Inside-In Podcast: how tennis lifer John Lloyd persevered over adversity, cancer bout

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Throughout the entire life and times of John Lloyd, there has always been tennis. He broke into the pro ranks as a teenager, notched a Grand Slam final appearance, and a top 25 ranking, and continued on to a successful career as a commentator. The game has been easy and fun. It's life that's been hard.

Lloyd joined the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast to explain why he decided to document his journey in "Dear John: The John Lloyd Autobiography," and why he can't stop putting a positive spin on everything the world throws his way.

The reason for the book itself is two-fold. First there was a failed attempt by Lloyd's own admission in his past, so this is a chance to set the record strength with several more decades of experience. But there's also the chance to tell a story from a different vantage point in tennis, and with a different tone at that.

"I know I had a good career and not a great one in terms of the actual wins," the 1977 Australian Open finalist lamented. "I was in four decades, I met and played against almost all the greats in that period."

From playing McEnroe and Connors to coaching a young Andy Murray and the British Davis Cup team, Lloyd has more than a few interesting stories in memory bank.

"I wanted to make a book that a person could pick up and read, that wasn't necessarily a big tennis lover, that could still have fun reading it."

The book covers serious topics in a way that offers levity and perspective. Lloyd opens up about his battle with prostate cancer (now in remission) and uses his own good fortune as a message to others to get checked up. He was never big on going to the doctor's office, and it was his divorce and move to Florida a few years back that prompted him on the visit that lead to his cancer being detected.

The silver lining is not lost on Lloyd, who counts his lucky stars while also being an advocate for men's health.

The beauty of a career in tennis such as Lloyd's is that it overlapped so many generations. He served as captain of the British Davis Cup team for a few years, where he got to work up close with a brash youngster named Andy Murray. His commentary career started at HBO, led Lloyd literally to his home, working for the BBC's coverage of Wimbledon where he still serves as must-listen during the fortnight.

And the now seasoned vet explained a very distinct difference in calling matches in America and England.

"In American TV, to be honest, the commentators talk a lot. On the BBC, if you talk during the rallies, you'll lose your job. The fans will literally right in!"

His advice to all commentators is to stay consistent and enjoy yourself.

"You've got to have a bit of a sense of humor. It's a sport and obviously there's serious times, but it's just a game."

In addition to the topic of his own life, Lloyd gives his fair assessment of British pro tennis. His view holds firm that nobody should tell Andy Murray (or anyone for that matter) when it's time to retire, he believes Jack Draper has all the makings of a bonafide star, and that everyone collectively should temper the expectations placed on Emma Raducanu.

It's a beautiful thing to be be in the midst of a journey that feels like a dream, to appreciate living when you fully understand that no day is guaranteed. John Lloyd's survived and prospered from the tennis court and beyond, and in "Dear John" you'll see why everyone enjoys his conversation, and his place in the game remains secure.