15th Seed Tennis Podcast

15th seed.Pleased to say that have achieved the goal of recording the 15th seed's 2024 tennis season via this podcast.Trust the listener found it interesting and gave some insight as to life on professional tennis tour.In this episode look back at the highlights and the low lights and self assess the year.And for the last time ........................ "thank you ball people, thank you Hawkeye".15the seed

15th seedLast tournament of the year.And a final with a big scalp on the way.Reassurance that can play at the highest level.15th seed

15th seedThis is what play tennis for.To test yourself against the best and one day it will happen - a win against one of the stars of the game.Great satisfaction.15th seed

15th seedLast tournament of the year.Chance to avenge a defeat in the US Open and atone for the year.Indoors and Paris for the third time this year.15th seed

15th seedSecond last tournament for the year in Vienna.Good first round, but challenged in the second.Lose a high quality match against a quality opponent.Off to Paris - to hopefully finish the year in style.Comments & questions to "[email protected]"15th seed

15th SeedThe last two weeks in China have not been successful.Will need to regroup and seek to finish the year strongly.The last two tournaments will largely dictate the success of the year. 15th seed

15th SeedFirst of two tournaments in Chins.Such a cultural change from the rest of the year.ATP 500 event with Sinner, Alcaraz & Medvedev in attendance.15th seed up against a young local player.15th seed

15th seedUS Open.Great preparation, Good lead up tournaments. Week of to acclimatise.Tough first round opponent. The realities of life on tour.Rethink the rest of the years schedule.15th seed

15th seedIn New York, and ready to go in the US Open.Good preparation, lots of practice and enjoy Grand slams.The big news is the announcement of a positive drug test for the number one player in the world. The reading was from March. Jannik Sinner was cleared. The test was only made public this week. Much debate.The draw is out & discussed.15th seed

15th seedHuge day for the 15th seed.An ATP Masters 100 semi final.Could be season defining.The match, the outcome, the effect & Ramifications.15th seed

15th seed18 August 2024.Cincinatti Ohio USA Favoured with the draw and timing.One player coming off a huge win.The other a huge controversy.Sometimes the luck of the draw is the luck of the draw.15th seed

15th seedATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati Ohio USA on the hard courts.Two solid wins to open the account.Draw may have opened up with a high seed in the relevant section of the draw, losing.15the seed

15th seedThe good first up match against a quality opponent. The new game plan has some success.But when measured against the elite is still "wanting".Some promising signs. Good start to the hard court season.15th seed

15th SeedAn unbelievable experience to participate in the Olympic Games 2024.To mix with other athletes from other nations is a privilege.Staying in the Athletes Village may not assist preparation but is an experience not to be missed.Paris was showcased. Tennis was outstanding (& meaningful).The Olympics were a great success.Has reinvigorated the 15th seed and confirmed the love of all sports.15th seed

15th seedThis episode is slightly out of order.It is the final review of Wimbledon.Made 4th round which is good. Lost in straights sets, which is less good.Ordinarily this would be the start of a long mid season break, but this year have the Olympic Games to come before the North America hard court season.Would be now that would do the mid season wrap - but this has already been recorded as Ep 38.the 15th seed

15th seedAfter Wimbledon, take time to assess the season to date.The good, the bad and the indifferent.Indifferent may be the club house leader.Then the focus becomes ....... what is necessary to finish the year strongly.These are the matters for discussion in today's podcast.Thank you ball people, thank you HawkeyeThe 15th seed

15th seedTwo sets to love down and facing an early exit ...............Share the story of the match against a French qualifier, played with weather interruptions. Wimbledon, the third and most recognised tournament on the tennis calendar.The 15th seed

15th seed Wimbledon Saturday 6 July 2024.At the most famous & prestigious tournament of the years am favoured by the draw and have made it through to the third round, dropping one set. Will get harder from here and have Djokovic in the same section of the draw. The weather is ....... British and matches have been delayed. Main thing is .... am still alive in the tournament.Thank you Ball people, thanks you Hawkeye.The 15th seed

15th seed28 June. London.Wimbledon draw is announced.Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray have both had recent surgeries. Uncertain if will play.A tournament steeped in history & tradition. Courts looking immaculate.Can't wait for the tournament to begin.The 15th seed.

15th seedTime at Queens Club is short lived.Means less matches on the grass and a wait before Wimbledon starts.As to the match, the lack of focus and inability to forget the second set and move on - was costly.Best to haver this reminder now and not at Wimbledon.The 15th seed

15th seed.Have arrived in England for the start of the grass court season.Some time off to mentally recharge.Rest, read (with recommendation) & prepare.Then practice to be ready for the first round ....... against an "Aussie"The 15th seed

15th seed The 15th seed exists the French Open 2024.Not competitive.Gives his predictions for the balance of the tournament. Gets to meet an idol - Cedric Pioline.The clay seasons concludes.The 15th seed

15th seed At Roland Garos.After rain interruptions, am into the third round.Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti have played one of the great matches of the year - but finishing at the ridiculous time of 3.00am. Curfews are required.Join my journey in 2024 in the professional tennis tour.The 15th seed

15th seed looks back at his Geneva performance and recent French Open results to give some confidence for the week ahead.Second Grand Slam of the year in Paris on the clay.The draw is out and to play a local favourite and clay court specialist. A challenge.Sinner and Alcaraz are both on the same side of the draw.Good feedback & comments on the recent podcast where ranked top 10 male singles players in the modern era. For those who wish to add to the debate - you may state your top 10 and reasons per email address "[email protected]"The 15th seed

The 15th seed seeks to rank the top mens singles players of the modern era.It is for discussion purposes as the 15th seed doesn't claim any special expertise and in fact invites the views (and rationale) of others.Is there too much of a "recency" bias?Why are there no French, German, Sth American or Scandinavian players?Expecting there to be a strong defence of Rod Laver.If you wish to contribute to the debate then feel free to email your thoughts to "[email protected]"Trust enjoyed the episode.Thank you ball people, Thank you Hawkeye.15th Seed

15th seedLate decision to add Geneva to the tournament schedule. Going against the strategy of not playing tournaments in the week before a Grand Slam.Felt more important to have matches under the belt.Have played and won first up.Am asked, what is the biggest problem facing tennis today and think the answer may surprise.15th seed

15th seedThe life of a professional athlete can be challenging.A first match loss means few ATP ranking points, little prize money and not matches under the belt in the lead up to a Grand Slam event.There are players who excel on certain surfaces. Clay in particular. Rankings are not particularly relevant when meeting an opponent on that preferred surface. This was the case.There is the need to be flexible. As a result of the loss, the tournament schedule is altered. Now off to Geneva which had not been in the plans. There is a need to play more matches.The 15th seed

15th seedIn Rome feeling poorly.Rest prescribed and am off the court in the lead up.With a bye first round should be ready to go when my first match is scheduled.With the prospect of medication need to be aware of the (appropriate & necessary) WADA rules. Touch on drug testing & the need to advise of your whereabouts during the year.Until the first round, thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.the 15th seed

15th seedWins as many games, more points, one service break each ........ & lose!These are the fine margins that can impact a year, rankings & of course prize money. This is a match that got away .............. One more tournament on clay before the next Grand Slam event at Roland Garros.Needs to be a good one.So off to Rome, to get used to the heat and the court.Until then .... thank you balls people, thank you Hawkeye.the 15th seed

15th seed22 April 2024 Madrid, Spain.On the eve of a Masters 1000 event which boasts both Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz plus the return of five times winner Raffa Nadal.We answer the question of the pace of the various clay surfaces in Europe, start thinking of the distribution of prize money in tennis before looking at the draw.A bye first round so uncertain at this time as to whom will be playing.It is a time of the year that look forward to and am in a wonderful city ..... with the courts at the "la Casa Magic" sports complex in the Spanish capital.Until the first match ...... thank you ball people, thank you Hawkeye.the 15th seed.

15th seedJust been given a clay court tennis lesson by Stefanos Tsitsipas.Straight set loss.Horses for courses, and certain players for certain surfaces.The slow clay courts of Monte Carlo suit Stefanos perfectly and he has made the most of it. Not sure whether he can win the tournament as most likely would have to play Novak Djokovic if he get past Jannik Sinner - but would not discount. Will watch his progress with interest.Overall satisfied with the tournament. 200 ATP points the reward.Until Madrid - thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th seed

15th seedThe first clay court tournament for the year.Monte Carlo no less. Spectacular venue Had a first round victory. In this episode play a South American clay court specialist and after a good win, sets up a match against a top ten player.Need to compete with players of this standard if to maintain or advance the 15th seed ranking.Thank you for coming on the journey of the 15th seed throughout the 2024 tennis calendar.Thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th seed

Players ready, play ..............At Monte Carlo, the first clay court tournament of the 2024 season for the 15th Seed.First match under the belt. A successful outcome but with a challenging draw ahead with most of the best players in attendance. And why not. A Masters 1000 event in a superb location.The 15th Seed expands on the assessment of Nick Kyrgios from the last podcast as a result of feedback.If you wish to join the debate, feel free to do so by email to "[email protected]". Until the next round ....... thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th Seed

Players ready ......... play.On today's episode, have arrived at Monte Carlo for the start of the clay court season.Start of the second part of the year.Whilst not a favourite surface for results, do enjoy Europe and feel fit & ready to perform.Answer the question of podcast listener Phil A who asks ........ if Nick Kyrgios was to stop his playing career now, where would he rank amongst all time Australian tennis players?.The 15th seed has expressed a view. Would be interested in your thoughts & comments.Welcome comments to "[email protected]"Until the tournament starts.Thanks you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th Seed

28 March 2024 Into the fourth round at Miami and full of expectation against a top ten player.That was short lived.The gulf between the top ten and others was evident.Overall a solid tournament and one that was much needed. But still more work to be done. The end of the early US hard Court season. Now off to Europe and the clay.The 15th seed

March 2024 Miami ATP 1000After a bye in the first round, have succeeded in winning two rounds. The second match by the highest of margins.A third set tie break that could help define the year.Feeling satisfied, but a top ten player to come. Need to refocus.A tournament of upsets to date, but the big stars are still in.Thanks for following the ups & downs of life on the tour. Trust you are enjoying the 15th seed's diary of events.The 15th seed

March 2024 Miami USAOn the eve of the tournament, the draw is announced.Have prepared for this tournament as a season defining event.There is expectation. There is a degree of trepidation.The 15th seed

17 March 2024 Miami USAATP 1000Prepared like never before. This is a pivotal tournament.The time on the court, in the gym, running and mental preparation are all covered.this may well be a season defining tournament. And the listeners question ....... are there players whose conduct or antics put you off.Thanks for your company.The 15th seed

March 2024 Indian Wells, California, USA.First match defeat.Recriminations & ramifications.The thoughts of a beaten athlete.The worth of "byes" ......... or not.The 15th seed

4 March 2024Awaiting the outcome of the first round to see who will play at Indian Wells.Need to get back on the winning track so an important event.Especially as it an ATP Masters 1000 tournament with a strong field.Weather is problematic so uncertain if the tournament will start on time.Answer Kim's question of .............with whom do I travel.thanks for your interest.The 15th seed

February 2024 15th SeedAnother early exit and disappointing performance.No excuses, as to opponent was far too good, but recrimination.Not a performance of a top 20 player. Need to learn to "win ugly" if that is what it takes.The insight, the explanation, the mindset is revealed.The 15th Seed

Acapulco Mexico February 2024Despite recent climate issues & concerns the ATP Master 500 event at Acapulco will go ahead.Great credit to the locals.Strong tournament. Looking forward to it. Provides a great opportunity for any player aspiring to a top 10 ranking.,Carlos Alcaraz is out with a hamstring concern but is still great depth in the field.Podcast listener, Rachael asks whether the 15th seed is inspired by Novak Djokovic and would consider a plant based diet .............. and she may be surprised by the 15th seeds response.Few days out from the tournament. High hopes.Until the first match ..... thank you ball persons, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th Seed

17 February 2024Devastating semi final defeat at Delray Beach, Florida.What does it mean and where to from here. The thoughts & insights as to the mindset of the 15th seed after a humbling loss.Concern as to the next tournament in Acapulco where there was a significant earth quake this day. Just adds to the uncertainties of life on the tour.Glad to have your interest and supportThe 15th seed

February 2024The 15th seed is in Florida for the Delray Beach tournament.It is the evening of the second of two good wins (after a bye) and which sets up a match against the second seed. Here is the 15th seed's self assessment.And thanks to a suggestion by listener Rachael, the Podcast sign off has been amended to be "non gender / non binary" which is more appropriate for this day & age.so for the first time "Thank you Ball persons, thank you Hawkeye"The 15th Seed

February 2024The start of the US hard Court swing.At Delray Beach Florida for the ATP tournament starting this week. The week of the Super Bowl.Answer the question of ..... who will be this years "up & comers"Thanks for taking an interest in the life of a tennis player on tour in 2024.The 15th Seed

January 2024 Melbourne Australia for the Australian Open.After two strong wins then take on 23 yr old Czech Tomas Machac before a 4th round clash with Italian superstar, Jannik Sinner.Opportunity for the 15th seed to measure himself against the very best.Pleasing tournament and leave knowing there is still much to work on.Thanks for your company on the tennis journey in 2024. Early day, but an encouraging start to the year after the Brisbane hiccup.Tank you ball boys, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th Seed.

January 2024.The first Grand is underway in Melbourne Australia.Two wins is an excellent start and builds confidence. Here is the review - so far.Had to work hard in both matches and are clearly parts of the game that needs work.The listener question is whether the 15th seed watches the match involving the next round opponent. Until we know who that player will be ....... thank you for listening and as always ....... thank you ball boys, thank you Hawkeye.The 15th Seed

January 2024 Melbourne Australia The 15th seed tennis podcast is the record of the 15th seed's journey in the 2024 tennis season. This week am at Melbourne Australia, the location of the first “Grand Slam” tournament of the year. The draw is now out. 128 players. 32 seeds. What does it look like for the 15th seed ?Tough first round and same section of the draw as the “hottest” player on tour at present. The listeners question. “Should there be a “Slam” event this early in the year. Pleased to have your company. And as always ........ “Thank you balls boys, thank you Hawkeye” .... “The 15th seed”

January 2024 Melbourne, Australia. The fifteenth seed podcast records the insights of life on the tour. After a disappointing first tournament in Brisbane, the 15th seed travels to Melbourne Australia to prepare for the Australian Open. The Australian Open being the first of the Grand Slam tournaments (one of four major tennis events of the year). The practice sessions, preparation and thoughts. The “coaches panel” experience. Still waiting for the draw to be announced, so it is about the lead up to the tournament. As always ........” thank you ball boys, thank you Hawkeye” ........” the 15th Seed”.

05.01.2024 The 15th seed tennis podcast is a diary of life on the men's professional tennis tour. This episode reviews the first tournament of the year in Brisbane Australia. The result. The thoughts, feelings & overall assessment of the performance. An analysis of the success (or otherwise) of the changes made over the “off season”. And how this match may affect or influence the year ahead. As always ...... “thank you ball boys, thank you Hawkeye” ........The fifteenth seed.