The Mini-Break [Tennis Podcast]

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down a magical Championship Weekend in the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on Val Vacherot's dream run to the Shanghai title, an All-American final in Wuhan, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Shanghai - 2:36

WTA Wuhan - 32:22

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 44:31

ATP Challengers - 47:11

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Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin sets the scene for Championship weekend in Wuhan and Shanghai. He breaks down a day filled with WTA Tour Finals implications in Wuhan, offers his thoughts on a fascinating day in Shanghai, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Shanghai - 6:42

WTA Wuhan - 21:45

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 36:11

ATP Ch...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin checks-in on the 1000-level action unfolding in Wuhan and Shanghai. He breaks down his top WTA performers thus far in Wuhan, offers his thoughts on Thursday's QF action in Shanghai, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

WTA Wuhan - 6:07

ATP Shanghai - 22:08

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 33:45

ATP Challengers - 37:03

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin shares his personal ATP Top 10 rankings entering the month of October. He also offers his tiers of contenders, recaps the week one madness of Shanghai, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Shanghai - 6:02

ATP Top 10 - 26:10

Tier 1 - 27:22

Tier 2 - 33:52
3. Novak Djokovic...

Author of the "Bounces" Substack Ben Rothenberg joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin to evaluate the performance of the American Women during the 2025 WTA season. They compare the successes of the 2024 vs. 2025 WTA seasons for the Americans. They then make the case for why Anisimova, Gauff, Keys, and Pegula can each be considered the best American of 2025, share their specific choices for the #1 spot, 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 ge...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin shares his personal WTA Top 10 rankings entering the month of October. He also recaps last weekends Championship action (Shanghai, WTA 125Ks, more), previews another busy week ahead, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

WTA Beijing - 7:05

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events (recap) - 31:48

WTA Top 10 - 37:28

Tier 1 - 39:56

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down a fun Thursday in the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on an All-American SF in Beijing, looks at the most intriguing R2 matchups in Shanghai, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

WTA Beijing - 5:00

ATP Shanghai - 19:22

Most Intriguing Shanghai R2 matches - 21:22

Who needs a bi...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down Wednesday's action across the Pro Tennis World. He offers his take on Sinner's run to the Beijing title, analyzes a dramatic day of Women's upsets in Beijing, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Beijing - 6:25

WTA Beijing - 21:50

ATP Shanghai - 38:43

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 40:28

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Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down a surprisingly active Tuesday in the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on another Alcaraz title run in Tokyo, shares his thoughts as the business end of action in Beijing approaches, previews the week ahead, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Tokyo - 5:42

ATP Beijing - 16:48

WTA Beijing...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers an update on a loaded weekend across the tennis world. He shares his thoughts on early action in Tokyo and Beijing, talks through this weekend's Championship action, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Tokyo - 7:23

ATP Beijing - 25:56

WTA Beijing - 37:17

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 51:02

AT...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers an update on a loaded weekend across the tennis world. He shares his thoughts on early action in Tokyo and Beijing, talks through this weekend's Championship action, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

WTA Beijing - 4:45

ATP Beijing - 17:16

ATP Tokyo - 20:37

WTA 125Ks + ITF Events - 23:20

AT...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down the opening round action to kickoff the 2025 Asian Swing. He breaks down early victories for Sinner and Alcaraz, offers his thoughts on the first two days of the ITA All-American Championships, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

ATP Tokyo - 5:28

ATP Beijing - 16:50

WTA Beijing - 20:46

WTA 125Ks + IT...

On today’s Cracked Interviews, Alex Gruskin sits down with tennis legend Roger Federer live from the 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco. Federer shares his perspective on this year’s edition of the event and what it’s been like transitioning from playing on court to watching from the sidelines. Alex also presses Roger on how he would gameplan against current World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz if he were still competing, and what kind of training he’s doing to prepare for his upcoming exhibition tour alongside longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal.

A rare and candid conversation with one...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers his final thoughts on Team Italy's run to the 2025 BJK Cup Title. He also recaps a fantastic comeback for Swiatek in Seoul, marvels at the continued excellence of Bublik, previews a JAM-PACKED week ahead, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Team Italy grabs the BJK Cup - 6:49

Swiatek wins in Seoul - 17:06

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Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers his final thoughts on the 2025 Laver Cup. He breaks down a stellar start-to-finish performance from Team World, grades each participant in the event, ponders Laver Cup's place in the broader tennis ecosystem, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Day 3 Recap - 7:18

Alcaraz has a day - 8:02

De Minaur def. Mensik - 17:21

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps an EXTRORDINARY Saturday in the Pro Tennis World. He offers his extensive thoughts on everything he learned from a dominant Day 2 for Team World at Laver Cup. He also previews Sunday's BJK Cup Final, and breaks down everything else from the last 24 hours in the Pro Tennis World.

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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Laver Cup Day 2 Recap - 11:00

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 1 of the 2025 Laver Cup. He ranks his top performances of the day, previews a FANTASTIC Day 2 schedule, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Ruud/Opelka - 10:07

Mensik/Michelsen - 14:26

Fonseca/Cobolli - 21:51

Alcaraz/Mensik def. Fritz/Michelsen - 29:03

Sideline Power Rankings - 32:50

Day 2 Preview...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers an update on this week's ATP and WTA Tour action. He breaks down fantastic victories for Team USA + Team Italy at the BJK Cup, previews Laver Cup Day 1, checks-in on this week's tour-level events, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
Laver Cup Day 1 Preview - 20:49

 
WTA Seoul - 28...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down Wednesday's action from across the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on Team Ukraine's BJK Cup victory over Spain, checks-in on the many ascending young stars competing this week, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
ATP Hangzhou - 18:34

 
ATP Chengdu - 27:39

 
WTA S...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin previews a LOADED week on the Pro Tennis Calendar. He previews this week's team action at both the BJK Cup Finals and Laver Cup, breaks down this week's three tour-level events, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
Laver Cup Preview - 15:58

 
ATP Hangzhou - 29:18

 
ATP Cheng...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down a fascinating Championship Weekend across the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on a STUNNING weekend of Davis Cup results, breaks down maiden WTA title runs in Guadalajara and Sao Paolo, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
WTA Guadalajara - 32:04

 
WTA Sao Paolo - 40:47

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down a busy Saturday in the Pro Tennis World. He offers his thoughts on Day 2 of Davis Cup action, discusses the opportunities available this weekend in Guadalajara and Sao Paolo, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
WTA Guadalajara - 27:30

 
WTA Sao Paolo - 31:29

 
ATP Chall...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin previews this weekend's action across the Pro Tennis World. He breaks down the first day of Davis Cup results, checks in on the week's two WTA events, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Laurel Springs
Ranked among...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin breaks down this week's action across the Pro Tennis World. He previews this weekend's Davis Cup action, peaks in on the WTA action in Guadalajara and Sao Paolo, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
WTA Sao Paolo - 24:12

 
ATP Challengers - 28:05

 
WTA 125Ks +...

Former NY Times contributor and "Bounces" author Ben Rothenberg joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin to draft the biggest storylines of the 2025 tennis season's homestretch. They offer their thoughts on a strong season for the American Women, the race to challenge Sinner/Alcaraz, the sport's biggest off-court stoyrlines, and SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers a status report on his 2025 "Make or Break" All-Stars. He checks-in on and evaluates the pivotal 2025 campaigns of Yastremska, FAA, Cerundolo, Kenin, Paolini, and SO many more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers his ATP Top 10 Rankings coming out of the North American Hard Court stretch. He also shares his perspective on the biggest storylines of the 2025 ATP season to date, checks in on the Race to the ATP Tour Finals, previews the week ahead, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers his WTA Top 10 Rankings coming out of the North American Hard Court stretch. He also shares his perspective on the biggest storylines of the 2025 WTA season to date, checks in on the Race to the WTA Tour Finals, previews the week ahead, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps the 2025 US Open Men's Singles Final. He breaks down the mechanics behind Alcaraz's victory, offers context for the already many achievements by Alcaraz, shares a few final US Open thoughts, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Laurel Springs

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps the 2025 US Open Women's Singles Final. He breaks down the mechanics of Sabalenka's victory, does his best to contextualize the 2025 Sabalenka season historically, previews Sunday's Men's Final, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

 
Men's Final: Alcaraz vs. Sinner Preview - 29:37

 
WTA 125Ks + ATP Challengers - 40:34

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 13 of the 2025 US Open. He offers his thoughts on a decisive Alcaraz victory over Djokovic, and a fantastic battle between Sinner and FAA. He also shares his thoughts on both the Men's and Women's Singles Finals, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

 
Sinner/FAA - 27:37

 
First thoughts on M...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 12 of the 2025 US Open. He offers his thoughts on a hard-fought victory for Sabalenka, and the continued excellence of Anisimova. He also previews Friday's Men's Singles Semifinals, takes a lot at this week's non-US Open action, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 11 of the 2025 US Open. He breaks down a spectacular performance from Anisimova, more quality victories for Osaka and Sinner, a breakthrough for FAA, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

 
Osaka/Muchova - 22:13

 
Day 12 Preview - 28:40

 
FAA/De Minaur - 39:11

 
Sinner/Musetti - 51:4...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 10 of the 2025 US Open. He breaks down convincing quarterfinal victories for Alcaraz and Pegula, marvels once again at the sustained excellence of Djokovic, previews Day 11, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

 
Sabalenka/Vondrousova - 11:31

 
Alcaraz/Lehecka - 19:10

 
Djokovic/Fritz - 24:47

 
Day 11 Previe...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin previews the 2025 US Open Men's Singles Quarterfinals. He offers his thoughts on a resurgent Felix Auger Aliassime, ranks the prospects of the eight remaining contender, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin offers his thoughts on where things stand entering the 2025 US Open Women's Singles Quarterfinals. He breaks down resurgent runs from Osaka, Muchova, Krejcikova, and Vondrousova. He then ranks the prospects of the remaining quarterfinalists, 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!!

Laurel Springs
Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States, Laurel Springs stands out when it com...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 5 of the 2025 US Open. He offers his thoughts on tricky victories for Gauff, Swiatek, contemplates the next steps for Tsitsipas, checks in on a couple of his 2025 "Make or Break" All-Stars, previews Day 6, 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!!

Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 4 of the 2025 US Open. He offers his thoughts on the multiple five-set upsets in the Men's Singles Draw, shares his take on all things Townsend/Ostapenko, previews Day 5, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

 
Upsets - 3...

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 3 of the 2025 US Open. He breaks down a stunningly consistent R1 for the Men's Seeds, offers his thoughts on clutch victories for Gauff and Tsitsipas, previews Day 4, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks:

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 2 of the 2025 US Open. He offers his thoughts on the top storylines to emerge from the day, breaks down the day's biggest upsets, shares his "Must-Watch" matches for Day 3, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks: