Joel Drucker on Nadal's Coaching Foray, Djokovic's 2026 Schedule, The Alcaraz/Sinner Rivalry and His New Endeavor at TennisPlayer.Net

Joel Drucker joins the podcast to discuss a wide-range of pro tennis topics and storylines, as the calendar switches to the red clay. Drucker gives his thoughts on Rafael Nadal's decision to work with Iga Swiatek, and examines why former some elite level players decide to enter the coaching world. The esteemed journalist also discusses the two rivalries at the top of the sport, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz still awaiting their first encounter in 2026, while Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina continue to play extraordinary matches against one another. Drucker dives into a wide range of topics including a prediction of what Novak Djokovic's schedule might look like in 2026, and why Alexandra Eala's popularity is unlike anything he has seen in quite some time. The writer also discusses the challenges Americans face on clay courts, several players he enjoys watching, and his newest venture as editor of the innovative instructional website Tennisplayer.net. And you can receive an exclusive 15% discount with the promo code "inside-in15" on a yearly subscription at Tennisplayer.net, a deal too good to pass up. 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.