The Mini-Break [Tennis Podcast]

NextGenATP Finals Day 1 Recap

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 1 of the 2025 NextGenATP Finals. He offers his thoughts on a signature victory for Jodar over Tien, shares his biggest takeaways from the opening day of play, previews Day 2, plus SO much more!!

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Watch today's episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Episode Bookmarks:

Jodar/Tien - 6:30

Basavareddy/Prizmic - 16:45

Budkov Kjaer/Landaluce - 25:29

Blockx/Engel - 30:28

Day 2 Preview - 34:23

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Emergency Mini-Break: Alcaraz splits from Coach Ferrero w/Ben Rothenberg

Wed, 17 Dec 2025

Bounces Author and No Challenges Remaining Host Ben Rothenberg joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin to offer their instant reaction to the news of World #1 Carlos Alcaraz's sudden split with longtime Coach and Former World #1 Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Watch today's episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Episode Bookmarks:

Reporting thus far - 6:00

Is tennis built to report this sort of story - 22:50

Historical Context - 32:40

What's the right sort of coach for Alcaraz - 36:00

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Checking in on the former collegiates in the pros

Tue, 16 Dec 2025

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers an update on the players with college tennis ties currently competing on the Pro Tour. He breaks down the 2025 seasons of the Top 100 men and women, projects which players he expects to rise in 2026, plus SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Watch today's episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Episode Bookmarks:

Women in Top 100 - 19:56

Who to watch for - 28:00

Men in Top 100 - 37:00

Who to watch for - 55:15

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2025 ATP Award Show ft. David Kane

Mon, 15 Dec 2025

Tennis.com Lead Editor David Kane joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin for their 2025 ATP Award Show. They start the show by offering their grades for the 2025 ATP season. They then name their nominees for categories such as Player of the Year, Most Improved, Best Storyline, Biggest Surprise, and SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Watch today's episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Episode Bookmarks:

Grade the season - 4:25

Player of the Year - 14:53

Most Improved - 24:57

Sneaky Good Season - 33:26

Comeback of the Year - 36:53

Best Storyline - 41:26

Biggest surprise - 46:00

Biggest Missed Opportunity - 49:27

Did the Window Close - 52:53

Had Themselves a Moment - 57:06

Newcomer of the Year - 59:10

Best 21-Under Prospects - 1:01:58

Closest to Popping Off - 1:04:20

Outro - 1:07:38

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2025 WTA Award Show ft. David Kane

Fri, 12 Dec 2025

Tennis.com Lead Editor David Kane joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin for their 2025 WTA Award Show. They start the show by offering their grades for the 2025 WTA season. They then name their nominees for categories such as Player of the Year, Most Improved, Best Storyline, Biggest Surprise, and SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Watch today's episode on YouTube by clicking here.

Episode Bookmarks:

Grade the Season - 8:42

Player of the Year - 14:20

Most Improved - 24:10

Sneaky Good Season - 37:50

Comeback of the Year - 43:11

Best Storyline - 49:20

Biggest Surprise - 52:51

Biggest Missed Opportunity - 55:49

Did the Window Close - 59:38

Had Themselves a Moment - 1:06:32

Newcomer of the Year - 1:08:05

Best 21-Under Prospects - 1:11:25

Closest to Popping Off - 1:17:50

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