter is lighthearted, making this recap not to be missed!