While fans see the matches, the atmosphere and the drama on court, there is a huge team working behind the scenes to make the event happen. Throughout the week, Sam and Jerome spoke to the people who help bring the tournament to life, including tournament director Rik Smith, broadcaster Abigail Johnson, British player Charlie Broom, the event's lead stringer, a groundsman responsible for maintaining the grass courts, hospitality staff and fans attending the tournament.

Together, they provide a fascinating insight into the many moving parts that keep an ATP Challenger and WTA 125 event running smoothly, from preparing courts and stringing rackets to welcoming players, broadcasters and spectators through the gates.

This episode offers a unique look at the unseen side of tennis and the people whose work often goes unnoticed but is essential to the success of every tournament.

We also recorded a host of player interviews during our time in Ilkley, which will be released across the next two Wednesdays as the grass-court season builds towards Wimbledon. In the meantime, listeners can also find exclusive content from the event on our Instagram, including a fun Q&A with comedian Josh Berry, practice-court moments and quick-fire questions with ATP Next Gen star Darwin Blanch.

There is plenty more from Ilkley still to come on Wednesday 17th & 24th June.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Hyman reflects on his early experiences in college tennis, including a memorable battle against Ben Shelton, before explaining how he broke into the tennis media industry and built a career spanning communications, content production, broadcasting and event operations.

The conversation explores his work behind the scenes with players including Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, the unique challenges of managing media at Challenger events and what life is really like working across tournaments throughout the season. Hyman also shares stories from his experiences at UTS, discusses spotting rising French talent Moise Kouame before his breakthrough and explains the unsung work that goes into delivering professional tennis events.

From Challenger Tour life and media operations to player relations and building his own company, Aliko Sports, this episode offers a fascinating look at the many roles that help keep professional tennis moving behind the scenes.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

The pair reflects on their journeys into tennis media, from first tournaments and nerve-filled early interviews to surreal moments alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Murray.

The conversation dives into the reality of life covering tennis behind the scenes, with chaotic travel days, fun interviews, quirky press conference moments and the unexpected experiences that come with working around the sport week after week.

From funny tour stories to the journey to this point, this episode offers listeners a closer look at the people behind the microphones before the show returns to its regular format next week.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Corrie, who is Head of Performance, Media and Broadcast at TennisViz, explains how platforms help coaches, players and the media analyse the modern game, before diving into what the numbers reveal about stars including Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

The conversation explores the tactical trends shaping today’s ATP Tour, how the Tour is are embracing analytics and why data can sometimes reveal things the eye test misses completely. Corrie also shares insight into working behind the scenes in elite tennis, how analysis is used in match preparation and what fans often misunderstand about what actually wins matches at the top of the sport.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Fuller reflects on his experiences following some of the sport’s biggest stars, including Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and shares insight into the frantic nature of life at Grand Slams.

The conversation dives into the pressure of live broadcasting, the challenge of delivering fair and balanced journalism in high-profile moments, and what it was like covering the dramatic in Australia. Fuller also discusses the unique atmosphere around British tennis during the Murray era, the joy of working alongside former players in commentary boxes and the moments that have stayed with him most throughout his career.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Connelly shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time interviewing the game’s top stars, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Roger Federer, offering insight into what players are truly like in those high-pressure, post-match moments.

He also reflects on a memorable on-court interview with Rafael Nadal following his clash with Novak Djokovic in Rome in 2021, and discusses the respect and presence carried by players like Grigor Dimitrov and Andy Murray both on and off the court.

The conversation dives into the balance of asking the right questions in the moment, holding players to account when needed, and navigating the tension and adrenaline of live broadcasting. It’s a fascinating look at the role of an on-court interviewer and the unique position they hold between the players, the crowd and the global audience.

🎙️ Our introductory background episode is live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Cinkus reflects on Fils’ impressive return from injury, detailing the work behind the scenes that has fuelled his recent surge, including a title in Barcelona and deep runs in Miami and Indian Wells. He shares insight into the mentality required to come back from setbacks, the discipline Fils brings to his training, and even reveals the light-hearted incentive that could earn him a well-deserved holiday if he reaches the latter stages at Roland Garros.

The conversation also takes listeners courtside, with Cinkus describing what it’s really like coaching in high-pressure moments, including saving match points in Miami, and the communication between player and coach during matches. Cinkus also discusses the impact of Goran Ivanisevic joining the team and how their collaboration is helping shape Fils’ development at the top level.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Molly shares her journey into the sport and what it’s really like covering tennis at the highest level, from long days at Grand Slams to the challenge of building trust with players while telling honest stories. She also discusses her Substack But Do You Actually Like Sport? and why she’s passionate about exploring the human side of athletes beyond results.

The conversation dives into her experiences around some of the biggest names in the game, including Rafael Nadal and Barbora Krejčíková, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what players are really like in press rooms, interviews and off-court moments that fans rarely see.

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View Molly's Substack 'But Do You Actually Like Sport?': https://mollymcelwee.substack.com/

View Molly's Book 'Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women’s Tennis':
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Building-Champions-Success-Womens-Tennis/dp/1913759237

Watch highlights and analysis from across the tennis world at The Tennis Pass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTennisPass

The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

She reflects on her close working relationship with Rafael Nadal, including her book Nadal - Iconic, and discusses her experiences photographing some of the biggest names in tennis such as Roger Federer and Amélie Mauresmo.

The conversation also explores her favourite images, proudest achievements, and what it’s like being courtside for the sport’s biggest moments, including access to locker rooms after major finals. Dubreuil offers a fascinating insight into the day-to-day life of a professional tennis photographer, as well as advice for the next generation looking to break into the industry.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He takes us behind the scenes of life at Grand Slams, the Next Gen ATP Finals and international team competitions, explaining what it really takes to keep players performing at their peak across a demanding global schedule. From managing recovery to making high-pressure decisions, Dams shares the realities of working in elite tennis.

The conversation also explores how data and technology are shaping the modern game, the physical demands placed on players today, and how he tailors his approach to both established professionals and rising talents. It’s an in-depth look at one of the most important, and often unseen, roles in tennis.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

The Scot reflects on his experiences training with countryman Andy Murray, including conversations with the former World No. 1 and the advice he has taken from those moments. Charlie also discusses hitting with some of the biggest names in the game, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur and Tommy Paul, and what stood out about their level and mindset.

The conversation also explores his role as a sparring partner at the Next Gen ATP Finals, the realities of competing in college tennis at Wake Forest and how he is balancing development, education and ambition as he looks ahead to his professional career.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He reflects on helping guide Arevalo to Grand Slam success at Roland Garros and opens up on the unique challenges of coaching in doubles compared to singles, including what it’s like preparing to face the very best players in the world, such as Novak Djokovic.

The conversation also explores life on the road as a coach, the dynamic between singles and doubles players in the locker room, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner chat, and Bernardo’s admiration for Roger Federer, offering a fascinating look into the mindset and experiences behind the scenes of the professional game.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

She also dives into the current state of both the men’s and women’s game, exploring the rise of the next generation and the players shaping the future of the sport.

🎙️ Our introductory background episode is live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

🚨 Coming up on Wednesday 25th March, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a coach. Subscribe now. 📲

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Listen to Candy's podcast Diary of a Professional Tennis Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/diary-of-a-professional-tennis-coach/id1747181401

Watch highlights and analysis from across the tennis world at Winners Circle Tennis: https://www.youtube.com/@WinnersCircleTennis/videos

The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He also reflects on his remarkable breakthrough season in 2022, when he won the Paris Masters at just 19 years old, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final and announcing himself as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. Rune discusses how that success shaped his expectations, the belief he has always carried in his game and his ambition to challenge the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of the sport.

The conversation also explores Rune’s fierce competitiveness, his relationships on tour and what he enjoys most about life as a professional tennis player, offering a candid insight into the mindset of one of the game’s most driven competitors.

🎙️ Our introductory background episode is live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

🚨 Coming up on Wednesday 18th March, Sam and Jerome will be joined by broadcaster Candy Reid-Harrop. Subscribe now. 📲

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He also discusses his win against rising star Joao Fonseca, the realities of travelling the professional tour, and the unique experience of sharing houses with fellow Australian players earlier in his career, offering an honest look at the grind, camaraderie and sacrifices behind life on tour.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

Stuart shares stories from inside Andy Murray’s world, charting his rise, resilience and personality beyond the court. He also reflects on witnessing defining moments in British tennis, including Emma Raducanu’s breakthrough on the global stage in New York in 2021.

Stuart looks back on reporting through the era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, offering insight into their contrasting mannerisms and temperaments behind the scenes, alongside memories of covering Serena Williams.

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Drawing on his experience building a global social following, Bastien explains his approach to curating digital tennis content and what makes posts resonate with audiences. He explores how creativity, storytelling and personality are shaping the modern tennis conversation, while reflecting on travelling to the sport’s biggest events and the fan experience at majors.

🎙️ Our introductory background episode is live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

🚨 Coming up Wednesday 25th February, Sam and Jerome will be joined by the former Tennis Correspondent for The Times. Subscribe now. 📲

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Bastien Fachan’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Federer-Nadal-Djokovic-lhistoire-Big-ebook/dp/B0BRTWS5BH?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He also looks back on umpiring a Wimbledon final, growing up in Brazil in the 1970s and his journey into professional tennis, before opening up about the heart attack he suffered during the 2021 Australian Open. A rare insight into one of the most respected figures ever to sit in the chair.

🎙️ Our introductory background episode is live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

🚨 Coming up Wednesday 18th February, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of biggest content creators in tennis. Subscribe now. 📲

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He also shares his thoughts on how tennis is evolving digitally, how the game is being consumed by fans today, and where analysis, media and content creation are heading in the future, drawing on his experience working with Tennis Channel and building one of the sport’s leading analytical platforms.

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🚨 Coming up Wednesday 11th February, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of the sport’s most successful umpires. Subscribe now. 📲

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Gill Gross YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gillgross

The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the men’s and women’s game, reflects on his early days building his profile and much more.

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🚨 Coming up Wednesday 5th February, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of the sport’s best analysts. Subscribe now.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

🚨 Coming up Wednesday 28th January, Sam and Jerome will be joined by one of the sport's biggest journalists, an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe now.

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🎙️ Our introductory background episode is already live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.

🚨 Coming up Wednesday 21st January, Sam and Jerome will be joined by a 2025 Wimbledon champion, an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe now.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by ATP.

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The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by ATP.