Rethinking Tennis Strategy Through Data and Coachability
Episode Description
ABOUT THE EPISODE Craig O'Shannessy, tennis strategist, analyst for multiple Grand Slams, and New York Times contributor, joins the show to discusses how data-driven decision-making, underused tactics like serve-and-volley, and coachability separate today’s champions from the rest of the field. Cade, Eric, and Shane also analyze Seattle’s defensive-driven win in Super Bowl LX, reassess quarterback ceilings under pressure, and connect those insights to Olympic tournament design and the role of randomness in elite sports outcomes.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Sports is a game of numbers. Wharton experts Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner team up to tackle the world of sports, from current events to longstanding issues such as: What sports streaks are the most impressive? How do you rank the best players? Can athletes be compared across sports? Moneyball Highlights explains how decision-makers in the game can avoid the common mistakes and embrace the data. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
#grandslam #tenniscoach #coachingtips #tennishighlights #sportsanalytics #tennisanalysis ----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.
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Brief Summary
Craig Oanisy discusses the Australian Open, tennis analytics, and the Super Bowl, highlighting player performance and tournament design.
Key points
- Craig Oanisy's Australian Open Experience. Craig shares his journey through the Australian Open and his paddle tournaments.
- Rethinking Tennis Strategy. Craig discusses the importance of adapting strategies in tennis to compete effectively.
- Novak's Ambitious Goals. During their first meeting, Novak Djokovic emphasizes the importance of data in improving his game.
- Learning from Rivals. Craig discusses how top players learn from each other, shaping their strategies and skills.
- Alcarez's Future Potential. Craig predicts Alcarez could be the first player to win 30 majors, showcasing his talent.
- The Role of Analytics. Craig asserts that analytics are essential for players to close the gap with top competitors.
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Episode highlights
- Craig Oanisy's Australian Open ExperienceCraig shares his journey through the Australian Open and his paddle tournaments.“It felt so good to go back to my roots.”3:21Feb 12, 2026
- Rethinking Tennis StrategyCraig discusses the importance of adapting strategies in tennis to compete effectively.“You must come to the net.”11:20Feb 12, 2026
- Novak's Ambitious GoalsDuring their first meeting, Novak Djokovic emphasizes the importance of data in improving his game.“Make me better first and foremost.”19:46Feb 12, 2026
- Learning from RivalsCraig discusses how top players learn from each other, shaping their strategies and skills.“You should be looking at your peers.”22:24Feb 12, 2026
- Alcarez's Future PotentialCraig predicts Alcarez could be the first player to win 30 majors, showcasing his talent.“Alcarez could be the first guy to get to 30.”26:26Feb 12, 2026
- The Role of AnalyticsCraig asserts that analytics are essential for players to close the gap with top competitors.“It's the only way.”26:52Feb 12, 2026
- Alcarez's AthleticismCraig highlights Alcarez's unmatched athleticism and determination on the court.“There's nothing he can't do.”33:28Feb 12, 2026
- Super Bowl 60 RecapSeattle Seahawks put on a show against the New England Patriots, showcasing defensive prowess.“It was defensively driven, but no longer slow.”37:43Feb 12, 2026
