US Open Day 4 - Lahyani/Kyrgios Controversy Dominates Discussion; Best Third Round Line-up Ever?

Not for the first time, a Nick Kyrgios match dominates discussion on The Tennis Podcast. This time, however, Kyrgios is ceding much of the spotlight to umpire Mohamed Lahyani, whose decision to get down from his chair and apparently give Kyrgios a pep talk has caused a lot of controversy.

David and Catherine give their reaction to the incident and its aftermath. Was Lahyani trying to cajole and counsel Kyrgios? Did he overstep the mark? What would be an appropriate sanction for Lahyani? And how would the situation have changed if Pierre-Hugues Herbert had reacted on court?

The media storm has covered up the fact that Kyrgios was tanking. Surely he can’t keep doing this? His approach frustrated David and Catherine immensely, but they both agree that he will give his all against Roger Federer in the next round.

Elsewhere, Angelique Kerber let a healthy lead slip, but eventually won in three sets. Will coming through this test serve her well later in the tournament?

Finally, there’s lots of excitement at the third round line-up. Has there ever been a better one in Grand Slam history? Will Sabalenka beat Kvitova? Can Shapovalov topple Anderson? And why is no one talking up Naomi Osaka’s chances? 

There will daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the US Open fortnight. 

The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with the Telegraph and sponsored by Amazon Prime Video, the new home of the US Open in the UK. 

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