Racket Sports Weekly

Epizódy

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  Inside the Platform Changing the Mental Side of Tennis | Jaime Sullivan & Alli Barnes of Tennis IQ 08.06.2026 44min

  On this episode of the Racket Sports Weekly podcast, Ian sits down with Jaime Sullivan and Alli Barnes of Tennis IQ to discuss how their platform is combining technology and mental performance training to reshape tennis development at every level of the sport.The conversation covers:Why the mental side of tennis has historically been overlookedHow Tennis IQ is using AI and personalization to help players improveThe role mindset plays in performance, emotional regulation, and decision-makingWhy junior players and academies are embracing mental training earlier than everHow coaches are beginning to integrate mental performance into player developmentThe future of wearable technology and mental training in tennisJaime and Alli also share the story behind building Tennis IQ, the lessons learned creating the platform, and their vision for making mental training more accessible across tennis and racket sports.If you're interested in the intersection between racket sports and technology, this interview is for you.
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  How AI is Changing Racket Sports Coaching | Lauren Pedersen, SportAI CEO 01.06.2026 36min

  AI is rapidly changing the future of racket sports coaching, player development, and performance analysis.This week on the Racket Sports Weekly podcast, Ian Rapport is joined by Lauren Pedersen, co-founder and CEO of SportAI, to discuss the platform uses AI and computer vision to bring real-time coaching, biomechanics analysis, and player feedback to tennis, pickleball, and padel players around the world.They discuss:How SportAI uses AI and computer vision to analyze player technique and movementWhy AI should support coaches rather than replace themDemocratizing access to high-level player development and coachingThe future of tennis, pickleball, and padel technologyHow AI can personalize equipment and racket recommendationsThe role of data and gamification in making racket sports more engagingWhy racket sports are entering a major growth era globallyLauren also shares why she believes AI can help unlock new opportunities for players, coaches, clubs, federations, and brands across the racket sports ecosystem.A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in sports technology, coaching, and the future of racket sports.👉 Listen now and follow for weekly insights on the business of racket sports.
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  How Tennis, Pickleball & Padel Thrive Together | Ryan Redondo, CEO of Barnes Tennis Center 25.05.2026 47min

  Ryan Redondo has become one of the most influential operators helping shape the future of racket sports in America.The CEO of Barnes Tennis Center and Youth Tennis San Diego sat down with Racket Sports Weekly host Ian Rapport to talk about how he’s transformed Barnes into one of the country’s premier multi-racket sports facilities by bringing tennis, pickleball, and padel together under one ecosystem.On this episode of the Racket Sports Weekly podcast, Ryan discusses:Building Barnes Tennis Center into a modern racket sports hubWhy pickleball and padel can actually help tennis growThe future of padel in the United StatesHow social experiences are changing tennis clubsThe importance of grassroots access and youth developmentRunning professional tournaments and the business behind themThe future vision for Barnes Tennis Center and racket sports in San DiegoRyan also shares why he believes coexistence instead of competition is the future of racket sports.A great conversation for anyone building in the industry.👉 Listen now and follow for weekly insights on the business of racket sports.
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  Is Tennis Ready for Its Topgolf Era? | Tyler Kelly, Tennis Social CEO + Founder 11.05.2026 31min

  On this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, Ian sits down with Tennis Social founder and CEO Tyler Kelly to discuss how simulator technology could reshape the future of tennis and racket sports.Tyler shares the story behind Tennis Social, why tennis can be difficult for beginners to pick up, and how gamification could help make the sport more accessible, social and fun.The conversation also covers:Why tennis has been slower than golf to adopt simulator technologyThe similarities between Tennis Social and the Topgolf modelHow simulators can improve training and player developmentThe role of data, tracking and performance analyticsWhy racket sports need new ways to widen the participation funnelTennis Social’s upcoming rollout and simulator-based rating systemA great conversation on the intersection of technology, entertainment and the future growth of racket sports.
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  Building LA’s Premier Padel Club | Steve Shpilsky, Los Angeles Padel Club Founder 04.05.2026 46min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, Ian sits down with Steve Shpilsky, CEO and founder of Los Angeles Padel Club, to discuss what it takes to build LA’s first premier padel club. Steve shares how his background in hospitality, real estate, and hotel development shaped his vision for a club built around community, player development, networking, and a high-end hospitality experience.The conversation covers:What it actually takes to build a padel club in LA (permitting, zoning, and unexpected costs)How LA Padel Club is designed as a hospitality-driven experience, not just courtsWhy the biggest opportunity isn’t tennis players—it’s people who’ve never played a racket sportHow partnerships help build the local padel communityWhy the industry is still early and who will win as operators, not just buildersIf you’re interested in what it really takes to build a padel club in a top market, this episode is for you.
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  The Original Paddle Sport | Mitch Kutner, International POP Tennis President 27.04.2026 38min

  POP Tennis has been around for more than a century, but it’s now starting to find real momentum.In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, Ian sits down with Mitch Kutner, President of the International POP Tennis Association, to break down what POP Tennis actually is, why the sport rebranded from paddle tennis, and how it fits into today’s rapidly growing racket sports landscape.They also discuss:The history of POP Tennis and how it dates back to 1898Why the name change was critical for growth in the social media eraHow partnerships with organizations like Tennis Australia are accelerating global expansionThe role of recreational players in building a sustainable sportWhat success looks like for pop tennis over the next 5–10 yearsIf you’re interested in where racket sports are headed beyond just tennis/pickleball/padel, this is a conversation worth listening to.
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  Inside America’s Racket Club Empire 20.04.2026 42min

  This week, I sat down with Claude Okin (CEO and founder) and Joe Siegel (SVP and SMD) from SPORTIME, one of the largest racket sports club operators in the country.We go deep into what it actually takes to run a successful racket sports club today with an honest take on the challenges they are facing within the industry.🎾 What we cover:Why racquet sports have shifted from court rentals → programming & communityThe real challenges facing pickleball clubs right nowWhy kids (not adults) are the key to long-term successHow Sportime manages 20+ clubs and 300+ courtsThe future of tennis, pickleball, and padel in the U.S.Inside the growth of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and Johnny Mac Tennis ProjectYou won't want to miss the part about pickleball. The sport is booming, but the business model is still catching up.If you're building racket sports clubs or just want to understand where the industry is headed, this is a must-listen.👉 Listen now and follow for weekly insights on the business of racket sports.
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  Building the Padel Ecosystem in the U.S. | Racquet 360 CEO Emiliano Abramzon 13.04.2026 23min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, I sat down with Emiliano Abramzon, co-founder and CEO of Racquet 360, live from RacquetX.We talked about how Racquet 360 is taking a full-ecosystem approach to growing padel in the U.S., from events and clubs to leagues and retail, and why Emiliano believes the biggest opportunity is still ahead.We also got into the bigger picture around racket sports, including why multi-racquet venues matter, what’s holding padel back in the U.S., and how the industry can grow through collaboration rather than competition.Topics covered:Emiliano’s background as a serial entrepreneurWhy he made the bet on padel in the U.S.The rise of RacquetX and how it became a hub for the industryThe thinking behind Racquet 360’s ecosystem strategyThe biggest barriers to U.S. padel growthWhy club community and social connection matter so muchListen now for a smart conversation on where padel is headed and what it will take to unlock bigger growth in the U.S.
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  How Tennis Gear and Brand Storytelling are Evolving | Tim Newcomb, Forbes Contributor 06.04.2026 36min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, Ian Rapport sits down with tennis journalist Tim Newcomb to discuss the changing world of tennis gear, footwear, apparel, and media.Tim shares how he built his niche covering tennis equipment and sports aesthetics, what brands are standing out right now, why strings are often overlooked, and how tennis products are evolving to match the modern game.They also dive into what makes a tennis story worth covering, how brand partnerships can stand out, and what young brands need to do to break through in an increasingly crowded market.Topics discussed include:How tennis gear coverage has evolvedThe racket and footwear brands making an impactWhy players do not always need the latest racketWhat innovations could define the next era of tennis gearHow media and journalism in tennis are changingWhat brands need to do to earn coverageWhy authenticity matters in brand partnershipsTim’s experiences covering majors, players, and stadiumsListen now for an in-depth conversation on where tennis gear and storytelling are headed next.Follow Tim on IG at Felt Alley Tennis and Stadiums by Tim Newcomb to stay up on the latest.
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  How Tennis Australia Is Growing All Racket Sports (Not Fighting Them) | Callum Beale, Head of Game Expansion 30.03.2026 25min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, host Ian Rapport sits down with Callum Beale, Head of Game Expansion at Tennis Australia, to discuss how one of the sport’s leading governing bodies is embracing the rise of pickleball, padel, and other emerging racket sports.Rather than viewing these sports as competition, Tennis Australia is taking a different approach. It is using them to grow overall participation and bring more people into the racket sports ecosystem.We discuss:What “game expansion” actually meansWhy Tennis Australia is leaning into pickleball, padel, and pop tennisHow different racket sports attract different consumer audiencesThe rise of multi-sport “racket clubs”Why the biggest threat to tennis isn’t pickleball..it’s inactivityHow this model could shape the future of racket sports globallyThis conversation offers a fresh perspective on how collaboration—not competition—could define the next era of growth in racket sports.🎧 Listen now and follow for weekly insights on the business of racket sports.
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  Inside TYPTI: Steve Bellamy on Building the Next Big Sport 23.03.2026 27min

  In this week’s episode of Racket Sports Weekly, host Ian Rapport sits down with Tennis Channel founder and TYPTI creator Steve Bellamy to break down one of the most talked-about new sports in the racket sports industry.After more than 30 years developing the concept, Bellamy officially launched TYPTI, a short-court racket sport blending elements of tennis, badminton, and pickleball. Viral social clips, impressive equipment sales, and growing interest from investors and brands have quickly pushed the sport into the industry spotlight.In this conversation, Bellamy shares:The origin story behind TYPTI and why now was the right moment to launchHow the sport spread so quickly across social media and the racket sports ecosystemWhy building tournaments, rankings, and community infrastructure is the top priorityHis vision for brand partnerships in a “blank canvas” sportHow TYPTI can grow alongside tennis and pickleballWith early backing from high-profile investors including Drew Brees, Tony Robbins, and Tiffany Haddish, TYPTI is positioning itself as one of the most intriguing new developments in racket sports.If you want to understand where innovation in racket sports may be headed next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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  How the APP is Building Pickleball’s Future | Tom Webb, APP CMO 16.03.2026 42min

  Pickleball’s rapid growth has reshaped the racket sports landscape with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) at the center of that expansion.In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, host Ian Rapport talks with APP CMO Tom Webb about why pickleball’s growth is unlike any modern sport, and how accessibility, community, and global expansion are reshaping its landscape.Webb discusses:Why storytelling, inclusivity, and community are core to pickleball’s successInternational expansion across Asia, Europe, and beyondTennis vs pickleball narrativesWhat the future could hold for the APP and the sport globally🎧 Listen now to learn how pickleball is evolving from a pandemic boom sport into a global sports business powerhouse.
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  Growing Pickleball in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East | Adel Aref, TOPSERIES Pickleball CEO 09.03.2026 30min

  Pickleball’s global expansion is accelerating and ⁠TOPSERIES Pickleball⁠ wants to play a major role in shaping what comes next.In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, I sit down with Adel Aref, CEO of TOPSERIES Pickleball, a new premium pro and amateur tour focused on building a structured competitive ecosystem across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.Aref brings a unique background to the role. A former top-10 Tunisian tennis player and international tennis umpire, he later worked with Paris Saint-Germain, helped grow global sporting events, and served as Tour Director for Premier Padel.Now he’s applying that experience to pickleball.We discuss:• Why pickleball is reaching a global tipping point• The vision behind TOPSERIES Pickleball’s four-tier tour structure• Why Europe, Africa, and the Middle East are key growth markets• How the tour plans to combine sport, lifestyle, and entertainment• How celebrity investors and ambassadors could help grow the gameWith seven pro-level events planned in Cairo, Venice, Hamburg, London, Dubai, and Tunis, TOPSERIES aims to build a long-term platform for professional pickleball outside the United States.🎧 Listen now to learn how one of the sport’s newest tours is approaching global expansion and innovation.
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  Inside America’s Premium Padel Club | Santiago Gomez, Founder & CEO of Padel Haus 02.03.2026 26min

  On this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, we sit down with Santiago Gomez, Founder & CEO of Padel Haus, to talk about how he’s built the leading premium padel club. We discuss:• Why New York was the perfect launch city• The difference between “build it and they’ll come” and real community building• Why some padel clubs won’t survive long-term• Why design, location, and hospitality matter• The investment from AO Ventures and what it signals for global expansion• Where padel is heading nextIf you're interested in the business of padel, club development, or the future of racket sports infrastructure, this is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now 📍 Learn more: padel.haus📲 Instagram: @padelhaus
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  MGM Slam Player Interviews | Tommy Paul, Casper Ruud, João Fonseca & Lorenzo Musetti 25.02.2026 12min

  Leading up to the MGM Slam, we caught up with some of the top names in the game for a series of quick conversations.In this episode, hear directly from Tommy Paul, Casper Ruud, João Fonseca, and Lorenzo Musetti as they share their thoughts on the event.These are short interviews from the players, offering a glimpse into how players are thinking about the MGM Slam.The MGM Slam will take place at the T-Mobile Arena on March 1 at 7 pm ET.
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  Reimagining Pro Tennis with INTENNSE | Diego Schwartzman 23.02.2026 12min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, we sit down with former World No. 8 Diego Schwartzman to discuss his move into the business side of tennis as a partner in INTENNSE, a new team-based league rethinking how the sport is played and consumed.We get into why tennis may be due for innovative new approaches, what newer formats can unlock for fans and players, and how INTENNSE is creating new opportunities beyond the traditional ATP pathway.We also dive into:Why shorter, faster-paced formats may be key to engaging the next generationThe challenges facing players outside the top 200 and how new leagues can helpHow the INTENNSE draft and team model opens new pathways for emerging talentWhy former players are increasingly stepping into ownership and business rolesIf you’re interested in where tennis is headed next, this is a conversation worth listening to.🎧 Listen now and follow Racket Sports Weekly for more conversations at the intersection of racket sports, business, and innovation.
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  How Padel Is Built, Branded & Scaled in the U.S. | Ben Nichols (Padel 22) 16.02.2026 35min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, we sit down with Ben Nichols, Founder & CEO of Padel 22, to break down how padel is being built, branded, and taken mainstream in the U.S. and around the world.Ben shares his journey from Wimbledon, the ATP, and WADA to launching a global PR agency focused entirely on padel.The conversation covers:• How padel is being positioned to media and new audiences• Why the U.S. market is the biggest opportunity• The role of storytelling in scaling an emerging sport• What brands need to know before entering padelIf you’re interested in the business of racket sports, this is a must-listen.
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  Building the Future of Blind Tennis in the U.S. | USBTA President Interview 09.02.2026 35min

  In this episode of Racket Sports Weekly, we sit down with U.S. Blind Tennis Association President Murray Elbourn to explore how blind and low vision tennis is being built in the United States.A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of tennis, accessibility in sports, and how inclusive models can unlock entirely new communities of players.The episode also covers this week's headlines that you won't want to miss, including:- Padel in Pakistan and Indonesia- Australian Open viewership- Public school pickleball- And more!🎧 Listen now and follow Racket Sports Weekly for weekly coverage of the business, technology, and culture of racket sports.......Tags: tennis news, pickleball news, padel news, racket sports business
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  Rewriting the Pickleball Tournament Playbook with Pickleball Power Play 02.02.2026 42min

  This week on Racket Sports Weekly, we’re joined by Daniel Quinones and Jeff Contreras, co-founders of ⁠Pickleball Power Play to break down their new approach to pickleball tournaments that is catching on across the country (8:45).In this week’s headlines, we’ll cover:The global reach of padel’s Hexagon CupPickleball Kingdom’s expansion into the EUThe emergence of AI in fan experience at the 2026 Australian OpenWhether you’re a player, founder, club operator, investor, or industry insider, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the trends shaping the future of tennis, pickleball, padel, and beyond.🎧 Listen now and follow Racket Sports Weekly for weekly coverage of the business, technology, and culture of racket sports.......Tags: tennis news, pickleball news, padel news, racket sports business, Infosys, Hexagon Cup, Pickleball Power Play, Australian Open, Pickleball Kingdom
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  Derek Jeter x Padel, New Pickleball Tour + Pura Padel CEO Interview 26.01.2026 33min

  This week on Racket Sports Weekly, we share our biggest news yet with the official launch of racketsportsweekly.com. We’re also joined by Alessandro Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Pura Padel, for an in-depth conversation on building a padel club in Los Angeles and what the sport needs to truly break through in the U.S.In this episode:Alessandro Bennett on opening a padel club in LA, attracting new members, and what padel needs to reach the massesAO Ventures invests in Padel Haus, signaling growing institutional interest in padelDerek Jeter captains a Reserve Cup teamA new global pickleball tour is on the horizonAnd more stories driving the money, media, and momentum behind racket sportsWhether you’re a player, founder, club operator, investor, or industry insider, this episode delivers a front-row seat to the trends shaping the future of tennis, pickleball, padel, and beyond.🎧 Listen now and follow Racket Sports Weekly for weekly coverage of the business, technology, and culture of racket sports.......Tags: tennis news, pickleball news, padel news, racket sports business, AO Ventures, Derek Jeter, Reserve Cup, Padel Haus, Pura Padel, Australian Open, sports media