The Mini-Break [Tennis Podcast]

2026 Australian Open: Day 5 Recap

Thu, 22 Jan 2026

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 5 of the 2026 Australian Open. He offers his thoughts on a fantastic day for the Men's elder statesmen (Wawrinka, Cilic, Djokovic). He also examines a dramatic day of deciding set tennis for the women, shares his takeaways on breakout performances from Quinn and Spizzirri, previews a FANTASTIC Day 6, plus SO much more!!

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Episode Bookmarks

Biggest Storylines - 10:30

The Old Men have a day: 11:20

Dramatic deciding set tennis: 24:25

EQ + Spizz: 44:00

Upsets - 54:08

Going the Distance - 1:01:25

Other Women's Results - 1:02:20

Other Men's Results - 1:05:20

American Update - 1:11:00

Players w/College Ties Update - 1:13:00

Tennis Abstract forecast entering R3/Day 6 Preview - 1:14:55

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2026 Australian Open: Day 4 Recap

Wed, 21 Jan 2026

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 4 of the 2026 Australian Open. He breaks down a perfect day of results for the Men's Singles Seeds. He also offers his thoughts on another tremendous day for the ascending WTA Teenage Stars, debates the biggest threat to a Sabalenka/Gauff SF remaining in the draw, previews a FANTASTIC Day 5 schedule, plus SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Episode Bookmarks

Biggest Storylines - 5:40

All the Men's Seeds advance to R3: 7:50

WTA Teenagers in age only: 29:15

Who's the biggest threat to a Sabalenka/Gauff SF: 38:40

Upsets - 48:07

Going the Distance - 51:45

Other Women's Results - 55:17

Other Men's Results - 58:00

American Update - 1:04:40

Players w/College Ties Update - 1:07:40

Day 5 Preview - 1:08:40

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2026 Australian Open: Day 3 Recap

Tue, 20 Jan 2026

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 3 of the 2026 Australian Open. He reflects upon a relatively simple opening round for many of the tournament's top title contenders. He also breaks down a marvelous R1 of results for men with college tennis ties, looks at those players continuing to trend upwards, previews Day 4's action, plus SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Episode Bookmarks

Biggest Storylines - 6:00

Title Contenders cruise through R1: 6:25

Men w/College Tennis Ties: 22:20

Continuing to trend up: 37:53

Upsets - 46:24

Going the Distance - 48:25

Other Women's Results - 51:43

Other Men's Results - 53:05

American Update - 54:35

Players w/College Ties Update - 58:20

Forecast heading into R2/Day 4 Preview - 59:25

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2026 Australian Open: Day 2 Recap

Mon, 19 Jan 2026

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recap Day 2 of the 2026 Australian Open. He breaks down a day of Women's Singles results defined by the game's 21U rising stars. He also offers his thoughts on another sound day of results for the OG #NextGenATP crew, a fantastic performance from Learner Tien, Day 3's schedule, plus SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Episode Bookmarks

Biggest Storylines - 4:26

WTA Youth Movement Continues: 5:00

Another good day for the OG #NextGenATP: 20:30

Learner Tien: 28:46

Upsets - 35:14

Going the Distance - 43:45

Other Women's Results - 46:13

Other Men's Results - 48:25

Americans - 51:30

Players w/college ties - 53:35

Day 3 Preview - 55:30

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2026 Australian Open: Day 1 Recap

Sun, 18 Jan 2026

Cracked Racquets Editor-in-Chief Alex Gruskin recaps Day 1 of the 2026 Australian Open. He looks at a rare dominant day of slam play for the Men's seeds. He also breaks down a trio of Women's Upsets, marvels at a spectacular slam debut for 2x NCAA Singles Champion Michael Zheng, previews Day 2, plus SO much more!!

Don’t forget to give a 5 star review on your favorite podcast app! In addition, add your twitter/instagram handle to the review for a chance to win some FREE CR gear!!

Episode Bookmarks

Biggest Storylines - 5:30

Men's Seeds cruise on Day 1: 5:35

A Trio of Women's upsets: 15:20

Michael F'ing Zheng: 29:22

Going the Distance - 39:52

Other Women's Results - 44:08

Other Men's Results - 46:20

American Update - 48:45

Players w/College Ties Update - 49:52

Day 2 Preview - 51:00

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