Aryna Sabalenka has won her second straight Australian Open title, defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-2 in the final. It wasn't a classic contest, but Catherine and Matt talk through where it was won and lost, the joy Sabalenka felt in her moment of victory, whether Sabalenka can back this up and win at other slams, and how Zheng's game can still develop. There's also a preview of the men's final and a round up of all the wheelchair and junior results. ON LOCATION: We are proud to be sponsored by On L...
Jan 27, 2024•49 min•Ep. 1208
Sometimes a day of tennis comes along and blows you away, and Friday at the Australian Open was one of those days. First, Jannik Sinner did the impossible and beat Novak Djokovic on the Rod Laver Arena in a semi-final, with Djokovic playing one of the worst matches of his Grand Slam career. Then, Daniil Medvedev produced his second comeback from two sets down this tournament to send Alexander Zverev packing at midnight. Catherine, David and Matt talk about the matches, the press conference and w...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1207
On women's semi-final night we were joined by the one and only Pam Shriver to talk about wins for Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen. There's chat about why Gauff-Sabalenka is such a good match up, the differences between this match and their US Open final, and how Zheng might handle her first major final. We also round up a fun day of doubles and look ahead to the men's semis. ON LOCATION: We are proud to be sponsored by On Location , the premium hospitality and experience provider, throughout th...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 1206
Shortly after watching Carlos Alcaraz lose to Alexander Zverev from courtside, Catherine, David and Matt convene at TP Towers to discuss what on earth happened. There's chat about Zverev's incredible serving, the way Alcaraz was off his game, and what might have caused such a below par performance. Zverev's semi-final with Daniil Medvedev is previewed, Dayana Yastremska's run to the semis as a qualifier is analysed, and there's lots of admiration for the way Zheng Qinwen has handled the pressure...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1205
On another crazy day at Melbourne Park, Catherine, David and Matt bring you a two-part podcast to discuss how Coco Gauff vs Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner were set up. There’s chat about how we felt watching Gauff’s error-ridden performance, the way in which Djokovic’s managed the conditions, Sabalenka’s continued dominance, Sinner’s surge to condemn Andrey Rublev to a 10th straight slam QF defeat, and how the organisers were saved from a ridiculously late finish, even if 1:...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 1204
The quarter-final line-ups are set and the two draws could scarcely be more different. In the women's draw, the top half became an even bigger land of opportunity as Victoria Azarenka was beaten by Dayana Yastremska, and Elina Svitolina had to retire against Linda Noskova. On the pod, David reveals his best Noskova anecdote, and we also discuss how Zheng Qinwen might handle the pressure of being the favourite to reach the final. Meanwhile in the men's draw, Carlos Alcaraz dazzled on court but co...
Jan 22, 2024•56 min•Ep. 1203
After a number of big upsets in the past few days, Sunday at the Australian Open saw the top seeds mostly deliver statement performances. Catherine, David and Matt chat about Andrey Rublev's impressive surge to beat Alex de Minaur, triple bagel watch briefly being on as Novak Djokovic dismissed Adrian Mannarino, the current state of Stefanos Tsitsipas' career after he lost to Taylor Fritz, and how Jannik Sinner emphatically beat Karen Khachanov. In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauf...
Jan 21, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1202
A quiet day turned into one of the most significant of the tournament as Iga Swiatek was beaten by Linda Noskova, throwing the top half of the women’s draw wide open. It left Catherine, David and Matt reeling and trying to make sense of it all on the podcast, recorded at Melbourne Park with some beers and some G&Ts. On Location We are proud to be sponsored by On Location , the premium hospitality and experience provider, throughout the Australian Open. And for the first time ever, On Locatio...
Jan 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 1201
After the mayhem of Day 5, the Australian Open chilled out a bit on Friday with lots of one-sided matches to start the day, but it came alive as Mirra Andreeva and Adrian Mannarino mounted incredible comebacks. Those two players were - perhaps unexpectedly - the focus of the pod as Catherine, David and Matt recorded back at TP Towers in Melbourne. We also talk Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, excitement for Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova, Jannik Sinner's impressive first week, Coco Gauf...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1200
The Australian Open delivered one of the most extraordinary Grand Slam days on Thursday as Elena Rybakina was beaten 22-20 in a deciding set tiebreak by Anna Blinkova, Jessica Pegula lost to Clara Burel, Iga Swiatek somehow survived against Danielle Collins, Holger Rune was upset by Arthur Cazaux, and Daniil Medvedev was left playing on the Rod Laver at gone 3am. Catherine, David and Matt get stuck into the wonder and absurdity of it all. On Location We are proud to be sponsored by On Location ,...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 1199
Catherine, David and Matt discuss the main stories from Day 4 at the Australian Open, which saw Novak Djokovic once again lose a set, Mirra Andreeva thrash her idol Ons Jabeur 6-0 6-2, Tomas Machac live up to our bit of calling him the best player in the world, Storm Hunter crown herself Sensation of the Day, Caroline Garcia lose to Magdelena Frech, and Ben Shelton and Stefanos Tsitsipas pushed to four sets. We also pay tribute to our colleague, Mike Dickson, who we will miss enormously. On Loca...
Jan 17, 2024•56 min•Ep. 1198
The first round is finally over! Catherine, David and Matt look back on day three which saw Iga Swiatek come through a tough test against Sofia Kenin, Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina headline the night session, Jack Draper win his first ever five set match and then vomit into a bin, and Emma Raducanu making a winning Grand Slam return. There's also discussion about ATP players 'no commenting' questions about Alexander Zverev being elected to the ATP player council and news that Rafael Nadal ha...
Jan 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1197
Monday at the Australian Open ended with Catherine, David and Matt together at Tennis Podcast Towers in Melbourne, watching Felix Auger-Aliassime and Dominic Thiem slug it out over five hours and five sets, with the final stages captured on the pod. There's also chat about Caroline Garcia's flawless performance to beat Naomi Osaka, new service motions for Coco Gauff and Stefanos Tsitsipas, a heavy defeat for Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, and a flat display from Andy Murray which inevit...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1196
On the first ever Sunday start at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic was pushed to four hours by 18-year-old Dino Prizmic. On the pod, Catherine, David and Matt discuss what made Prizmic's performance so impressive, why Djokovic was full of praise for him, and what effect this might have on Djokovic for the rest of the tournament. The length of that match meant that Aryna Sabalenka didn't step onto court until 11:33pm to a largely empty stadium, meaning the special moment of her return as defen...
Jan 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1195
Join Catherine, David and Matt live in Melbourne to look back on media day and ahead to day one of the Australian Open. There's chat about Iga Swiatek's mindset, our excitement to see Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff's first major as a Grand Slam champion, a real mix of encouragement and worry for Emma Raducanu, whether Jannik Sinner can carry his blistering end of season form into 2024, and how long Daniil Medvedev's 'new year, new me' energy will last. On Location We are proud to be sponsored by On Loc...
Jan 13, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 1194
Catherine, David and Matt are together in Melbourne after the Australian Open draws have been made to talk through all the headlines, including Iga Swiatek’s loaded section, Naomi Osaka facing Caroline Garcia in the first round, and Jannik Sinner landing in Novak Djokovic’s half. On Location We are proud to be sponsored by On Location , the premium hospitality and experience provider throughout the Australian Open. And, for the first time in history, official Paris 2024 Travel Packages from On L...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1193
After a dramatic day of tennis, Catherine, David and Matt discuss all the winners and losers from the opening week of the season. There's chat about Germany's extraordinary victory at the United Cup, our thoughts and feelings about the second edition of that event, Alex de Minaur's Top 10 debut, Elena Rybakina's dominant display to thrash Aryna Sabalenka in Brisbane, a first title since 2017 for Grigor Dimitrov, and Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the Australian Open. We also cover Coco Gauff's v...
Jan 07, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 1192
The 2024 tennis season is here and Catherine is in Perth to tell David and Matt all about the United Cup so far. There’s chat about the vibe and feel of the tournament, the format changes this year, some technique tweaks for Iga Swiatek, great wins for Katie Boulter and Zheng Qinwen, and why mixed doubles is so much fun. Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka made her comeback in Brisbane and got us all excited by the way she was playing, Rafael Nadal is preparing for his return which will be against Dominic Th...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 1191
Even in the off season, tennis has produced enough talking points for Catherine, David and Matt to come together for one final pod in 2023. There’s chat about what the restructuring at the WTA might mean as Steve Simon relinquishes his role as chief executive to become executive chairman, Simona Halep distancing herself from Patrick Mouratoglou ahead of her appeal date in February, victory for Jack Draper at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in London, David vs Nick Kyrgios on Twitter/X, news that Ju...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1190
It’s time for Catherine, David and Matt to reflect on the 2023 tennis season, with the help of voice notes from Pam Shriver, Mary Carillo, Matt Futterman, Chris Clarey, Hannah Wilks, and Dan Evans. We cover the moments we will remember most from 2023, our biggest surprises and disappointments, and our hopes and fears for the future. OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2023, including...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 1189
The tennis off season is officially here! In part one of the pod, Catherine, David and Matt wrap up the ATP Next Gen Finals where we learned a lot about Hamad Medjedovic. There’s also the annual rant about the scoring system, excitement for the return of Rafael Nadal in Brisbane, and news that Zheng Qinwen is going to be coached by Pere Riba again. Plus, we’re very excited to reveal our own big plans for 2024! In part two, we speak to Matt Futterman of The Athletic about his story that the Grand...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 1188
Italy are the Davis Cup Champions after an emphatic 2-0 victory over Australia in Sunday's final. Have these past few weeks proven that Jannik Sinner is ready for Grand Slam glory? Can Italy build a Davis Cup dynasty with this generation of players? And after two consecutive final defeats, who can step up to support Alex De Minaur? All that is discussed in depth, plus our annual review and debate about the competition's format and future. Challenge round, anyone? OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of th...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 1187
Saturday in Malaga was a quite extraordinary day as Jannik Sinner did the seemingly impossible, beating Novak Djokovic from match points down in singles and then returning to court to beat him in doubles too, sending Italy through to the Davis Cup Final. Catherine is in Malaga with Matt to discuss how on earth he pulled it off and what it might mean for Sunday's final against Australia. OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclus...
Nov 25, 2023•47 min•Ep. 1186
The Finland funtime has officially been brought to an end by Lleyton Hewitt and his ruthless band of Aussies. Catherine, David & Matt are all together to discuss talisman De Minaur and David's new favourite player Alexei Popyrin. Will Hewitt make changes for the final? And who will that final be against, Italy or Serbia? OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2023, including Tennis ...
Nov 24, 2023•52 min•Ep. 1185
It was double duty for Matt on Thursday as both remaining quarter finals were played in at the Davis Cup Finals. They saw victories for Italy and for Serbia, meaning that Malaga is on for a repeat of the ATP Finals final of just four days ago, between Jannik Sinner & Novak Djokovic, the two highest ranked singles players at the tournament. Plus there's a look ahead to more FINLAND FUN ahead of their semi final clash with Australia. OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us ...
Nov 24, 2023•48 min•Ep. 1184
Czechia were just a game away from a Davis Cup semi final... enter Alex De Minaur and the sort of comeback that he describes as 'part of his identity'. And enter Matt and Catherine to discuss it all; a second day of decisive doubles, an evening of misery for Jiri Lehecka and the grown up approach of Team Australia to a competition they both resent and commit themselves to entirely. Plus there's a look ahead to the mouth watering GB vs Serbia tie, and some bonus Finland chat because, well, we lov...
Nov 23, 2023•46 min•Ep. 1183
A delirious Matt and David review an extraordinary opening day in the Davis Cup finals between defending champs Canada and debutants Finland, and look ahead to Day 2. OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts, including Tennis Re-Lived, listener questions pods, and Grand Slam review shows. Sign up to receive our Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot...
Nov 22, 2023•44 min•Ep. 1182
Matt is in Malaga and he attended every press conference going as he soaked up the atmosphere ahead of the Davis Cup Finals, which start on Tuesday. Who are the favourites, how are the defending champions looking, and tell us everything you know about Finland! Just some of the questions put Matt's way by Catherine and David in our preview show. We will be with you every night this week. OUR LINKS: Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclus...
Nov 20, 2023•56 min•Ep. 1181
Novak Djokovic did it again, and routined both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz along the way. It brought a close to both the ATP Finals, and Amazon Prime Video's coverage of the sport in the UK, so Catherine went straight from the presenter's mic to the podcast mic to talk to David and Matt about the last couple of days. We also cover the doubles final, and hear from Matt about what Malaga is like. Pods will be nightly throughout the Davis Cup Finals. Ravi's Story - Today's podcast was introduc...
Nov 20, 2023•45 min•Ep. 1180
The ATP Finals semi-finals are set and they are mouthwatering: Daniil Medvedev will face Jannik Sinner (and the Turin crowd) before Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz. Catherine is in Turin and she joins David and Matt to talk all about the atmosphere, some round robin related awkwardness, the way Sinner has been the star of the show so far, whether Djokovic will have more of an edge this weekend, Alcaraz's clear improvement throughout the week, and Medvedev's fine form. There's also coverag...
Nov 17, 2023•55 min•Ep. 1179
