The Tennis Podcast

There's no longer such as thing as a slow Sunday start at Roland Garros. Catherine, David and Matt discuss Lucas Pouille's comeback continuing, the tension on court and in the press conference room between Aryna Sabalenka and Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Muchova's "upset" win over Maria Sakkari, a survival act by Stefanos Tsitsipas against Jiri Vesely, lots of fun from Constant Lestienne, and meeting Arthur Fils in the interview room. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells in March so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours to all of the four Grand Slam tournaments, including the US Open, which is on sale now, with fantastic seats, hospitality and hotel packages available for the year’s final major event at Flushing Meadows in New York. Go to OnLocationEXP.com/TT

Shortly after attending media day at Roland Garros, Catherine, David and Matt react to what the players had to say. There's chat about Stefanos Tsitsipas' coaching set up, Coco Gauff's forehand, Iga Swiatek's health, Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev's developing relationships with clay, the way Carlos Alcaraz is taking everything in his stride, and much more. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells in March so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours to all of the four Grand Slam tournaments, including the US Open, which is on sale now, with fantastic seats, hospitality and hotel packages available for the year’s final major event at Flushing Meadows in New York. Go to OnLocationEXP.com/TTP to see what they have to offer. DisclaimerThe coupon code

Catherine, David and Matt have arrived in Paris and attended the Roland Garros draw ceremony! What do we make of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic being in the same half? Has David changed his mind about Daniil Medvedev not being in The Mix? What are the most eye-catching round matches of the women's draw? Is this a good draw or a bad draw for Aryna Sabalenka? And much more. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells in March so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours to all of the four Grand Slam tournaments, including the US Open, which is on sale now, with fantastic seats, hospitality and hotel packages available for the year’s final major event at Flushing Meadows in New York. Go to OnLocationEXP.com/TTP to see what they have to offer. DisclaimerTh

Another week in tennis, another tournament where the women were treated as second class citizens. This time, the singles final didn’t start until 11pm and the doubles final took place on a non-televised court. There were some reasons for this - rain being the obvious one - but Catherine, David and Matt discuss why this shouldn’t be acceptable.  There’s also chat about Anhelina Kalinina’s great week before her unfortunate retirement in the final through injury, debate about whether Rome champions Elena Rybakina and Daniil Medvedev are in The Mix for Roland Garros, and much enjoyment from Medvedev’s dance/twist/whatever that was after he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas. Elsewhere, we discuss the fact that Simona Halep has been charged with a second and separate doping offence, and we look ahead to the French Open as qualifying gets underway. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took u

It's been quite a day in tennis as Rafael Nadal held a press conference to announce that he will be missing Roland Garros while he takes an extended break from the sport in an attempt to recover from the injury he sustained at the Australian Open. He also said that he plans to retire after the 2024 season. In this show we react to that news, discuss the reasons behind his decisions, ponder what his farewell tour may be like, and offer some reflections on one of the greatest players this sport has ever seen.We also go through the main talking points from the last few days in Rome - Carlos Alcaraz's shock defeat to Fabian Marozsan, aggro unexpectedly involving Cameron Norrie, Holger Rune's brilliance to beat Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek's injury, and a thrilling run of form from Jelena Ostapenko. What does it all mean for Roland Garros?Finally, David speaks to Christopher Clarey, who, after 30 years, is leaving The New York Times to become a full-time author.ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brou

While Rome has been underway for a few days now, we pick off this episode where we left off, by discussing the fallout from the women’s doubles final ceremony in Madrid where the players were not allowed to speak. Four days after the event, the tournament finally apologised, but not before Jessica Pegula had had more to say and a piece by Matt Futterman in the New York Times had drawn attention to the large scale inequalities faced by women in tennis. Catherine, David and Matt discuss all of that before getting on to the main headlines from Rome so far, including the wonder of Court Pietrangeli, total dominance from Iga Swiatek, a surprise defeat for Aryna Sabalenka against Sofia Kenin, impressive performances by Marketa Vondrousova which have left us wondering if she’s happening again, better signs from Novak Djokovic, and a defiant victory by Holger Rune against Fabio Fognini and the Italian crowd. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Locatio

It was a thrilling finals weekend in Madrid with Aryna Sabalenka getting revenge on Iga Swiatek before Carlos Alcaraz survived a great performance by Jan-Lennard Struff to defend his title. Catherine is back home and she joins David and Matt to review it all. Is Sabalenka-Swiatek now a legitimate rivalry? Will Sabalenka be able to take this form to Rome and Roland Garros? And did Struff provide a blueprint for facing Alcaraz?Sadly, the great tennis was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that the women's doubles finalists - Victoria Azarenka, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Jessica Pegula & Coco Gauff - were not allowed to give speeches on court. What happened? Why did it happen? What might it have to do with #cakegate? Why have the tournament not put out an official explanation? And in what way did this incident feed into the idea that the WTA players don't receive equal treatment in Madrid? Elsewhere, we cover Andy Murray winning a Challenger title in Aix-en-Provence, Rafael Nadal withdrawing from Rome, and Veronika

Iga Swiatek will face Aryna Sabalenka's in Saturday's Madrid final which means the rivalry we've all wanted is officially happening. David, Catherine (in Madrid) and Matt talk through how both players have got there, Swiatek's intensity and focus this week, and the way in which Sabalenka is embracing the prospect of a rematch with the world number one. On the men's side, we look ahead to the Carlos Alcaraz vs Borna Coric and Aslan Karatsev vs Jan-Lennard Struff semi-finals. Yes, you read that correctly, Karatsev and Struff have made it all the way to the last four. We chat about how this run has come out of nowhere for Karatsev, the way in which Struff went toe-to-toe with a jaded-looking Stefanos Tsitsipas, and how much their qualifying match will affect Friday's semi. Elsewhere, we react to the news that Emma Raducanu will be out of action for several months while she recovers from hand and ankle surgery, and we discuss why it's time for Madrid to stop having model ball girls. ON LOCATION:This edition of T

With Madrid well underway, Catherine, David and Matt catch up to discuss everything that's happened so far. There's chat about an impressive win for Maria Sakkari over the improving-but-not-there-yet Paula Badosa, more forehand woes for Coco Gauff, Mayar Sherif becoming the first Egyptian to reach a WTA 1000 quarter-final, and the thrilling run of 15/16 year old Mirra Andreeva to the fourth round. On the men's side, Holger Rune brought the aggro (of course), Dominic Thiem came so close to beating Stefanos Tsitsipas, we all had a fun time watching Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and Carlos Alcaraz has ignited after a slow start. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells last month so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours to all of the four Grand Slam tournaments, incl

There was a feeling of déjà vu this week as Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart, Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona and Holger Rune in Munich all defended their titles. In what way was this a big statement from Swiatek? Just how dominant was Alcaraz against Stefanos Tsitsipas? And how did Botic van de Zandschulp let it slip in the Munich final? Catherine, David and Matt discuss all of that, as well as a hard-earned title for Dusan Lajovic in Banja Luka, a worrying injury update from Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from Madrid. There’s also time for a couple of rants - one about the unequal prize money on the ATP and WTA Tours, and the other on the new 12-day Masters 1000 events. ON LOCATION:This edition of The Tennis Podcast is brought to you in association with On Location, the premium hospitality and experience provider. On Location took us to Indian Wells last month so we can vouch for the brilliant experiences they provide at tennis tournaments. They provide packages via Steve Furgal’s International Tenn

The week in Monte Carlo belonged to Andrey Rublev and it belonged to aggro. In this episode we discuss Rublev finally winning his first Masters 1000 title, why it was so deserved, and what it might mean for his career, and we savour the way in which Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune all provided aggro that was right in the sweet spot. There's also a round up of all the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers and a worrying fitness update from Rafael Nadal. ON LOCATIONThis edition of The Tennis Podcast is sponsored by On location, the premium experience and hospitality provider. On Location sent us to the BNP PARIBAS Open in Indian Wells on one of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours packages to produce lots of new podcasts. To see what they have to offer for Indian Wells, Miami and all of the Grand Slam tournaments, check out their travel packages.LINKSBecome a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts through

Their WTA's suspension of business in China in reaction to the allegations and silencing of Peng Shuai lasted 16 months. In this podcast, recorded a few days later than usual due to Matt's ill health, covers our reaction to that WTA announcement. We also update on Monte Carlo, including a loss for Novak Djokovic and the re-emergence of clay-court Medvedev.ON LOCATIONThis edition of The Tennis Podcast is sponsored by On location, the premium experience and hospitality provider. On Location sent us to the BNP PARIBAS Open in Indian Wells on one of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours packages to produce lots of new podcasts. To see what they have to offer for Indian Wells, Miami and all of the Grand Slam tournaments, check out their travel packages.LINKSBecome a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2023, including Tennis Re-Lived, listener questions pods, and Grand Slam review shows. Friends also get

Friends of the Tennis Podcast help us to produce the show year-round, and receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout the year, including Tennis Re-Lived, listener questions, and Grand Slam review shows. Become a FriendSign up to receive our Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on TwitterFollow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Check out our ShopRead our New York Times profile Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last few days in Miami did not go as expected, with both Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina unable to complete the Sunshine Double. Instead, Petra Kvitova rolled back the years and Daniil Medvedev showed why he's a specialist in hard courts. David, Catherine and Matt are together to discuss an uplifting week from Kvitova, whether fatigue played a role in Rybakina's final performance, the latest epic instalment of the Sinner vs Alcaraz rivalry, why the match up against Medvedev is such a bad one for Sinner, and the physical prowess of Medvedev to do so much winning over the last two months. There's also our reaction to Wimbledon's decision to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players. ON LOCATIONThis edition of The Tennis Podcast is sponsored by On location, the premium experience and hospitality provider. On Location sent us to the BNP PARIBAS Open in Indian Wells on one of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours packages to produce lots of new podcasts. To see what they have to offer for Indian Wel

With Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina both still on course for the Sunshine Double, we catch up on the last few days of action in Miami. David and Matt go through the biggest stories, from the run of Christopher Eubanks, some comments by Stefanos Tsitsipas that got everyone checking the ATP rulebook, and the Indian Summer of Sorana Cirstea's career, while Catherine sends voice notes about her impressions from on site in Miami. David also covers the news that Wimbledon has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian players for the 2023 Championships. ON LOCATIONThis edition of The Tennis Podcast is sponsored by On location, the premium experience and hospitality provider. On Location sent us to the BNP PARIBAS Open in Indian Wells on one of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours packages to produce lots of new podcasts. To see what they have to offer for Indian Wells, Miami and all of the Grand Slam tournaments, check out their travel packages.LINKSBecome a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to help

Catherine, David and Matt reconvene for the first time since Indian Wells to chat about everything which has happened in the last week, from playing tennis with Pam Shriver, going to Las Vegas to see Taylor Swift, and of course lots of great matches in Miami. We cover the form of Indian Wells champions Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina, dispiriting losses for Casper Ruud and Matteo Berrettini, another bad day for Coco Gauff’s forehand, Barbora Krejcikova’s desire to be part of a WTA Big 4, and much more, including a change of management agency for Andy Murray. ON LOCATIONThis edition of The Tennis Podcast is sponsored by On location, the premium experience and hospitality provider. On Location sent us to the BNP PARIBAS Open in Indian Wells on one of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours packages to produce lots of new podcasts. To see what they have to offer for Indian Wells, Miami and all of the Grand Slam tournaments, check out their travel packages.LINKSBecome a Friend of the Tennis Podcast&

Elena Rybakina and Carlos Alcaraz are the 2023 Indian Wells champions. Rybakina got her first victory over Aryna Sabalenka to get some semblance of revenge for the Australian Open final, while Alcaraz destroyed Daniil Medvedev. On one final pod from Indian Wells, Catherine, David and Matt discuss the incredible first set between Rybakina and Sabalenka, the return of Sabalenka’s double faults, what Rybakina’s victory means for the WTA Tour, the tactical elements which helped Alcaraz to dominate Medvedev, our desperation to see Alcaraz go up against Novak Djokovic, and much more. ROLAND GARROS TICKET OFFERWe have a 15% discount for Tennis Podcast listeners to buy Roland Garros tickets and hospitality packages, courtesy of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.Just go to tours4tennis.com/podcast click the banner for the Roland-Garros promotion and enter our special discount code for Tennis Podcast listeners when you check out, which is 15LOVE15LOVE Coupon Code is only valid on purchases f

Daniil Medvedev will take on the famous Carlos Alcaraz in a mouth-watering men's final at Indian Wells on Sunday. Catherine, David and Matt discuss how both players made it, chat about what might happen when they meet for only the second time, and preview the blockbuster women's final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. ROLAND GARROS TICKET OFFERWe have a 15% discount for Tennis Podcast listeners to buy Roland Garros tickets and hospitality packages, courtesy of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.Just go to tours4tennis.com/podcast click the banner for the Roland-Garros promotion and enter our special discount code for Tennis Podcast listeners when you check out, which is 15LOVE15LOVE Coupon Code is only valid on purchases for eligible 2023 Roland-Garros Ticket packages on www.tours4tennis.com made between 9pm ET on THURSDAY, March 16, 2023 through 11:59p.m. ET on SUNDAY, April 9, 2023. “15LOVE” Code is limited to one use per customer, not valid on previous purchases, and no

The Indian Wells final will be a repeat of the epic Australian Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. Sabalenka's victory over Maria Sakkari was no surprise, but Rybakina's 6-2 6-2 demolition of Iga Swiatek certainly was. Catherine, David and Matt analyse what went wrong for Swiatek and why that match-up causes her so many problems. Ahead of the men's semis, the next instalment of #DoorsteppedByDavid sees him speak to Juan Carlos Ferrero for more insight into Carlos Alcaraz's career. ROLAND GARROS TICKET OFFERWe have a 15% discount for Tennis Podcast listeners to buy Roland Garros tickets and hospitality packages, courtesy of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.Just go to tours4tennis.com/podcast click the banner for the Roland-Garros promotion and enter our special discount code for Tennis Podcast listeners when you check out, which is 15LOVE15LOVE Coupon Code is only valid on purchases for eligible 2023 Roland-Garros Ticket packages on www.tours4tennis.com made betw

A stunning semi-final line-up at Indian Wells is set: Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka vs Maria Sakkari, Daniil Medvedev vs Frances Tiafoe, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner. No notes. But lots of analysis from Catherine, David and Matt about how they all got there and what might happen.ROLAND GARROS TICKET OFFERWe have a 15% discount for Tennis Podcast listeners to buy Roland Garros tickets and hospitality packages, courtesy of Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours.Just go to tours4tennis.com/podcast click the banner for the Roland-Garros promotion and enter our special discount code for Tennis Podcast listeners when you check out, which is 15LOVE“15LOVE Coupon Code is only valid on purchases for eligible 2023 Roland-Garros Ticket packages on www.tours4tennis.com made between 9pm ET on THURSDAY, March 16, 2023 through 11:59p.m. ET on SUNDAY, April 9, 2023. “15LOVE” Code is limited to one use per customer, not valid on previous purchases, and not useable with any other offer / di