In this special episode of Best of Three, we sit down with 2004 Kalamazoo champion and former ATP pro Scoville Jenkins to relive one of the most electric stretches of his career — from dominating the U.S. junior scene to facing the game’s greatest players under the sport’s brightest lights.

Sco takes us inside his run at Kalamazoo, the pressure and prize of earning a US Open main draw wild card, and the whirlwind of drawing defending champion Andy Roddick in his first-ever ATP match — a prime-time debut on Arthur Ashe. He shares candid behind-the-scenes stories of that week, from never practicing on Ashe beforehand, to Roddick’s post-match critique, to the mentorship that followed in Austin and at Davis Cup.

The conversation doesn’t stop there. Sco recounts his 2005 five-set win over George Bastl and the challenge of facing a young Rafael Nadal fresh off a French Open title, and later, the surreal experience of sharing the court with Roger Federer at the US Open. Along the way, Torrey offers a coach’s perspective on preparing a teenager for the sport’s biggest moments, Alvin digs into the match-day details, and together they unpack the mindset, adjustments, and life-changing lessons that come with stepping onto the court against legends.

Whether you remember these matches in real time or are hearing Sco’s story for the first time, this episode is a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons of chasing greatness on the ATP Tour.

Send us a text

Alvin and Dasef dive into the 2025 Canadian Open (officially the National Bank Open), celebrating Ben Shelton’s Masters 1000 win and Victoria Mboko’s first WTA title on home soil.

They explore the appeal of watching tournaments between Grand Slams, noting how events like this preview form heading into the US Open and give players a chance to build confidence. On the men’s side, they dissect Shelton’s progression into a top-10 threat, his “Captain America” style, physical weapons, and areas for growth—especially in manipulating the ball like Alcaraz, Sinner, or Djokovic. They contrast Shelton with Taylor Fritz, praising Fritz’s tennis IQ and identifying limitations in lateral movement. The conversation highlights Shelton’s strong partnership with his father/coach, Brian, and the tactical in-match adjustments that helped secure tight wins.

On the women’s side, they break down Mboko’s calm demeanor, movement, and adaptability in defeating four Grand Slam champions (Kenin, Gauff, Rybakina, Osaka). They identify her forehand spacing as a potential technical weakness but applaud her ability to problem-solve mid-match.

They move on to Mboko’s final vs. Naomi Osaka, analyzing a dramatic shift in Osaka’s body language and intensity in the second set. They debate whether Osaka’s dip was tactical, mental, or crowd-influenced, while also weighing her unusual career résumé—four Grand Slams but few other titles—and what expectations are fair moving forward. They connect Mboko’s home-court moment to past examples like Coco Gauff’s US Open run, noting how crowd energy can tilt matches.

The episode closes with a broader reflection on men’s vs. women’s tennis viewing habits, the depth of the WTA field, and upcoming action in Cincinnati and the US Open.

Send us a text

Alvin is joined by Anastasia Folorunso, creator of Ground Pass, for a conversation that explores what makes tennis culture so rich—and how it can become more inviting.

They swap stories from the grounds of major tournaments, reflect on their personal entries into the sport, and unpack the contrasting vibes of the ATP and WTA tours. From Federer vs. Nadal to the importance of storytelling and social media, this episode dives into how tennis can evolve to better serve both diehards and casual fans.

Whether you’re a longtime player or just tennis-curious, this one’s for you.

Send us a text