It wasn't a great year, sure, but there were moments of brilliance on the court that we needed to highlight at least one more time. On this week’s show, Simon and Devang welcome @blockedpartypod’s John Cullen (@cullenthecomic) and go in-depth on Denis Shapovalov’s 5-set comeback win over Taylor Fritz. The guys chat 2020, what Denis showed us that day in New York, and plenty more. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 68
That’s a wrap on the 2020 ATP season. On this week’s show, Simon and Devang are joined by Vivek Jacob to dive into an enthralling ATP Finals. Signature wins for Dominic Theim and Daniil Medvedev set up a tantalizing clash in the final which truly lived up to the hype. News on the Australian Open, the ongoing battle for ATP Tour council supremacy and our parting shots feature in another episode of the Open Era podcast. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discor...
Nov 23, 2020•58 min•Ep. 67
Simon’s guy came through. On this week’s show we dig into Jannik Sinner’s breakthrough performance in Sofia, where he captured his first ATP singles title after a battle with Canadian Vasek Pospisil in the final. Plenty more is covered, including the WTA wrapping amid uncertainty in Linz, Zverev’s phone statement, and an in-depth preview of the ATP Tour Finals in London. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://www.patre...
Nov 16, 2020•58 min•Ep. 66
Simon and Devang are back to serve out the latest in the Tennis world. Novak Djokovic ties Pete Sampras’ record for year-end #1, Felix Auger Aliassime breaks his final curse, and the WTA returns to Linz for the final tournament of the year. New disturbing domestic violence allegations against Alexander Zverev overshadowed the German’s run to the final in Paris, where Daniil Medvedev recaptured his 2019 form. Big week, Trump out. Breathe. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to ...
Nov 09, 2020•55 min•Ep. 65
Somehow, we’ve made it to November. This week Simon and Devang digest the wild events from Vienna, where Novak Djokovic suffered the strangest beatdown of his incredible career. Staying in Austria, the guys hit on another terrific performance by Andrey Rublev and examine Lorenzo Sonego’s fateful week as a lucky loser. Also discussed: domestic abuse allegations are levelled against Alexander Zverev, Simona Halep tests positive for COVID-19, and Paris-Bercy begins as Europe locks down again. 2020....
Nov 02, 2020•56 min•Ep. 64
Simon and Devang are joined by Tennis reporter OG Ravi Ubha (@raviubha) this week to discuss the latest in the Tennis world. The guys tackle a stunning performance by Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Vika Azarenka in the Ostrava final while also capturing the doubles title with Elise Mertins. Over on the ATP, Ugo Humbert continues to be extremely fun to watch and Alexander Zverev is enjoying home cooking. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad ...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 63
October rolls on in the Tennis world with events in Russia and Germany taking center stage. In St. Petersburg, Canadians Milos Raonic and Denis Shapovalov made semifinal runs but it was Andrey Rublev who cemented himself as a Top 10 player with his 4th title of the year. In Cologne, Felix Auger-Aliassime lost his 6th straight final, this time to Alexander Zverev. What does it mean for FAA going forward? Simon and Devang cover all that and more on a jam packed episode of Open Era! Come join the P...
Oct 19, 2020•54 min•Ep. 62
Something new, something old. Simon and Devang unpack a mammoth weekend in Paris, which saw the arrival of yet another young star on the WTA in Iga Swiatek. On the Men’s side, Nadal won his 13th French Open and 20th Grand Slam, cementing himself as the forever king of clay. The guys go deep on the GOAT debate, Novak Djokovic’s performance in the final and what the Tennis calendar will hold for the rest of 2020. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord serve...
Oct 12, 2020•59 min•Ep. 61
We are balls deep into the French Open. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic remain on course for a blockbuster meeting on the Men’s side. Simona Halep was also cruising until running into the buzzsaw that is Iga Swiatek. Yes, on this week’s show the guys run through the latest from Roland-Garros. Also, Devang and Simon chat with Andrew Reiley (@CultTennisYT) of Cult Tennis about rising superstar Jannick Sinner after the Italian’s impressive demolition of an ill Alexander Zverev. Come join the Patreo...
Oct 05, 2020•57 min•Ep. 60
Ready for another one? Rafael Nadal vies for his record-tying 20th Grand Slam in what will be the strangest French Open ever. This week, Simon and Devang preview Roland-Garros, and tackle Nadal’s extreme dislike of the Wilson balls they’ll use at the tournament, Simona Halep’s heavy favourite status and Novak Djokovic’s dream draw. Plus, the guys chat with Naomi Cavaday of the Tennish Podcast. It’s a big one this week. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive disco...
Sep 28, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 59
Tennis has returned to clay and yes, Devang and Simon are excited about it. This week the guys discuss another sensational tournament from Denis Shapovalov, Rafael Nadal’s quick exit and Novak Djokovic’s ongoing quest for salvation. Simona Halep is once again a threat in Paris, but concerns about safety at the French Open are growing. There’s more, including updates on Bianca Andreescu, Naomi Osaka, and the PTPA. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord ser...
Sep 21, 2020•54 min•Ep. 58
Finally, there is a new grand slam champion in men’s tennis. Defector staff writer Giri Nathan joins the show this week to recap a wild US Open. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEra on Twitter! While you're there say hello to @DesaiDevang and maybe we'll all try to convince Simon to finally join. If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the store: http://bit.ly/merchera Or ...
Sep 14, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 57
It was going to plan on the men’s side until Sunday’s shocking events at Arthur Ashe stadium. Novak Djokovic was defaulted from the US Open after accidentally striking a linesperson with a ball. Simon and Devang discover the news while recording and deal with fallout from the incredible scenes in New York. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEra on Twitter! While you're there say ...
Sep 07, 2020•53 min•Ep. 56
It’s Grand Slam szn once again but the tours look a lot different than they did in Melbourne where Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin were victorious. Novak remains dominant, but the women’s side is wide open. Simon and Devang also praise Naomi Osaka for her protest and discuss the new men’s only players ‘union.’ Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEra on Twitter! While you're there s...
Aug 31, 2020•58 min•Ep. 55
It’s different and weird, but tennis is back. Vivek Jacob joins the show this week as Open Era tackles the headlines from the Western & Southern Open, including bubble life in New York and Novak Djokovic’s latest interview. The guys then check in with the Canadians on tour before giving their parting shots. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there. If me...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 54
As a teenager he was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine alongside Barack Obama. One of the most hyped American athletes of all time had a roller coaster of a career, but never reached the world’s top 30. So much was expected of this young phenom but mis-management, a poor attitude and his game style never allowed him to become an all time great. This week on Open Era we are joined by Andrew Reiley of Cult Tennis to discuss, what on earth happened to Donald Young?
Aug 16, 2020•54 min•Ep. 53
The 1997 French Open is known for the breakout of one Gustavo Kuerten, but it also ushered in a change that we are still feeling today. The Tennisnerd’s Jonas Eriksson joins the guys this week to talk about racquets, strings, and Guga.
Aug 09, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 52
Graf, Navratilova, Seles, Serena, Hingis...Jennifer Capriati not only competed with the game’s greats, she beat them. It was an unconventional path. From youth prodigy to tennis survivor, Capriati put herself back in slam contention in 2003 when she met Justine Henin in an all-time classic semifinal under the lights at Arthur Ashe. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang whil...
Aug 02, 2020•54 min•Ep. 51
It’s never boring when it comes to Nick Kyrgios. The Australian taltenizes with his ability on the court and his penchant for keeping to extremely real off of it. Ask 10 tennis fans about Kyrgios you’re going to get 10 different answers about their personal feelings towards the ATP’s iconoclast. This week revisit his stunning run in Acapulco and a new appreciation for NK. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Tw...
Jul 26, 2020•59 min•Ep. 50
"She has the ability to be the greatest player ever, even better than Serena and I never thought I'd say that.” The BBC’s Sue Barker isn’t alone. Coco Gauff is expected to take over the tennis world. This week Simon and Devang take a deep dive into Gauff’s career so far and reckon with the weight of expectations. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there. If ...
Jul 19, 2020•54 min•Ep. 49
This week we profile someone that never became world number one or captured a Grand Slam, but accomplished something no other player has . David Nalbandian defied explanation, until you saw what he could do on the court when everything was just ‘right.’ We saw that happen in 2007 at the Madrid Open when he became the first and only person to beat Nadal, Djokovic and Federer at the same tournament. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/opener...
Jul 12, 2020•53 min•Ep. 48
By 2015 Andy Murray was no longer a tough luck loser when it came to Grand Slams, but the Australian Open title remained elusive. In his fourth attempt to win the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, Novak Djokovic once again stood in Murray’s way. The Athletic’s Kaitlyn McGrath joins us this week to relive the 2015 Australian Open Men’s final. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevan...
Jul 05, 2020•56 min•Ep. 47
Despite grim predictions the Adria Tour went ahead as planned and in its wake the Tennis world has been left reeling. Novak Djokovic, the tour’s frontman, along with Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for COVID-19, putting resumption of the 2020 season in doubt. This week Simon and Devang unpack a tumultuous week. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you...
Jun 28, 2020•55 min•Ep. 46
Canadian tennis is in good hands thanks to a trio of young stars. One has already won a grand slam, but this week we’re taking a look back at the moment when Bianca Andreescu, Felix Auger Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov announced their arrival on the tennis scene. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're there. If merch is your thing, be sure to check out the stor...
Jun 21, 2020•59 min•Ep. 45
It’s not their most famous match, but when looking back on the Federer-Safin rivalry, this second set tiebreak must be chronicled. This week Open Era heads to 2004 and the Tennis Masters cup semifinal in Houston. Federer was finishing off a simply dominant season and Safin laid the groundwork for one more slam run. That combination created an incredible moment. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And ...
Jun 13, 2020•51 min•Ep. 44
The French Open may happen at some point this year but it must be said, we’re missing the Parisian clay right now. This week we head back to 2003 and the classic semifinal between Serena Williams and Justine Henin. Serena was on a 33-match winning streak at the slams but it was not meant to be on this day in what was an extraordinary contest. You don’t get a moniker like ‘The Hand Match’ for nothing. A note from Simon and Devang: Black Lives Matter. Inhumane police brutality that is perpetuated ...
Jun 07, 2020•53 min•Ep. 43
10,000 tennis fans packed Centre Court on a Monday to watch two men battle for a prize that had eluded them in the past. Patrick Rafter had come close in 2000, losing to Pete Sampras in the final. Goran Ivanišević’s date with destiny at Wimbledon was a long time coming. He had lost in the final three times prior to that July day in 2001, where a legion of rabid Aussie fans and Goran devotees gathered for an unforgettable afternoon. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episo...
May 31, 2020•59 min•Ep. 42
Sure we remember the epic 2009 Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but that wasn’t the best match of the tournament. Fernando Verdasco gave Nadal everything he could for five hours and 14 minutes, but it wasn’t enough. Racquet Magazine’s Giri Nathan joins us this week to relive a RLA masterpiece. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're t...
May 24, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 41
The actions of Gunter Parche changed the sport of tennis for ever on April 30, 1993. Monica Seles was on track to smash the record books until Parche, a Steffi Graf superfan, stabbed Seles during a changeover at the Hamburg tournament. Graf and Seles were lodged in a rivalry that was on track to redefine the sport. Seles remarkably came all the way back, meeting her great rival once again in the 1995 US Open Final. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www....
May 17, 2020•53 min•Ep. 40
In 1997 it was the end for Andre Agassi. A failed drug test coupled with injuries and the disintegration of his marriage saw the American plummet to 141 in the world rankings. And then, Agassi did something remarkable. This week on the Open Era Podcast, we revisit the 1999 French Open final and Agassi’s date with destiny. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content and ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! And say hello to @DesaiDevang while you're t...
May 10, 2020•53 min•Ep. 39
