We realise that re-living 2020 probably isn’t high on your list of priorities, but we can promise that this week’s podcasts are not all doom and gloom as we look back on this strange but momentous tennis year and the way we covered it as a podcast. In this episode, with the help of clips from throughout the year, we reminisce about the Australian Open, the warning signs in February and March that covid-19 was spreading, the sudden shutdown of the world, and the launch of our Tennis Re-Lived seri...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 772
In this bonus edition of the pod, John Millman speaks to David and Catherine from his hotel room in Sydney where he’s quarantining for 14 days following the end of the season and his return to Australia. John talks candidly about his experience of travelling the ATP Tour throughout the pandemic, the mental toll of being in quarantine without even being allowed to open a window, his role on the ATP player council, his views on the PTPA, and the possible scenarios for next year’s Australian Open, ...
Nov 26, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 771
Daniil Medvedev has never followed the crowd, and the manner in which he brought the curtain down on London’s 12-year hosting of the ATP Finals suggested he isn’t about to start now. In an eighth and final edition of The Tennis Podcast from The O2 this week, Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts talk about the final between Medvedev and Dominic Thiem, what went on afterwards, what the results this week might mean for the future, the doubles final, and the memories that the pod team will...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 770
Novak Djokovic led Dominic Thiem 4-0 in a deciding set tie-break, Rafael Nadal served for the match against Daniil Medvedev, and Thiem will now face Medvedev in the final. What happened and why? Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts try to work it out. The heartbreak of Joe Salisbury is covered, as are concerns over the Australian Open. And then there’s the moment that Catherine Whitaker became a meme. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tou...
Nov 22, 2020•57 min•Ep. 769
If the pod team could have chosen the semi-final line-up at the start of the tournament, it’s likely these four names would have featured. But who will come out on top? After much deliberation, Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts make their picks. They also cover some important press conferences involving Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, relate some weird, wonderful, heartbreaking and downright awkward doubles news, and receive and react to a tweet from Pam Shriver. The Tennis Podcast i...
Nov 21, 2020•48 min•Ep. 768
Rafael Nadal has never won the ATP Finals. Not yet, anyway. After a three-set tussle with Stefanos Tsitsipas, we assessed his performance, considered the way in which he causes Tsitsipas problems, and then reported on the Greek’s press conference in which he described the mental challenges posed by ‘bubble life’. The drudgery of dead rubbers gets the treatment, the chopping and changing of doubles teams is discussed, Joe Salisbury is lauded, and Catherine gives David and Matt a mid-pod shock. Th...
Nov 20, 2020•52 min•Ep. 767
A match hyped to the hilt ended more abruptly than expected, and Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts were able to talk about Daniil Medvedev vs. Novak Djokovic soon afterwards. Where was the match won and lost? How come Djokovic lost seven games in a row? And does this make Medvedev the favourite for the title? The podcast trio discuss all of that, and also cover Alexander Zverev vs. Diego Schwartzman, while giving the lowdown on what Medvedev said about the Zverev domestic abuse alle...
Nov 19, 2020•52 min•Ep. 766
On-court, lack of fans aside, today was a joy to behold for the tennis world. Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal fought out an instant classic, and then Stefanos Tsitsispas and Andrey Rublev went at it in the evening. Off the court though, there are concerns for the viability of the Australian Open. In the latest daily edition of The Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker joins from inside the O2 Arena bubble to describe the feeling of being courtside for such a great tussle, and discusses with co-hosts...
Nov 18, 2020•51 min•Ep. 765
Let's be honest, Day 2 at the ATP Finals was not exactly a thriller, and it got us talking about the worst matches we can remember from the O2 era and whether or not it's fair to call this year's edition the 'Zombie Finals'', a term coined by Simon Briggs. On the court, there were straight-set wins for Novak Djokovic over Diego Schwartzman and Daniil Medvedev over Alexander Zverev. We discuss the bad match-up for Schwartzman, Djokovic's ability to open his shoulders and play expansive tennis, hi...
Nov 17, 2020•48 min•Ep. 764
The opening singles match of the 2020 ATP Finals was a repeat of last year's closer between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem, a fact which served only to emphasise the differences and remind us of what we're missing. On the podcast, Catherine describes the bittersweet feeling of what it was like to be inside the O2 arena without fans as London hosts the event for the last time. Still, the tennis was high-quality and we discuss how Thiem managed to get his revenge, the way his game has develo...
Nov 16, 2020•42 min•Ep. 763
In this episode we look ahead to the ATP Finals – the final event of this strange tennis season and the final time it will be staged in London. Catherine details her experience inside the O2 bubble so far, as well as the dental emergency which almost scuppered her plans. We also analyse the two singles groups, discuss what we learned on media day, and make some predictions. Just how motivated will Djokovic be to win the title? Is Nadal better suited to indoor tennis than ever? Does Medvedev have...
Nov 14, 2020•58 min•Ep. 762
On-court action unfortunately takes a back seat on the podcast this week as we discuss in depth the allegations from Olya Sharypova that her ex-boyfriend, Alexander Zverev, physically and emotionally abused her during their relationship. We lay out the new allegations from Sharypova detailed in her interview with Racquet Magazine , present Zverev’s responses throughout the week to questions about the accusations, and talk through Jon Wertheim’s extensive take on the issue . We also examine the w...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 761
Catherine, David and Matt are back to answer more listener questions. In the mailbag this week: · Who will win a Grand Slam title first – Denis Shapovalov or Felix Auger-Aliassime? · Who will be the next first time Grand Slam champion in the women’s game? · Is Roger Federer in danger of the bronze medal when it comes to who is best out of The Big 3? · What are we most excited about, in the tennis world, next year? · Can Dominic Thiem win Roland Garros before Rafael Nadal retires? · And what’s th...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 760
Our focus this week is on Vienna after Andrey Rublev won his 5th title of the season there. Does Rublev’s consistency at ATP 500 level make him a contender for men’s player of the year? The other big talking points involved Novak Djokovic who clinched the year-end No.1 ranking for the sixth time, equalling Pete Sampras’ record, before losing 6-2, 6-1 against the impressive Lorenzo Sonego. What happened? What did we make of Djokovic’s post-match comments? Should his year-end finish as No.1 come w...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 759
In the first of two pods over the next week answering listener questions, we discuss who is the best at tennis out of Catherine, David and Matt, whether there should be a free-for-all tournament without seeds, our worst travel disasters, who might be a good coach to take Stefanos Tsitsipas to the next level, the Wimbledon traditions we would ditch, how social media has increased tribal fan support in tennis, and the worst five set matches we’ve watched. The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catheri...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 758
We discuss whether we learned anything new about Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev after their victories in Ostrava(!!!) and Cologne(2), the possible reasons why Sabalenka hasn’t translated tour success to the Grand Slams, how high the ceiling could be for Antwerp champion Ugo Humbert, and, after David’s discussion on Twitter with Denis Shapovalov, whether tennis is better off with or without Hawkeye. Should entertainment be the number one priority? Could there be a compromise by reducing the...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 757
With the dust having settled on Roland Garros, the tennis season stutters on, and Catherine, David and Matt are back to talk about everything that was weird and wonderful in Cologne 1 and St Petersburg, including dogs on sun loungers, a live band at changeovers, and a 40-minute Eurovision-style closing ceremony. How motivated are we to watch non-Grand Slam tennis at the moment? What’s going wrong for Felix Auger-Aliassime in finals? How concerned should we be about Andy Murray’s latest setback? ...
Oct 19, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 750
Rafael Nadal has won Roland Garros for a 13th time, equaling Roger Federer's record for the most Grand Slam men's singles titles, after crushing his other great rival, Novak Djokovic, 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. We discuss whether Nadal's incredible level surprised Djokovic, the astute tactical performance that Nadal put in, Djokovic's persistent use of the drop shot, what Nadal's relatively understated celebration revealed about him, whether this is Nadal's greatest ever victory at Roland Garros, and where ...
Oct 11, 2020•55 min•Ep. 749
Tennis has a new star after Iga Swiatek completed a record-breaking run to her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, beating Sofia Kenin in the same dominant fashion she'd seen off the rest of the field. Catherine, David and Matt review the match, salute Swiatek, consider the wider significance of the result, and look ahead to Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic on Sunday. David also speaks to legendary sports broadcaster Ted Robinson about his time covering tennis during the pandemic. 0.00 - 30....
Oct 10, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 748
The most abnormal of Grand Slam tennis seasons will end with something very normal: the 56th instalment of Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros final. On the podcast, Catherine, David and Matt discuss how both players made it there. How well did Nadal have to play against Diego Schwartzman? Did he get nervous towards the end? What happened for Tsitsipas to mount his comeback? Who will have the edge on Sunday? And who will Federer be supporting?! There’s also a preview of the wome...
Oct 10, 2020•52 min•Ep. 747
The only possible way to follow yesterday’s Four Whisky Law podcast was to invite the one and only Mary Carillo on for a chat. She joined to share her views on women's finalists Sofia Kenin and Iga Swiatek, preview Friday's men's semi-finals, and discuss her experience of this year's Roland Garros. In the second half of the show, Catherine, David and Matt react to Mary's thoughts, get stuck into the reasons behind Swiatek's sudden ascension, consider Kenin's trademarks on court, and make the cas...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 746
Where was all the aggro in Kenin vs. Collins? How did Tsitsipas turn the match around against Rublev? How concerning is Djokovic’s neck problem? And who will reach the women’s final? Those were the big questions for Catherine, David and Matt to discuss after a Wednesday at Roland Garros which didn’t quite live up to the heights of previous days. But, with David on the whisky, there was no shortage of fun to be had on the podcast. So, come for the tennis chat, stay for David’s anecdote about play...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 745
There are no night sessions at this year’s French Open, but that didn’t stop play on Day 10 finishing at 1:25am in Paris after an epic match between Diego Schwartzman and Dominic Thiem provided the “embouteillage” which Catherine predicted. On the podcast, Catherine, David and Matt (1.00) discuss how Schwartzman’s nerves vs Thiem’s physical struggles made the match dramatic, the significance of Schwartzman’s victory, and whether or not Jannik Sinner provided Rafael Nadal with the test he require...
Oct 07, 2020•57 min•Ep. 744
After a very wet day at Roland Garros, we discuss the wins and performances of Australian Open champions Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin, the poignancy felt by seeing Petra Kvitova tear up and Grigor Dimitrov lose to Stefanos Tsitsipas, the ingredients missing from Karen Khachanov, the Hamburg final re-match that's set between Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev, the extraordinary moment Kenin's dad went to sit next to Fiona Ferro's coach, Laura Siegemund's food intake during her victory, and who the fav...
Oct 05, 2020•57 min•Ep. 743
Electric matches, comebacks, breakthrough performances, and a heavy dose of controversy: Sunday at Roland Garros felt like a proper Grand Slam day. Catherine, David and Matt got stuck into it all on the podcast. Why did Zverev play despite displaying covid symptoms? Does the responsibility to prevent that from happening lie with Zverev or the tournament? Just how good was Iga Swiatek's performance to beat Simona Halep? Has Dominic Thiem hit the wall? Will Jannik Sinner be able to trouble Rafael ...
Oct 04, 2020•56 min•Ep. 742
Simon Briggs, quarantining at home in the UK after returning from Roland Garros, joins Catherine, David and Matt to share his experience of being in Paris, his thoughts on the event so far, how he sees the tournament progressing next week, and the reasons behind Britain’s doubles success. We also discuss the main results from Saturday which introduced us to Daniel Altmaier, saw another good win for Fiona Ferro, and more smooth progress for Novak Djokovic. The Tennis Podcast is presented by Cathe...
Oct 03, 2020•52 min•Ep. 741
As the rain poured down at Roland Garros on Day 6, some matches failed to deliver on the hype, while others brought unexpected drama and two French players provided rays of sunshine. Catherine, David and Matt discussed it all on the podcast. Roof and unadvertised night sessions keep tournament on track (0-4 mins) Wawrinka – OUT, Thiem vs Wawrinka – OFF, Hugo Gaston – BONJOUR! (4-19 mins) Does Nadal need to be tested? Korda up next. (19-29 mins) Inspired Garcia beats Mertens in front of an actual...
Oct 02, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 740
It took until Day 5, but David has finally got a prediction correct! We rejoice about that, discuss a day which didn't exactly catch fire in terms of epic matches but did deliver numerous talking points, and hear from an angry Denis Shapovalov about the non-existent Roland Garros 'bubble'. Return of Ostapenko, fall of Pliskova (0.00) Fiona Ferro - David’s new fave (11.00) Sofia Kenin - an anxious watch, but still going (17.00) Garbine Muguruza looking solid (22.30) Denis Shapovalov - angry and o...
Oct 01, 2020•55 min•Ep. 739
Just when we thought the 2020 French Open couldn’t get any weirder, Day 4 began with a Sonic Boom over Paris as a fighter plane broke the sound barrier, and this was followed by Serena Williams withdrawing from the tournament with an Achilles injury. Elsewhere, we discuss Anna Karolina Schmiedlova's story after she beat Victoria Azarenka, the drama and fallout between Sara Errani and Kiki Bertens, impressive wins for Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka, and yet another five-setter for ...
Sep 30, 2020•59 min•Ep. 738
On Day 3 of this mysterious French Open, there were plenty of reasons for it to feel more like a normal Grand Slam: epic matches, new stars emerging, familiar names winning, and results which left predictions in tatters. But Catherine, David and Matt still have a nagging sense that something isn't quite right. Jelena Ostapenko. Remember her? (0-4 mins) Clara Tauson breaks Brady’s heart (and more importantly, David’s) (5-9 mins) Who is Clara Tauson, anyway? (9-12 minutes) Danielle Collins - that’...
Sep 29, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 737
