The Tennis Podcast

Catherine, David and Matt catch up on bits and bobs of news as the off season begins to draw to a close. Part one (00:00 - 26:20) We start with some more reaction to Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero splitting including reports out of Spain about tensions between Ferrero and the Alcaraz team. There’s also chat about Grigor Dimitrov’s situation as he and Dani Vallverdu part ways, as well as the surprising news that Naomi Osaka is leaving Evolve, the agency she co-founded. Part two (26:21 - 45:51) We cover the news that the WTA has signed a long-term deal with Mercedes-Benz, the ATP’s new heat policy, and give various takes about the Next Gen Finals, with Alexander Blockx attracting our attention. Part three (45:52: 1:11:46) Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff sign up for the One Point Slam, Matt’s got a backhand list announcement, and we share some Stan Wawrinka memories as he reveals that 2026 will be his final year on tour. Become a ⁠Friend of The Tennis Podcast⁠Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠new merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Talk tennis with Friends on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Barge! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive our free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, Fantasy League updates, and more)Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hours after the bombshell news that Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have split, Catherine, David and Matt were joined by The Athletic's Matt Futterman to try to make sense of it, and speculate about how it might affect Alcaraz's career. Become a ⁠Friend of The Tennis Podcast⁠Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠new merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Talk tennis with Friends on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Barge! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive our free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, Fantasy League updates, and more)Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine, David and Matt, with the help of voice notes from an esteemed list of colleagues and Friends, look back on the 2025 tennis season. Part one (00:00 - 40:24) - A very special discussion between Pam Shriver and Mary Carillo on Amanda Anisimova’s resilience, a year of two halves for Coco Gauff, and the way Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz separated themselves from the field. Part two (40:25 - 1:03:53)- Charlie Eccleshare talks about the Roland Garros men’s final, while Simon Briggs discusses men’s tennis’ hunt for its third man. Part three (1:03:54 - 1:44:33) - Hannah Wilks shares her perspective on how the sport’s politics got in the way of the actual tennis in 2025 and Matt Futterman helps to close the show with reflections on how a player’s narrative can change over the course of a long season. FRIENDS OF THE TENNIS PODCAST: Our premium categories for Friends of The Tennis Podcast are now open! New pet mascot, guest editor, Grand Slam predictions and Fantasy League slots are all available. You can also get yourself a shout out, intro or personal greeting, all while helping to support what we do, and gaining access to our bonus content. Friends get 12 Live Shows on YouTube, 8 editions of Tennis Re-Lived, 4 Grand Slam Review shows, episodes of Tennis Podcast Meets, access to The Barge, Hannah’s Column, and significantly fewer ads. Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠new merch shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Talk tennis with Friends on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Barge! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up to receive our free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, Fantasy League updates, and more)Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the tennis off-season kicks in, the hosts discuss their recent interview with Andy Murray and concerns about Jack Draper's injury. They express strong dislike for the controversial 'Battle of the Sexes' event featuring Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka, criticizing the BBC's decision to air it. The discussion shifts to Serena Williams' return to the anti-doping pool and Anastasia Potapova's rapid nationality switch, sparking debates on ethics and optics in tennis. They also pay tribute to Italian tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli.

In this candid chat, Andy Murray, the former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion, opens up about his transition into coaching, particularly his experiences working with Novak Djokovic. He reflects on his career, revealing insights into his rivalries with Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Andy also discusses life post-retirement, sharing family joys and new hobbies like skiing and golf. With a mix of nostalgia and humor, he addresses pressing issues in tennis and the emotional highs of coaching versus playing.

Flavio Cobolli delivered a stunning comeback to clinch the Davis Cup for Italy, showcasing his potential as a future star. The hosts discuss the thrilling atmosphere in Bologna and Cobolli's initial struggles against Jaume Munar. Praise pours in for Matteo Berrettini's role in Italy's unbeaten run, while conversations about the future of the Davis Cup stir debate. The panel also speculates on Cobolli's shot at breaking into the Top 10 and the intriguing dynamics of team selection and competition.

Italy and Spain clash in the thrilling Davis Cup final, igniting excitement despite the absences of stars like Sinner and Alcaraz. Flavio Cobolli delivers an unforgettable tiebreak win that embodies the tournament's high drama. The hosts celebrate Cobolli's bond with Berrettini, highlighting team dynamics that bring lesser-known players into the spotlight. They delve into key matchups and predict the outcome, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this year's competition. Will Italy reign supreme, or will Spain's doubles expertise tip the scales?

Dramatic moments unfolded at the Davis Cup Finals! Spain faced challenges as Carlos Alcaraz withdrew, shifting the team's dynamic. Germany pulled off a thrilling doubles victory against Argentina, while Belgium upset France with Zizou Bergs shining bright. A wild moment from Corentin Moutet added spice to the matches. Italy celebrated a strong showing against Austria, raising concerns about Berrettini's fitness. Predictions fly as the hosts weigh in on the upcoming semis—who will claim glory?

The hosts dive into the excitement of the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, exploring Italy's challenge to defend their title without Sinner and Musetti. They examine the underdog potential of Austria and the redemption arc of France's captain. Spain's squad is scrutinized, especially the impact of Alcaraz, while Zverev's surprise return adds intrigue to Germany's lineup. Predictions fly as the team discusses likely finalists and ultimate trophy holders, setting the stage for a thrilling week of tennis.

Charlie Eccleshare, a journalist for The Athletic and live reporter from Turin, joins to dissect Jannik Sinner's remarkable victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals. He shares insights on the electric atmosphere, Sinner's indoor dominance, and his enhanced serving skills that tilted the match. They also delve into the ongoing rivalry, the implications of Alcaraz's hamstring injury, and the concerns over men's tennis relying heavily on these two superstars. Plus, a look at British doubles dominance and ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi's controversial scheduling plans.