Broadcasting from Paris during the French Open, Brad Gilbert joins Alex Sherman to unpack the business of tennis through three lenses: playing, coaching, and broadcasting—plus what’s really happening behind the scenes right now at Roland Garros.

Gilbert argues tennis is in a healthy place globally, but remains star-driven—especially in the U.S. market. From there, the conversation moves into the divergent dynamics of the men’s and women’s tours, why combined events matter, and whether tennis should eventually operate as a single unified tour.

A major theme is player power: Gilbert revisits the ATP’s modern structure, explains why independent-contractor status makes collective bargaining difficult, and lays out what unions could change—particularly for players ranked outside the top tier who are paying their own travel, coaching, and support-team expenses. The episode also connects those economics to youth development and the pressure on families to “go all in” early, with Gilbert emphasizing balance and education even for elite prospects.

Later, Sherman digs into the coaching marketplace—how coaches get hired, what contracts actually look like in tennis, and why relationships can end quickly in a results-driven environment. Gilbert also reflects on his broadcasting career, including the end of his long ESPN relationship and his current work with Tennis Channel and his podcast.

Key topics covered:

The state of tennis today and why it’s still a global, star-driven sport
Men’s vs. women’s tour dynamics and the value of combined events
One tour vs. two: the case for ATP/WTA alignment—and the complications
Why player unions matter, and how prize money debates tie to power and governance
The economic squeeze on players outside the top 100 (and why Slams matter most)
Youth tennis pathways: academy pressure vs. education and long-term development
The business of coaching: week-to-week realities, incentives, and “bigger better deal” moves
Broadcasting career shifts: ESPN contract ending, Tennis Channel, and new media projects
French Open outlook, including conditions, favorites, and how heat can change outcomes

Timestamps:

01:57 Men’s vs. women’s tour health and the impact of combined events
02:55 Should ATP and WTA merge—and what would it take?
03:48 Player protest context, prize money, and why unions change leverage
05:32 Who benefits most from higher payouts (and why rankings matter)
07:04 Youth tennis development, risk, and the case for balance + education
10:32 The business of coaching: how deals form and how coaches get paid
13:32 Why some coaching relationships last—and others end fast
14:29 Broadcasting business: ESPN departure and career transitions
17:15 Tennis Channel work, podcasting, and building audience in new ways
18:10 French Open predictions, heat-wave impacts, and betting-style “field” logic

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