The day has come: Rafael Nadal has announced that he will be retiring at the Davis Cup Finals in November. Catherine, David and Matt assemble to react to the news, discuss how it's left them feeling, and share a few Nadal memories. There's also two big announcements from Wimbledon to discuss, reports of a possible ATP-WTA commercial merger, and some appalling behaviour from players towards umpires in Shanghai. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help u...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 1299
Remember when The Tennis Podcast didn't feature Matt Roberts? No, us neither. But here's a reminder of what we were missing. We did our best with chat about Coco Gauff's Beijing triumph, Karolina Muchova's near miss and the coaching change being sought by Iga Swiatek. Plus, there's a look at the decision to move the Billie Jean King Cup and the Davis Cup back towards home and away ties. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show ye...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1298
Catherine, David and Matt are back with a bonus pod to react to Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling win over Jannik Sinner in the Beijing final. There’s chat about why the match was so electrifying and how Alcaraz has gained the upper hand in their rivalry this year. Elsewhere, David gets the chance to wax lyrical about Arthur Fils’ incredible title run in Tokyo, we think about what 2025 might look like for Fils, and there’s a round up of the latest action from WTA Beijing, including an impressive ...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1297
It’s been a big week of news in tennis and Catherine, David and Matt start by discussing the fact that the World Anti Doping Agency are appealing against the decision to clear Jannik Sinner of blame after he twice tested positive for a banned substance. There’s chat about why WADA have come to a different conclusion to the ITIA and what this means for both Sinner and the sport going forward. Elsewhere, there’s reaction to Wimbledon’s expansion plans being approved, Rafael Nadal being selec...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 1296
After the seventh edition of The Laver Cup, which was won by Team Europe, Catherine, David and Matt are joined by Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic who was in Berlin to cover the event. Charlie reports on what it was like attending for the first time, how his view of the event has evolved, and what it's like to watch tennis with Andre Agassi. We discuss the brilliant player interactions, what we learned about some of the players involved, the one or two gripes we still have, and how it might ac...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 1295
What's happened since the US Open? The answer is quite a lot. Catherine, David and Matt catch up on all the Davis Cup results which saw Carlos Alcaraz thrive, Great Britain lose, and lots of frustration about scheduling as the sport reaches breaking point. There's also Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from Laver Cup and what that might mean, a first WTA title for both Sonay Kartal and Magdalena Frech, and Naomi Osaka's split with Wim Fissette and rumoured partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou. Join ...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1294
Jannik Sinner has won his second Grand Slam title, beating Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the US Open final. Catherine, David and Matt discuss the match, the way in which Sinner raised his level for the final while Fritz didn't have his best game, the post match press conference in which Sinner opened up on the struggles of dealing with his positive drugs tests, and what Sinner's victory means for the sport. AO TRAVEL The Tennis Podcast during the US Open is brought to you in partnership with ...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 1293
Aryna Sabalenka is a US Open champion at last. After a series of near misses in New York, she faced down her demons and beat Jessica Pegula 7-5 7-5 in a brilliant final on Saturday. Catherine, David and Matt discuss where the match was won and lost and what the result means for both players. There’s also an existential best of three versus best of five debate, a round up of the other doubles and junior results at the US Open, reporting on the final day of tennis at the Paralympics, a discu...
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1292
Men's semi-finals day was mostly about how nerves affected Jack Draper and Frances Tiafoe. For the American, it manifested in a physical fade and loss of form at the crucial moment, for the Brit it manifested in puke. Lots of it. Catherine, David and Matt analyse both matches and look ahead to the final between Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz. AO TRAVEL The Tennis Podcast during the US Open is brought to you in partnership with AO Travel & Experiences -- your one-stop shop for the Australian ...
Sep 07, 2024•57 min•Ep. 1291
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula will face off in Saturday's US Open final after they came through intriguing matches against Emma Navarro and Karolina Muchova on women's semi-final night. Pam Shriver joins Catherine, David and Matt to dissect both matches, preview the final, and look ahead to tomorrow's men's semi-finals. AO TRAVEL The Tennis Podcast during the US Open is brought to you in partnership with AO Travel & Experiences -- your one-stop shop for the Australian Open. Go to Ao Tra...
Sep 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 1290
The tennis was weird and bad on Wednesday at the US Open, but there were still plenty of talking points for Catherine, David and Matt. We cover Jessica Pegula breaking her Grand Slam quarter-final duck, the state of Iga Swiatek's game and recent major record outside of Roland Garros, how Karolina Muchova overcame discomfort on court to reach the semis, Jack Draper's victory over an injured Alex De Minaur, and a bizarre match between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev. Join The Barge! Become...
Sep 05, 2024•59 min•Ep. 1289
It was an incredible day for the Americans at the US Open with Emma Navarro, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe all reaching the semi-finals of the singles, while Taylor Townsend and Donald Young also made it through to the mixed doubles final. Catherine, David and Matt cover it all, including Paula Badosa's collapse from 5-1 up in the second set, an awesome performance from Aryna Sabalenka in the night session, how Zheng Qinwen was affected by her late finish, Alexander Zverev's tendency to g...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1288
It wasn't exactly a show stopping day on Labor Day at the US Open, but Catherine, David and Matt chat about Karolina Muchova's stunning performance to stop Jasmine Paolini, Jack Draper reaching a Grand Slam quarter-final after a dismal display from Tomas Machac, and the setting up of two tantalising quarter-finals: Daniil Medvedev vs Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-ro...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 1287
Defending champion Coco Gauff is out of the US Open after hitting 19 double faults in a three set loss to Emma Navarro. In part one of the pod, we discuss the match and ponder what’s next for Gauff as she looks to rebuild her game. In part two, we cover the latest ever finish to a women’s match at the US Open as Zheng Qinwen beat Donna Vekic at 2.15am. Catherine, David and Matt were all in the stadium and there’s reaction to Zheng’s phenomenal performance as well as the absurdity of ...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 1286
There was a ‘morning after the two nights before’ feeling about Saturday at the US Open as most of the singles matches finished in straight sets and the big names avoided the upsets. Catherine, David and Matt discuss the setting up of Jasmine Paolini vs Karolina Muchova, statement performances from Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, VAR controversy involving Beatriz Haddad Maia and Anna Kalinskaya, and Iga Swiatek's progress. Plus, Botic van de Zandschulp reverts to type, we're proud of The...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1285
Chaos! It’s happening! One wild night on Arthur Ashe Stadium turned into two as Novak Djokovic followed Carlos Alcaraz out of the tournament. Catherine, David and Matt react to Djokovic's performance which he described as one of his worst ever, praise Alexei Popyrin for the biggest win of his career, and analyse what it means for the rest of the draw. Elsewhere, there's the customary Grand Slam rant about the scheduling as Aryna Sabalenka and Ekaterina Alexandrova walked onto court at past ...
Aug 31, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 1284
Carlos Alcaraz is out of the US Open. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion was beaten in straight sets by Botic van de Zandschulp on a shocking night on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Catherine, David and Matt watched every ball and went to Alcaraz's press conference. What went wrong? Just how impressive was Van de Zandschulp? How did Alcaraz explain his performance? And what does it mean for the rest of the tournament? We discuss all of that, as well as Karolina Muchova's victory over Naomi Osaka, th...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 1283
At the end of a brutally hot and humid day in New York, Catherine, David and Matt convene to discuss Novak Djokovic's struggles in the conditions, the setting up of Ben Shelton vs Frances Tiafoe, Coco Gauff's difficulties with her serve, defeat for Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, epic five set wins for Andrey Rublev, Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Musetti, the impressive form of Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka, and another slow start overcome by Zheng Qinwen. Plus, an update from Emma Raducanu...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1282
It was an extraordinary second day at the US Open. Catherine, David and Matt cover Jasmine Paolini coming back to beat Bianca Andreescu, Noami Osaka’s awesome performance and statement outfit, Dan Evans winning the longest match in US Open history, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both dropping sets, the lost generation of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov, Iga Swiatek’s struggles with the schedule, and the end of Danielle Collins' Grand Slam singles career. Join&nbs...
Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1281
Day one of the US Open saw Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic begin their title defences successfully, Zheng Qinwen fight back to beat Amanda Anisimova, brutal defeats for Holger Rune and Sloane Stephens, and the end of Dominic Thiem’s grand slam career. Catherine, David and Matt discuss all of that and much more. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, inc...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 1280
We are live in our NYC apartment for one final preview of the US Open. We lift the lid on media day at Grand Slams, take questions from the chat, and run through the Order of Play for Days 1 and 2. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube....
Aug 25, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 1279
Catherine, David and Matt are on site at the US Open on a day when Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Barbora Krejcikova, Naomi Osaka and Jack Draper came through the press conference room. Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. Sign up to...
Aug 24, 2024•57 min•Ep. 1278
Catherine, David and Matt break down the US Open draws and react to media day which was headlined by Jannik Sinner's first press conference since news emerged that he had twice tested positive for a banned substance. OUR LINKS: Join The Barge! Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch ...
Aug 24, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 1277
It had already been a dramatic week in tennis but the sport was rocked on Tuesday when news came out that Jannik Sinner had twice tested positive for a banned substance in March. The world number one has been cleared of any wrongdoing and won't serve a suspension, but lots of questions remain. Catherine, David and Matt react to it all, detail the player reaction so far, and discuss what it means for Sinner, the sport, and the anti-doping process in tennis. Elsewhere, there's chat about Sinner's ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 1276
Catherine, David and Matt were live to talk all things Canada including Jessica Pegula defending her title, a great week for Amanda Anisimova, and Alexei Popyrin’s incredible run to the title. There’s also chat about what it might all mean for the US Open in a couple of weeks, Naomi Osaka’s loss in Cincinnati qualifying, and Stefanos Tsitsipas announcing that his father is no longer his coach. THE TENNIS PODCAST - LIVE IN NEW YORK In-person tickets have gone, but you can buy a virtual tick...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 1275
Novak Djokovic has finally won Olympic gold, delivering an incredible performance to beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 7-6 in the final. Catherine, David and Matt discuss Djokovic’s remarkable level, how it appeared to shock Alcaraz, and what finally winning gold might mean for the rest of Djokovic’s career. Elsewhere, we reflect on Zheng Qinwen’s gold-medal winning moment, wrap up all the doubles results, give our thoughts on Olympics tennis generally, and react to results in Washington. THE TENNIS...
Aug 05, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 1274
It's only been a few days since our last episode but SO much has happened in Paris. Catherine, David and Matt recap Andy Murray's career ending, Zheng Qinwen beating Iga Swiatek, all kinds of aggro involving Danielle Collins and Emma Navarro, no medal matches for Coco Gauff, a big injury scare for Novak Djokovic, the end of Nadalcaraz in doubles but progression for Alcaraz in singles, the form of Lorenzo Musetti and Felix Auger-Aliassime, and all the key doubles results. Plus, Pam Shriver pops i...
Aug 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 1273
Catherine, David and Matt convene to discuss the first few days of action in Paris. There's chat about Andy Murray and Dan Evans saving five match points to prolong Murray's career and how perfect it was, victory for Nadalcaraz despite Carlos Alcaraz's nerves and lack of doubles experience, a dominant win for Novak Djokovic over Rafael Nadal in singles and what it means for both players, strong performances from Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, and Sara Errani serving Daniil Medvedev off the court. P...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 1272
The Olympics are almost here and Catherine, David and Matt are pumped! Moments after the draws were made, there's reaction to a potential Djokovic vs Nadal clash in R2, tough draws for Iga Swiatek and Nadalcaraz, and loads of fun mixed doubles pairings. There's also chat about the high profile withdrawals this week including Jannik Sinner's due to tonsilitis, Coco Gauff carrying the flag for Team USA, life in the athlete's village for tennis players, and whether we want top seeds progressing or ...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1271
No Wimbledon, no crowds, no Matt! But we still have a Tennis Podcast that we hope you will enjoy, looking back on Rafael Nadal's run in Bastad, the fallout of Arthur Fils vs. Alexander Zverev, and the many more tournaments held the week after Wimbledon. THE TENNIS PODCAST - LIVE IN NEW YORK In-person tickets have gone, but you can buy a virtual ticket to watch the live stream of our New York live show on Thursday 22nd August, here . HANNAH’S COLUMN: Read the final Wimbledon thoughts of Han...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 1270
