Nothing Major

Latest Episodes:

Golden Djokovic, Unstoppable Sinner, & 2024 Reflections | Ep 23 Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

As the year winds down, Jack, John, Stevie, and Sam take a look back at the 2024 tennis season.
The gang kicks off the show reflecting on the year's biggest storylines, from Jannik Sinner’s historic 73-6 season and Djokovic’s Golden Slam-less year to Zverev’s climb to No. 2. How does Sinner's dominance compare to the all-time greats? Is Djokovic content with Olympic Gold but no majors? And how will Carlos Alcaraz rate his two-Slam season?
The boys then dive into the season's most memorable moments submitted by the audience before wrapping up by discussing the players who said goodbye to tennis in 2024 including Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, and Dominic Thiem. But not before things get heated in true Nothing Major style when the gang notices an embarrassing omission from the retirement list ...
(00:00) Welcome to Nothing Major

(00:58) Sinner’s 2024: A Season to Repeat or a One-Off?
(06:30) The Feeling of Confidence
(07:31) Sam’s 2017 Acapulco Run
(08:48) Steve’s Grind and Tough Matches
(09:46) Jack’s Quiet Confidence
(11:21) John’s Confidence POV
(12:20) Jack’s 2017 Highlights
(13:53) Bautista Agut: The Match That Hurt
(15:47) Alcaraz: Satisfied or Not?
(19:45) Zverev’s Final Missing Piece
(21:36) Djokovic’s Endgame Mastery
(22:45) Fans’ Top 2024 Moments
(25:33) Novak’s Emotional Victory
(26:37) Fritz vs. Tiafoe Thriller
(27:51) The Nothing Major Effect
(29:23) HiMyNameIsLP Blooper Recap
(30:58) 2024 Retirements Breakdown… and an inexcusable miss!
(36:18) Murray vs. Thiem retirement
(39:13) Why Jack Didn’t Keep on Playing Doubles?
(40:42) Cuevas: Bahrami 2.0
(42:05) Outro + Backhand Trivia

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The Naughty List, Offseason Drug Testing, & Answering Audience Questions | EP 22 Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Sam, Jack, John, and Stevie get into the spirit in this week’s holiday special!
The boys are feeling festive as they exchange and unwrap their Secret Santa gifts from one another. Can they figure out who gave what?
With Santa's big day just around the corner, it's time for a debate on who belongs on tennis' Naughty and Nice lists, including a famously “nice guy” who ends up on the receiving end of some metaphorical coal after a meltdown that had Stevie grinning.
With the festivities behind them, the gang then dives into an offseason themed Mailbag answering audience questions on how they prepared during their own winter breaks, dealing with out of competition drug testing and the keys to a successful offseason.
Finally, Sam puts Stevie, Jack, and John’s tennis knowledge to the test with a new segment to finish the show.
(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Welcome to Nothing Major Podcast
(00:48) Secret Santa
(01:30) John’s useful gift
(03:00) Sam’s delicious gift
(04:50) Steve’s prank gift
(06:30) Jack’s warm gift
(07:37) Guessing Secret Santa
(12:26) Naughty and Nice List: ATP edition
(18:35) Fan Questions: Off-season
(18:50) Takes on Off-Season
(21:12) Steve’s November routine
(22:40) Sam as a track athlete
(24:14) Off-season practice matches
(26:21) Do players want a longer off-season?
(29:38) Off-Season Doping tests
(34:29) Coffee Day with the Big 3
(35:32) Technical changes during the off-season
(38:05) What things do tennis players experiment with?
(41:23) Why did Isner never try a new racket?
(42:20) ATP Awards Recap
(48:00) Vegas Draft's Result
(49:15) Tennis Commissioner’s Recap
(50:38) New Segment: Tennis Trivia

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Nick Kyrgios Joins the Pod, the $20 Million Decision and Sam’s Thirsty DMs | EP 21 Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Ahead of his long-awaited return to tennis, Nick Kyrgios joins the Nothing Major Podcast!
The former Wimbledon finalist reflects on his journey back to pro tennis after a two-year injury hiatus. He opens up about the pressures and expectations that have shaped his career, the challenges of early success, his” villain” label and finishing his tennis career on his terms.
Plus, Sam, Jack, and Steve firing off a few strong hypotheticals while Nick recounts some of his most memorable on-court experiences.
(00:00) Welcome to the Show!
(01:13) Sam Slides into Matthew McConaughey’s DMs
(05:44) Alcaraz on the Pod? Let’s Dream Big
(06:42) Exhibition Highlights: Carlitos in NYC & Charlotte
(11:09) Alcaraz vs. Sinner: Different Paths, Same Goal
(13:10) Jack’s Experience at Madison Square Garden
(14:26) Nothing Major Exhibition
(16:17) Delpo’s Farewell + Djokovic’s Heartwarming Gesture
(17:06) UTS… Wait, What Is That Again?
(18:02) Kyrgios Joins the Pod
(18:51) The Comeback Journey Begins
(19:24) Planning Next Season
(21:06) What 2025 Has in Store
(22:18) The Kyrgios Way vs. the “Right” Way
(26:06) Wimbledon: The Game-Changing Moment
(27:33) Can’t Go Home? Hit the Nearest Bar!
(29:56) Jack + Kyrgios Doubles + The Worst Slam Ever?
(32:01) Australian Open Pressure Cooker
(33:11) Embracing the “Bad Boy” Brand
(34:50) Recreational vs. Performance Enhancing Drugs
(38:37) Fame Level in Australia
(39:41) Do You Believe You Can Win Australian Open 2025?
(41:11) The Last Dance: A Career Reflection
(42:06) “Tennis Is Boring Now” – Really?
(43:27) From Hating Rafa to Crying at His Farewell
(45:54) What’s a Potato 101
(46:46) Would You Rather… Tennis Edition
(48:04) Kiss, Marry, Kill: Gaming, Basketball & Tennis
(48:45) Rewriting History: Changing One Match Result
(49:28) $20 Million or a Grand Slam Title?
(50:14) Jack + Nick at Indian Wells 2025?
(50:45) Playing in Australia All Year or 4 Months Abroad?
(52:09) Most Annoying Player on Tour
(53:22) Best Kyrgios/Sock Doubles Story Ever
(56:36) Career Comparison: Nick vs. John?
(57:40) Goodbye + Kyrgios’ Random Player of the Week

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James Blake Joins the Pod, ATP Awards and a Nightmare Vegas Trip | EP 20 Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

The Nothing Major boys welcome former World No. 4 and fellow American, James Blake!
James dishes on his best pranks at the expense of our hosts, his time as John Isner’s landlord, and reveals who was the most challenging to deal with as a Tournament Director. Plus, he shares the one point he’d replay from his entire career if given the chance.
With the tennis season wrapping up, Sam, Stevie, John, and Jack review the ATP Tour award nominees and cast their votes. We wrap the episode with Part 2 of the Vegas Party Crew draft, where the boys debate the absolute worst tennis players to bring on a Vegas trip.
(00:00) Intro
(00:50) The Most Overrated Food
(04:02) Our Bold ATP Awards Picks
(04:43) Comeback Player of the Year
(07:21) The “John Isner” Most Improved Player
(11:58) Newcomer of the Year
(14:06) Sportsmanship Award
(16:07) Coach of the Year—and Our Wildcard Pick!
(19:18) Fan Favorite
(20:40) Federer’s Reign and Djokovic’s Missing Trophy
(22:15) The Most Viral Category
(23:48) Special Guest: James Blake Joins the Pod
(26:33) Life as John Isner’s Landlord
(28:45) Sharing Classic Pranks
(32:04) The (Hilarious) Failed Modeling Career
(34:52) Bald is Bold: The “Cul-de-Sac” Strategy
(36:21) The Toughest Opponents on Tour
(38:12) The One Match We’d Do Anything to Replay
(39:50) Biggest pain in the a** at the Miami Open
(41:36) Picking the Best Doubles Partner
(42:45) The Unexpected Wild Card request
(43:33) Best Travel Mates
(44:35) US Tennis in 2025
(45:32) Sam Vegas' Draft Picks: Ace or Bomb?
(46:51) Vegas Draft Part 2: Unwanted version
(55:54) Outro

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Alexander Bublik Joins The Pod and Debating Best ATP Party Squad | EP 19 Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

World No. 34 and tennis’ ultimate showman, Alexander Bublik takes a break from his Swiss mountain vacation to join the show. Known for his personality and flair on and off the court, Bublik dives into the mentality behind his playing style and how he balances entertainment with calculated risk.
He shares his struggles with the US hard court swing and shifting his mindset from chasing prize money to titles and big wins.
Later, the team takes a wild detour to Las Vegas for a fantasy snakedraft: which players would make the ultimate party crew? With Sam’s choices leave everyone questioning his judgment...
(00:00) Intro
(00:59) Thanksgiving x Christmas Debate
(08:04) Bublik Joins the Pod
(08:43) Swiss Escapades: A Month of Vacation Bliss
(11:00) Why Maldives Doesn’t Make the Cut
(11:35) “Tennis Isn’t a Job”
(14:44) No Big Dreams, Just Big Talent
(16:47) The Art of Being a Showman
(19:43) Underhand Serve: Strategy or Fun?
(24:08) The Real Player
(25:21) Regret Saying That?
(25:59) Change of Mentality: Wins > Money
(27:53) Buying Everything He Wanted
(29:42) Rivals He Owns—and Who Owns Him
(31:07) Discomfort playing in the US
(33:28) “Too f* early to smile”
(35:45) Cincinnati’s Culinary Misses
(36:25) The Dumbest Rule in Tennis
(37:15) Partying in Moscow and St. Petersburg
(39:17) Complaints about his Playing Style
(41:17) Slam title or $15M?
(43:07) Las Vegas Draft
(50:34) Fan Poll Results and Final Thoughts
(52:05) Outro

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Nadal's Retirement, Favorite Rafa Stories and Sinner's Big Pay Day | EP 18 Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Following a blockbuster week of tennis, Jack, John, Sam and Stevie discuss Rafael Nadal's farewell to the sport. The boys take a deep dive into the career of one of tennis’s all-time greats. From the quirks that made him iconic to their own personal stories—including Stevie shaving his moustache to avoid an iconic thrashing on clay and Isner’s hook up at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The boys review Jannik Sinner’s ATP Finals triumph, his massive payday, and what it means for 2025. With fellow American Taylor Fritz reaching the final, the gang breakdown his 2024 season, reflecting on what made him stand out from their first memories of Taylor on Tour.
Plus, the gang answer the question: what is the most underrated accomplishment of Rafael Nadal's career?
(00:00) Trailer
(00:42) Intro
(01:04) Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: The Experience
(03:23) John’s Prom King Moment
(06:44) Broady Sock’s ParTEE
(08:17) ATP Finals Recap: Sinner's Dominance
(12:02) Taylor Fritz Stepping Up
(17:43) 2025 Slam Predictions
(18:33) How Teenager Sinner Almost Made Steve Quit Tennis
(22:48) Is Sinner the Greatest Ball Striker of All Time?
(26:33) Rafael Nadal: The Most Intimidating Player
(29:57) Rafa's Rituals
(31:19) Stories with Rafa and Roger
(33:21) Steve on Facing Rafa in Madrid
(35:27) Fearing a Double-Bagel
(36:35) The Moment Rafa Became a Superstar
(39:00) The Most Underrated Part of Nadal's Game
(40:30) Sportsmanship: On and Off the Court
(42:06) The 2011 Rome Elegance Award
(43:50) The Most Underrated Nadal Records
(49:50) Playing Rafa in the Davis Cup
(50:58) John's VIP Experience in Mallorca
(53:00) Outro
(53:37) Player of the Week

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2025 Predictions, ATP Finals and Jack Hitting His Opponents | EP 17 Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

With the ATP Finals underway, Jack, John, Steve, and Sam discuss the end-of-year tournament featuring the top 8 men’s players in the world and review this year’s finalists.
Jack and John reflect on their personal experiences playing in the prestigious event, while Sam shares what it’s like to be an alternate at one of tennis’s biggest stages.
The crew dive into some early predictions for 2025, quiz Jack on the numerous times he’s struck an opponent with his forehand, and decide to debate the best cereals on the market.
(00:00) Trailer
(00:35) Intro
(00:56) Catching Up
(04:15) Breakfast Debate
(10:16) Securing a Spot at the ATP Finals
(13:29) ATP Bonus Pool Breakdown
(15:03) Best Weapon in the Field
(16:10) Biggest Surprise
(17:05) Most Improved Player
(19:21) Sinner Testing New Racquets
(21:19) Dream Slam to Win
(23:11) Jack’s Slam Titles Journey
(24:06) Buying Stocks for 2025
(26:45) Hot Take: Sam Selling Alcaraz
(28:03) ATP Finals Player Experience & Insights
(29:50) John’s Great Escape Call-Out
(32:41) Do Alternates Even Practice?
(33:46) Jack’s ATP Finals Runs
(39:02) Hitting Opponents: Doubles Drama
(42:02) John Replacing Rafa?
(44:09) Outro
(44:49) Random Player(s) of the Week

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Major Mailbag, Ranking the Masters 1000s, and Electing a Commissioner of Tennis | EP 16 Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

Jack, John, Sam, and Stevie dive back into the Major Mailbag to answer some of your best questions. The crew ranks the nine Masters 1000 events from best to worst and offers an insight into how tennis racket and clothing sponsorships really work. Plus, they tackle their toughest question yet: which streak of dominance is more impressive—Rafael Nadal on clay or Steve Johnson in college?
And with it being election week, the Nothing Major team holds their own important debate: If you were the Commissioner of Tennis, in charge of directing the future of the sport, what would your vision look like, and what changes would you propose?
(00:00) Intro
(00:36) Welcome and Weekend Recap
(02:30) Jack Sock Joins the Podcast
(03:38) Jack's Pickleball Experience
(04:16) John's Support for Dallas Flash
(04:27) Fan Questions
(04:39) Ranking the Masters 1000 Events
(08:40) Why Indian Wells is a Favorite
(09:34) John's Machine Return Saga
(11:10) Should Catching a Ball Toss be a Fault?
(14:00) Clothing and Racket Sponsorship
(17:10) Novak and Sergio Tacchini Rumor
(19:09) Changing Rackets During Career
(21:05) Comparing Skills
(22:56) Steve College vs Rafa Clay winning streak
(27:02) Craziest Courts Experiences
(34:20) Trolling Steve + CVs
(37:09) The Best Commissioner of Tennis
(45:52) Outro

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Coach Craig Boynton Joins the Pod, Takes the Hot Seat and Sam Confronts His Ultimate Hater | EP 15 Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

For the first time, Jack, John, Sam, and Stevie welcome their coach, Craig Boynton, to the podcast! Having coached all four members of the Nothing Major crew, Craig shares some unforgettable stories—from almost stopping a match to introduce Sam Querrey to David Beckham, to how his bladder hasn’t been the same since witnessing the legendary Isner vs. Mahut Wimbledon marathon. Plus The boys put Coach Craig on the Hot Seat, hitting him with tough questions about his former players, including who was the hardest to coach.
As the ATP Tour heads to Paris, Jack reminisces about his memories in the City of Lights, while Sam reveals a bizarre reason for his aversion to the city.
And in the show’s wildest segment yet, Sam finally confronts his ultimate hater, face-to-face...
00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode
00:57 Paris Week on the ATP Tour
01:19 Personal Experiences in Paris
02:42 Jack's Magical Run in Paris 2017
03:39 Debate on Paris Tournament
08:13 Introducing Craig Boynton
10:49 Coaching Stories and Insights
26:27 The Hot Seat Segment
27:35 Sam's Mood and Stevie's Dark Side
28:07 Box Usage and Emotional Questions
28:37 Stubbornness and Tennis Mind
30:20 Late to Practice and Competitiveness
33:20 Coaching Challenges and Complaints
35:53 Craziest Match Experiences
47:45 Revealing the Mystery Caller
52:45 Random Player of the Week

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Diego Schwartzman Joins the Pod, The Perfect Player Under 6ft & 2025 Comeback Dreams | EP 14 Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

The boys are back with a special guest: former World No. 8 and John’s favorite doubles partner, Diego Schwartzman. Diego opens up about his plans for retirement in 2025, reflecting on his journey to the top, sharing stories of his favorite matches, and the moments he’ll never forget on tour.
With Halloween around the corner, Jack, Sam, Stevie, and John exchange dad-life Halloween experiences before ranking the best and worst of the holiday's candy (candy corn).
Fresh off Saudi Arabia’s Six Kings Slam, the squad weighs in on the event, Sinner’s impressive run and it's jaw-dropping prize money. And in a pull from the Major Mailbag, a listener asks where each of the pod hosts would be ranked if they made a comeback on tour in 2025.
00:00 Introduction and Halloween Week Overview
00:39 Halloween Traditions and Personal Stories
04:28 Ranking Halloween Candy
10:35 Six King Slam Recap
17:30 Interview with Diego Schwartzman
27:25 US Open Recap
28:43 Memorable Matches and Career Highlights
29:39 Height and Movement in Tennis
30:42 Best Player Under 5'8"
32:30 Proud Moments and Career Reflections
36:47 Confessions and Annoying Opponents
40:13 Creating the Perfect Under 6' Tennis Player
45:19 Retirement and Future Plans
46:18 Fan Questions and Hypothetical Rankings
53:56 Random Player of the Week

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