The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast · Craig Shapiro

Hailey Baptiste Talks Tennis with Craig Shapiro

·46 min·4 clips

Hailey Baptiste reveals how a 102-degree fever and flu marked her brutal start to the tennis season.

The episode features an interview with tennis player Hailey Baptiste, conducted by host Craig Shapiro. Baptiste begins by discussing her current living situation in Del Rey and her training locations. She recounts starting the year with a 102-degree fever in Australia and her subsequent matches, including a tough battle against Coco Gauff. Baptiste explains the difficulties of the long Australian and Middle Eastern swings and her jet lag strategies, such as avoiding daytime sleep upon arrival. The conversation shifts to her recent coaching change, as she split from Eric Heckman due to disagreements, and she is now traveling with friend William Moodle while seeking a new coach. Baptiste reflects on her tennis beginnings, playing with her father on public courts and training at JTCC, where she met Frances Tiafoe. She shares that her father was a rapper named Humbleville and her family is from Grenada, not Haiti as often assumed. Baptiste talks about turning pro with IMG, her early pro experiences traveling with other American players, and her current ranking progress. She addresses broader tennis topics, including the packed WTA schedule, the impact of Serena and Venus Williams, and experiencing racism in the sport. Baptiste answers rapid-fire questions about her favorite shots, equipment setup, and preferences for tournaments like the US Open. She concludes by discussing desired changes in tennis, such as making the sport more casual and addressing gambling-related messages.

As heard by us

A relaxed profile of Baptiste that folds in D.C. roots, JTCC lineage, and family detail without overworking the tennis.

Hailey Baptiste comes through here as more than a name check. The piece keeps its focus on her Washington, D.C. roots, JTCC background, Delray apartment, and the path that has already given her a substantial tour resume.

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Why you'd press play

You want a candid player portrait grounded in D.C., Delray, and family lore, with enough tour context to feel real.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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