Transcript

Venmo Advertiser (0:00)

Get in the game with the college branded Venmo debit card. Wreck your team with every tap and earn up to 5% cash back with Venmo Stash, a new rewards program from Venmo. No monthly fee, no minimum balance, just school pride and spending power. Get in the game and sign up for the Venmo debit card@venmo.com collegecard. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. select schools available. Venmo stash terms and exclusions apply at venmo.me stash terms max $100 cash back per month.

Starbucks Advertiser (0:30)

Protein is now at Starbucks, and it's never tasted so good. You can add protein cold foam to your favorite drink or try one of our new protein lattes or matcha. Try it today at Starbucks.

Jess Pegula (0:47)

This is the players box.

Desiree Krafczyk (0:54)

Hi, everyone, and welcome back to the players box. I am Desiree Krafczyk alongside Jenny Brady, Madison Keys and Jess Pagl Hula. As always, a friendly reminder to please give our podcast five stars and subscribe on YouTube. Also, for those who missed our first merchandise drop, good news. It's back and available until March 29th. You can shop now by clicking the link in our YouTube or Instagram bio. Okay, so we are coming to you from Miami. It feels like we've been here for a very long time. Three out of the four of us have won a match today, and we are very much happy campers. And one of us has yet to play a match still. So we're going to talk today about the headlines around Miami and what in the world is happening with the Florida weather and play a little game. But first, let's start with our unforced error. Jessica.

Madison Keys (1:48)

I feel like I have a couple, but I'll go with my unforced error. I think I already told you guys. My dog Des was, like, standing in front of me, kind of, like, funny, but she was kind of, like, being cute. So I was like, oh, it does. I was like, you're so pretty. And I, like, go down and, like, rub her face. And then I'm like, oh. I'm like, did you roll in something? I'm like, you stink. And I come up and she just vomits all over, like, on my feet. Like, missed my feet, but vomited everywhere. And then a couple hours later, we were playing Call of Duty. And so in Call of Duty, there's this thing called War Zone. And it's like, Jenny knows, but you have to be the last team to survive the circle. So basically, we were. It was the Final circle and we were this like second or third to last team. And she just vomited all over the couch and the carpet in the middle of the game. And so Taylor, like stands up, like, cover. He's like, oh, my God. And we're like still playing and like, he covers his, like, face with his T shirt and he's like standing up. We're like yelling on the thing and I'm like, oh, my God, it smells so bad. And there was just vomit everywhere. So it does. Had a bad day the other day, but she's feeling much better now. But yeah, multiple throw ups is not fun. Jenny.

Summary

The Player’s Box – Episode 32: Miami Open Week One

Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady, Desirae Krawczyk

Episode Overview

In this candid and entertaining episode, the Players’ Box crew—Madison, Jess, Jenny, and Desirae—reconvene courtside in Miami for week one of the Miami Open. Fresh off a series of wins (for most!) and in the midst of chaotic Florida weather, the group gives listeners a whirlwind tour of behind-the-scenes life during rain delays, tournament drama, hilarious fan encounters, and their unique camaraderie. The episode is brimming with honest mishaps, offbeat tennis tales, and a lighthearted game that explores their unfiltered views on opponents, luxury, and tennis life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Unforced Errors of the Week

[00:54 – 08:21]

Madison’s Dog Drama
- Madison recounts her dog, Des, vomiting multiple times—once almost on her feet and again during a tense Call of Duty match.
“She was just vomited all over the couch and the carpet in the middle of the game. ... there was just vomit everywhere.” – Madison Keys (02:32)
Jenny’s Winner Update
- Jenny switches things up, celebrating her first doubles win in years.
Jess’s Coffee Spill Meltdown
- Jess gets frustrated by an oversized latte that leads to an abrupt double espresso order.
“It was literally so full, it was like spilling everywhere. … I just went like, mute.” – Jess Pegula (03:23)
Desirae’s Police Pullover
- Desirae is pulled over by three cop cars for not slowing around police vehicles, admits nerves, and word-vomits to the officer:
“He’s like, ‘Got any weapons?’ I said, ‘Just my rackets.’” – Desirae Krawczyk (04:57)

Memorable Moment:
Desirae’s retelling of her traffic stop captivates the group, drawing laughter, shock, and camaraderie.

“I wish I had my whoop on because my heart rate was skyrocketing.” – Desirae Krawczyk (06:35)

2. Rain Delay Realities & Behind-the-Scenes Tournament Chaos

[13:56 – 23:32]

Pam the Intercom Announcer:
- “Pam on the intercom” becomes legendary for weather updates during rain delays, with meteorologist-level detail and humor.
“All poor Pam.” – Jess Pegula (15:20)
Day of Endless Delays:
- Jenny describes preparing for a 12:00 match and being delayed all day, only to go home exhausted—“Mentally, I was absolutely exhausted.” (16:14-17:44)
Practice Court Desk Drama:
- The challenge of booking practice courts leads Jenny to call or message 16 times before finally getting a slot:
“I called 5 times and then 5 times on WhatsApp ... 16 times.” – Jenny Brady (20:14-21:09)
Player Confusion:
- The group explains how players are the last to know about schedule changes—Pam’s announcements, delayed schedules, and high-stress supervisor offices are the norm.

3. Miami Open Headlines – Night Matches, Scheduling Struggles, & Fandom

[23:33 – 32:29]

High-Stakes Scheduling:
- Arena’s match is moved to a smaller court to keep night-session matches on time. Debate revolves around player preferences vs. fan demand.
- “The fandom for [Fonseca] is crazy... reminds me of Alex Ayala.” – Madison Keys (26:42)
Packed Stadiums and Wild Crowds:
- Discussion of Joao Fonseca’s popularity and how Brazilian fans fill the entire stadium. Ticket prices reaching three times normal.
Fan Encounters:
- “Didn’t you sign a baby’s butt?” – Madison Keys (27:22)
- Jess reveals she did, in fact, autograph a diaper at a fan’s request.

4. Player Highlights and Tennis Talk

[28:19 – 32:19]

Svitolina’s Comeback:
- The group is in awe of Svitolina’s first-to-20 wins stat. They praise her post-motherhood improvements and her evolving, more aggressive style.
“She’s moving really well ... it’s fun to see someone so late in their career kind of reinvent themselves.” – Jess Pegula (29:14-29:27)
On-Court Bling:
- Lighthearted debate about playing with jewelry: engagement rings, bracelets, earrings.
- “I would be iced out.” – Desirae Krawczyk (32:06)
Alicia Parks’ Pink G-Wagon:
- The group shares investigative stories about who owns the showy car, parking spot swapping, and parking lot intrigue.

5. Locker Room Gossip and Group Dynamics

[32:20 – 39:42]

Parking Lot Musical Chairs:
- Madison and others swap assigned parking spaces, with stories about Taylor Fritz’s notoriously messy car (Starbucks cups, shoes, wrappers).
“Someone needs to clean his car. Mor, you need to tell this boy to clean his car!” – Jenny Brady (36:52)
Splitsville News:
- Madison jokes about breaking up her doubles partnership with Tommy Paul, and the group riffs on social media memes and potential mixed doubles with Jenny.

6. Game: Save It For a Rainy Day

[42:39 – 50:58]

Hosts play a game spilling tennis secrets or “saving them for a rainy day.” Highlights:

WTA Player Secret Admiration:
- All agree on Mukova; “It’s crafty, exciting, athletic.” – Jenny Brady
Matchup You’d Never Face Again:
- “Serena” – unanimous, with tales of facing her post-maternity, and Maddie wiping Jenny off the court in practice.
Annoying Game Styles:
- “Unsure if I want to say…” “Nicolescu,” for her unconventional slices and unpredictability.
Best Looking ATP Players:
- “Berrettini, Draper, Tommy Paul” and others—Jenny gets called out for enthusiasm!
Group Chat Ghosting:
- “Desirae does. She doesn’t read messages.” – Jenny & Jess
Biggest Diva Moment:
- Madison tells about a player requiring someone on their team to move to the correct side of the net before serving, “She just glares at him ... crazy.”
Who Lives Like They’re in a Different Tax Bracket?
- “Irina—insane ring, diamonds, the Gucci thing now...She’s definitely in a different tax bracket than me.” – Jenny Brady (49:43)
Who’d Burn the Kitchen Down?
- “Katie McNally because she can’t cook” – Madison Keys (50:21)

7. Fan Q&A and Who Am I Game

[51:02 – 56:48]

Previous Who Am I Answer: Anna Ivanovic
This Week’s Who Am I Clues:
- Took college route, last name mispronounced, family member also plays pro. (Leave answers in the YouTube comments!)
Favorite “Tournament Run You Didn't Win”:
- Jenny: Brisbane (“My favorite tournament!” – 52:33),
  Madison: Cincinnati finals,
  Desirae: Madrid (“Such a grind ... two matches in one day, mentally draining.”)
How Personalized Are Your Shoes?
- Most use stock, non-custom, often discontinued models; Jess and Maddie confess to stockpiling old favorites.
Vibes: Indian Wells vs. Miami
- Indian Wells: Dry, “country club” tennis fans, trendy, slower courts
  Miami: Rainier, more humid, energetic crowds, livelier courts, Miami/South Florida atmosphere
- “The music they play, I was on court trying to stop my body from dancing.” – Jess Pegula (56:36)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“He’s like, ‘Got any weapons?’ I said, ‘Just my rackets’.” – Desirae Krawczyk (04:57)
“It was literally so full, it was like spilling everywhere. … I just went like, mute.” – Jess Pegula (03:23)
“Pam on the intercom going, ‘Yeah, matches have been canceled for today’ every 30 minutes.” – Madison Keys (14:46)
“I did sign a baby's butt, yes.” – Jess Pegula (27:25)
“She likes strutting it ... she loves her diamonds.” – Desiree Krafczyk, about Irina (49:42)
“Someone needs to clean his car. Mor, you need to tell this boy to clean his car!” – Jenny Brady, on Taylor Fritz (36:52)
“If it rains during your hour, your hour kind of disappears.” – Jess Pegula (24:02)
“The music they were playing, I was on court, like trying to stop my body from dancing because I was bopping. We're in Miami.” – Jess Pegula (56:36)

Timestamps of Important Segments

Unforced Errors/Early Banter: 00:54 – 08:21
Rain Delays & Behind-the-Scenes: 13:56 – 23:32
Miami Open Drama / Scheduling: 23:33 – 32:29
Locker Room & Parking Lot Stories: 32:20 – 39:42
‘Save it for a Rainy Day’ Game: 42:39 – 50:58
Fan Q&A & Who Am I: 51:02 – 56:48

Episode Tone & Vibe

The conversation is loose, irreverent, and filled with inside jokes, mutual roasting, and warmth. The hosts are relatable, quick-witted, and happy to share not just their tennis insights but also their personal quirks, pet stories, and offbeat daily triumphs and failures. Perfect for tennis fans who want to feel like they're in the locker room with the players themselves.

Listening to this episode immerses you in the chaos, humor, and authentic camaraderie of pro tennis life—especially when rain delays threaten everyone’s sanity.

wavePod

32 | Miami Open Week One