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.