Tales from Tennis

Sam Jacot & Jerome Coombe
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Hosted by reporters Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe, Tales from Tennis takes listeners behind the curtain of professional tennis. Each week, the show features players, coaches, broadcasters, journalists and other insiders, sharing their journeys, stories from the road, and a unique perspective on life inside the game. New episodes every Wednesday. The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by ATP.

  1. 5d ago

    Conor Niland: The Racket, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Life on the Tennis Tour

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with former Irish professional Conor Niland to discuss his award-winning book The Racket, which tells the story of life on the professional tennis circuit and the reality of competing outside the very top of the sport. Conor takes us inside some of the biggest moments of his career, from beating Roger Federer as a teenager to qualifying for Wimbledon in 2011 and coming agonisingly close to reaching the second round and setting a meeting with Federer. We also hear the story of facing Novak Djokovic at the US Open later that year, before illness forced Conor to retire from the match. We discuss the less glamorous side of life on Tour too, looking at the loneliness of constant travel, the relentless pace of winning one week and immediately getting on a flight to the next tournament, and the financial challenges of competing at ITF and Challenger level. Conor explains what life can really be like for players outside the spotlight and how difficult it can be to maintain momentum from week to week. We also talk about the influence of Conor's father, the support he received from Tennis Ireland and the experiences that shaped his view of professional tennis. Buy The Racket here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Racket-Tenniss-Golden-Generation-other/dp/1844886409 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with the Tennis Director of the Rafa Nadal Academy. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  2. Sep 9

    Sebastián Varela: Winning the Tom Perrotta Prize, CLAY & Telling Tennis’ Untold Stories

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Sebastián Varela, co-founder of CLAY and winner of the 2025 Tom Perrotta Prize for Tennis Journalism. Sebastián takes us inside the stories that earned him one of tennis journalism's leading young-writer awards, including his extraordinary feature on a man who escaped drug trafficking and went on to transform lives through tennis. We also discuss his approach to open, ambitious journalism and why some of the most interesting stories in tennis exist away from the scoreline. Sebastián shares his experiences speaking with players including Eva Lys, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz, and explains why openness from players can completely change the conversations journalists are able to have. We also get into the story behind CLAY, the bilingual tennis publication Sebastián co-founded in 2020, and his mission to bring greater attention to South American and Spanish-speaking tennis. With South American tennis producing an exciting generation of players and growing in influence across the sport, Sebastián explains why he believes the region deserves greater coverage and a bigger voice. Read Sebastián's work discussed in the episode: https://www.claytenis.com/features/escaping-drug-trafficking-to-transform-lives-with-tennis/ https://www.claytenis.com/cov/director-netflix-nadal-documentary-in-the-us-there-arent-many-rafa-fans/ https://www.claytenis.com/home-en/ 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome speak with the author of the award-winning book 'The Racket'. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  3. Sep 2

    Mitch Michals: Tennis Channel, Brad Gilbert, Ethan Quinn and Inside the US Open

    In this episode of Tales from Tennis, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Mitch Michals, podcast host, producer and editor at Tennis Channel and host of The Inside-In Tennis Podcast. Mitch takes us behind the scenes of his work in tennis media, from producing and editing at Tennis Channel to hosting Inside-In and interviewing some of the biggest names across the sport. We hear stories from conversations with Andrea Petkovic, Brad Stine, Paul Annacone, Mark Petchey and Brad Gilbert, as well as Mitch's experiences speaking with players including Lorenzo Musetti and Ethan Quinn. We also get into what it's really like working in a sport that never stops, the relentless nature of the tennis calendar and how Mitch manages to keep up with the ATP and WTA Tours. With the US Open here, Mitch gives his thoughts on the state of tennis heading into the final major of the year, looking at the biggest storylines on both the men's and women's tours and the players to watch in New York. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a leading journalist. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  4. Aug 26

    Alex Gruskin: Inside College Tennis, Ben Shelton, Rafael Jodar and the Challenger Tour

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Alex Gruskin, host of Cracked Racquets and one of the leading voices covering college tennis and the ATP Challenger Tour. Alex takes us inside the growing world of college tennis, exploring why more young players are choosing the American college route, the unique atmosphere around the sport and how the system is producing a new generation of stars. We discuss the journeys of players including Ben Shelton, Rafael Jodar and Learner Tien, and why college tennis has become such a successful pathway into the professional game. Alex also shares stories from life on the road with Cracked Racquets, travelling to Challenger and WTA events, conducting on-court interviews and getting to know players away from the spotlight. We hear what it's like spending week after week around the Challenger Tour, the buzz of discovering emerging talent and the people and stories that make travelling so rewarding. Cracked Racquets: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/cracked-racquets/id6445044099 https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a podcast host. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  5. Aug 19

    Marcus Buckland: Jannik Sinner, Andy Murray and 12 years leading Sky Sports Tennis

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by broadcaster Marcus Buckland, who spent 12 years as the lead tennis presenter at Sky Sports, covering the sport's biggest tournaments throughout the unforgettable Big Four era. Marcus reflects on some of the defining moments of his career, including being in New York to witness Andy Murray win his first Grand Slam title, presenting coverage from the ATP Finals at The O2 and following tennis around the world during one of the sport's greatest periods. He also shares recent experiences hosting Wimbledon champions' dinners with Jannik Sinner and Linda Noskova, along with behind-the-scenes stories from life in broadcasting. The conversation explores what it takes to present live television at the highest level, the controlled chaos behind major broadcasts, working alongside some of the sport's biggest names and why, after nearly four decades in broadcasting, tennis continues to produce stories that keep him coming back for more. Marcus also discusses writing The Man Who Saved Wimbledon: Roger Taylor's Official Biography, offering an insight into one of British tennis' most influential figures and the process of bringing his remarkable story to life. You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Who-Saved-Wimbledon-Biography/dp/1836801467 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by an insider on the ATP Challenger Tour Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  6. Aug 12

    Adam Docker: Behind the camera with Novak Djokovic, Diego Maradona and Carlos Alcaraz

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Adam Docker, whose work has taken him to more than 100 countries, capturing some of the biggest names and most remarkable stories in sport. Adam shares behind-the-scenes experiences filming Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, explains how he worked alongside Martin Landaluce to tell the story of the Spaniard's breathing techniques and mindfulness, and reflects on the challenge of finding authentic moments with elite athletes. He also recounts an unforgettable encounter filming Diego Maradona at a rehabilitation centre in Cuba, as well as extraordinary assignments in Tibet, remote parts of Africa and the mountains of Kazakhstan with Corentin Moutet. The conversation explores what it takes to tell compelling stories through film, the importance of earning trust with athletes, working in some of the world's most demanding environments and why the best sporting documentaries are about far more than what happens in competition. Check out more of Adam's brilliant work here: https://www.adamdocker.art/ https://www.adamdocker.com/ 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. 🚨 Coming up next time, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of the best tennis & sports presenters in Europe. Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  7. Aug 5

    Abigail Johnson: Behind the scenes with Joao Fonseca, Aryna Sabalenka & life on the microphone

    In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe are joined by broadcaster and commentator Abigail Johnson, who has covered everything from ATP Challenger events to Grand Slams. Abigail reflects on witnessing the rise of some of the game's biggest stars, including Joao Fonseca, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, sharing the early signs that suggested they were destined for the top. She also discusses Aryna Sabalenka's importance to the women's game, why Daniil Medvedev remains one of her favourite players to interview, and the stories that make life on the professional tour so unique. The conversation also explores Abigail's route into commentary, what it's really like working courtside at Wimbledon and the Grand Slams for the BBC, the differences between covering Challenger events and the biggest tournaments in tennis, and why she loves telling the stories behind the sport. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. Next time we will be joined by a leading film producer. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

  8. Jul 15

    Abdullah Shelbayh: Rafael Nadal's influence, from Jordan to the ATP Tour

    In this episode, Sam Jacot sits down with Jordanian tennis player Abdullah Shelbayh, one of the most exciting young players on the ATP Challenger Tour, who has trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy since the age of 14. Shelbayh reflects on his journey from Jordan to Spain, explaining how Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal helped shape his development, the advice he has received from Nadal over the years and what it has been like training alongside Carlos Alcaraz. He also discusses his experiences competing at ATP Tour events, winning Challenger titles and playing at the 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals. The conversation also explores Shelbayh's path through college tennis, life at the Rafa Nadal Academy and the realities of building a career on the professional Tour. 🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis. Episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe now. 📲 Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/ X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennis The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

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About

Hosted by reporters Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe, Tales from Tennis takes listeners behind the curtain of professional tennis. Each week, the show features players, coaches, broadcasters, journalists and other insiders, sharing their journeys, stories from the road, and a unique perspective on life inside the game. New episodes every Wednesday. The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by ATP.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Jacot & Jerome Coombe
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sam Jacot & Jerome Coombe
  • Show Website
    Tales from Tennis

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