The Mini-Break [Tennis Podcast]

Bounces Author and No Challenges Remaining Host Ben Rothenberg joins Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin to breakdown the biggest WTA and ATP Tour storylines of the 2026 season's homestretch. Episode Notes WTA Finals Race (Alex WTA #1) - 8:10 How will things go in Indian Wells/Charlotte (Ben WTA #1) - 16:30 How much of Alcaraz/Sinner do we see (Ben ATP #1) - 27:00 Does anyone want to make the Men's Tour Finals (Alex ATP #1) - 35:10 Was the Qinwen US Open run real (Alex WTA #2) - 43:45 Will Gauff stay on track (Ben WTA #2) - 50:30 How will the Americans do in Davis/BJK Cups (Ben ATP #2) - 55:15 Do any of Jodar/Fonseca/Mensik/Tien/Michelsen/Blockx pop (Alex ATP #2) - 1:00:15 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin shares his post-US Open ATP Top 10 Rankings. He breaks down the difficulty of organizing #5-#10 in the rankings, offers his thoughts on the 2026 season of each of his Top 10 men to date, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes 2026 Big Picture - 3:25 #1 Jannik Sinner - 9:30 #2 Carlos Alcaraz - 16:00 #3 Alex Zverev - 19:10 #4 Ben Shelton - 22:50 #5 Novak Djokovic - 28:50 #6 Arthur Fils - 33:55 #7 Frances Tiafoe - 38:45 #8 Rafa Jodar - 45:35 #9 Taylor Fritz - 50:25 #10 Tommy Paul + Honorable Mention - 55:25 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin shares his post-US Open WTA Top 10 Rankings. He breaks down Rybakina's ascent to World #1, offers his thoughts on the 2026 season of each of his Top 10 women to date, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes #1 Elena Rybakina - 3:40 #2 Aryna Sabalenka - 10:27 #3 Coco Gauff - 16:50 #4 Mirra Andreeva - 23:00 #5 Jessica Pegula - 29:35 #6 Linda Noskova - 33:55 #7 Marta Kostyuk - 37:25 #8 Iga Swiatek - 40:40 #9 Elina Svitolina - 43:50 #10 Karolina Muchova + Honorable Mention - 46:20 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin plays a post-US Open ATP edition of "Stock up, Stock down". He breaks down the players who did the most to change the perception of themselves with their results in New York. Players covered include the American Men, the original #NextGenATP generation, Alexander Blockx, plus SO many more!! Episode Notes Stock Up: The Americans - 3:35 Stock Down: Taylor Fritz + Alex De Minaur - 16:05 Stock Down: Daniil Medvedev + Andrey Rublev + Casper Ruud - 22:05 Stock Up: Stefanos Tsitsipas + Karen Khachanov - 28:55 Stock Up: Alexander Blockx + Daniel Merida - 32:10 Stock Down: Players #5-#8 in the rankings - 38:25 Stock Up: Opportunity for the #NextGen2.0 - 40:20 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin plays a post-US Open WTA edition of "Stock up, Stock down". He breaks down the players who did the most to change the perception of themselves with their results in New York. Players covered include Linda Noskova, Zheng Qinwen, the U23 Crew, plus SO many more!! Episode Notes Stock Up: Linda Noskova - 4:10 Stock Down: Amanda Anisimova - 15:15 Stock Up: Qinwen Zheng - 22:25 Stock Up: The U23 crew - 28:10 Stock Down: Sabalenka/Pegula/Svitolina - 32:25 Stock Up: Kostyuk/Potapova - 39:30 Stock Down: Osaka/Keys - 42:50 Stock Up: The next five years - 47:10 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Championship Weekend at the 2026 US Open. He breaks down the relentless aggression that carried Elena Rybakina to a first US Open title. He also offers his thoughts on the pivotal second set tiebreak that allowed Zverev to separate from Shelton, where things stand in the Race to the Tour Finals, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Rybakina knocks off Sabalenka - 7:40 Quick look at the WTA Race - 28:35 Zverev takes out Shelton - 35:20 Quick look at the ATP Race - 56:40 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 12 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down a dominant serving performance from Aryna Sabalenka. He also recap Rybakina's victory over Gauff, offers his first thoughts on the Women's Final + Final thoughts on Friday's Men's Singles Semifinals, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Sabalenka/Pegula - 3:30 Rybakina/Gauff - 13:00 Women's Final Preview - 19:05 Final Men's SF thoughts - 23:55 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 9 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down exceptional performances from Qinwen Zheng and Alexander Blockx. He also power ranks all eight Singles Quarterfinal battles, names his top contenders entering the homestretch, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes The Race for WTA #1 - 2:20 Rybakina/Qinwen - 15:00 Gauff/Andreeva - 25:15 Khachanov/Blockx - 36:00 Zverev/BVDZ - 41:35 SF Power Rankings - 44:35 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 9 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down exceptional performances from Qinwen Zheng and Alexander Blockx. He also power ranks all eight Singles Quarterfinal battles, names his top contenders entering the homestretch, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Shelton/Alcaraz - 4:45 Sabalenka/Noskova - 23:10 Tiafoe/Michelsen - 31:20 Pegula/Navarro - 39:35 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 9 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down exceptional performances from Qinwen Zheng and Alexander Blockx. He also power ranks all eight Singles Quarterfinal battles, names his top contenders entering the homestretch, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Stats entering the QFs - 2:05 Top Performer: Qinwen Zheng - 12:50 Top Performer: Alexander Blockx - 25:50 Upsets - 34:20 Going the Distance - 40:10 Other Women's Results - 47:50 Other Men's Results - 50:55 The Americans - 51:50 Players w/College Ties - 52:45 QF Match Power Rankings - 53:05 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 8 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down peak performances from Linda Noskova and Frances Tiafoe. He also offers his thoughts on a steady day for Sabalenka and Alcaraz, the continued excellence of the Americans, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Top Performer: Frances Tiafoe - 4:20 Top Performer: Linda Noskova - 13:25 Upsets - 20:15 Other Women's Results - 26:05 Other Men's Results - 30:40 The Americans - 34:00 Players w/College Ties - 35:20 Tomorrow's H2H numbers - 35:45 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 7 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down a hectic day of action for fans of American Tennis, examining the performances of Keys, Fritz, Jovic, and others. He also offers a Power Ranking of his favorite R4 matches, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: American Women take center stage (Keys, Jovic, Anisimova) - 4:05 Storyline #2: American Men take center stage (Fritz, Tien) - 24:15 Upsets - 36:45 Going the Distance - 42:25 Other Women's Results - 45:45 Other Men's Results - 50:10 The Americans - 50:50 Players w/College Ties - 52:10 R4 Match Power Rankings - 52:40 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 6 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down the first two big upsets of the Women's Singles draw. He also offers his thoughts on an ascending Carlos Alcaraz, previews a LOADED Day 7 of action, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: Two Top 10 Women's Seeds Fall - 4:10 Storyline #2: Can anyone truly threaten Alcaraz - 13:20 Upsets - 20:05 Going the Distance - 24:05 Other Women's Results - 26:55 Other Men's Results - 30:00 Day 7's Best Matches - 32:45 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 5 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down more deciding set success for the Women's Singles Seeds in R2. He also offers his thoughts on the wide open Men's Singles field, previews a LOADED Day 6 of action, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: The Women's Seeds go 9-1 in R2 deciding sets - 3:55 Storyline #2: Two more Men's Top 10 seeds fall - 14:05 Upsets - 19:05 Going the Distance - 23:10 Other Women's Results - 26:10 Other Men's Results - 30:00 The Americans - 36:35 Players w/College Ties - 38:25 Day 6's Best Matches - 39:15 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 4 of the 2026 US Open. He breaks down the stunning upset of Rafa Jodar. He also previews a LOADED R3 in the Women's Singles Draw, names his top performers from Wednesday's action, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: Jodar blitzed - 2:25 Storyline #2: Will be a LOADED Women's R3 - 14:45 Upsets - 24:45 Other Men's Results - 32:00 The Americans - 37:10 Players w/College Ties - 38:55 Day 5's Best Matches - 39:50 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 3 of the 2026 US Open. He offers his thoughts on the evening's five set battle between Zverev and Sonego. He also breaks down an impressive opening round for the Women's title contenders, shares his thoughts on the performance of the Americans, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: Zverev/Sonego - 4:45 Storyline #2: All the Top Women's Contenders reach R2 - 12:30 Upsets - 25:35 Going the Distance - 27:05 Other Women's Results - 30:05 Other Men's Results - 32:10 The Americans - 34:20 Players w/College Ties - 36:50 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 2 of the 2026 US Open. He offers his thoughts on a sensational Tsitsipas performance to upset Fils. He also breaks down the day's most impressive performances, previews Day 3's most intriguing matches, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: A moment for Tsitsipas - 4:40 Storyline #2: Monday's Top Performers - 13:05 Upsets - 21:25 Going the Distance - 24:20 Other Women's Results - 30:10 Other Men's Results - 32:35 The Americans - 35:55 Players w/College Ties - 38:05 Day 3's Best Matches - 39:20 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 1 of the 2026 US Open. He offers his thoughts on Navone's shocking opening round upset of Djokovic. He also breaks down his most impressive performances of the day, looks at the results of the Americans/players with college ties, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Storyline #1: Djokovic falls - 2:15 Storyline #2: A few IMPRESSIVE starts - 19:05 Storyline #3: Toby Samuel - 31:20 Going the Distance - 36:30 Other Women's Results - 39:25 Other Men's Results - 41:40 The Americans - 43:05 Players w/College Ties - 44:45 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin previews the 2026 US Open Men's Singles Draw. He breaks down each quarter of the draw, naming his dangerous floaters and favorite first round matches. He also offers his tournament predictions, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Zverev Quarter - 4:00 FAA Quarter - 13:25 Djokovic Quarter - 20:00 Alcaraz Quarter - 26:20 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin previews the 2026 US Open Women's Singles Draw. He breaks down each quarter of the draw, naming his dangerous floaters and favorite first round matches. He also offers his tournament predictions, plus SO much more!! Episode Notes Sabalenka Quarter - 3:15 Pegula Quarter - 12:45 Gauff Quarter - 20:45 Rybakina Quarter - 26:50 Laurel Springs Ranked among the best online private schools in the United States , Laurel Springs stands out when it comes to support, personalization, community, and college prep. They give their K-12 students the resources, guidance, and learning opportunities they need at each grade level to reach their full potential. Find Cracked Racquets Website: https://www.crackedracquets.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/crackedracquets Twitter: https://twitter.com/crackedracquets Facebook: https://Facebook.com/crackedracquets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/crackedracquets Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.