In this weeks edition of The First Serve, host Brett Phillips previews the US Open and follows on from the last two shows, discussing the structure of tennis in Australia and the disenchantment of Tennis Australia from within the grassroots community.
Tennis journalist Blair Henley, who's on the ground at Flushing Meadows joined the show to provide an insight on this years US Open.
"It is surreal, I think that's the first word I would use to describe it. It's certainly easier to get around. I think the players have enjoyed having extra space, but once you're here for a few days, you miss what this tournament is known for - the energy, the feel of it, I mean we have a grand slam starting tomorrow and you don't have the same feel, even as a journalist I feel like I sometimes have butterflies as you see more and more fans on the ground, it's just not quite the same. That said, I think the USTA has done as good of a job as possible, in making this as safe as possible. This was no small task, I think they've done as well as they could given the circumstances and I think the players feel very comfortable which is I think key to making this happen," Henley said.
The last fortnight, we have certainly put some focus on the grassroots and pathway here in Australia and we will continue to do so. In last nights edition of the show, host Brett Phillips continued the discussion, discussing opinions of those at the coalface of tennis in Australia.
Sam Stosur's former coach David Taylor joined the show to provide an insight on his current coaching status and his new role working alongside Brent Larkham at Tennis Australia.
"I've obviously had a long relationship with Australian tennis, but having lived overseas for so long, I ended up working outside the system also for a long time. I've worked in an academy environment, a federation environment and a private environment and that's pretty much the three pathways to develop mental success in tennis. Lately mostly just on the WTA tour, but actually I've known Brent (Larkham) probably since 12 and unders, thats a long relationship and we actually worked together when Craig Tiley came on board, back now around 2008. So we have a history there. We were based out of the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra and that's when I started coaching Sam Stosur, who was starting a comeback at the time. So I've definitely had some memories working with Brent and I definitely think he's the right guy heading up the program," Taylor said.
To listen into the full episode, including our chat with Blair Henley and David Taylor, as well a continued in depth discussion about the state of tennis at grass roots level in Australia, tune into the full edition of the show! Listen in below on your preferred podcast platform by clicking their icon!