Well, what have we learned so far in Melbourne? On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang tackle broadcast issues in the U.S, John McEnroe and Cliff Drysdale yelling at clouds, and the first ‘Netflix moments’ of the year. Then, they review the losses we’ve seen, rating the performances of Osaka, Zverev, Gauff, and Raducanu before casting an eye towards the final week. To close, it’s parting shots, which feature Ash Barty in Vogue and our dismay at the fashion at the Australian Open. It stinks! B...
Jan 24, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 127
Novak Djokovic has been deported, but there’s a tournament to be played. In the latest Open Era, Simon and Devang touch on Novak’s removal from Australia before breaking down the Real Tennis ahead, including some bonkers predictions with the 2022 Australian Open already underway. Plus, parting shots include sad news regarding Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Murray turning down Saudi Arabia, and our thoughts on the Tennis Netflix series (please don’t be bad, docuseries!). It’s a big show, hope you en...
Jan 17, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 126
What an incredibly stupid week that was. Novak Djokovic may or may not be allowed to play in the Australian Open, and that somehow doesn’t feel like the biggest takeaway from a story that captured the attention of the wider world. Oh yea, the tennis bits: Canada wins the truly not fake ATP Cup, Halep, Monfils, and Nadal provide some normalc, and Simon and Devang reach deep for some big 2022 predictions. There’s a lot to get to. Join us, will ya? Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, ac...
Jan 10, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 125
We’re back! Simon and Devang ring in the new year with takes on Novak’s will he or won’t he Aussie Open drama plus a rapid fire on all the tennis news we missed over the holidays. Plus, parting shots and a heartfelt message to you, our wonderful listeners. Thanks for sticking with us. 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 ...
Jan 03, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 124
As we all sit here, bathed in the afterglow of the holiday spirit, I wonder how we’ll all remember 2021 in Tennis? Yes we almost saw history on the ATP side with a certain world number 1 coming ever so close to tennis immortality. Yes, we saw an unheralded British teenager do something which had never been done in professional tennis and romp to a first Grand Slam title. But lost between all of these grand narratives were to stories which stick with us on an individual level. Because sports, for...
Dec 27, 2021•33 min•Ep. 123
Men’s tennis at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics was turned upside down by Juan Martin del Potro. The Tower of Tandil stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the first round. Del Potro, recovering from a wrist injury, would meet Rafael Nadal in the semifinal and remind us why the lanky Argentinian was such a unique talent. 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...
Dec 20, 2021•40 min
In early November, the ATP became a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action. This announcement came off the back of the COP 26 summit which took place in Glasgow, wherein world leaders were challenged to accelerate sustainability and climate related actions on a global scale. The ATP produced a document which outlined the commitments it had made along with the key commitments within the United Nations agreements. Herein the ATP adopted the framework which committed to two speci...
Dec 13, 2021•45 min•Ep. 122
It’s over. It's done. Yes Mr Frodo, the tennis season is over now. We finally did it. We made it to the end of the 2021 campaign and what better way to wrap things up than by having on Patreon extraordinar Priyanka Dobson. We dig into the WTA’s huge stand against China before tackling the Davis Cup Final and the ATP award nominees. All that before the final Parting Shots of the year. Still can’t believe this season is done… Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive ...
Dec 06, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 121
It’s time for the Davis Cup everyone! Crickets… In other news, the Peng Shuai case continues to rumble on with some surprising turns and Toilet-Gate reaches it’s conclusion on the ATP Tour. Plus we take a look at the rather racey magazine cover of Danii Medvedev and dig into the WTA Awards nominees. In order to cover such an eclectic mix this week we are joined by Crina Mustafa, Digital Host at The Parleh. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and...
Nov 29, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 120
Well that was quite a week. We thought that this time of year in the tennis calendar was supposed to be quiet. We weren’t quite ready and prepared for tennis to turn into the epicentre of a geo-political incident, which may have incredibly far-reaching impacts on relations between global superpowers. All of that in the same week that the world tour finals took place along with us getting to the slow dancing in a burning room stage of Roger Federer's retirement. To help us tackle all of that plus...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 119
It’s a time of the year we know all too well. We’ve reached the Tour Finals on the WTA side and it’s had some cracking matches so far. With Devang off sick, Simon is joined by Luke Peristy to chat about a bumper crop of tennis as we reach the exciting conclusion to the tennis calendar for 2021. Also, there was some really questionable fashion from this week right? You know we couldn’t resist talking about the hits and misses. Come join the Patreon tour for bonus content, access to the exclusive ...
Nov 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 118
It’s been an utterly wild week in professional sports. From the NHL’s shameful attempted cover up to the Phoenix Suns to Aaron Rodgers and finally to yet another case of sexual assault in tennis. We discuss where tennis fits in the sporting landscape against the backdrop of these new allegations. Oh yeah and Novak Djokovic won a record 37th Masters title and sealed a record 7th year-end World No. 1. All of that plus our parting shots on a jam packed Open Era! Come join the Patreon tour for bonus...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 117
Happy Halloween! On a special spooky edition of the show, Simon and Devang dive into the Sinner-Tiafoe drama in Vienna and explore Frances’ ceiling going forward. Also, Anett Kontaveit continued her stunning Fall run with a dominant win over Simona Halep in Cluj. Marin Cilic warmed our hearts by managing to turn back the clock in St.Petersburg. All that, our Parting Shots, and a special Halloween Edition of ‘The Pun Gun’ on this week’s show! Come join the Patreon tour for bonus content, access t...
Nov 01, 2021•52 min•Ep. 116
We all knew this was coming eventually... a Novak Djokovic quote about Vaccinations. Devang and Simon unpack the world number 1’s interview before turning our attention to a surprisingly busy week of tour tennis. Lastly, in our parting shots we discuss Roger Federer having a tram named after him in Basel. Yes that did actually happen. Come join the Patreon tour for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/openera Follow @OpenEra on Twitt...
Oct 25, 2021•59 min•Ep. 115
At the end of a truly bizarre Indian Wells, we saw two shocking finals, but for different reasons. In a brand new Open Era, Simon and Devang dive into the latest headlines around Tennis, including new realities discovered in the ‘Big 3-less’ Californian desert, Victoria Azarenka’s inspiring run, and Paula Badosa’s arrival. Also, Killa Cam’Ron N.O.R.E is the men’s UK No.1(!!). Plus, Dev’s sister Urmi joins the show to talk about the ridiculous Badosa/Vika final and her own tennis journey. It’s a ...
Oct 18, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 114
This week Simon and Devang welcome the great Owen from The Racket to discuss the “latest”, including an update on the Alexander Zverev investigation. Then they head to the extremely slow courts of Indian Wells, where Leylah Fernandez hopes to maintain her otherworldly US Open level. Emma Raducanu lost early, but received the NY Times feature treatment. Also, is 40-shot rally tennis good, Opelka speaks candidly, Murray loses his ring and plenty, plenty more. Come join the Patreon tour for bonus c...
Oct 11, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 113
We have a jam packed show this week so we brought in Pog from Pog’s Tennis Channel (@FoQPTennis) to discuss everything from vaccine requirements to casting tennis' James Bond. We also round up the three tournaments which took place this week. Jannik Sinner went back to back in Sofia, and we had some surprise results in Chicago and San Diego. Lots of Tennis coming your way in this week's show. Come join the Patreon tour for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episode...
Oct 04, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 112
The Laver Cup was an absolute rout, but there was plenty to talk about in its aftermath. On today’s show, Simon - still trapped in the UK - and Devang discuss Fed’s surprise visit to Boston, the drama, and our recommendations for changing the event. Plus, there was “real” tennis in Ostrava, Metz, and Nur-Sultan. Also, Kim Clijsters is back, Serena is 40, Anthony Joshua got wrecked (Boxing klaxon) and our Parting Shots. Hope you enjoy it. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to ...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 111
On a special election edition of the podcast, Amy Lundy Dahl joins Simon and Devang to weigh in on the latest in the tennis world, including the ATP’s new strategic plan, Davis Cup action, and the WTA’s new generation. Meanwhile, FAA and Leylah Fernandez made waves at the Met Gala, Emma Raducanu finally went home, and the Laver Cup forged ahead once again - with Alexander Zverev and without women. Oh yes, there is another teen phenom: Clara Tauson. All that, plus our Parting Shots on another Ope...
Sep 20, 2021•55 min•Ep. 110
Was that the best Grand Slam tournament we’ve ever seen? Vivek Jacob joins Simon and Devang to examine an utterly batshit US Open. Among the topics: the all-teenager women’s final, what’s next for Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu and Daniil Medvedev thwarting Novak Djokovic’s quest for tennis immortality. Also, our favourite matches, commentators and outfits, and some general words about how much this tournament made us love tennis again. It’s a good one. Come join the Patreon family for bonus...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 109
Week number 2 is upcoming at Flushing Meadows. Now that we’ve got the bathroom jokes out of our system we can get to the bottom of all the action which took place in week 1 at the US Open. Sorry, before this gets too corny, let’s address the elephant in the room. Stefanos Tsitsipas takes a long long time in the bathroom. We talk about what he might be doing there before going rapid fire with 10 matches which caught our eye in 20 minutes. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to ...
Sep 06, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 108
As Kele Okereke once sang: So Here We Are. Main draw play begins Monday in New York City and the lads are...relatively excited. We’ll go with that. On today’s show, Simon and Devang examine the latest from the US Open, including an update on the Alexander Zverev assault allegations. There’s also a new Roger Federer book out, an excerpt of which appeared in the New York Times and piqued our interest. That plus the draws, Novak Djokovic’s quest for tennis immortality and of course, some excellent ...
Aug 30, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 107
Yes, the episode title is a Cher pun this week, but did you see what happened in Cincy? On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang dive into a wild US Open warmup event in Ohio that featured headline stealing news from players (cough, Rafael Nadal, cough) that weren’t even there! Medvedev, Barty, Rublev, Teichmann, Zverev, Osaka, Tsitsipas, the Tsitsipas family cell plan - they’re all covered plus as always, our parting shots and the now famous, ‘section within a segment.’ Come join the Patreon f...
Aug 23, 2021•59 min•Ep. 106
Well would you look at that, tennis came to us. The gang's back together for this week’s show, with both the WTA and ATP visiting Canada. Devang tells us about watching a disappointing Felix Auger Aliassime performance live and the overall vibe at a covid-impacted tournament. Plus, an update on Bianca Andreescu’s progress, more surgery for Roger Federer, and an ode to a particular type of big man tennis. All that and much more in another Open Era! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, ...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 105
Simon and Devang are BOTH away this week, but as they prepare for live tennis in Toronto, catch an episode recorded last year on a subject dear to their hearts. 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 joined the guys to talk about racquets, strings, and Guga. We'll be back next week with a fresh episode for our wonderful listeners. Come join the Patreon family for bonus...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 104
The strange journey that was Tennis at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has concluded, leaving Simon and Devang with plenty to discuss. On this week’s Open Era the guys examine Novak Djokovic’s shocking conclusion to these games, the incredible performances of Belinda Bencic and Elina Vesnina’s inspiring ROC Nation campaign, among others. In between, they covered the tweets that made us think, laugh, and cringe. It’s a fun one, so tune in. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exc...
Aug 02, 2021•57 min•Ep. 103
We are heading to Tokyo for the Olympic games! With Devang taking a well deserved rest Simon is joined by Luke Peristy to discuss the tumultuous first few days of the Olympic Games. In addition, we give Luke the “Commissioner of Tennis” keys and dive into a bumper crop of news in our Parting Shots. 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...
Jul 26, 2021•56 min•Ep. 102
It’s the unofficial midway point of the 2021 season so it’s time to reflect. With Simon away, friend of the show Vivek Jacob joins Devang to hand out some hardware six and a half months into the campaign. No, Novak Djokovic and Ash Barty didn’t sweep everything. Plus, the guys talk about the Olympics, the state of everything (bad) amid the rash of withdrawals, Naomi Osaka’s Netflix documentary plus much more on the latest Open Era! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the ex...
Jul 19, 2021•57 min•Ep. 101
Twenty Grand Slams. We have some company at the top. Yes, Novak Djokovic continued his dominant reign atop the Men’s game at Wimbledon on Sunday. Simon and Devang unpack the latest historic feat from the Super Serb, and grapple with what a Calendar Golden Slam would mean. Ash Barty made a feel good story permanent, capturing her second slam and Australia’s first at Wimbledon in 41 years on the women’s side. We talk about the winners, plus Federer reaction, Sabalenka, Pliskova, Shapo, FAA plus mu...
Jul 12, 2021•55 min•Ep. 100
You won’t believe these 10 things that happened at Wimbledon this week! Number 9 will SHOCK you. We highlight 10 moments from this week at the All England Club which caught our eye. Plus we go deep into the Open Era Fanfiction, it’s a dark and disturbing place. We round it all out with our Parting Shots, which will from here out be known as Shapo Trap House. Who will have the better career? Sofia Kenin or Bianca Andreescu? Yes, that's actually a question we’ll cover this week. Come join the Patr...
Jul 05, 2021•55 min•Ep. 99
