The Tennis Podcast - podcast cover

The Tennis Podcast

The Tennis Podcastwww.tennispodcast.net

Your definitive tennis round up, daily at the Slams. Part of the Athletic Network. Named in Time Mag's Top 100 podcasts of all time.


Friends of The Tennis Podcast have access to exclusive Q & A's, new editions of Tennis Re-Lived and more bonus content.


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

2025 Season Review

Catherine, David, and Matt delve into the 2025 tennis season, featuring insights from Pam Shriver, Mary Carillo, Charlie Eccleshare, Hannah Wilkes, and Matt Futterman. They discuss the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff's struggles post-French Open, Amanda Anisimova's inspiring comeback, and Mary Carillo's Hall of Fame induction. The episode also critically examines the sport's calendar, bad governance, and the quest for a "third man" in men's tennis, while celebrating the depth of the women's tour and the rise of wheelchair tennis stars.

Dec 15, 20251 hr 45 minEp. 1454

Should the BBC be showing the ‘Battle of the Sexes’?

The tennis off season is here and so are Catherine, David and Matt for their first catch up since the Davis Cup. Part one (00:00 - 26:12) - Reaction to our interview with Andy Murray and concerns as Jack Draper pulls out of playing UTS. Part two (26:13 - 51:49) - Everything we dislike about the upcoming ‘Battle of the Sexes’ including the platforming of Nick Kyrgios, Aryna Sabalenka’s involvement, and the broadcasting of it on BBC One in the UK. Part three (51:50 - 1:21:10) - We discuss lots of ...

Dec 08, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 1453

The Big Andy Murray Interview

In this exclusive interview, former World No.1 Andy Murray discusses his life post-retirement, sharing candid thoughts on fatherhood and his unexpected coaching role with Novak Djokovic, including the challenges and lessons learned. He also delves into his illustrious career, reflecting on the 'Big Four' rivalries, the demanding nature of the tennis tour, and structural issues facing the sport, alongside lighter anecdotes about family and new hobbies.

Dec 01, 20251 hr 34 minEp. 1452

Davis Cup Final - Cobolli clinches cup, is he Italy’s next big star?

Flavio Cobolli clinched a third successive Davis Cup for hosts Italy, and Catherine, David and Matt were in awe at his comeback win. The young Italian came back from losing a first set 1-6 against Jaume Munar of Spain to win a thrilling three-setter in front of stadium-shaking crowd. He was given the perfect platform by veteran Matteo Berrettini, who joined Cobolli in going unbeaten, meaning Italy’s doubles team were not even called into action once. In the show, we ask what the future might hol...

Nov 23, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 1451

Davis Cup - Italy vs. Spain final; Who needs Sinneraz?

The Davis Cup Final for 2025 is set, and even though Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are not there, it still features Italy and Spain! Part One 00.00 General euphoria from Catherine, David and Matt after a brilliant couple of semifinals ensured that Italy and Spain would meet in the Davis Cup title. There’s a blow-by-blow account of how and why we’re now all ‘Cobolli guys’, his incredible tie-break against Zizou Bergs, and the beautiful friendship between the younger Italian and his team partne...

Nov 22, 202555 minEp. 1450

Davis Cup - Semis set after doubles drama

Catherine, David and Matt discuss a dramatic few days at the Davis Cup Finals. There’s chat about Spain coping with Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal, a doubles classic won by Germany against Argentina, a moment of madness from Corentin Moutet, and Italy’s homecoming as champions. Plus, predictions for Italy vs Belgium and Spain vs Germany in the semis. You can keep up to date with the Davis Cup Finals on the Davis Cup Instagram, TikTok and X, you can sign up to the free official Davis Cup newsletter ...

Nov 21, 202552 minEp. 1449

Davis Cup Finals - Can Italy Threepeat without Sinner?

Catherine, David & Matt preview the 2025 tennis season’s denouement - the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, Italy. Part One (00:00) - With Matt reporting from the ground in Bologna, the team look ahead to the first two quarter finals; France vs Belgium, and defending Champions Italy vs Austria. How will Italy cope with the absence of their two best singles players Sinner & Musetti? And can Paul Henri Mathieu complete a redemptive arc from devastating defeat as a player in the 2002 final, to c...

Nov 17, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 1448

ATP Finals - Sinner takes it all

The Tennis Podcast delves into Jannik Sinner's ATP Finals victory against Carlos Alcaraz, analyzing the electric atmosphere in Turin and Sinner's evolving game. Discussions cover Alcaraz's injury and struggle with a partisan crowd, the perceived duopoly in men's tennis, and the historical significance of their rivalry. The episode also touches on the British success in doubles and ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi's controversial defense of the extended tournament schedule.

Nov 17, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 1447

Can anyone stop another Sinner-Alcaraz final?

In this episode, David and Matt dive deep into the ATP Finals group stages. They analyze Felix Auger-Aliassime's pivotal victory over Alexander Zverev and assess Zverev's challenging season. The hosts laud Jannick Sinner's undefeated run and Carlos Alcaraz's triumph in securing the year-end world number one spot. The episode also highlights Taylor Fritz's standout performance against Alcaraz, Alex de Minaur's emotional journey from despair to the semifinals, and Lorenzo Musetti's memorable win. They conclude with predictions for the doubles and singles semifinals, including who they expect to lift the trophy.

Nov 15, 202558 minEp. 1446

Will Rybakina’s title be the first of many?

The podcast first celebrates Elena Rybakina's unbeaten run at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, analyzing her performance against Aryna Sabalenka and discussing the implications for her 2026 season amidst her past coaching drama. It then pivots to the chaotic ATP Finals lead-up, where Novak Djokovic's last-minute withdrawal handed Lorenzo Musetti an unexpected spot. The hosts also scrutinize the WTA Finals' hosting in Riyadh, contrasting its atmosphere and long-term strategy with fan engagement and human rights concerns, before concluding with a recap of Leaner Tien's Mets title win and reflections on their recent Jack Draper interview.

Nov 08, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 1445

The Big Jack Draper Interview

Catherine, David and Matt are joined by the current British No.1 and Indian Wells champion Jack Draper for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview. Having been forced to shut down his season early due to an arm injury, Draper talks through some of the highs and lows of the year, updates us on his preparation for next season, and delves deep into the current scheduling issues on the ATP Tour. Part one (00:00 - 29:59) - Jack tells us about the arm pain that blighted the second half of his 2025 season...

Nov 07, 20251 hr 44 minEp. 1444

WTA semis set - who wins it all?

Part One - Serena Williams Group. With Anisimova beating Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek to qualify, we’re officially at the ‘silencing the doubters’ stage of our prediction. We analyse Anisimova’s improving performances through the week, offer some reflections on Swiatek’s curious season, and discuss the remarkable form of Rybakina at this tournament so far. Can she keep it up? Part Two - Steffi Graf Group (23:00). We cover Aryna Sabalenka’s flawless record, including an impressive victory in a Ro...

Nov 06, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 1443

Is indoor Sinner unbeatable in this form?

Catherine, David and Matt react to Jannik Sinner’s title in Paris and the first couple of days of action at the WTA Finals. Part one - ATP. Sinner is the Paris champion and the World No.1 again, but he will finish the season on top or will it be Carlos Alcaraz? We chat about that race, Sinner’s astonishing performances all week in Paris, and how the final spot in Turin all comes down to the last week of the season as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti’s fates could be decided by Novak Djo...

Nov 03, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 1442

Is Anisimova the favourite for the WTA finals?

The groups have been drawn for the WTA Finals in Riyadh and Catherine, David and Matt are here to preview the tournament and reflect on the opening stages of the ATP 1000 event in Paris. Part one - WTA Finals singles preview. We break down the groups and make predictions for the week ahead. How will Iga Swiatek fare against the big hitters? What will happen when Coco Gauff faces Aryna Sabalenka for the first time since Roland Garros? And can Amanda Anisimova keep up her superb form? Part two - W...

Oct 30, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 1441

Sinner survives, Fonseca fires and Saudi footprint grows

The Tennis Podcast unpacks a busy week, starting with Jannik Sinner's high-quality Vienna triumph over Alexander Zverev, amidst persistent cramping issues and his surprising withdrawal from the Davis Cup. Rising star Joao Fonseca captured his first ATP 500 title in Basel, while Belinda Bencic celebrated a remarkable comeback season with a win in Tokyo. A major topic of discussion is the ATP's announcement of a new Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia from 2028, leading to a deep dive into its calendar implications, economic shifts in tennis, and the ethical concerns surrounding sports washing.

Oct 27, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 1440

Rune’s horror injury overshadows end-of-season race

The hosts recap recent WTA action, highlighting Elena Rybakina's Ningbo title and Mirra Andreeva's exhaustion impacting her year-end finals race, alongside Leylah Fernandez's Osaka win. On the ATP tour, Daniil Medvedev secures his first title in 29 months in Almaty, while Felix Auger-Aliassime makes a late push for Turin. A major discussion revolves around Holger Rune's severe Achilles injury, prompting concerns about the demanding tour calendar and player well-being, contrasting with the "meaningless" Six Kings Slam. The episode concludes with a look at upcoming tournaments and a preview of their live show in Wrexham.

Oct 20, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 1439

Cousins Prove Dreams Can Come True

This episode recaps a dramatic week in tennis, highlighted by Valentin Vachero's historic Masters 1000 title in Shanghai and Coco Gauff's dominant win in Wuhan. The hosts discuss the physical struggles of top players like Novak Djokovic and the entertaining resilience of Daniil Medvedev. The episode also covers significant news, including Jack Draper's new coach, a new ITIA support program, and the controversial revamp of the One Point Slam.

Oct 13, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 1438

Is this the Amanda Anisimova era?

Catherine, David and Matt are finally back together on a Monday to talk all about Amanda Anisimova’s title in Beijing and events so far in Shanghai. Part one - WTA Beijing. We discuss Anisimova’s final three matches in Beijing en route to the title, analysing how she’s become such a consistent force at the top of the sport. How helpful could this title be in turning her into a major champion? And what’s left to improve? There’s also chat about Linda Noskova’s extraordinary semi-final win over Je...

Oct 06, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 1437

Alcaraz and Sinner circle each other with titles

Catherine, David and Matt discuss titles for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as well as the opening stages of the WTA 1000 in Beijing. Part one - Men’s results. We start by reacting to Alcaraz’s triumph in Tokyo, despite an injury scare. Is this the best tennis of Alcaraz’s career? We also discuss Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from Shanghai and the over-saturation of two week Masters 1000 events as the injuries and retirements pile up. Over in Beijing, Sinner experimented with his game en rout...

Oct 01, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 1436

Has Laver Cup won us over?

This episode examines the Laver Cup, featuring a firsthand report from San Francisco where a skeptical reporter was convinced by the event's atmosphere and format. The hosts then engage in their annual existential discussion about the Laver Cup's significance, comparing its commercial success and player buy-in with its perceived impact on traditional team competitions like the Davis and Billie Jean King Cups. Additionally, the podcast covers Iga Swiatek's dramatic victory in Seoul, Alejandro Tabilo's resurgence in Chengdu, Lorenzo Musetti's disappointing final, and Alexander Bublik's impressive season, before previewing the upcoming ATP and WTA events in Beijing and Tokyo.

Sep 23, 20251 hr 14 minEp. 1435

BJK Cup - Italy's Dynasty

Catherine, David, and Matt break down Italy's impressive Billie Jean King Cup final victory, highlighting Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini's stellar performances and Italy's current tennis dynasty. They explore factors like team chemistry and infrastructure contributing to Italy's success, while also discussing scheduling inequalities and the overall mixed feelings about the event's new format and Shenzhen location, including crowd attendance and the ongoing challenges within the wider tennis calendar.

Sep 21, 202559 minEp. 1434

BJK Cup - Can USA stop Italy?

Catherine, David and Matt react to a a couple of enthralling semi-final ties as Italy and the United States booked their spots in Sunday’s final. Part one - Semi-finals review. We start by covering Italy’s dramatic comeback to beat Ukraine. There’s an apology for underestimating Jasmine Paolini, analysis of how the match devastatingly slipped away from Elina Svitolina, and praise for Sara Errani’s leadership in the decisive doubles. Turning our attention to USA’s victory over Great Britain, we d...

Sep 20, 202543 minEp. 1433

BJK Cup - Italy survive, but can they defend their crown?

Catherine, David and Matt are here to look back on all four quarter-finals at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen and ahead to the semis. Part one - Italy d. China 2-0 & Ukraine d. Spain 2-0. We discuss the remarkably similar comebacks pulled off by Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini for Italy, ponder whether Yuan Yue and Wang Xinyu choked for China, and praise the brilliant Ukrainian team. Can Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina get it done in the singles for Ukraine against I...

Sep 18, 20251 hr 2 minEp. 1432

BJK Cup Finals Preview - A new era in Shenzhen begins

Catherine, David and Matt were live on the eve of the 2025 Billie Jean King Cup Finals to preview the event and look back on a weekend of thrilling Davis Cup action. Part one - BJK Cup Finals Preview. We discuss the new format and new venue in China, the slew of big name withdrawals in the last week, and all four of the quarter-final clashes. Are Italy the favourites? Can USA live up to their potential? Who will play for Great Britain without Emma Raducanu? And where might Spain vs Ukraine be de...

Sep 15, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 1431

US Open Day 15 - Alcaraz has final answer, Sinner seeks change

Carlos Alcaraz secured his sixth Grand Slam title and the World No. 1 ranking at the US Open, defeating rival Jannik Sinner in a match analyzed for its dominant performance, particularly Alcaraz's improved serve, rather than dramatic jeopardy. The day was largely overshadowed by chaotic security delays and fan discontent caused by Donald Trump's attendance. Post-match, both players' press conferences offered fascinating insights into their evolving rivalry, with Ferrero detailing a specific plan against Sinner and Sinner himself acknowledging a need for game changes.

Sep 08, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 1430

US Open Day 14 - Sabalenka’s fitting finale to 2025

This episode celebrates Aryna Sabalenka's dominant US Open victory, highlighting her mental toughness and strategic growth, particularly after past Grand Slam final experiences. It also delves into Amanda Anisimova's journey, analyzing her performance, mental challenges, and promising future prospects for a major title. The hosts then recap the men's doubles, wheelchair, and junior finals, before an in-depth preview of the Alcaraz vs. Sinner men's final, including a discussion on potential political distractions.

Sep 07, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 1429

US Open Day 13 - Will Djokovic ever win No.25, or is that it?

The podcast delves into the US Open men's semi-finals, analyzing Carlos Alcaraz's win over Novak Djokovic despite a sub-par performance, and Yannick Sinner's victory against a resurgent Felix Auger-Aliassime. Discussions also cover Djokovic's evolving career goals and the intensity of the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry. The hosts also preview the women's singles final between Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka, offering predictions and personal stakes.

Sep 06, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 1428

US Open Day 12 - Anisimova vs. Sabalenka - repeat or revenge?

The podcast dives deep into the dramatic US Open women's semifinals, analyzing Amanda Anisimova's remarkable comeback victory over Naomi Osaka, highlighting her mental toughness and powerful game, and Aryna Sabalenka's Pete Sampras-esque performance against Jessica Pegula. The hosts discuss the tactical implications for the Anisimova-Sabalenka final, considering Anisimova's transformation and Sabalenka's return game. Additionally, the episode previews the highly anticipated men's semifinals, including the clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner's match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Sep 05, 202555 minEp. 1427

US Open Day 11 - Anisimova buries double bagel demons

This episode delves into day 11 of the US Open, highlighting Amanda Anisimova's incredible comeback victory over Iga Swiatek, overcoming past demons with new mental resilience. It also covers Naomi Osaka's resurgence and her match against Karolina Muchova, setting up an anticipated semi-final clash with Anisimova. Additionally, the men's quarter-finals, featuring Felix Auger-Aliassime's win and Jannik Sinner's dominance, are analyzed, along with predictions for upcoming matches.

Sep 04, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 1426

US Open Day 10 - Can Djokovic derail Alcaraz again?

This episode delves into Carlos Alcaraz's dominant performance and his evolving body language strategy, contrasting it with Novak Djokovic's tactical use of perceived injuries. Djokovic's age-defying victory over Taylor Fritz sets up a blockbuster semifinal against Alcaraz, fueling discussions about his physical limits versus his historical consistency. The podcast also covers Jessica Pegula's steady progress to the semifinals, Marketa Vondrousova's unfortunate withdrawal, and offers comprehensive previews of the remaining quarterfinal matchups.

Sep 03, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 1425
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android