The hosts reflect on the 2023 tennis season, covering memorable moments, surprises & disappointments. They discuss the changing of the guard at Wimbledon, Alina Svetelina's transformation, Marquette of Androsova's impact, and disappointments in tennis. They express concerns about the future of tennis, including the influence of Saudi Arabia and lack of marketing. They also introduce their mascot Diego and share listener stories. The hosts express gratitude, make announcements, and mention upcoming content.
Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov faced physical setbacks hindering their potential in the 2023 tennis season.
Mary Carillo is saddened by Chris Evert's cancer returning and admires her handling of the disease.
Pam Shriver expresses disappointment in the WTA Tour Finals held in Cancun due to lack of quality and promotion.
Concerns about tennis becoming divided and the importance of unity in men and women playing together.
Desire for tennis to fix its schedule, unify the sport, and anticipate the return of notable players.
Deep dives
Surprise of the Year
Matt's surprise is how broken Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov were this year physically and not performing to their capabilities. He's saddened that their potential is being hindered by their physical setbacks.
Disappointment of the Year
Mary's disappointment is when she found out that Chris Evert's cancer had returned. She admires Chris's grace, humility, and class in handling the disease. Mary wishes she could take care of Chris and appreciates her public advocacy for knowing family history and self-care.
Disappointment of the Year
Pam's disappointment is the way the WTA Tour Finals took place in Cancun. She's disappointed that it didn't reach the level of quality and promotion that she expected. It was also disappointing that Bella Russian and Russian players faced difficulty traveling and the indoor stadium didn't meet the criteria, leading to a last-minute outdoor stadium construction.
Disappointment of the Year
The disappointment is the WTA Finals in Cancun not meeting expectations in terms of quality, planning, and promotion. The situation regarding players' travel and the construction of an outdoor stadium added to the disappointment.
Disappointment of the Year
The WTA Tour Finals in Cancun was a major disappointment due to its lack of promotional and organizational quality, as well as challenges faced by players from Russia and Belarus. The last-minute construction of an outdoor stadium during unfavorable weather also contributed to the disappointment.
Disappointment of the Year
The WTA Tour Finals in Cancun was a disappointment due to its lack of quality and well-planned promotion. Difficulties with player travel and the last-minute construction of an outdoor stadium were also disappointing.
Disappointment of the Year
Pam expresses her disappointment with the WTA Tour Finals held in Cancun. The event did not meet the expected level of quality and promotion. Challenges related to player travel and the construction of an outdoor stadium also contributed to the disappointment.
Fracturing and division in tennis
There is a concern that tennis may become increasingly fractured and divided, similar to past instances of division in the sport. It is important for tennis to unify and emphasize the importance of men and women playing together. The fear is that if unity is not achieved, there may be a splintering of the sport with different tours and leagues emerging.
Wishes for the future of tennis
The desire is for tennis to fix its schedule, unify the sport, and avoid holding events in authoritarian countries. There is a hope to see more second acts from players, where they can show new facets of their game and continue to evolve. The return of players like Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Rafael Nadal, and Emma Raducanu is eagerly anticipated. Additionally, it is wished that Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have a satisfying final season and receive a deserving send-off from the sport.
It’s time for Catherine, David and Matt to reflect on the 2023 tennis season, with the help of voice notes from Pam Shriver, Mary Carillo, Matt Futterman, Chris Clarey, Hannah Wilks, and Dan Evans. We cover the moments we will remember most from 2023, our biggest surprises and disappointments, and our hopes and fears for the future.
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