10 Minutes of Tennis: AUS Open Week 2
Episode #6 Season 25: Shaun Boyce & Justin Yeo
Another episode of the GoTennis! Podcast is here, presented by Signature Tennis! In this rapid-fire 10-minute episode, host Shaun Boyce sits down with Justin Yeo, an expert tennis coach and true insider into the world of tennis. Today we’re diving into the excitement of the blazing moments of this season, determining key matchups, and reframing emerging players on tour.
Whether you are a die-hard tennis fan, a player seeking some words of wisdom, or someone who is still exploring this sport, this episode is truly a Grand Slam of valuable insights, expert commentary, and stimulating dialogue.
About Justin Yeo
Justin Yeo is a tennis coach in Puerto Rico, who has coached at the highest levels of the game. Throughout all his years, Justin has cultivated a deep understanding of the mental and physical side of tennis, guiding everyone from juniors to pros to their peak. His deep insight into the game covers everything including technique, player development, the modern day trends within professional tennis and above all the strategies wonderfully. Justin’s consummate work ethic and love for the game make his opinions in demand within the tennis community.
Key Insights You’ll Get in 10 Minutes
In 10 minutes (13+ minutes to be more specific!) you’ll be treated to a fast-paced conversation covering some of the spicier subjects in the tennis world now. So, what exactly will you learn from this episode?
Italian Wave at the Australian Open
Justin and Shaun discuss the Italian tennis stars making waves at the Australian Open, with a particular focus on Jannik Sinner. With this run, Sinner will be a player to watch for years to come, and we break down his game and why he’s a serious threat at Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic vs Alacaraz – The Battle Royale
This episode explores the epic clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, dissecting their differing playing styles, mental fortitude, and how one can cope against competing at such rarefied levels. Justin gives his take on what it takes to be a champion like Djokovic and why the rise of Alcaraz is something to tune in for in tournaments to come.
The American Tennis Revival
After a decade of searching for the next American tennis great, America is experiencing a renaissance with players like Ben Shelton and Madison Keys. Shaun and Justin discuss how these players are beginning to break through, and why they’re set to threaten the elite of the sport.
The Evolution of Women’s Tennis
Justin explains how the women’s game has evolved, emphasizing aggressiveness and power over finesse. He examines how younger, harder-hitting players are challenging stars like Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek — and why this trend is changing the way women’s tennis is played.
The Future of Tennis:
The episode ends with a sense of perspective, observing how the younger generation of players is starting to take on the current stars. From Carlos Alcaraz’s potential to other young talents breaking through, the tennis world is at the verge of a big generational shift.
Things You May Find Interesting in This Episode
It’s an interesting, deep dive into some of the game’s more interesting aspects and sounds like a blast to listen to. Here are some highlights:
The “Hawaiian Ironman” Metaphor
Justin uses a cool metaphor likening the apex mental and physical challenge of facing Djokovic in a Grand Slam — universally considered the toughest task in tennis — to the rigors of the Hawaiian Ironman triathlon. It’s an unusual perspective that provides insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Madison Keys’ mental edge
Justin and Shaun unpack the psychological aspect of Madison Keys’ game, and how her self-belief has been a key factor in her success. Could Keys be the next American to go deep in a major? This part of the conversation is relatable to every tennis player and fan.
The Rise of the “Next Big Three”
Is tennis on the cusp of a new “Big Three” with Alcaraz, Sinner and other young talent? Justin discusses whether the men’s game is ready for a new crop of dominant players to take over and what the implications could be for the sport going forward.
How Aggression Is Changing Women’s Tennis
With Gauff and Świątek leading the charge, Justin writes about how the women’s game has become a lot more aggressive — with power plays and speed now deciding who the best players are. It’s a fascinating glimpse at how the women’s game itself is changing in real time.
Be Our Next Guest
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YouTube Replay: https://youtube.com/live/wisWmN0KaN0
Shaun Boyce USPTA: shaun@tennisforchildren.com
https://tennisforchildren.com/
Justin Yeo: https://www.instagram.com/yeocoach/
Bobby Schindler USPTA: schindlerb@comcast.net
https://windermerecommunity.net/
Geovanna Boyce: geovy@regeovinate.com
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Transcript
Hey, hey, this is Sehaun with the GoTennis Podcast powered by Signature Tennis.
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Speaker:Today, let's skip to what's real and what's happening.
Speaker:This is live and we're going to tell everybody it is Tuesday, January 21st.
Speaker:So we just finished watching the first half of the men's quarter finals.
Speaker:And Justin Yo, this is 10 minutes of tennis with World Round Tennis Coach Australian in
Speaker:Puerto Rico.
Speaker:Justin Yo.
Speaker:What do you want to talk about today, the Australians in Australia?
Speaker:Who's going to win?
Speaker:Where do you want to start?
Speaker:I think there's some pretty cool stuff though.
Speaker:Let's say that, you know, quarter finals, we've got two Italians in the men's side.
Speaker:That's something pretty cool to talk about.
Speaker:Because back in the days, way, way, way back in the days, there used to be a lot of Italians.
Speaker:So it's good to see some of the Italians coming back into this level of tennis.
Speaker:It will spice up that country too, which is good because there was always good tennis
Speaker:back in the days from that.
Speaker:So yeah, I always like to look at all the countries and see what's going on.
Speaker:And we've got two Americans as well, which is absolutely awesome that's still happening.
Speaker:We've got Americans on the other side too and the women's side as well.
Speaker:So definitely waving the American flag at the Australian Open again on both sides, which
Speaker:is really cool because we used to have all the women to their nothing on the men's.
Speaker:And now we're seeing both getting this deep into the semi-servant of the Grand Slam.
Speaker:So it's really good to see you.
Speaker:I think the interesting point is out there, John David's playing against Alcharez.
Speaker:It's hard not to start there, isn't it?
Speaker:It's hard not to stop there because he, man, he just looked as good as I saw him when he
Speaker:was on the practice board with Murray.
Speaker:And I made that point when we talked weeks ago that I said he just looked so good.
Speaker:And it was in just a warm up before he started the whole tournament.
Speaker:So he looked that good last night.
Speaker:What's really interesting for me is that he has to get through Alcharez.
Speaker:And you probably have to get through Svavrev, but then he has to get through Sinner.
Speaker:Yeah, there, just there alone, is a Hawaiian marathon.
Speaker:And if he could do all three, then he deserves the Hawaiian Iron Man tennis marathon award, especially
Speaker:his edge to keep adding that in just there at the end.
Speaker:So if anyone could do it, he's got the mental capabilities and the heart to do it.
Speaker:I just want to know if his body can keep up for those three players in a row that are all
Speaker:playing well.
Speaker:All playing well.
Speaker:Yeah, I think was it Alcharez was one of the few people that ever do that in the tournament,
Speaker:beating the three seed, the two seed, then the one seed.
Speaker:When he first came out, this age to knock off, get another strain out from Gray Slam.
Speaker:Yeah, the ability.
Speaker:He looks good, but boy, talk about a hill.
Speaker:I mean, that's getting on a treadmill and just putting the ink line like this in a moment.
Speaker:And he had a little bit of a tweak of the, I think it was the one of his groin muscles
Speaker:at the end of the first set, that's a last night, yesterday, whenever you want to say, so
Speaker:we'll see how he recovers from that.
Speaker:Because again, age isn't, you trade the youth for the wisdom.
Speaker:And in his case, in watching that match last night, technically this morning, we saw the
Speaker:wisdom and we saw the youth in Alcharez.
Speaker:And in this case, wisdom overtook, but I want to go back to your comment about the Italians.
Speaker:Sinner is obviously the favorite over demonore.
Speaker:I don't know that he's got anything that can hurt him, love to go for the Aussie in Australia,
Speaker:but maybe he can pull off a miracle there.
Speaker:For me, the interesting one is, I think Ben Shelton has a path to the semis.
Speaker:He does.
Speaker:He played well, but so, so.
Speaker:And he's got to beat as a guy who's 55 in the world.
Speaker:And son to go is, you got a chance too.
Speaker:That's what I'm saying.
Speaker:He looks at the same opportunity.
Speaker:Agreed.
Speaker:Agreed.
Speaker:And both of them, awesome.
Speaker:Whoever gets into the semis.
Speaker:Whoever's in the quarters, it's great that they both there.
Speaker:And this will boost both their careers, not just ranking wise, but they'll boost their confidence
Speaker:and be up this level.
Speaker:You know, we've talked about this.
Speaker:There's a big tidal wave of players coming on the male side that just can shine and
Speaker:have a tournament all the way through.
Speaker:Again, it depends on where the draw is, too.
Speaker:So look where they've met each other, right?
Speaker:So.
Speaker:And I was looking at Sonego's draw.
Speaker:And we say, hey, good for the Italians being in the quarter finals.
Speaker:That dude has beat nobody.
Speaker:I mean, sure, he made learner Tien.
Speaker:I don't want to say he's a nobody, but let's say no seeded player did Sonego have to face
Speaker:to get to the quarter finals.
Speaker:That is the luck of the draw.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:Yeah, Mickerson got three, two, like he's had some big matches.
Speaker:But Mickerson got a win.
Speaker:Mickerson beat a seeded player.
Speaker:So Niko's hadn't beat anybody in the top 32, at least.
Speaker:Yeah, well, from finishing touch on the men's side, I would just say, I'd love to see him
Speaker:get there again as an old coach of myself tennis wise.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:Yeah, you want to go all the way again.
Speaker:Just would be just unbelievable.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:And there should be honestly an Iron Man t-shirt given to him if he can accomplish this
Speaker:no question.
Speaker:Pretty amazing.
Speaker:I agree with that.
Speaker:It's like watching Jimmy Connery and I keep it up.
Speaker:The three people are most informed is very, very, very outperasted center.
Speaker:So two feet of more strain open will be just miraculous.
Speaker:It'll be amazing.
Speaker:We'll see.
Speaker:And on the women's side, we definitely not sleep on the next two matches.
Speaker:Exactly.
Speaker:We're on a state of late here.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:I got a lot of side on the women's side.
Speaker:I was just so impressed with Madison Keys.
Speaker:I really hope she can stand this same headspace and just believe she's always had a good
Speaker:game.
Speaker:She's always had a big game.
Speaker:I just hope she can keep believing because she just stepped on that court the other day yesterday
Speaker:and just believed it was amazing to watch.
Speaker:And it was rocky.
Speaker:I mean, I've never seen a name right, but anyway, she just gave it to her name Madison just
Speaker:bounced back and just took off.
Speaker:It was amazing to see.
Speaker:So I don't think SwearTech has the juice in the final against Sabelanker if it comes to
Speaker:that point.
Speaker:Sabelanker's got some serious belief right now.
Speaker:But I think Madison can beat Spherdina.
Speaker:It's a bit of a little bit of Lina, yeah.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:I think she can beat her for sure.
Speaker:And we could see Madison go a lot deeper, but to knock off, well, I think the SwearTech
Speaker:Madison Keys match would be awesome to watch because I think Madison can beat her in
Speaker:power off the court if she just swung away.
Speaker:But then if she gets to Sabelanker, that'll be very interesting.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:And we've got a couple of Americans.
Speaker:Coco Gough famously has lost now.
Speaker:So she's out of the quarter finals.
Speaker:So you've got Badosa and Sabelanker.
Speaker:I guess everybody assumes Sabelanker can get past Badosa, but you never know.
Speaker:Navarro will show some signs.
Speaker:And maybe she just goes for broke if she does.
Speaker:That'll be very interesting against SwearTech.
Speaker:SwearTech is very consistent, but let's see what happens.
Speaker:We could have an American semi.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:How would be an old American semi?
Speaker:And in that case, at least one American in the final, which is--
Speaker:Which is called the old.
Speaker:I assume Coco assumed that would be her.
Speaker:Yeah, Coco did, but again, I think she-- if she's going to go back to the--
Speaker:what's going on, she's just going to go for that bowl a bit more.
Speaker:She definitely very consistent, very steady.
Speaker:But if you look at these players that are winning, they're hitting the winners.
Speaker:They're not just waiting for errors.
Speaker:So that's the only thing I would say is that she needs to start using her power swings
Speaker:and go for it.
Speaker:And you just mentioned it about power that Cicu Pairs was saying that he gets
Speaker:played off the court.
Speaker:Well, that's how I would say the women's tennis is becoming.
Speaker:If you don't take the swing or take the shot, that's the way it's going.
Speaker:Definitely, they're getting bigger and stronger in every way, if you look at the top.
Speaker:Well, if we look back a few years, that's how Venus Williams was dominant at times.
Speaker:That's how Sherri Povo was dominant at times.
Speaker:Go back further, Lindsay Davenport.
Speaker:You have some of these girls that were just crushing the ball and the other--
Speaker:the Ash Bartees that end up number one in the world with some creativity.
Speaker:There-- I don't want to say few and far between, just less of them.
Speaker:Yeah, I think that's a really good point to make.
Speaker:If you think about the Williams sisters, they were within three to four shots.
Speaker:Now it's within about four to six shots where you've got to take the swing.
Speaker:So you've got to be fit enough physically and mentally to say, OK, it's after five or six.
Speaker:There's my shot back.
Speaker:Yeah.
Speaker:So it's a little deep, where it goes a little longer now and rallies.
Speaker:But if you look at the women's side, it's definitely fast and who's not going to
Speaker:do off the court.
Speaker:Before we hit an 11th minute, one last question.
Speaker:You got a feeling of the whole tournament.
Speaker:I know you watch a lot of tennis.
Speaker:Do you have a feeling are the young players?
Speaker:Is this about a new generation?
Speaker:Do we still-- do we have a big three now?
Speaker:And in the men's side is the women's all power?
Speaker:What's the feeling of the state of tennis?
Speaker:Yeah, that's a really interesting point.
Speaker:I think on the women's side, we're seeing a lot of ins and outs, which we have seen for
Speaker:a while since the Williams sisters are out.
Speaker:Which is intriguing because it keeps everybody looking for a new idol and looking for new people
Speaker:and there's no just one dominant at the top.
Speaker:So I think, again, surfaces, you just never know.
Speaker:On the clay, that's where it's all going to change on the next tournament.
Speaker:They all talked about the strain over being a little faster this year.
Speaker:That's why I would probably see a lot more power games this year and a lot more winners.
Speaker:I'm sure if they looked at it over the years, we've seen a lot more winners this year than
Speaker:we've seen in the past.
Speaker:So it's been very interesting as far as that side.
Speaker:On the men's side, I keep saying, there's just wave of guys within the top 100.
Speaker:They just never know.
Speaker:They'll turn these things on and then they call off a miracle win, you know.
Speaker:So what we do have to realize too is because of that strength, the top guys had to work harder
Speaker:to get to the final, keep improving.
Speaker:So it becomes now like a marathon race at the end who really has it anymore because the
Speaker:strength that they're playing in these first few rounds is not just an easy give and take.
Speaker:You have to gut it out and finish it off.
Speaker:If you looked at the five setters that were in the first three, four rounds, it was pretty
Speaker:impressive.
Speaker:So that's where I'd say there's a lot more strength on both sides at the moment.
Speaker:All right, great.
Speaker:Justin, thank you so much.
Speaker:This has been 10 or 12 minutes of tennis with World Cup.
Speaker:Great.
Speaker:Just take that as you pay for tickets.
Speaker:That's what matters.
Speaker:Oh, yeah, that's what matters, right?
Speaker:Yep.
Speaker:All right.
Speaker:Thank you, sir.
Speaker:This has been 10 minutes of tennis with Justin, yo.
Speaker:Thank you.
Speaker:We'll see you next week.
Speaker:Cheers, buddy.
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