The Tennis Podcast

The hosts dive into Elena Rybakina's impressive title win in Ningbo and what it means for the WTA finals. They discuss Mirra Andreeva's absence and the importance of player wellbeing. Highlights include Daniil Medvedev breaking his title drought after 29 months, while concern grows over Holger Rune's serious injury. The conversation shifts to Casper Ruud's stellar performance and the absurdity of the Six Kings Slam exhibition. Previewing upcoming tournaments, they emphasize the need for better player safety in the demanding tour schedule.

Catherine, David and Matt recap a week headlined by a family fairytale in Shanghai and Coco Gauff’s title run in Wuhan. Part one - ATP Shanghai. Valentin Vacherot became the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 title, doing so by beating his cousin, Arthur Rinderknech, in the final. We cover all the elements that made this story so special and wonder what might be next for both players. There’s also chat about the notable weeks that Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev both had. Part two - WTA Wuhan (41:06). We discuss Gauff’s remarkable ability to bounce back from adversity and the smart, tactical tennis that helped her to lift the trophy. There’s also appreciation for Jessica Pegula breaking Aryna Sabalenka’s tiebreak streak and for Jasmine Paolini earning her first ever victory over Iga Swiatek. Plus, an update on the WTA Finals Race. Part three - News (57:22). We react to Jack Draper’s decision to hire Jamie Delgado as his new head coach, the ITIA’s support programme for players facing integrity investigations, and the revamping of the One Point Slam. Have they taken away the spirit of the event? Tickets are now on General Sale for The Tennis Podcast - Live in Wrexham on Wednesday October 22nd! Buy ⁠here⁠.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.

Amanda Anisimova's title win in Beijing sparks debates about her potential rise in women's tennis. The hosts dissect her improved game and mental toughness in finals, while also addressing Coco Gauff's recent struggles and Linda Noskova's standout performance. The extreme heat in Shanghai leads to numerous retirements, raising questions about player durability and Novak Djokovic's chances in a weakened field. The discussion shifts to upcoming highlights in Wuhan and important player statements regarding mental health in the sport.

The discussion kicks off with Alcaraz's remarkable Tokyo title win, sparking debates on whether it's his best tennis yet. The impact of tour scheduling on player injuries also takes center stage. Sinner's aggressive play shines in his Beijing victory, while Musetti's controversial comments about fans lead to an unexpected apology. Dramas unfold with Anisimova's stunning comeback and Coco Gauff's tense match against Bencic. The hosts also reflect on Gael Monfils' upcoming farewell tour and highlight a player-led call for reform in tennis.

Matt Futterman, a sports writer for The Athletic, shares his first-hand experience from the Laver Cup in San Francisco. Initially skeptical, he describes how the electric atmosphere and engaging format won him over. The hosts dive into the implications of the event on the tennis calendar and discuss Roger Federer's influence. They also analyze Iga Swiatek's impressive title win in Seoul, Alejandro Tabilo's comeback victory, and preview upcoming ATP and WTA events in Beijing and Tokyo.

Italy secured a stunning 2-0 victory against the USA in the Billie Jean King Cup final, with impressive performances from Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jasmine Paolini. The hosts debate whether the US players were under par or simply outmatched. They delve into what makes Italy a dominant force, including team chemistry and depth. The discussion also critiques the event's venue and format in Shenzhen, raising questions about how to enhance its appeal. Highlights included memorable comebacks and tense moments, showcasing the fierce competitiveness of the tournament.

The hosts delve into the thrilling semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup, highlighting Italy's dramatic comeback against Ukraine and the pivotal role of Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani in doubles. They analyze the United States' impressive recovery led by Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula against Great Britain. As they preview the final, questions arise about lineups and head-to-head matchups, specifically Paolini versus Pegula, setting the stage for an exciting finale. Predictions and insights flow as tension builds!

This discussion dives into the thrilling quarter-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup. Italy pulls off breathtaking comebacks against China, showcasing the grit of Cocciaretto and Paolini. The Ukrainian team shines with Kostyuk and Svitolina's solid performances. Tension rises around the USA's narrow victory over Kazakhstan, alongside controversy involving Taylor Townsend's comments, sparking social media backlash. Meanwhile, Great Britain's strong win against Japan raises questions about their semi-final prospects.

Excitement brews for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen with a fresh format and unexpected player withdrawals. The hosts discuss Italy's potential as favorites and the challenging lineup for Great Britain without Raducanu. They reflect on thrilling Davis Cup matches and the remarkable comeback by Spain against Denmark. Rising stars shine on the WTA Tour, while the impactful dynamics of team chemistry are scrutinized. Listeners are engaged through personal tennis stories and buzz about upcoming competitions, highlighting the vibrant tennis landscape.

Carlos Alcaraz clinched his sixth Grand Slam title at the US Open, becoming the new World Number One by defeating Jannik Sinner. The discussion highlights Alcaraz's spectacular performance and the evolving rivalry between the two players. Press conference insights reveal their dedication to growth and the challenges they face. Additionally, listeners get a sneak peek into upcoming tennis events, including the Billie Jean King Cup, and the emotional experiences fans encountered during the tournament. Excitement builds for future content and fan engagement.