Christina McHale on Alcaraz's Return, The Race To The US Open and Putting The Finishing Touches On Her Career
The Inside-In Tennis PodcastShow Notes
Former WTA Top 25 player Christina McHale joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about the pro game, and how she was able to end her career on her own terms. McHale explains why she decided to make one final tennis push, and what she learned from her return to the court. The 2012 Olympian also dives into the depth on the WTA, and explains why Iva Jovic impressed her firsthand when they practiced together.
McHale dives into topics such as Carlos Alcaraz's return from the same injury she had, and explains what that rehab process is really like. She also recaps the titles won by Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Barbora Krejcikova this past weekend, and explains why Maria Sakkari's run to the finals in Athens was very special. And McHale reacts to all the recent tennis weddings before setting her sights on the race to the US Open. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More from The Inside-In Tennis Podcast
CiCi Bellis joins the podcast for a wide-ranging chat about her life after tennis, how she came to terms with the end of her playing career, and transitioned to a successful position in the venture capital world. Bellis discusses everything from the business of sports, the grueling tennis schedule, and her role as a board member on the USTA. The former Top 40 player also recaps the career-defining wins by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in Shanghai and Maja Chwalinska in Wuhan.
Christopher Clarey joins the podcast for a great conversation about what's going on in the world of pro tennis. Clarey recaps Qinwen Zheng's big title in Beijing, and reflects on a few outbursts and controversies during the Asian Swing. The journalist also dives into Carlos Alcaraz's quest to return to the top of the sport, Alexander Zverev as a the year-end No. 1, and Ben Shelton's potential to keep growing.
Rachel Stuhlmann joins the podcast to discuss her path to becoming the No. 1 influencer in tennis, and how she tries to put a spotlight on game at all levels. Stuhlmann reflects on how a gig in Bulgaria at the Sofia Open was the jumping off point for her career, and how the game continues to grow with more brand partnerships than ever before. The former Mizzou college tennis player discusses her 2026 US Open experience that featured an influx of influencers, and recounted watching Ben Shelton make his career breakthrough after notching a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz.
Monica Puig joins the podcast to discuss a wide range of topics in the tennis world, which proved in the past week that there is no shortage of drama and breaking news. Puig recaps Novak Djokovic's title-run in Beijing, and analyzes how the 24-time major champion can carry this into 2027. The 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist also reacts to Jannik Sinner's decision to end his 2026 season, and dives into Carlos Alcaraz's Tokyo triumph and his ability to enjoy the process.
Scott Sheffield joins the podcast for a conversation about his path from successful oil businessman to philanthropist and tennis enthusiast who is actively growing the game. Sheffield discusses his philanthropical efforts with the New Mexico First Serve Foundation, and their newly minted "Forked Lightning Racquet Club" that was just honored as the USTA's Feature Facility of the Year. On October 17th, First Serve New Mexico will host it's second gala that will feature legends of the sport such as Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova playing, connecting, and supporting local youth in the tennis community. Sheffield explains what is on tap for this event, why the game means so much to his family. and why he's still a dedicated player himself. Hosted by Mitch Michals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.