The Tennis Podcast

Catherine emerges from a day talking to Billie Jean King, Victoria Azarenka, Chanda Rubin, Caroline Weir and Annika Sorenstam on the ITF’s global forum on gender equality to share her experience with David and Matt. If you would like to watch the forum, you can - https://youtu.be/YFnEdyIIycE.

After that, Catherine, David and Matt discussed the start of the springtime clay court season, why they love it, and the early storylines. They also pick over the appointment of Toni Nadal by Felix Augur-Aliassime. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced on Mondays and Thursdays, and daily during Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We crowdfund The Tennis Podcast every December, with shout-outs, mascots and chances to take us on at predictions. For a reminder on December 1st - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

Or if you don’t want to wait and prefer to support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheTennisPodcast

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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

Our guest this week is wheelchair tennis legend Esther Vergeer. One of the sport’s greatest ever champions, Vergeer spoke to Catherine about how turning to sport helped her after she became paralysed from the waist down as a child, why she embraced using a mental coach throughout her career, what it’s like psychologically to be on a 470-match winning streak, the time she almost lost at the Beijing Paralympics, designing her own wheelchair, how she feels about the word “inspirational” to describe disabled athletes, and her hopes for more integration in the future. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced on Mondays and Thursdays, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We crowdfund The Tennis Podcast every December, with shout-outs, mascots and chances to take us on at predictions. For a reminder on December 1st - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

Or if you don’t want to wait and prefer to support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheTennisPodcast

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

The final few days in Miami gave Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts much to discuss. 

In what way did Ash Barty make a statement by defending her title? How much did we miss out on by not seeing a fully fit Bianca Andreescu in the final? Were we surprised by the level of tennis Hubert Hurkacz produced to win his maiden Masters 1000 title? What’s special about Jannik Sinner’s approach to tennis? And did we sit the limit to Andrey Rublev’s game? 

We also get stuck into the week’s doubles results, examine some of the reasons why we don’t talk more about doubles, cover the latest happy development in G.E.M.S life, and touch on the uncertainty surrounding Roland Garros next month. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced on Mondays and Thursdays, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We crowdfund The Tennis Podcast every December, with shout-outs, mascots and chances to take us on at predictions. For a reminder on December 1st - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

Or if you don’t want to wait and prefer to support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TheTennisPodcast

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

As the Miami Open reaches the closing stages, Catherine Whitaker and David Law catch up to discuss the tournament’s major storylines from the second week so far: 

• Why are David and Catherine surprised by how excited they are about Sebastian Korda’s potential? 
• How does Roberto Bautista Agut cause Daniil Medvedev problems every time they face off? 
• Was Stefanos Tsitsipas correct when he called his defeat to Hubert Hurkacz a ‘self explosion’? 
• Why is Jannik Sinner Catherine’s candidate to be the future metronomic winner of titles? 
• How well has Ash Barty been playing en route to her second straight Miami final? 
• Could the moment Maria Sakkari saved six match points against Jessica Pegula be a turning point in her career? 
• What on earth happened for Naomi Osaka to lose a 6-0 set as well as her 23-match winning streak? 
• And how has Dan Evans made his way into the doubles final? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced on Mondays and Thursdays, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We crowdfund The Tennis Podcast every December, with shout-outs, mascots and chances to take us on at predictions. For a reminder on December 1st - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

Or if you don’t want to wait and prefer to support us on Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/

TheTennisPodcast

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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

A few days into the Miami Open and we don’t know where to look because there are so many fantastic matches and storylines. Catherine stepped out of the Prime Video studio for a while to join David and Matt to cover the wins for Bianca Andreescu, Ash Barty and Ons Jabeur, as well as a cramping Daniil Medvedev, a resurgent Frances Tiafoe and young Fin, Emil Ruusuvuori.

We also cover the latest reaction to Vasek Pospisil’s on-court rant, from several players under the hashtag #PlayersVoice.

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced on Mondays and Thursdays, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We crowdfund The Tennis Podcast every December, with shout-outs, mascots and chances to take us on at predictions. For a reminder on December 1st - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX.

Or if you don’t want to wait and prefer to support us on Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/TheTennisPodcast

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Catherine is presenting live TV coverage of the Miami Open on Prime Video, but that isn’t enough to stop podcast production, and we had plenty to get our teeth into, including the comeback of Ana Konjuh, confidence-boosting wins for Sloane Stephens and Katie Boulter, and Jack Draper's unfortunate retirement. Elsewhere, we dissect the explosive comments of Vasek Pospisil in the direction of ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, cover Andy Murray and Juan Martin del Potro's latest injury set-backs, and talk about the man responsible for creating the Miami Open more than 3 decades ago.

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Catherine, David and Matt round off the results from last week’s slate of tournaments, including debut titles for Aslan Karatsev and Leylah Fernandez, yet another semi-final defeat for Denis Shapovalov, more fireworks from Lorenzo Musetti in Acapulco, a mid-match earthquake, a tense victory for Alexander Zverev over Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the continued resurgence of Daria Kasatkina in St Petersburg. 

This week, the players (minus Serena Williams and the Big 3) are heading to Miami for the first combined 1000 event of the season. We discuss the withdrawals, the growing number of men’s voices expressing discontent about the current state of tennis, rumours that the PTPA might be planning some sort of action, and Catherine’s interview with Andy Murray for Prime Video. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

In this mid-week pod, we compare the ceilings of Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov, apologise to Jeremy Chardy, discuss what’s going wrong for Dominic Thiem at the moment, revel in a big week so far for Lorenzo Musetti in Acapulco, and note the big Russian presence in the St Petersburg quarter-finals. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Garbiñe Muguruza has finally turned her fantastic form into a title with victory in Dubai. In what way was she feeling the pressure of ending her title drought? How much of a role has Conchita Martínez played in her improved consistency? And how might her season develop from here? 

As for the woman she beat in the final, Barbora Krejčíková, David explains why we’ve mistakenly considered her to be exclusively a doubles player up until now, the advice she received from her former coach Jana Novotna, and the way her singles results have improved since tennis re-started last summer. 

Elsewhere, we discuss the way in which lengthy bathroom breaks in women’s tennis are talked about and whether there needs to be a rule change, we cover a 10th career title for new World No.2 Daniil Medvedev in Marseille, and we dive deep into the playing style, career and hair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Roger Federer returned to action after 405 days and two knee surgeries with a 3-set win over Dan Evans before a 3-set loss to Nikoloz Basilashvili in Doha. 

Catherine, David and Matt discuss how it felt to watch him play again, what we made of his two performances, whether we were surprised or in any way alarmed by how quickly he faded physically, and our immediate reaction to his decision to skip Dubai next week. 

Elsewhere, who has more potential out of Fritz and Shapovalov? How has Rublev reached the semi-finals in Doha without even playing a match? How good was Muguruza to beat Sabalenka for the second week running? And what happened to Pegula against Mertens? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Roger Federer is back! In this episode, Catherine, David and Matt react to his pre tournament press conference in Doha as he prepares for his first match since January 2020. 

Did he consider retirement while he was out injured? How confident is he that the knee will hold up? What are his main goals for the season? And is he still motivated by the Grand Slam race?

We also cover the main stories from last week, including another step forward for Andrey Rublev, a first victory on home soil for Diego Schwartzman, a dominant week for Petra Kvitova, and a first title for the talented Clara Tauson. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

We discuss what we’ve seen so far this week in Doha and Rotterdam, including a barnstormer between Garbine Muguruza and Aryna Sabalenka, progress for Kei Nishikori, the end of Stefanos Tsitsipas’ losing streak in doubles, and Andy Murray’s 7-5, 6-2 defeat against Andrey Rublev. Hear part of Murray’s fascinating post match press conference in which he explains why he was disappointed in his performance and why he will continue to demand a lot of himself. 

There’s also news of Marcus Willis’ retirement and the discovery of Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. 

Then, we move on to answering more listener questions. In best-of-five set matches, should there be a games-won threshold that the losing player must reach after two sets to trigger five sets? Is there such a thing as a straight-sets classic? What is our best prediction of what Federer can achieve when he returns? And if we could choose any current players to face off on any court on any surface, who would we pick? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

We’re back! Catherine and David catch up and discuss what’s been happening since the Australian Open, including Andy Murray’s comeback in Montpellier, titles for Iga Swiatek and David Goffin, the latest Hall of Fame nominations, and tweets from John Isner about the ATP being a ‘broken system’. 

Then, in part two, we dive into some listener questions, chosen by guest editor Simon Pearce. Is percentage of second serves won the most underrated but critical statistic in tennis? Who would be involved in our ultimate mixed doubles match? What role did tennis play in rescuing David from the Lost Law Years? Should the tours be regionalised post pandemic to make the sport more economically viable? And should women play best-of-five sets at majors? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

If Saturday was all about Naomi Osaka opening up a gap between herself and the rest of the field, then Sunday was all about Novak Djokovic closing the gap in the Grand Slam Race. After he beat Daniil Medvedev in a surprisingly one-sided final, his18th major title was the subject of our final podcast from the 2021 Australian Open. 

Why was the match not as close as we expected? Could Medvedev have done anything differently? Why did Djokovic 'need' this title? What might his schedule look like in the future as he worries less about his ranking? And how did Goran Ivanisevic stoke up the Grand Slam Race?

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST

We are crowdfunded for 2021 but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail in December when our next campaign goes live, then you can sign up here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/

Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

On Saturday, Naomi Osaka beat Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to set herself apart. It was her 21st consecutive match win, her 4th Grand Slam title, and her 2nd Australian Open crown. Her 12-0 record at the quarter-finals and beyond in majors is unmatched by anyone else in the Open Era.

We look back on where the final was won and lost, reflect on Osaka’s journey to this point and her place in the game, consider her potential on grass and clay, and discuss what the future might hold for Brady. 

There’s also a preview of tomorrow's men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. How can you back against Djokovic in an Australian Open final? But why do we have a feeling for Medvedev? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

Just when Stefanos Tsitsipas thought he’d scaled his Everest by beating Rafael Nadal, he ran into Daniil Medvedev. The Russian picked apart Tsitsipas’ game for his 12th consecutive win over a Top-10 player to set up a final meeting with Novak Djokovic. 

In part one of this podcast we discuss the match, including the way the crowd influenced both players, the deceptive brilliance of Medvedev, whether Tsitsipas was fatigued, the simmering aggro, and Medvedev’s shot of the tournament contender. 

In part two, we speak to Simon Briggs to get his views on Medvedev’s appeal in the UK, to hear about his interview with Naomi Osaka’s fitness trainer, to discuss the news that the Australian Open is set to cost Tennis Australia $100m, and to ponder what’s next for the sport in these uncertain times. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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

Day 11 of this Australian Open was a classic day of Grand Slam semi-final tennis, defined by tournament favourites underlining their credentials, an ageing great dealing with the heaviness of defeat, and two inexperienced players anxiously trying to defeat their nerves and each other to reach a first major final. It left us with lots to reflect on and lots to look forward to on the podcast.

• Osaka shines bright - what makes her so special? 
• Interpreting Serena’s wave goodbye 
• Will Serena get to 24 and does it matter? (Featuring a small argument) 
• Brady survives epic last game to reach first major final - can she trouble Osaka?
• Djokovic hits peak form at the right time
• What next for Aslan Karatsev? 
• Medvedev vs. Tsitsipas preview 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/

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

What a day at the Australian Open: one that began with Ash Barty’s shock defeat to Karolina Muchova, and ended with Stefanos Tsitsipas' remarkable comeback against Rafael Nadal. We tried our best to put it all into words on the podcast. 

How did Tsitsipas turn the match around? What happened to Nadal in the third set tiebreak and beyond? Why was Barty vs. Muchova so weird? What role did the medical timeout play in the match? Will this defeat leave scar tissue for Barty? What does it mean that Jennifer Brady has backed up her US Open run? And how did Daniil Medvedev display his dominance over Andrey Rublev? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TennisPodcast

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

• Osaka solves Hsieh conundrum with ease - how did she do it?
• Karatsev reaches semis on Grand Slam debut.
• Dimitrov devastated by back spasm. 
• Vintage Serena beats Halep - will Osaka stop her? 
• Serena and Rafa - an historic double? 
• Djokovic manages injury, mood and Zverev. 
• Crowds to return on Thursday? Fingers crossed.  

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

EMAIL

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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Day 8 didn’t live up to the heights of previous days, with no upsets and no epics. But with the quarter-final line-up complete, we still had lots to cover. 

Has Jennifer Brady’s rise given Jessica Pegula belief? Why was Rafael Nadal vs. Fabio Fognini so disappointing? Will Matteo Berrettini’s withdrawal help or hinder Stefanos Tsitsipas? And is the lack of crowds benefitting Ash Barty? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

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All eyes were on the blockbuster Naomi Osaka vs. Garbine Muguruza and Serena Williams vs. Aryna Sabalenka matches on Sunday, and they didn’t disappoint. 

How did Osaka manage to raise her game when she needed it most? Did Muguruza get tight at the finish? And where did Serena’s incredible movement and defence come from? 

We also discuss what makes Su-Wei Hsieh’s presence in the quarter-finals so exciting for the tournament and why Simona Halep seems to be in a really good place. 

In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic took to the court and beat Milos Raonic for the 12th time. How much did his side strain affect his play? And how might he fare against Alexander Zverev next? 

Plus, how did Grigor Dimitrov beat Dominic Thiem so easily? And what happened for Aslan Karatsev to come from two sets down to beat Felix Auger-Aliassime? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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Saturday was the quietest day of this Australian Open so far, in all senses of the word. The fans were sorely missed and there wasn’t quite the same amount of drama or fun as previous days. But it was still a Grand Slam day, meaning there was still plenty for us to discuss, including:

• Silent stadia - pros and cons
• Nadal makes progress; Will Fognini stop him?
• Berrettini wins, but bigger battles await
• Tsitsipas enjoys a quiet life
• What happened to Daniil Medvedev?
• Just how good is Casper Ruud?
• Barty braced for deep run. Who can stop her?
• 'Jen' Brady, perhaps
• The curious case of Karolina Pliskova

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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Well that was one of the most surreal nights of tennis we’ve ever seen. 

The announcement of a Victoria state lockdown from midnight in Melbourne put the attendance of fans at the Australian Open on a ticking clock and led to one of the most electric atmospheres imaginable for all five mesmerising sets of Nick Kyrgios vs. Dominic Thiem and then to a mass exodus of fans mid-way through Novak Djokovic’s match against Taylor Fritz. The rest of it, as Djokovic struggled on through injury to win in a decider, was played in eerie silence. We did our best to process it all on the podcast. 

It was also a day which saw Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek set up blockbuster R4 matches against Garbine Muguruza, Aryna Sabalenka and Simona Halep respectively. Their performances are analysed, Su-Wei Hsieh’s post-match interview is praised, and we learn about Aslan Karatsev. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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After the joy of Wednesday’s atmosphere at Melbourne Park, Day 4 at the Australian Open had a tough act to follow, but it certainly delivered drama.

Why was it not surprising that defending champion Sofia Kenin lost? How did Stefanos Tsitsipas find himself in a five set battle with Thanasi Kokkinakis? Should we be talking about Karolina Pliskova as a title contender? Is Jennifer Brady in the mix now? How did Rafael Nadal react to being given the middle finger by a fan? And what on earth was the post-match aggro between Fabio Fognini and Salvatore Caruso all about? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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Days of tennis don’t come much better than that. In a packed podcast, we cover: 

• The joy of tennis with crowds
• Kyrgios sending Melbourne Park into a frenzy 
• Inspirational Venus carrying on despite injury, but losing to Errani 
• Hsieh bamboozling Andreescu 
• Tiafoe testing Djokovic on a hot and quick Rod Laver Arena
• Fucsovics beating Wawrinka in fifth set tiebreak 
• Halep coming back from the brink against Tomljanovic 
• Osaka, Swiatek and Serena easing through 
• Cirstea upsetting Kvitova 
• Tank tops and tennis bodies - a new perspective

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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Even on a relatively quiet day at the Australian Open, there were still significant results and storylines which altered the feel of the tournament.

We discuss Sofia Kenin’s nerves, the ongoing talking point about how much hard quarantine is affecting players and impacting results, defeats for Maria Sakkari and Victoria Azarenka which have opened up their quarter, a 6-0 6-0 victory for Ash Barty, an injury for Jo Konta, how Rafael Nadal’s back held up in his straight-sets victory, Dan Evans’ disappointment at losing to Cameron Norrie, and Stefanos Tsitsipas' very awkward post-match interview. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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After an exhilarating opening day at the Australian Open - featuring dominant performance from the leading women’s contenders and culminating in a five-set epic under the lights - Catherine, David and Matt had plenty to discuss on the pod. 

In what ways did both Shapovalov and Sinner impress in their late night epic? How did Kyrgios respond to Djokovic’s comment that he doesn’t “respect” him off court? Who sent the biggest statement - Halep, Serena or Osaka? What did Kerber have to say about the impact of 14-day quarantine after her heavy defeat? Why did Gael Monfils get so emotional in his press conference? And how did it feel to watch Andreescu play and win a tennis match again? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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There have been moments over the last few days, weeks and months when the chances of there even being an Australian Open in 2021 have felt slim. But one of the great feats of organisation has been pulled off, some bullets have been dodged, our fingers remain crossed, and play is set to get underway in a few hours. 

In this episode we wrap up the results from the six lead-in tournaments. What is Dan Evans’ ranking ceiling after he won his first ATP title? Why has Felix Auger-Aliassime not even won a set in his seven finals? Will Jannik Sinner be physically compromised after his efforts this week? In what way did Ash Barty send a statement to the rest of the tour in her victory over Garbine Muguruza? And is Andrey Rublev in the Australian Open mix? 

We also discuss the major talking points from the pre tournament press conferences, including what Novak Djokovic thinks of Nick Kyrgios, Iga Swiatek’s honesty about how she’s dealing with being a Grand Slam champion, updates on the fitness of Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep, and some feel-good stories from Francesca Jones. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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After a 24-hour stoppage with everyone holding their breath, tennis returned again in Melbourne with all six Australian Open warm up tournaments now hurtling towards the finish line. 

In the first half of the show we discuss the possible motivation behind the large number of retirements and walkovers, assess how concerned we are about Simona Halep and Rafael Nadal’s physical state, marvel at Garbine Muguruza’s form, and cover Dan Evans’ run to the semi-final of the Murray River Open. 

Then, it’s time to break down the Australian Open draws. What makes the bottom half of the women’s draw so mouthwatering? And in what way does the men’s one look more balanced overall? 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*SOCIAL MEDIA* 

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A positive covid test from someone who had worked at the Australian Open quarantine hotel appeared to leave the tournament teetering on a cliff edge last night, with hundreds of players and staff forced to isolate again. After 24 hours of mass testing, however, Craig Tiley says the tournament will go ahead as planned. For now.

It’s a situation which has served as a reminder of the precariousness of Tennis Australia’s operation to stage the event and in this episode we talk all about it. 

We also reflect on what we’ve seen so far from the the lead-in tournaments. Who has impressed at the ATP Cup? How is Iga Swiatek adjusting to life as a Grand Slam champion? How do we feel about the latest Nick Kyrgios circus? And what makes Carlos Alcaraz so good? 

Finally, we respond to some of the feedback we’ve received about our decision to refer to the second stadium court at Melbourne Park as the Evonne Goolagong Arena. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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With six tournaments all taking place at Melbourne Park this week, we try to get our heads around it all and discuss what we’ve seen so far. How did Serena Williams look in her first match? What about Katie Boulter? What do we expect from Bianca Andreescu in her first tournament for 15 months? Why have the crowds not shown up yet? And will the ATP Cup provide good preparation for the Australian Open? 

We also reveal our plans to refer to the second stadium at Melbourne Park as the Evonne Goolagong Arena. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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In this episode we travel back four years to bask in the wonder that was the 2017 Australian Open. There was so much to cover (hence the length of this show) from shock defeats for Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, exciting runs from Dan Evans and Jo Konta, the re-emergence of Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, controversy surrounding Nick Kyrgios, and ultimately a throwback finals weekend which saw Serena defeat Venus and Roger defeat Rafa. We react to clips from the daily pods, get Mary Carillo's take, and consider the lasting significance of the tournament.

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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In 1995, Pete Sampras was the world No.1, a five-time major winner, and the defending Australian Open champion. He was also a dominant and stoic figure, labelled by many as boring and representative of a sport in decline. 

All that changed early in the fifth set of Sampras’ quarter-final match against Jim Courier when, overcome with emotion as he thought of his friend and coach Tim Gullikson, who had flown home from Melbourne with serious health problems, Sampras began to weep uncontrollably. 

He somehow managed to ace his way through the tears and win the match, but it was an extraordinary moment, and one that altered the public’s perception of Sampras. 

Mary Carillo, who was commentating on the match for ESPN, tells the story from her vantage point, and David remembers how he felt at the time, as a huge Sampras fan watching it all unfold on TV. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SAMPRAS BOOK*

Tennis journalist and historian Steve Flink has written the definitive book on Pete Sampras, called 'Greatness Revisited'. It was a valuable resource for our research for this show and you can buy it here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pete-Sampras-Greatness-Steve-Flink/dp/1937559947

*NEWSLETTER*

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We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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These days the Australian Open sits alongside the other Grand Slam tournaments as one of the best and most prestigious tennis events in the world, but it wasn’t always that way. In this episode, we tell the story of its transformative move from Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club to Flinders Park in 1988.

Pat Cash, who lost back-to-back five-set finals in 1987 and 1988 talks us through it all, including what Kooyong was like as a venue, why his 1987 defeat to Stefan Edberg feels like the one that got away in his career, why a move to the new site was both necessary and a roaring success, the effect of the new surface known as Rebound Ace, and the epic back and forth he had with Mats Wilander in the classic 1988 final. 

We also hear from Pam Shriver - who won the women’s doubles title with Martina Navratilova in both years - about her experience. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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With contributions from Billie Jean King, Mary Carillo, Pam Shriver and Pat Cash, we tell Evonne Goolagong’s story, including her upbringing in New South Wales and the discrimination she faced, her early discovery of tennis, her poetic style of play, her Grand Slam successes throughout the 1970s, her crowning achievement by winning Wimbledon as a mother, her charity work for indigenous Australians, and her influence on Ash Barty. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

If you’re reading this before 8pm in the U.K. on Thursday 21st January, then there’s still time to back our 2021 crowdfunding campaign! 

If you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, take part in our predictions competition or guest edit a show, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

A huge thanks to everyone who has already done so.

*NEWSLETTER*

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*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

Catherine is joined by David and Matt to react to her big interview with Billie Jean King. Picking up on some of the points raised by Billie Jean, we discuss the way she makes us feel when she talks about tennis, the way she forces us to challenge our preconceptions, the emphasis she puts on the importance of knowing your history, the lessons she can teach us about not alienating your audience, the place of team events in tennis, and the majors vs. slams debate.

We also share our plans for Australian Open Re-Lived week and beyond. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

If you’re reading this before 8pm in the U.K. on Thursday 21st January, then there’s still time to back our 2021 crowdfunding campaign! 

If you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, take part in our predictions competition or guest edit a show, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

A huge thanks to everyone who has already done so.

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

This episode is a conversation between Catherine Whitaker and Billie Jean King. 

Through stories about the Battle of the Sexes, the Original 9, the awarding of equal prize money at the US Open in 1973, her time spent with Bud Collins, and knowing Althea Gibson, Billie Jean connects the past with the present, explaining why it’s so important to know your tennis history and how it impacts the modern game. 

Now 77-years-old, Billie Jean’s love for tennis and her desire for it to be as good as it possibly can be shine through. She makes the case for there to be more team events, recognises some elements which are holding the sport back, but ultimately provides an optimistic message about tennis’ future, buoyed by the direction leaders such as Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff are taking it. 

There are moments of intense introspection, too, as she talks candidly about her struggle to be her authentic self, her regrets, the challenges of competing at the top level in your late 30s, what it means to ‘stay in the room’, and the responsibility that comes with having her name on the Billie Jean King Cup. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

Positive covid cases, more than 70 players facing two weeks stuck inside without any practice, and mice in hotel rooms…it all calls for an emergency pod. 

Catherine and David convene to discuss the situation in Melbourne. How has it all got out of control so quickly? What is Tennis Australia’s role now? How much sympathy do we feel for the players in all of this? And does it change who should be considered the Australian Open favourite? 

We also speak to Pam Shriver about how she thinks she would have found the strict quarantine, how she might have tried to keep sharp and fit in that situation, how it might affect the men and women differently, what measures or format changes could be implemented by the tournament, and the inequality of the separate quarantine in Adelaide for top players. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

The first titles of the 2021 season have been won and players are now flocking to Australia for two weeks of quarantine. But not everything is going according to plan, with Andy Murray isolating at home after testing positive for covid-19 and Tennys Sandgren boarding his flight to Melbourne despite returning a positive test. We react to those two bits of news and discuss where it leaves the Australian Open. 

Wrapping up this week’s results, we ask whether Aryna Sabalenka can translate her dominance on the WTA Tour to the Australian Open, whether Alex de Minaur is in the mix, and who has more potential out of Delray Beach finalists Sebastian Korda and Hubert Hurkacz? 

Finally, we explain our enjoyment of Australian Open qualifying and tell the uplifting story of British qualifier Francesca Jones. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

We’re only halfway through the first week of the new season but there’s already plenty for us to cover, including the fine form shown by Maria Sakkari and Aryna Sabalenka in Abu Dhabi, a curious collapse from Sofia Kenin, news of a separate Australian Open quarantine in Adelaide for top players, David Ferrer and Alexander Zverev’s split, Dayana Yastremska's provisional suspension after a positive doping test, our apologies to Gippslanders, and Matt’s 2021 player to watch.

Plus, David speaks to Ons Jabeur about how she finds bubble life, her goals for the season and the pride she feels representing Arab women in tennis. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

In this episode we navigate Billie Jean’s mischief to cover the matches we’ve seen and the storylines that have arisen in Abu Dhabi so far, more news about the Melbourne swing prior to the Australian Open, and confirmation of some WTA quarantine practice pairings. 

We also pay tribute to Bob Brett and Tom Perrotta, who the tennis world sadly lost this week. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

We’re starting the new year with a bumper edition of the pod to conclude our countdown of the best ever moments of tennis aggro. The Top 5 looks like this: 

5 - Andy Murray, “Shut up!” & “Everyone hates you” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo_E_azZOoc & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-XiZF08DY8

4 - Jeff Tarango defaults himself at Wimbledon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzQ2-EwgdXQ

3 - Broady/Ostapenko Auckland 2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPhiBazkhMU

2 - Mirka & Wawrinka, “crybaby” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JROFhZOf1_M

1- Medvedev, Miami 2018 vs Tsitsipas & 2019 US Open - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDX6K7t-JcE & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JzLthGcTKE & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=861XVx0ge2k & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CQYJlU5_Ew

Enjoy!

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

The moment has arrived. After 780 episodes, the time has finally come to dedicate a couple of pods to some of the best ever moments of tennis aggro. In part one of our countdown: 

10 - Serena/Jankovic, Dubai 2014: http://youtu.be/rZCOCPbIPKc

9 - Errani/Cornet, “Why you say vamos?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLRV7QCs5L0&ab_channel=nobodycares

8 - Kim Sears, Parental Advisory Explicit Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qivF3oIZJUo&ab_channel=AustralianOpenTV

7 - Roddick/Djokovic, US Open 2008: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLkZ4GMBOHM&ab_channel=kreaturekodeyellow

6- John McEnroe, Stockholm 1984: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmkv5a4gkQw&ab_channel=KunalSingh

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

Our third and final instalment of Sliding Doors tennis sees us talk about a medley of moments which have shaped Roger Federer’s career, the period Serena Williams missed after stepping on glass in 2010, and a world in which Billie Jean King didn’t win the Battle of the Sexes. 

We also discuss the news that Federer will miss the Australian Open and that Andy Murray will start his 2021 season in Delray Beach. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

We’re back with a Christmas Eve special to discuss more Sliding Doors moments from tennis history. Would Tim Henman have won Wimbledon in 2001 if it hadn’t rained during his semi-final against Goran Ivanisevic? Could Juan Martin del Potro have turned the Big 4 into a Big 5 if his career hadn’t been interrupted by injuries? And how would tennis have been different if the conditions - especially at Wimbledon - hadn’t been slowed down in the early 2000s? 

We also say hello to Billie Jean and discuss the latest rumours of Australian Open quarantine practice pairings. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

This week we’re taking an in-depth look at some Sliding Doors moments in tennis history. In part one, how would Rafael Nadal’s rivalry with Roger Federer have been different if Nadal had been a natural right-hander? Would Martina Hingis have won the calendar Grand Slam if she hadn’t fallen off a horse prior to Roland Garros in 1997? And how might Monica Seles’ career have unfolded if she hadn’t been stabbed by a deranged Steffi Graf fan in 1993? More to come on Thursday. 

We also discuss the release of the WTA calendar for the start of 2021, react to rumours of the first Australian Open quarantine practice pairings, and pay tribute to Gordon Forbes and Dennis Ralston. 

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

In the second half of our ‘Lost in Time’ series, we focus on the opportunism and sudden decline of Juan Carlos Ferrero, the way in which Hana Mandlikova’s achievements were swallowed up by the era defined by Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, the gold-medal winner Miloslav Mecir who bamboozled other top players, and how the tennis media did Dinara Safina - and the women’s game - a disservice by making light of her near misses in Grand Slams. 

There’s also reaction to the release of the ATP calendar for the start of 2021 and the confirmation that the Australian Open will take place in February. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

*NEWSLETTER*

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

*EMAIL*

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

This week we’re celebrating former players who have been, in one way or another, ‘lost in time’ or under-appreciated. 

In part one, we discuss Manuel Orantes’ clay court dominance in the 1970s, Mark Edmondson’s Australian Open victory while ranked 212th, how Mary Pierce’s abusive father overshadowed her three peaks, the way in which Arantxa Sanchez Vicario did a lot more than finish in second place all the time, and Wendy Turnbull’s decade of consistency. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments.

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

* NEWSLETTER *

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

* EMAIL *

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

In this episode, we speak to Chris Kermode to look back on his time as ATP CEO, discuss what he did and still hoped to achieve in the job, reflect on the reasons for his departure, and consider the issues tennis is facing during the covid-19 pandemic. 

Approx Time Stamps: 

Start to 7:45 - Catherine, David and Matt catch up

7:45 to 38:10 - Chris Kermode interview

38:10 to end - Reaction 

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

* NEWSLETTER *

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

* EMAIL *

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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

The time has come for our final look back on 2020 as we hand out our annual awards. Categories include player, match, uplifting moment, peak weird moment, pandemic faux pas, most missed, shock, and podcast moment. You can expect tributes to Naomi Osaka, Sofia Kenin, Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff, Rafael Nadal and women’s semi-final night at the US Open, as well as takedowns of the Adria Tour, Night Train and the ‘Ultimate’ ‘Tennis’ ‘Showdown’. 

The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. 

*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* 

Our Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund 2021 went live on December 1st and we reached our funding goal just two days later.

Thank you to everyone that has backed us, sent words of encouragement and kindness, and simply appreciated the podcast for what it is. You have ensured that the pod will continue weekly in 2021, daily at Slams, and with plenty of interviews and Tennis Re-Lived along the way.

The Kickstarter will remain open until mid-January, so here's the link if you want to show your support, get yourself a shout-out or an intro, or just buy us a beer - https://tennispodca.st/Kickstarter2021w

* NEWSLETTER *

Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX

* EMAIL *

We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net

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