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Talk Tennis

Talk Tennis

Michelle Heidbrink, Tennis Warehouse

245 episodesEN

About

Created for the tennis enthusiast & players of all ages and levels! Get a peek behind the scenes from WTA & ATP pros, industry experts, the physics behind tennis & gear guides! You‘ll stay up to date & well versed in all things tennis and learn more than you can imagine about gear (think: racquets, shoes, strings and MORE)! Powered by Tennis Warehouse.

Latest Episodes

View all 245 episodes

Reality of Pro Tennis: Chasing Points, Losing Money, Travel & Starting Over with Jamie Loeb

Apr 21, 202647 min

Inside HEAD Squared: How The R&D Team Made A Racquet Designed to Make Tennis Easier

Apr 7, 202620 min

Ep 246Mizuno Racquets Have Entered the Chat: Acrospeed & Acrostrike Breakdown With R&D, Engineer

Mizuno tennis racquets are back in the United States! In this episode, we take a deep dive into the AcroSpeed and AcroStrike to see if they live up to the hype. If you’re a serious player or gear nerd, you know how hard it is to find a racquet that truly matches your game. With so many brands dominating the market, it’s easy to overlook something new, or assume it won’t compete. But Mizuno is stepping in with a different approach, and it might change how you think about racquet feel, control, and responsiveness. In this podcast, we break down everything you need to know about the Mizuno Acro series: from specs and on-court feel to player fit and performance differences. Whether you’re considering switching or just want to stay ahead of the latest gear, this episode will help you make a smarter decision. We’ve tested and talked through a lot of racquets over the years, and our goal is simple—help you cut through the noise and find what actually works for your game. What you’ll learn: What makes Mizuno AcroSpeed and AcroStrike unique Key differences between the two models How they compare to mainstream brands Who each racquet is best suited for First impressions from real on-court feedback Take a closer look & Demo NOW: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Mizuno_Tennis_Racquets/catpage-MIZTEN.html Happy Hitting!

Mar 24, 202623 min

Ep 245We Answer ALL Your Tennis Stringing & String Questions (Tips, Tricks & Myths Debunked) 🤓

Confused about tennis strings, tension, or which setup is right for your racquet? In this episode of the podcast, we answer your most common tennis string and stringing questions submitted by the audience. Choosing the wrong string setup can affect everything, from spin and power to comfort and durability. Many players struggle to understand the differences between polyester, multifilament, and natural gut, or how tension actually impacts performance. In this episode, our tennis gear experts break down real questions from the community and give practical advice to help you dial in the best string setup for your game and answering your stringing questions. Whether you're a competitive player experimenting with new setups or someone trying to make your strings last longer, this episode will help you string smarter and play with more confidence. Happy Hitting!

Mar 10, 20261h 12m

Ep 244Sloane Stephens’ Comeback & Her Switch to Tecnifibre Fire: New Racquet, New Mindset, New Chapter

Sloane Stephens sits down to talk about her career, her comeback, and what’s driving her in 2026. From switching to the new Tecnifibre Fire racquet to expanding her foundation’s impact, this is a candid look at one of the game’s most dynamic competitors. Every career has chapters — highs, challenges, reinvention. In this interview, Sloane shares: - What she’s learned throughout her professional journey - How she’s approaching her 2026 comeback - Why she made the switch to the Tecnifibre Fire racquet - How the new setup complements her playing style - The mission behind her foundation and giving back - What continues to motivate her on and off the court Whether you’re chasing your own comeback, dialing in your equipment, or looking for inspiration beyond tennis, this conversation delivers insight straight from the source. As tennis specialty retailers, we’re passionate about connecting players with the stories and gear shaping the game. Interviews like this help you see the mindset behind the performance. 👉 Shop Tecnifibre Racquets: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Tecnifibre_Fire_Racquets/catpage-TECFIRERAC.html

Feb 24, 20269 min

Ep 243Beyond the Playtest: 2026 Babolat Pure Aero Racquets & Why this Update Is So Good

The new Babolat Pure Aero is here, and after going beyond the initial playtest, we have a lot more to say. In this episode, we dive deep into what makes the latest Pure Aero update such a positive step forward and why it’s winning us over on court. If you’ve ever loved the Pure Aero but wanted more feel, confidence, or control without losing that signature spin, this conversation is for you. We break down how the updates actually translate to real match play—and who we think will benefit most from this generation. As tennis gear specialists who hit with racquets daily, we move past spec sheets and marketing claims to talk honestly about what stood out once the racquet settled in. In this episode, we cover: What changed in the new Babolat Pure Aero and why it matters How the racquet feels after extended hitting (not just day one) Spin potential, comfort, and confidence from the baseline Who this Pure Aero is best suited for compared to past versions 👉 Next steps: Check out our full Pure Aero 98 Review: https://youtu.be/24Ui_MoiefM Check out our full Pure Aero 100 Review: https://youtu.be/LCGRWjQCVTQ Check out our full Pure Aero Plus Review: https://youtu.be/zfZ_gO4j4oY Take a closer look at the Babolat Pure Aeros: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Racquets/catpage-BABAERORACS.html Happy Hitting! #BabolatPureAero #TennisPodcast #TennisRacquetReview #TennisGearTalk #SpinFriendlyRacquets #ModernTennis #TennisEquipment #RacquetNerds

Feb 10, 202649 min

Ep 242Inside the 2026 Pure Aero: Babolat’s Spin Racquet Reimagined with Olivier from Babolat HQ

The Pure Aero has defined modern spin tennis and in 2026, Babolat updated it to be faster and even better! In this podcast episode, Olivier joins us all the way from Babolat Headquarters in Lyon, France and we go inside the new design and performance changes behind the NEW 2026 Pure Aero line of racquets, translating technical updates into real-world on-court results. If you want more confidence before your next demo, this conversation gives you a clear roadmap. Take a closer look at the specs: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Babolat_Pure_Aero_Racquets/catpage-BABAERORACS.html Watch our Reviews: Pure Aero 98: https://youtu.be/24Ui_MoiefM Pure Aero: https://youtu.be/LCGRWjQCVTQ Pure Aero Plus: https://youtu.be/zfZ_gO4j4oY Happy Hitting!

Jan 27, 202643 min

Ep 241Beyond the Playtest: Yonex VCORE 8th Generation Racquets Deep Dive | Specs, Tech & Who They’re Really For

Want more than just a Yonex VCORE playtest? In this podcast episode, we go beyond on-court impressions and fully break down the new Yonex VCORE racquet lineup — from specs and technology to who each frame actually fits. If you’ve hit with the VCORE and still have questions, you’re not alone. Choosing the right racquet isn’t just about feel — it’s about understanding how swingweight, beam design, and Yonex’s updated tech translate to your game over time. In this episode, we deep dive into: What’s new in the latest Yonex VCORE generation How each VCORE model differs in feel, power, and spin potential Who each racquet is best suited for (and who should look elsewhere) How the VCORE compares to other modern spin-focused racquets As long-time Yonex specialists and competitive players, we break it down clearly so you can make a confident decision—without overthinking your next racquet switch. Watch the Reviews: 👉VCORE 100: https://youtu.be/CM6k87mv9fw 👉VCORE 98: https://youtu.be/_e3Im4NEYbI Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Jan 13, 202657 min

Ep 240Talk Tennis Podcast 2025 Gear Awards: The Good, The Bad & The Overhyped 🏆

Looking for honest tennis gear opinions?! In this Talk Tennis podcast episode, we hand out our unofficial Tennis Gear Awards for 2025 and cover some of the most overhyped racquets, surprise standouts, budget steals, and the gear guaranteed to start arguments at your local club...possibly! If you’ve ever bought a racquet that felt amazing in your hand… until the first ball, or wondered whether certain “must-have” gear is actually worth it, this episode is for you. We break down what really matters so you can make smarter gear decisions and play with more confidence. As tennis gear testers and industry insiders, we’ve hit, worn, and argued about more equipment than we can count. In this episode, we give you real-world takes, no marketing fluff, so you can avoid regret purchases and find gear that actually fits your game. 🏆 Awards We Hand Out: The racquet that makes you feel like a pro (until reality hits) Most Overhyped Tennis Gear of 2025 Biggest Surprise Gear Pick of the Year Gear that will absolutely start a fight at your club Best Budget Tennis Gear That Plays Premium The Petty Award: buying it purely because it looks cool 😏 Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Dec 30, 202558 min

Ep 239We Tested Everything: The Best (& our FAVORITE) Tennis Racquets, Shoes & Strings of 2025

What were the best tennis racquets, shoes, and strings of 2025—according to players who actually tested them? In this podcast episode, our playtest team sits down to break down the tennis gear that truly stood out after months of on-court testing. With so many new racquets, shoes, and string setups released every year, it’s easy to waste money on gear that doesn’t match your game. This episode is designed to help competitive and passionate players cut through the noise and confidently choose equipment that delivers real performance—not just hype. Our playtesters share honest opinions on what worked, what surprised us, and what didn’t live up to expectations. You’ll hear: The best tennis racquets of 2025 for spin, control, and all-court play The most comfortable and durable tennis shoes of 2025 The top tennis strings and setups our testers trusted in matches Sleeper picks that flew under the radar Which gear is worth upgrading to—and what you can skip If you’re planning your next gear upgrade or just want expert insight before you buy, this episode gives you a clear plan to avoid costly mistakes and play with more confidence in 2026. 🎧 Get involved: Do you agree with our picks? What was your favorite tennis gear of 2025? Drop your thoughts, string setups, or questions in the comments—we’ll respond and may feature your take in a future episode.

Dec 16, 202544 min

Ep 238Jamie Loeb: Strength Through Struggle & Her Story Behind Loss, Healing & a 2026 WTA Comeback

If you’ve ever hit a low point or felt like starting over is impossible, this conversation is for you. In today’s episode, we sit down with WTA pro, Jamie Loeb, as she opens up about one of the toughest years of her life—including losing her father, stepping away from the sport, and rebuilding herself mentally and physically for a 2026 comeback. Tennis players and fans alike know how overwhelming it can feel when life derails your goals. That’s why this episode focuses on the human side of the journey: how she’s healing, how she’s training, and how she’s preparing to grind her way from the bottom of the rankings back into competing with the world’s best. We’ve covered pro tennis for years, and this is one of the most honest, grounded, and inspiring conversations we’ve ever hosted. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or someone simply trying to bounce back from a hard season, her story offers perspective—and a reminder that a comeback isn’t a moment…it’s a process. What you’ll hear in this episode: How she processed grief and burnout while stepping away from the WTA Tour Why 2026 represents more than a comeback — it's a fresh start The mindset shift that helped her rebuild confidence What training looks like when you’re starting from the bottom Her plan to climb back into the top ranks The pressure, the hope, the grind… and the excitement for what’s next If you’re looking for motivation or simply want to understand what life on tour really looks like beyond the match results, this conversation brings clarity and encouragement. Happy Hitting

Dec 2, 202542 min

Ep 237Catherine Harrison’s Road Back to the Pro Tour: a comeback built on resilience, strategy, & the pursuit of a Grand Slam

In this episode, Catherine Harrison opens up about the toughest stretch of her career -- multiple injuries, months off tour, and the honest conversations that pushed her to rethink what longevity and success really mean. Now, with 2026 on the horizon, she’s committing fully to doubles to chase the Grand Slam she knows she’s capable of. Tennis fans get an inside look at the mindset shift, the rehab grind, the challenge of rebuilding confidence, and what goes into choosing the right partner. Catherine breaks down how doubles offers a clearer path to winning at the biggest stages, and why this next chapter feels more intentional, more strategic, and more exciting than anything she’s done before. Whether you’ve followed her since UCLA or discovered her on tour, this is Catherine’s open and detailed account and a powerful reminder of why comebacks in tennis matter.

Nov 18, 202542 min

Ep 236The Tennis Gear AMA You Didn’t Know You Needed; We’re Answering All Your Tennis Gear Questions!

You sent in your tennis gear questions — and we’re answering all of them 🎾 In this Ask Us Anything episode, we dive into the questions you’ve been sending about racquets, strings, shoes, and everything in between. From finding the right setup for your game to understanding the gear the pros use, this episode is all about your curiosity. At Tennis Warehouse, we get that tennis gear can be overwhelming — so think of us as your friendly on-court guides. Whether you’re a seasoned player, a gear geek, or just getting started, you’ll walk away with practical answers, insider insights, and a few laughs along the way. Here’s what we cover: 🎾 Racquet updates 🧵 String setups 👟 Our current gear & playlists 💡 Listener-submitted questions — answered live! 0:00:34 Football is here (bye Micah)! 🏈 & GO DODGERS! 💙 0:03:30 RESTRING Zero String Question 0:06:38 Tecnifibre TFight Question (new ones coming?) 0:08:26 Michelle & her RF97 / Pure Drive & her commitment issues & Dreddy Toroline Hybrid 0:11:00 Dustin Brown shout out 0:12:40 Ugly Strokes & backhands 0:18:00 Dead Strings Discussed 0:22:46 Gravity MP XL vs EZONE 98+ 0:25:15 Playtesters Playlist 🎶 🎧 0:27:54 Favorite mobility & warmup before tennis or on non-tennis days 0:30:27 What do we think about Danielle Collins?! 0:33:26 What strings are in that Pure Drive?! 0:34:47 What are our favorite tennis courts in SLO?! 0:38:26 Quality control: yonex vs everyone else 0:40:10 What's the most comfortable racquet that you love playing with? 0:43:00 Can you evaluate me hitting and what I should try or use?! We will match you to the best gear 0:44:44 Prince Legacy - should I get it? 0:45:08 What's the best Toroline string to try coming from BiPhase 0:46:50 Troy's gear RIGHT now! 0:49:55 Should Michelle buy this?! & her love for Quicksilver/Roxy Tennis back in the 90s!

Nov 4, 202554 min

Ep 235What Happens When A Tennis Player Gets Cancer 💕 Stories of Surviving On & Off The Court 💕 Stories of resilience, hope & community w/ Second Serve Pod

In this Talk Tennis episode, we get real about cancer and tennis. Host Michelle sits down with Carolyn and teammate Erin from the Second Serve Pod to share how tennis built resilience, hope, and community all while battling Breast Cancer. Life changes after a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, we hear how these tennis players found strength in the sport and how it related to their cancer treatments. In this inspiring conversation, Michelle, Carolyn, and Erin open up about how tennis became more than a game — it became a lifeline. You’ll hear how the lessons learned on the court — perseverance, teamwork, and focus — helped them face cancer head-on and discover new ways to stay connected, even when they couldn’t play. At Talk Tennis, we believe the power of sport extends far beyond competition. This episode celebrates the way tennis teaches resilience, builds friendships, and unites a community through every challenge — on and off the court. 🎧 Listen or Watch the Full Episode: https://youtu.be/L_LJkyqto8w 💬 Join the Conversation: Share your story of resilience or tag a teammate who inspires you in the comments. 👉 Connect with Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/and.she.sparkles/ 👉 Connect with Carolyn & Erin at Second Serve Pod: https://www.instagram.com/secondservepodcast/ 👉 If you feel compelled to donate to Breast Cancer Research: https://give.bcrf.org/fundraiser/6747806 If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at [email protected] Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Oct 14, 20251h 21m

Ep 234Unstrung Opinions: raw, unfiltered tennis gear talk; hot takes & controversial opinions

Hot takes. Bold opinions. Playtesters have no filter talking all things tennis gear. In this podcast, we serve up hot takes and controversial opinions on tennis gear. From racquets and strings to shoes and bags, nothing is off-limits. If it’s overrated, we’ll say it. If it’s a hidden gem, we’ll shout it out. We’ve tested it all, and we’re here to help you cut through the hype so you don’t waste time or money on gear that won’t improve your game. Think of us as your gear guides—with just enough spice to keep things interesting. If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at [email protected] Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Sep 30, 202526 min

Ep 233Is Grapplesnake the Next Big Tennis String Brand? 🐍 Learn about their origin story & lineup

Looking for the next breakthrough in tennis strings? 🎾 In this Talk Tennis podcast, we dive deep into Grapplesnake, one of the newest and most talked-about string brands now available at Tennis Warehouse. If you’ve been wondering whether Grapplesnake can compete with big names like Luxilon or Solinco, this episode breaks it all down. We’ll share insights on how the strings feel, who they’re designed for, and whether they could take your game to the next level. At Tennis Warehouse, we’ve tested thousands of strings — and Grapplesnake is making a bold entrance. Join us as we discuss performance, durability, and playability so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your game. 👉 Check out Grapplesnake & try it today: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Grapplesnake_Tennis_Strings/catpage-GRAPPLESTR.html Happy Hitting! Shop with us all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au

Sep 16, 202550 min

Ep 232One-Handed vs Two-Handed Backhand - which one is better?! Heated Podcast Debate Turns Into Drama between Playtesters 😳

🎾 One-handed vs two-handed backhands: which one really reigns supreme? In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the age-old tennis debate — and let’s just say, things got heated. We break down the strengths and weaknesses of each style, but along the way, the conversation turned into a fiery back-and-forth that even sparked a bit of fight. If you’ve ever wondered why players are so passionate about their backhand, this episode is a must-listen. We bring you unfiltered tennis debates, honest opinions, and expert takes. This one had more fireworks than usual — and you’ll want to see how it all unfolded. What should we debate next?! Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Sep 2, 202535 min

Ep 231Baseline Banter: Just some of our unfiltered, hot takes on Pro Tennis (WTA, ATP, ITF & beyond)

https://youtu.be/SZtTEEEArFM The playtest squad has some HOT Takes when it comes to the ATP & WTA Pro Tour...here we go... What are your Pro Tennis Hot Takes?! Happy Hitting!

Aug 12, 202529 min

Ep 230You Asked, Prince Tennis Answered — Yes, Even THAT Question 😅🎾 (from Pro Players to O-Ports & Beyond)

Ever wanted to slide into Prince Tennis’s DMs and ask literally anything? Well… we did it for you—no filters, no fluff, just straight-up answers from the kingdom of O-Ports, classic frames, and gear geeks. Let’s get into it! ➤Shop Prince Tennis Gear: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Prince/catpage-PRINCE.html Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Jul 29, 202536 min

Ep 229From Classics to Comebacks: a New Era of Prince Tennis; learn what is new with Prince in 2025

Tim Pottuck from Prince is here! We sit down and dive into ALL THINGS PRINCE TENNIS! In this 2-part episode, we break down where Prince has been and where the brand is going before we answer all of your questions (in episode 2)! We cover: - Tim's role with Prince & How long he's been with the brand - What is Prince's strategy / motto / position / goals in the market – where do they see themselves fitting – who should use Prince? - talk about the innovation and maybe an insight into the factory - Explain the relationship with Tennis Warehouse and that role - what's one of the most impressive things about Prince and what can you share that maybe most people aren't aware of? - what makes Prince such a unique brand? - What are some of your favorite stand out racquets and better yet, tech call outs from the brand through the years? - any fun pro player stories? - What are the most iconic racquets and moments in Prince history - Explain the current segmentation of racquets and who each family is for - when will the Tours get updated? - any new models coming? - any plans to update the Legacy line? - will we see O3 technology through families or only in specific frames? And why / how do you choose? - Strings! Explain the different segmentation of strings and who they are for? - any new tech coming in strings? Hybrids? Recylced materials? Etc.? - Bags and shoes – what is coming? & How did the T22 become so iconic and will it continue to evolve as we watch the game evolve? - Pro Players...any focus or push to get Prince back on the pro tour? - What can we plan to look forward to with Prince for the coming year #princetennis If you have any further questions or want to continue the conversation?! Email us at [email protected] Shop with us for all your TENNIS needs all over the WORLD: 🇺🇸 Tennis Warehouse -- http://www.tenniswarehouse.com 🇪🇺 TW Europe -- http://tenniswarehouse-europe.com 🇦🇺 Tennis Only AUS -- http://tennisonly.com.au Happy Hitting!

Jul 15, 202547 min
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