Podcast: Martin Blackman on the State of American Tennis, Impact of ITF Pro Circuit

From the Australian Open, host Jon Wertheim talks with Martin Blackman about the surge of American players in Melbourne,

On the Beyond the Baseline Podcast, Sports Illustrated executive editor, Tennis Channel commentator and host Jon Wertheim takes fans between the lines with tennis commentary and exclusive interviews with the top players and newsmakers on the ATP and WTA tours.

On the latest edition of the Beyond the Baseline Podcast, host Jon Wertheim talks with Chris Evert.

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From the grounds of the Australian Open during the second week of the tournament, Wertheim sits down with USTA general manager of player development Martin Blackman to discuss both breakout performances and disappointing results from the American contingent in Melbourne, including the remarkable run of Danielle Collins and the impressive showing from Frances Tiafoe. Blackman talks about how he (and the USTA) define and measure success for American tennis; the new installation of Mardy Fish as U.S. Davis Cup captain and why he believed he was the right person for the job; and much more. Blackman also addresses the 2019 ITF Transition Tour—now called the ITF Pro Circuit—and shares details on how the USTA is dealing with the changes; what impact he thinks the changes will have, both on the rankings and U.S. tennis; and more. 

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Check back next week for another episode of Beyond the Baseline.