Tennis Channel is ringing in the new year with the launch of a weekly podcast, \u201cThe Big T,\u201d which will air across the network\u2019s digital platforms and feature a rotating cast of talent. <\/p>\n
New episodes will publish every Wednesday, beginning Jan. 7, with network analysts Brad Gilbert, CoCo Vandeweghe, Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey combining to host. In addition to audio platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Tennis Channel will distribute the podcast through its website, YouTube channel and direct-to-consumer app (the latter of which will also include bonus content). No sponsors are attached to the show at launch.<\/p>\n
Gilbert told SBJ that Tennis Channel SVP\/Production Bob Whyley approached him with the idea for the podcast after seeing Gilbert and Vandeweghe co-host \u201cSecond Serve,\u201d a whiparound program that airs on Tennis Channel\u2019s \u201cT2\u2033 FAST channel.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be all about having fun banter and knowledge,\u201d Gilbert said of the podcast. \u201cSome weeks will be more about interviews and banter. Some weeks — like [next week], obviously there\u2019s a lot of talk about the [Carlos] Alcaraz [coaching] situation … And then obviously the access that Tennis Channel has, especially when we\u2019re on site — say, at Indian Wells or Miami — will allow us other opportunities to meet with guests.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first episode of \u201cThe Big T\u201d will feature an interview with the world No. 1 Alcaraz, conducted by Petkovic and recorded at the Miami Invitational exhibition<\/a> at loanDepot park in December (before news of Alcaraz\u2019s split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero broke). Two editions later this month (Jan. 21 and 28) will be recorded at the Australian Open. Tennis Channel will this year have an on-site presence at the Australian Open for the first time since 2019, with plans to air its \u201cTC Live\u201d linear show daily between 5-7pm ET from Jan. 17-31. The network also plans to record \u201cThe Big T\u201d on location at tournaments including the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells), Wimbledon and Cincinnati Open.<\/p>\n