Nothing Major

The Aussie Open is heating up, and so is Something Major! We keep our attention on the men's side of the draw where we break down the stand out performances and surprises in Round 2 as well as preview the biggest stories heading into Round 3. The boys also touch on the American men having success down under from Taylor Fritz’s dominant start to Learner Tien’s breakout performance against Medvedev. Finally, a new leader emerges in our Nothing Major Snake Draft and the guys discuss a fan submitted penalty. Could we see one of our hosts lace them up again for a $25k Future Tournament? (00:00) Welcome to Something Major! (00:47) Shoutout to Learner Tien (03:03) Struggling to Say “João” (03:48) Steve Nails His Prediction (04:05) Top Seeds Performance So Far (06:26) Fritz’s Pre-Season Gains and Evolution (09:48) Our Predictions… That Flopped (10:36) Sam Gets Sad with João’s Loss (10:54) Frances Early Exit (11:15) Machac, Paul, and the Tiny Shorts Trend (11:55) Spotting Potential Dark Horses (12:59) Michelsen’s Chances vs. Khachanov (14:19) Marcos Giron and Tennis’ High School Hall of Fame (15:04) Snakedraft Recap (17:13) YOUR Punishments Suggestions! (18:33) Round 3 Predictions (20:52) Tien Upsets Medvedev—What a Moment! (21:48) Signing Off with AusOpen Trivia Fun Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open is underway, and we’re doing Something Major—round by round recaps and previews from the men's side of the draw. For the next two weeks, we’re dropping episodes every other day, keeping you up to date with all the action Down Under. In this episode, we spotlight the seeds that delivered, the unexpected exits, and the dark horses turning heads at Melbourne Park. From Joao Fonseca’s stunning upset over No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev to the stellar performances from the American contingent it's a first round recap in true Nothing Major style. Plus, the guys revisit their Australian Open Snake Draft, which is already full of drama. Who’s leading the pack, and who’s regretting their picks? Will Nishikori’s clutch 5-setter save Stevie's team? 00:00 - Something Major is Here! 01:25 - Biggest Winner of Round 1 02:09 - Djokovic, Sinner, and Fritz Wins 03:47 - Tougher vs. Easier Round 1: What’s Better? 04:53 - Snakedraft Update 05:59 - Joao Fonseca’s Impressive Slam Debut 07:10 - What to Expect from Fonseca 10:05 - Michelsen Upsets Tsitsipas and Looks Ahead 12:44 - American Players in Round 1 15:10 - Playing Through Sickness 15:55 - Monfils Triumphs Over Perricard 17:25 - Medvedev’s Bizarre Match 19:23 - Paul vs. Nishikori: Predictions 21:14 - Assessing Opelka’s Chances 22:10 - Tiafoe vs. Fonseca: Round 3 Predictions 22:51 - American Players Who Could Go Far 23:35 - Farewell and AusOpen Trivia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 Australian Open is officially here and the boys have plenty to talk about in this week's episode! The guys kick off with insights on player perks and experience in Melbourne before diving into the main storylines heading into this year’s tournament. They then move onto a Nothing Major staple - the snake draft. Each guy drafts their own team for the 2025 Australian Open before wrapping with personal memories from the AO. From going 5 sets with a furious Nalbandian, to blowing their stipends in the local casino, John, Sam and Steve share some of their best and worst times down under. 00:00) Intro: Let’s Dive In (00:46) Kokkinakis Apologies (Our Bad!) (01:54) Happy Slam? Australian Open Debate (05:12) Toughest Slam to Play (06:24) Best Slam to Win (07:09) Late-Night AO Madness (10:12) American Contenders (12:44) Nishikori & Opelka Shoutouts (15:42) First-Round Players to Avoid (18:02) Beyond Alcaraz and Sinner (20:44) Is Djokovic Flying Under Radar? (22:38) Most Vulnerable Top 8? (23:59) AO Snake Draft Teams (32:18) Final Draft Recap (33:56) AO Memories: The Good Ones (34:18) Meeting Federer: Awkward Dream Moment (35:56) Steve’s Federer Post-Match Story (38:23) Federer’s 90-Minute Match Record (38:50) Nalbandian’s AO Collapse (40:14) Sam’s POV (41:19) Melbourne’s Worst Memories (42:07) Outside Courts Experience (43:34) Where to Stay in Melbourne? (45:15) Best Melbourne Memory… wasn’t during AO! (47:17) Sam’s Nip Slip (49:49) Goodbye: Wrapping It Up (50:25) Trivia Challenge: Australian Open edition

John, Jack, Sam, and Stevie are back with a brand-new episode to kick off 2025! From the buzz surrounding the Djokovic-Murray partnership to the resurgence of super coaches like Ivan Lendl, the boys dive into the biggest storylines set to shape the year. The four share their thoughts on the current state of tennis as a global sport and answer the question, is tennis growing in popularity? Finally, it's time to review YOUR bold predictions for the new season—including the end of Rublev’s curse, Jack’s potential comeback, and speculation around Djokovic’s retirement—before making their own predictions for the year ahead. (00:00) Introduction (00:32) Welcome to the Show (00:49) New Year's Eve Reflections (04:04) Favorite Pre-Australian Open Tournament (06:59) Best of Auckland: A Walk Down Memory Lane (10:58) Sam’s Unforgettable Chennai Fiasco (11:45) 2025 Season Preview (13:18) Tennis Today vs. the Big 3 Era: A Comparison (16:30) Djokovic + Murray: Strategy or Pure Vibes? (22:20) Will Hurkacz’s Lendl & Massu Dream Team Deliver? (28:39) Bold Fan Predictions (29:53) Djokovic’s 2025 Retirement: Is It Real? (30:44) Will Jack Team Up for Doubles at Wimbledon? (31:36) Can Rublev Break Through to a Major Semifinal? (33:04) 2025 Slam Champions: Our Predictions (34:33) Zverev, Djokovic, or an American to win a Major? (35:50) Rising Stars: Who Will Break Through? (39:50) Sam in Pickleball vs. Jack in Tennis? (41:53) Subscribe and Follow Us! (43:12) Sam’s Challenging Trivia: Federer Edition

The hosts reflect on a thrilling 2024 tennis season, spotlighting Jannik Sinner’s remarkable 73-6 record and Novak Djokovic’s mixed feelings after an Olympic win without majors. They debate whether Sinner’s dominance puts him among the all-time greats and consider Carlos Alcaraz's two-Slam performance. Listeners weigh in on memorable moments, while the group shares laughs about recent retirements, notably overlooking a notable name. The banter flows as they explore the emotional rollercoaster of the sport, making for an entertaining recap.

Sam, Jack, John, and Stevie get into the spirit in this week’s holiday special! The boys are feeling festive as they exchange and unwrap their Secret Santa gifts from one another. Can they figure out who gave what? With Santa's big day just around the corner, it's time for a debate on who belongs on tennis' Naughty and Nice lists, including a famously “nice guy” who ends up on the receiving end of some metaphorical coal after a meltdown that had Stevie grinning. With the festivities behind them, the gang then dives into an offseason themed Mailbag answering audience questions on how they prepared during their own winter breaks, dealing with out of competition drug testing and the keys to a successful offseason. Finally, Sam puts Stevie, Jack, and John’s tennis knowledge to the test with a new segment to finish the show. (00:00) Intro (00:30) Welcome to Nothing Major Podcast (00:48) Secret Santa (01:30) John’s useful gift (03:00) Sam’s delicious gift (04:50) Steve’s prank gift (06:30) Jack’s warm gift (07:37) Guessing Secret Santa (12:26) Naughty and Nice List: ATP edition (18:35) Fan Questions: Off-season (18:50) Takes on Off-Season (21:12) Steve’s November routine (22:40) Sam as a track athlete (24:14) Off-season practice matches (26:21) Do players want a longer off-season? (29:38) Off-Season Doping tests (34:29) Coffee Day with the Big 3 (35:32) Technical changes during the off-season (38:05) What things do tennis players experiment with? (41:23) Why did Isner never try a new racket? (42:20) ATP Awards Recap (48:00) Vegas Draft's Result (49:15) Tennis Commissioner’s Recap (50:38) New Segment: Tennis Trivia

Ahead of his long-awaited return to tennis, Nick Kyrgios joins the Nothing Major Podcast! The former Wimbledon finalist reflects on his journey back to pro tennis after a two-year injury hiatus. He opens up about the pressures and expectations that have shaped his career, the challenges of early success, his” villain” label and finishing his tennis career on his terms. Plus, Sam, Jack, and Steve firing off a few strong hypotheticals while Nick recounts some of his most memorable on-court experiences. (00:00) Welcome to the Show! (01:13) Sam Slides into Matthew McConaughey’s DMs (05:44) Alcaraz on the Pod? Let’s Dream Big (06:42) Exhibition Highlights: Carlitos in NYC & Charlotte (11:09) Alcaraz vs. Sinner: Different Paths, Same Goal (13:10) Jack’s Experience at Madison Square Garden (14:26) Nothing Major Exhibition (16:17) Delpo’s Farewell + Djokovic’s Heartwarming Gesture (17:06) UTS… Wait, What Is That Again? (18:02) Kyrgios Joins the Pod (18:51) The Comeback Journey Begins (19:24) Planning Next Season (21:06) What 2025 Has in Store (22:18) The Kyrgios Way vs. the “Right” Way (26:06) Wimbledon: The Game-Changing Moment (27:33) Can’t Go Home? Hit the Nearest Bar! (29:56) Jack + Kyrgios Doubles + The Worst Slam Ever? (32:01) Australian Open Pressure Cooker (33:11) Embracing the “Bad Boy” Brand (34:50) Recreational vs. Performance Enhancing Drugs (38:37) Fame Level in Australia (39:41) Do You Believe You Can Win Australian Open 2025? (41:11) The Last Dance: A Career Reflection (42:06) “Tennis Is Boring Now” – Really? (43:27) From Hating Rafa to Crying at His Farewell (45:54) What’s a Potato 101 (46:46) Would You Rather… Tennis Edition (48:04) Kiss, Marry, Kill: Gaming, Basketball & Tennis (48:45) Rewriting History: Changing One Match Result (49:28) $20 Million or a Grand Slam Title? (50:14) Jack + Nick at Indian Wells 2025? (50:45) Playing in Australia All Year or 4 Months Abroad? (52:09) Most Annoying Player on Tour (53:22) Best Kyrgios/Sock Doubles Story Ever (56:36) Career Comparison: Nick vs. John? (57:40) Goodbye + Kyrgios’ Random Player of the Week

The Nothing Major boys welcome former World No. 4 and fellow American, James Blake! James dishes on his best pranks at the expense of our hosts, his time as John Isner’s landlord, and reveals who was the most challenging to deal with as a Tournament Director. Plus, he shares the one point he’d replay from his entire career if given the chance. With the tennis season wrapping up, Sam, Stevie, John, and Jack review the ATP Tour award nominees and cast their votes. We wrap the episode with Part 2 of the Vegas Party Crew draft, where the boys debate the absolute worst tennis players to bring on a Vegas trip. (00:00) Intro (00:50) The Most Overrated Food (04:02) Our Bold ATP Awards Picks (04:43) Comeback Player of the Year (07:21) The “John Isner” Most Improved Player (11:58) Newcomer of the Year (14:06) Sportsmanship Award (16:07) Coach of the Year—and Our Wildcard Pick! (19:18) Fan Favorite (20:40) Federer’s Reign and Djokovic’s Missing Trophy (22:15) The Most Viral Category (23:48) Special Guest: James Blake Joins the Pod (26:33) Life as John Isner’s Landlord (28:45) Sharing Classic Pranks  (32:04) The (Hilarious) Failed Modeling Career (34:52) Bald is Bold: The “Cul-de-Sac” Strategy (36:21) The Toughest Opponents on Tour (38:12) The One Match We’d Do Anything to Replay (39:50) Biggest pain in the a** at the Miami Open (41:36) Picking the Best Doubles Partner (42:45) The Unexpected Wild Card request (43:33) Best Travel Mates (44:35) US Tennis in 2025  (45:32) Sam Vegas' Draft Picks: Ace or Bomb? (46:51) Vegas Draft Part 2: Unwanted version (55:54) Outro

World No. 34 and tennis’ ultimate showman, Alexander Bublik takes a break from his Swiss mountain vacation to join the show. Known for his personality and flair on and off the court, Bublik dives into the mentality behind his playing style and how he balances entertainment with calculated risk. He shares his struggles with the US hard court swing and shifting his mindset from chasing prize money to titles and big wins. Later, the team takes a wild detour to Las Vegas for a fantasy snakedraft: which players would make the ultimate party crew? With Sam’s choices leave everyone questioning his judgment... (00:00) Intro (00:59) Thanksgiving x Christmas Debate (08:04) Bublik Joins the Pod (08:43) Swiss Escapades: A Month of Vacation Bliss (11:00) Why Maldives Doesn’t Make the Cut (11:35) “Tennis Isn’t a Job” (14:44) No Big Dreams, Just Big Talent (16:47) The Art of Being a Showman (19:43) Underhand Serve: Strategy or Fun? (24:08) The Real Player (25:21) Regret Saying That?  (25:59) Change of Mentality: Wins > Money (27:53) Buying Everything He Wanted (29:42) Rivals He Owns—and Who Owns Him (31:07) Discomfort playing in the US (33:28) “Too f* early to smile” (35:45) Cincinnati’s Culinary Misses (36:25) The Dumbest Rule in Tennis (37:15) Partying in Moscow and St. Petersburg (39:17) Complaints about his Playing Style (41:17) Slam title or $15M? (43:07) Las Vegas Draft (50:34) Fan Poll Results and Final Thoughts (52:05) Outro

Following a blockbuster week of tennis, Jack, John, Sam and Stevie discuss Rafael Nadal's farewell to the sport. The boys take a deep dive into the career of one of tennis’s all-time greats. From the quirks that made him iconic to their own personal stories—including Stevie shaving his moustache to avoid an iconic thrashing on clay and Isner’s hook up at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The boys review Jannik Sinner’s ATP Finals triumph, his massive payday, and what it means for 2025. With fellow American Taylor Fritz reaching the final, the gang breakdown his 2024 season, reflecting on what made him stand out from their first memories of Taylor on Tour. Plus, the gang answer the question: what is the most underrated accomplishment of Rafael Nadal's career? (00:00) Trailer (00:42) Intro (01:04) Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: The Experience (03:23) John’s Prom King Moment (06:44) Broady Sock’s ParTEE (08:17) ATP Finals Recap: Sinner's Dominance (12:02) Taylor Fritz Stepping Up (17:43) 2025 Slam Predictions (18:33) How Teenager Sinner Almost Made Steve Quit Tennis (22:48) Is Sinner the Greatest Ball Striker of All Time? (26:33) Rafael Nadal: The Most Intimidating Player (29:57) Rafa's Rituals (31:19) Stories with Rafa and Roger (33:21) Steve on Facing Rafa in Madrid (35:27) Fearing a Double-Bagel (36:35) The Moment Rafa Became a Superstar (39:00) The Most Underrated Part of Nadal's Game (40:30) Sportsmanship: On and Off the Court (42:06) The 2011 Rome Elegance Award (43:50) The Most Underrated Nadal Records (49:50) Playing Rafa in the Davis Cup (50:58) John's VIP Experience in Mallorca (53:00) Outro (53:37) Player of the Week