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 TourFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

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

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

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

In this on-site special episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Taylor Fritz, Jenson Brooksby, Daniel Altmaier and Rajeev Ram in Eastbourne to hear their stories in the game.The guests reflect on defining moments from their careers, from chasing Wimbledon success to breakthrough runs at majors, while also offering rare behind-the-scenes insight into life on Tour. They discuss training with rising star Joao Fonseca, supporting Alexander Zverev after his Roland Garros title, and facing icons like Novak Djokovic at the US Open.Rajeev Ram also shares insight into reuniting with long-time partner Joe Salisbury, lifting major titles, and the responsibility of mentoring the next generation.The players also open up on the realities of life in the sport, breaking down how practice sessions are scheduled at events, how players and teams operate in the player areas, and what a typical matchday actually looks like from arrival to departure.🚨 Stay tuned for another special guest from the tennis world on Wednesday 8 July. Subscribe now. 📲🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this third on-site episode from the Lexus Ilkley Open, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with a range of Top 150 players competing during the grass-court season, bringing together stories from behind the scenes of the tennis world as the road to Wimbledon continues.Featuring Darwin Blanch, Lulu Sun, Viktorija Golubic, Arthur Gea, Dane Sweeny, Harmony Tan and August Holmgren, the episode explores the journeys, experiences and moments that shape life on Tour.The guests reflect on memorable Wimbledon runs, breakthrough moments at Grand Slams and what it is like competing on some of the biggest stages in tennis. Along the way, they share stories involving some of the sport’s biggest names, including Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, while also discussing career-defining matches, favourite practice partners and the unseen realities of life on Tour that fans rarely get to hear about.In the first Ilkley special, Sam and Jerome spoke to the people who help bring the tournament to life in Ilkley, including tournament director Rik Smith and broadcaster Abigail Johnson. In the second Ilkley special, they chatted with the British players ahead of Wimbledon. Both episodes are live in the feed.🚨 Stay tuned for a special episode from Eastbourne on Wednesday 1 July, featuring Taylor Fritz. Subscribe now. 📲🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this second on-site episode from the Lexus Ilkley Open, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with a range of British players competing during the grass-court season as the countdown to Wimbledon continues.Featuring conversations with Jack Pinnington Jones, Charlie Broom, Paul Jubb, Toby Samuel, Oliver Crawford and physio Sam Carter, the episode explores the realities of life at ATP Challenger level, the importance of the college tennis pathway and what it takes to build a career in professional tennis.The guests reflect on memorable Wimbledon experiences, breakthrough moments on the ATP Tour and the challenges of climbing the rankings. Along the way, they share stories involving some of the biggest names in the sport, including Stan Wawrinka, Jack Draper, Nick Kyrgios and Taylor Fritz, while also discussing their love of the grass-court season and the unique opportunities it presents.In the previous episode, Sam and Jerome spoke to the people who help bring the tournament to life in Ilkley, including tournament director Rik Smith and broadcaster Abigail Johnson. Part two of the Ilkley player special will go live on Wednesday 24 June, featuring interviews with Harmony Tan, Lulu Sun, Darwin Blanch and many more.🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this special on-site episode of Tales from Tennis, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe head to the Lexus Ilkley Open to uncover what it really takes to run a professional tennis tournament.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.🎙️ Our background episode & our special in-focus 20th episode are live in this feed if you’d like to learn more about who we are and why we created Tales from Tennis.Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this episode, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe sit down with Alex Hyman to discuss his journey from competitive tennis player to working across some of the biggest events and stories in the sport.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.🎙️ Our 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.🚨 Stay tuned for another special guest from the tennis world on Wednesday 10 June. Subscribe now. 📲Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisView Alex's company Aliko Sports: https://www.alikosports.com/The podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.

In this 20th episode of Tales from Tennis, Sam Jacot and Jerome Coombe turn the microphones on themselves to share the stories behind the podcast and how they ended up covering tennis full time.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.🚨 Stay tuned for another special guest from the tennis world on Wednesday 3 June. Subscribe now. 📲Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talesfromtennis/X: https://x.com/TalesFromTennisWatch highlights and analysis from across the tennis world at The Tennis Pass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTennisPassThe podcast is independently produced and not affiliated with or endorsed by the ATP.