TennisWorthy

What makes a rivalry truly legendary? Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers welcome Joan Solsona, Marca's lead tennis journalist based in Barcelona, to dissect the rivalry origins and legacy of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Sunshine Double.The trio explores the unique "season of its own" known as the Sunshine Double: winning back-to-back titles at the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open. They dive into Federer’s remarkable 2017 resurgence, where he overcame his "stubbornness" to finally master the high-bouncing backhand that had long been his Achilles' heel against Nadal.The group explores how their contrasting styles created a "magnetic" rivalry that transcended the sport and redefined excellence. From the heavy winds of Key Biscayne to the flying balls of the California desert, our experts break down how these two icons adapted their games to push one another to new heights.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

The TennisWorthy Podcast welcomes Class of 2026 inductee and broadcasting pioneer Mary Carillo to the show, as her good friend Patrick McEnroe sat down with legend in Indian Wells to discuss her upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame as a contributor.Carillo shares memories and stories of her tennis roots in Douglaston, Queens, where she grew up alongside the McEnroe family. She reflects on her transition from a professional player—whose career was cut short by knee injuries—to a pioneering journalist known for her direct style and insightful storytelling.The conversation covers her "say yes" attitude toward covering 17 Olympics and her experiences navigating a male-dominated industry while working alongside legends like Bud Collins and John McEnroe. Carillo also reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how her 1977 French Open mixed doubles title with John McEnroe came to be.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

The TennisWorthy Podcast celebrates Women’s History Month by delving into the pioneering era of the 1920s. Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers profile Hall of Famer Kathleen "Kitty" McKane Godfree, a multi-sport athlete whose "fighting spirit" propelled her to seven major titles and five Olympic medals.Through archival interviews and insights from her daughter-in-law, Helen Godfree, we explore Kitty’s unconventional childhood—including a childhood bicycle trek from London to Berlin—and the societal shifts after World War I that revolutionized women's athletic apparel. We also recount her storied rivalries with fellow Hall of Famers Suzanne Lenglen and Helen Wills, and her historic 1926 Wimbledon triumph alongside her husband, Leslie Godfree—the only married couple to ever win a mixed doubles major title. Join us for a fascinating look at the modest yet fiercely competitive woman who helped lay the foundations for modern tennis.

After reaching a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world in 2002, Tommy Haas endured an injury setback, followed by another injury setback, and yet another. For years, he worked his way through injury and other obstacles. Ultimately, Tommy's resilience resulted in a career to be proud of, with an exclamation point against one of the all-time greats. Today, Tommy is in his tenth year as the Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open.This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tennisworthy.

Patrick McEnroe sits down with Hall of Famer Charlie Pasarell to uncover the remarkable origin story of the BNP Paribas Open, which kicks off this week in Indian Wells. Pasarell, one of the founders and first leaders of the tournament, details his journey from professional player to visionary architect of the "Blockbuster Plan," a concept that transformed a struggling desert event into what many now call the "fifth Grand Slam".Discover how Pasarell’s commitment to a fan-first "garden party" atmosphere—complete with shopping, fine dining, and world-class facilities—redefined the professional tennis experience. From navigating the 100-year flood of 1980 to securing landmark partnerships with Larry Ellison and BNP Paribas, Pasarell shares how his relentless belief in the Coachella Valley created an $850 million economic powerhouse.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

In this second installment of our special Black History Month series, Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers explore the enduring impact of tennis icon Arthur Ashe. Fifty years since his historic Wimbledon victory, we examine how his principles as a scholar, humanitarian, and activist continue to shape the sport today.Former ATP pro Bryan Shelton joins to share personal stories of overcoming prejudice in the American South, the current state of the sport and his journey coaching his son, current ATP World No. 9 Ben Shelton. We also hear from Yolanda Hester, Oral History Project Director of the Arthur Ashe Legacy Project at UCLA, who discusses the vital work of preserving Ashe's story for a new generation before Hall of Famer Richard Evans breaks down the tactical brilliance of Ashe’s legendary 1975 Wimbledon final against Jimmy Connors.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

February is Black History Month in the United States and this month, the TennisWorthy Podcast will explore the impact and legacies of trailblazing Black tennis athletes. In this first episode, Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers discuss Hall of Famer Althea Gibson and Ora Washington, who broke barriers and faced the harsh realities of segregation.First dive into the life of Althea Gibson, the first person of color to win a Grand Slam title. Gibson biographer and historian Ashley Brown discusses Gibson's global influence, her mentorship under Dr. Eaton and Dr. Johnson, and her role as a precursor to modern champions like the Williams Sisters.The conversation then shifts to Ora Washington, a dominant but often overlooked figure from the interwar years. Historian Pamela Grundy details how Washington, a working-class multi-sport star, was barred from elite white competition despite her 23 national titles. Together, these stories highlight the resilience required to navigate a divided sporting world.Stay tuned next week when we explore Arthur Ashe's enduring impact. The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

The TennisWorthy Podcast comes to you from Melbourne Park, where history was made during the Australian Open. Immediately following the men’s final, hosts Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers were joined by guest Jill Craybas, former WTA player and current commentator, to break down Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina’s titles down under. At just 22, Alcaraz became the youngest male to complete a career Grand Slam, overcoming Novak Djokovic in a high-stakes final. The trio discusses Alcaraz’s tactical adjustments, his playful "non-verbal interchange" with the ESPN commentary booth, and Novak Djokovic’s remarkable resilience at this point in his record-setting career. They also analyze Elena Rybakina’s second major title, her calm determination in defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and the evolving rivalries at the top of the women’s game.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport’s history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

Heading into this week's Australian Open finals, we explore the career-defining breakthroughs of three Hall of Famers at the Australian Open. Stefan Edberg recounts his 1985 triumph on grass, detailing his recovery from match point down to prove himself after a dominant junior career. Mary Pierce reflects on her 1995 victory, sharing how emotional maturity and peak fitness helped her overcome past adversity. Finally, Martina Hingis discusses her 1997 title at just 16 years old. Together, they reveal the patience, preparation, and mental fortitude required to reach the pinnacle of tennis.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

What made Roger Federer one of the greatest champions to ever compete down under? Patrick McEnroe is joined by 15-time ATP champion Tommy Haas, Hall of Famer Steve Flink, and fellow host and journalist Chris Bowers to celebrate the Melbourne career of the soon-to-be Hall of Famer Federer. The panel dives deep into his storied history at the Australian Open, a tournament he dubbed the "Happy Slam" and won six times.The conversation highlights Federer’s evolution from a talented but temperamental youngster to a dominant world number one. Key moments discussed include:The sensational 20-minute period during the 2017 final where Federer overcame a deficit against Rafael Nadal.The technical shift to a larger racquet head that revitalized his one-handed backhand.His profound respect for tennis history and his unique global appeal.From his "ruthless" competitive streak to his reputation as a "first-class human being," our in-the-know panel reflects on why Federer remains one of the greatest athletes of all time.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

Patrick welcomes former player and current commentator Sam Querrey to kick off the 2026 season. The pair discuss what's ahead for the Australian Open, including the current dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. They also cover the depth of the women's game, Amanda Anisimova’s potential to reach world No. 1, and the challenges of the modern tennis schedule.Sam reflects on Roger Federer's greatness ahead of his Hall of Fame induction this summer. He shares a touching story of meeting Roger for the first time as a starstruck 19-year-old in an Australian elevator, and how it reflects on Roger's immense impact on and off the court.Sam Querrey is a 10-time ATP singles champion and former world No. 11. He regularly appears on ESPN, Tennis Channel and TNT and co-hosts the Nothing Major podcast with fellow former American players Steve Johnson, John Isner and Jack Sock.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and the mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

It's the kickoff of 2026 tennis season, and the fourth season of the TennisWorthy Podcast is here! As tournaments down under begin, hosts Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers explore the rich history of the sport in Australia, the Australian Open and the nation's rise as a global tennis powerhouse. From its 1905 origins as the Australasian Championships to its modern status as the Happy Slam, this episode traces the tournament's challenging journey.The episode features the voices of 10 Aussie legends, including Ken Rosewall, Margaret Court, and Rod Laver, who share personal stories of the "bunker mentality" required to compete while living months away from home. Discover how the Davis Cup first popularized the sport down under in the 1930s and how the 1988 move to Melbourne Park finally established parity with other majors. Whether it’s Lleyton Hewitt’s grit or the Woodies winning Olympic gold, celebrate the tradition and spirit of the season's first major.The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and the mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

Join hosts Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers for a special year-end review of the most impactful insights from the TennisWorthy Podcast in 2025. This episode reflects on a landmark year, featuring highlights from the 2025 induction of Maria Sharapova and legendary doubles duo Bob and Mike Bryan.Explore the diverse dimensions of greatness as Sharapova discusses her early drive for mastery and the Bryans share the unique family philosophy behind their record-breaking 119 titles. Delve into the history of The Original 9 and the pursuit of mental toughness with four-time major champion Jim Courier. Finally, we honor the career and integrity of the retiring Rohan Bopanna, whose acts of sportsmanship remind us that the way you conduct yourself matters more than the final score.The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

Pete Sampras’s fate at the 1994 Lipton Championship was resting in the hands of Andre Agassi. That morning, a very ill Sampras woke up knowing he’d be unable to play as scheduled. He also knew that in that moment Agassi could walk away with the trophy and the check without looking back, but Agassi chose a different path. He opted to delay the match in hopes it would give Pete enough time to get back on his feet. Said Agassi: “If I can’t beat the best player in the world, I don’t deserve the trophy. I especially don’t deserve it if I can’t beat him when he’s sick.” This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tennisworthy.

Hall of Famer John Newcombe reflects on his successful season in 1973. Already a three-time major champion that year, he was set to make a run at the title match of the ATP Masters that year. But when injury struck at the most crucial moment, Newcombe ultimately showed his character and sportsmanship in doing the honorable thing.This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tennisworthy.

Patrick McEnroe and Chris Bowers explore the crucial value of sportsmanship in tennis, and its various definitions with three legends: Hall of Famer Lindsay Davenport, former doubles world No. 1 Rohan Bopanna and two-time major finalist Todd Martin.Lindsay Davenport defines sportsmanship broadly, as handling defeat, tough calls, and success, while being able to look your opponent in the eye. She shares her own personal examples and role models for sportsmanship in today's game.Rohan Bopanna discusses one momentous instance of sportsmanship in his career: voluntarily gave up a critical point in the 2023 US Open men's doubles final after the ball lightly brushed his arm. Bopanna discusses how honesty and instinct guide his career and how his gesture inspired others.Two-time ATP Sportsmanship Award winner Todd Martin stresses that true sportsmanship means putting the sport first and maintains that living with the "bad truth" of a point you didn't deserve isn't worthwhile. He discusses how in an era of electronic line calling, sportsmanship is less about line calls and more about overall consistency, poise, and professionalism on and off the court.The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. For more information and full episode transcriptions, visit tennisfame.com/podcast.

December's theme is Sportsmanship, and Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters is well known for her kindness on and off the court. The 6-time major champion and 8-time WTA Sportsmanship Award winner shares how gratitude is one of the most important aspects of her career, and how keeping perspective was key to her reaching the top.This episode is part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame's TennisWorthy short-form series. View more TennisWorthy stories at tennisfame.com/tennisworthy.