Fantastic Tennis

We continue our #Fantastic50 series this week and not only celebrate the 50th year of WTA tennis, but also a decade in which the hair was big, the clothes were bigger and the teenage phenoms were a plenty....the WTA 90's. We're joined this week by two grand slam champions who each enjoyed stellar careers on the WTA Tour. Former world #14 and Wimbledon champion, Kimberly Po from the United States as well as 2x grand slam mixed doubles champion, South Africa's Mariaan De Swardt join the show this week to play some 90's tennis trivia and reminisce about one of the toughest decades in WTA herstory. I hope you join host Jon Guerrica as he takes an in-depth look into some of the great highlights and stories from the fantastic, WTA 90's. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

It’s Wimbledon 2023 time! Not only do we get to discuss the lead-up grass court events this week, but we also try our very best to predict what is sure to be an “anything goes” type of tournament at the 3rd grand slam of the season. Fans know that headlines write themselves each year at Wimbledon and what better guest to have this week than a player who was the absolute talk of the 1999 Championships, where as a qualifier, she stormed through the draw and onto Center Court. Wimbledon semifinalist & former WTA world #18 Alexandra Stevenson joins the show this week to help breakdown one of the most bizarre events in grand slam history. Alexandra gives us the inside scoop on everything from - what was really going on off-court during the most important two weeks of her tennis career - how she handled the aftermath, and what really happens during some of those infamous rain delays. We also reminisce and hear fun stories from throughout her career about Steffi Graf, Jennifer Capriati and the G.O.A.T, Serena Williams. It’s a fantastic 90 minutes of Wimbledon talk, Alexandra and of course, some great insider stories. Come check out: Getting To Know….Alexandra Stevenson. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

This week, we take a closer look at a career and a player that has had to deal with numerous stressful situations that most of us can't even imagine. WTA former world #21, from the Ukraine, Dayana Yastremska joins Fantastic Tennis this week and shares her thoughts on her life and career over the past few tough seasons on tour. From a war in her very own backyard, to overcoming doping allegations, to losing her grandfather, this 23 year old feels like she's already lived several lives and she sets the record straight about those dark moments in 2020 that almost cost her a WTA career. She also opens up and shows her playful side as she discusses her life off-court, music and what she really thinks of social media. Join host Jon Guerrica in this intriguing chat that is vulnerable, surprising, fun and always honest. There are a lot of moments to unpack here, so I hope you join us in getting to know....the fantastic, Dayana Yastremska. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

As we celebrate 50 years of amazing WTA tennis, this week we take a closer look at all the fantastic WTA comebacks that we’ve loved so much over the years. We’re joined this week by former top 30 WTA player, Meike Babel and Senior Correspondent for Vox.com, Alex Abad-Santos, as we talk about all the great WTA comebacks in history, Capriati, Serena, Venus, Azarenka, Lindsay, Monica, Kvitova…(so many!) Join us for a fun episode as we take a closer look at the art of the WTA comeback. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

It's been over two years since we've seen this former doubles world #1 and Wimbledon doubles champion on court, but the wait is over! This week, we chat with the always magnetic Czech WTA superstar, Barbora Strycova as she details everything you'll want to know about her comeback. She chats about her motivation on coming back, who she'll be playing with, and what events we can plan our front row tickets to. It's an energy packed chat with one of our favorite personalities of all time. Join us in getting to know....the comeback of the fantastic, Barbora Strycova. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

We continue our focus on the art of doubles this week with the fantastic 2018 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champion, Nicole Melichar-Martinez. Nicole joins host, Jon Guerrica as they discuss 13 years of WTA tennis with 12 career doubles titles and (still) counting. We hear about the unconventional route that Nicole took to start her career, why her very first WTA title has such a special meaning to her and of course, a fairytale 2018 Wimbledon that saw Nicole make the finals of both doubles events and ultimately winning her 1st grand slam. You'll also learn about Nicole off-court and what her plans are to help promote the sport of doubles. It's an hour long chat with a player fresh off a fantastic semifinal appearance at the 2023 Miami Open. I hope you join us in getting to know....Nicole Melichar-Martinez. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

The art of doubles is front and center this week as the Fantastic Tennis family is spotlighting one of the best doubles teams in the world over the next two weeks. We start today with our favorite fellow lefty, the fantastic....Ellen Perez. With already (5) WTA doubles titles and a career high doubles ranking of world #15, Australia's Ellen Perez is an exciting player that has grand slam glory on her radar this season. Now playing full time with partner, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Ellen shares stories from her years on tour, why she went the college tennis route, why the Australian Open gives her the most anxiety during the year, as well as her thoughts as to how to make doubles more popular than ever. It's a fun chat with a player that has steadily made herself one of the most sought after and consistent partners in women's doubles today. If you love doubles, you'll love our show today. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

Whether you started following her as Jarmila Gajdosova or as Jarka Wolfe, this talented Slovak-Australian was a top WTA player for over 16 years on the WTA Tour, and reached #25 in the world by beating the very best to get there. This week we celebrate not only her career, but also the 10 year anniversary of her amazing run to the 2013 Australian Open Mixed Doubles title with countrymen, Matthew Ebden. Our chat today is a vulnerable, honest and at times, emotional look at a career that was full of ups and downs. Jarmila shares with host, Jon Guerrica the struggles of starting a career as a young 14 year old and navigating the tricky waters of traveling the world solo. This episode is a brilliant look into the life of a player that had to deal with every day struggles, injuries and even the devastating loss of her mother. Grab a tissue as she tells the intense tale of how she was able to get through that 2013 event in Melbourne and leave as a grand slam champion. It's a special week on Fantastic Tennis. We hope you enjoy "Getting To Know....Jarmila Wolfe." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

The 2023 tennis season has started with an absolute brilliant bullet. From Naomi Osaka, to the “Break Point curse,” to a story-filled Australian Open…..join host, Jon Guerrica along with tennis media giants, Caitlin Thompson & Nick McCarvel as they take an insider's look at all the happenings this month in tennis. How much do we hate when two players wear the same outfit?! How amazing was the Vika Azarenka run in Melbourne? Is Tommy Paul superhuman? Are we casting Jelena Ostapenko on Season 2 of "Break Point"? Is this now a Laura Robson stan account? We cover it all and more this week. So join us for some good-ole fashioned, tennis therapy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

We’re kicking off our Season 3 premiere with some tennis headlines from a newsworthy week in the sport. In this brief episode, we talk our favorite 2023 Australian Open 1st round match-ups, Naomi Osaka, and of course, we preview our first player interview of the season, the fantastic, Bethanie Mattek-Sands. If you need a quickie for your car ride or morning walk, we have you covered! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

We open Season 3 of Fantastic Tennis with one of the most decorated and loved WTA champions still playing the game today, the fantastic, Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Bethanie joins host, Jon Guerrica to discuss a career that's now entering its third decade on tour, and shows no signs of slowing down. This high-energy interview is an in-depth look at what it takes to continue to thrive at the top of the tennis world. Listen as Bethanie shares never before heard stories as well as some MAJOR life announcements. We couldn't leave the chat without discussing some of the iconic on-court looks that Bethanie has been responsible for over the years. She joins a rousing game of "Bethanie's Attic" as we hear the backstories behind some of the most interesting tennis fashions from over the years. We'll hear Bethanie get serious about her off-season and how she mentally prepared for 2023. You'll also hear her take on her favorite wins from over the years as well, rivals, the doubles game and what she has left to accomplish before hanging up her racket. It's a can't miss chat with one of the sports BIGGEST personalities. I hope you join us in getting to know....Bethanie Mattek-Sands --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

For over a decade, Andrea Petkovic has been much more than just a fan-favorite on the WTA Tour. Few players have been able to produce her brand of consistent talent, wit, grit, fight and dancing ability to help them climb all the way to number #9 in the world. Andrea joins us this week to discuss a storied tennis career that saw her finish with 7 WTA singles titles and more importantly, the utmost respect from her competitors and fans. Andrea recounts stories that you’ve never heard before from her long career, and we learn what’s next for this accomplished author, tv presenter and karaoke queen. She also happens to be someone I’ve come to know well over the years and I’m so excited to share this legendary personality with you all. I hope you join us in getting to know….Andrea Petkovic. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

No pro tennis?! We've got you covered this week as we catch up with two decorated WTA players that just finished successful seasons on tour. Madison Brengle cracked the top 50 this past October after a stellar season that saw her achieve her best ranking in 6 seasons by winning 4 ITF titles.. Samatha Crawford on the other hand, made a successful comeback to professional tennis after knee surgery had sidelined her for the past 4 years. We catch up with these two friends & doubles partners to recap their 2022 seasons and talk tennis, doubles, Thanksgiving, cocktail making, friendship on tour and what's in store for each of them next season. Join us in getting to know the off-season with the fantastic duo of Madison Brengle & Samantha Crawford. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

Today, Fantastic Tennis is honored to welcome the legend, the pioneer, the trailblazer, Rosie Casals to the show. Through nearly 4 decades of pro tennis, Rosie shares stories from a career that ultimately saw her win 12 grand slam doubles titles, 112 WTA doubles events and enter the Tennis Hall of Fame not once, but twice. Whether you’re a tennis fan that’s familiar with the history of the sport or not, you’ll be highly entertained with today’s history lesson. From tales from the start of the Open Era, to the epic Battle of the Sexes to the historic creation of the Original 9, today is a special day for tennis fans. Join us in getting to know....the fantastic, Rosie Casals. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

After the US Open, tennis fans were an emotional wreck. What better way to cure the Serena, Roger & Petkovic retirement news, than with some good ole fun fall tennis! Join host Jon Guerrica as he's joined by this week's co-host Max Markham as they discuss everything fall, from pumpkin spice latte's to Barbora Krejcikova's title runs in Tallinn & Ostrava. We're happy to be back and talking about this sport we all love! Our episode also sets up and discusses this week's new player interview with former world doubles & 4x grand slam champion, Timea Babos. We hope you enjoy getting to know the 2022 Fall Tennis Season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

This week, our guest is the most decorated WTA player to ever play for the country of Hungary. Former doubles world #1, Timea Babos joins Fantastic Tennis for an interesting look at a player that knows what it feels like to be on top of the women's game, and is doing all she can to get back there once again. As a junior phenom, she was just one match away from completing the coveted calendar grand slam in doubles during the 2010 season. She would continue to make a splash on the WTA Tour as well, having captured 3 career singles titles & 24 career doubles titles throughout her decade + long career . It would be her partnership with Frenchwoman, Kristina Mladenovic that would help place Timea among the greatest doubles players of her generation, as she's captured (4) grand slam titles (2 Australian Open & 2 French Open titles) as well as 3 WTA Championship titles. In July of 2018, her grand slam success would see her reach the pinnacle of tennis as she'd become world #1 in doubles. Timea speaks candidly about what's next for her and shared stories from her years on tour. We hope you join us in getting to know....the fantastic, Timea Babos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

Our guest this week joins us as she celebrates her 25th birthday from a WTA event in Granby, Canada. Having reached a career high ranking of world #69 last year after her impressive run to the 2021 US Open 3rd round, Greet Minnen talks with host Jon Guerrica about the pressures of tour life and having to defend vital ranking points from her milestone season. We discuss her 2022 success as well, as just this summer, she collected her first top 10 singles win by defeating former world #1 Garbine Muguruza, at the Wimbledon Championships. The pair also discuss her decision to share her journey as an open & proud gay woman in pro tennis and her thoughts on WTA & ATP Tour relations. Greet has a wonderful introspective personality and this is a rare in-depth interview, we get-to-know a player that typically shies away from the limelight. I hope you'll join us in getting to know, the fantastic Greet Minnen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

You’ll find very few players that frustrate and confuse their opponents by playing with two hands on both sides, like our guest this week, Catherine Harrison. Join us as we get to know a player that's officially coming off the biggest result of her pro tennis career by qualifying and making the 2nd round of her first grand slam at Wimbledon. Catherine shares stories from her transition from college tennis to the pro tour as well as how she's been able to balance and manage life on the WTA Tour in the #250 in the world. It's a fascinating look at a player that has never been as confident as she is today. Listen and get to know, the fantastic Catherine Harrison. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

Glorified exhibition or historic grand slam? However you Tatjana Maria slice it, Wimbledon 2022 was one for the history books. Join host Jon Guerrica as he's joined by two major fan-experts of the game, to dissect round by round the extremely entertaining Wimbledon Championships. Don't forget to follow us on twitter @fantennispod or on Instagram @fantastictennispod and hopefully you can join the pod on an upcoming episode to give us your fan-pinion on all things tennis! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support

When I thought about which player I’d love to spotlight during Pride month, I instantly thought of our guest this week….the fantastic Sachia Vickery. As an unbelievable ally for the LBGTQ+ community, she’s used her voice to speak out on many important social issues throughout her time on tour, so I’m especially honored to discuss her decade long career this week. Having reached WTA world #73, she has career wins over the best players of our current generation like: Jabeur, Ostapenko, Brady, Muguruza, Krejcikova, Pegula, Collins & Badosa. She joins the pod this week to talk about her unique road to professional tennis and breakdown some amazing highlights from throughout her tennis journey. This was an extremely fun interview to do, so I hope you’ll join in getting to know, Sachia Vickery like you’ve never heard her before. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jon-guerrica/support