Episode 18: Feliciano Lopez talks Madrid, Alcaraz and Jodar—and we debut The Big T Combined Power Rankings

Episode 18 of The Big T, a Tennis Channel podcast, is available to listen on your favorite streaming platforms—click here for the latest drop.

You can also watch specific segments and bonus content from every episode on the Tennis Channel app—click here and start digging in!

In this week's episode:

• Feliciano Lopez, player turned tournament director, on his new life (and Alcaraz's big news)
• The three greatest tennis racquets ever made
• Debuting The Big T Combined Power Rankings!
• ...and much more.

🗣️ "An Emotional Shock": Madrid TD Lopez on Carlitos' absence—and Jodar's star turn

Feliciano Lopez, former world No. 12 and a seven-time champion on the ATP Tour, joined Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey in his native Spain, where he's now tournament director of the Mutua Madrid Open. (10:30) Spain is the tennis news cycle not only for this week's combined 1000 event, but for Carlos Alcaraz—who will miss Roland Garros with a wrist injury—and Rafa Jodar, who is shooting up the rankings.

"It's a bit of concern," said Lopez of Alcaraz's injury. "When I saw that, I knew immediately that it doesn't look well—the way he got injured. Because I had the same issue many years ago ... I'm just hoping for him not to get surgery."

As for the Madrid-born Jodar, Lopez didn't expect the 19-year-old to rise this quickly, but now it already "seems like he's been here forever."

It's like a miracle for us. Feliciano Lopez on Rafa Jodar

In this thoughtful conversation with one of the sport’s most respected voices, Lopez weighs in on the growing debate around two-week Masters events, and how extended tournaments are impacting players and the tour. (13:20)

"It's impossible to make everyone happy," says Lopez, who in his new position has learned that that you have to say no sometimes—even to people you love and respect.

PLUS: A tribute to Roberto Bautista Agut as he continues his final season on tour. (23:40)

🎾 The TennisNerd stops by to talk racquets, strings and what the pros actually use

What equipment do the top players hit with, and should you copy it?

Jonas Eriksson, founder of TennisNerd.net, joined the podcast to break down everything you need to know about tennis racquets, strings and setup. (26:00) He explains how players like Jannik Sinner fine-tune their equipment for power and control—"I never see him change tension, or doubt his equipment," says Eriksson—how to find the right combination for your own level, and why copying pro setups can actually hurt your game.

"They play a different sport, they're so physically fit," Eriksson says of the pros—as a caution to club players about mimicking their gear.

But it's not just recreational players Eriksson is concerned about: he's even "a little worried about Carlitos." Erikkson explains why in this must-watch for anyone looking to level up their game.

PLUS: A discussion of the best racquets in tennis history, and what makes them so effective. (39:15)

📈 Let the debates begin: The Combined Power Rankings are here.

Who are the best players in tennis right now? You could just look at each tour's rankings—or, you could stack them all together.

Petchey and Petkovic are given this assignment in the first Big T Combined Power Rankings, blending the top players from both the ATP and WTA tours into one list. (40:55) Recent results, consistency, injuries and momentum all factor into the rankings, as they debate who deserves a spot in the Top 5. This new segment will update monthly as the season evolves.

Petkovic's Top 5

1. Sinner
2. Sabalenka
3. Rybakina
4. Zverev
5. Jodar/Muchova

Petchey's Top 5

1. Sinner
2. Sabalenka
3. Rybakina
4. Fils
5. Shelton

Do you agree with their rankings—or is someone missing?

🎧 Ready? Play.

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