
The Tennis Podcast
Part of The Athletic Podcast Network, Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts talk tennis weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. Friends of The Tennis Podcast have access to exclusive Q & A's, new editions of Tennis Re-Lived and more bonus content.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

5 snips
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 16min
WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia - early impressions; Zverev wins Paris, but David holds firm
Zverev's impressive victory at the Paris Masters steal the spotlight, while the inaugural WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia raises eyebrows due to low attendance and ethical concerns. The players navigate the pressures of competition, with Alcaraz's comments on surface speed adding intrigue. Meanwhile, the resilience of athletes like Paolini is highlighted in their dynamic matches. Tune in for insights on doubles drama, community connections, and lighthearted discussions about iconic films.

Nov 1, 2024 • 52min
WTA Finals - Goran to guide Rybakina as Draws revealed
Catherine, David and Matt bring you a preview of the WTA Finals which begin on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Part one - Purple Group preview and predictions; Rybakina announces Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach for 2025, can anyone stop Sabalenka in Riyadh? Part two (from 30 minutes) - White Group preview and predictions; Gauff's poor head-to-head against her group rivals. Part three (from 39 minutes) - The doubles draw Join The Barge!Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our ShopFollow us on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 16min
There's a new #NextGen in town
It was a big week for lots of the tours’ emerging talents as Catherine, David and Matt discuss titles for Jack Draper in Vienna, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Basel, and Zheng Qinwen in Tokyo. Part one: ATP Results - Draper takes down Khachanov impressively; Mpetshi Perricard redefines the second serve; young generation get the better of Zverev, Tsitsipas, Rublev et al; an update on the Race to Turin and a preview of Paris Part two (from 36 minutes): WTA Results - Zheng Qinwen improves to 29-4 since Wimbledon with a title in Tokyo; Olga Danilovic wins her first title since 2018. Part three (from 53 minutes): News - Dominic Thiem retires; Iga Swiatek commits to the BJK Cup Finals; The Bryan Brothers and Maria Sharapova will be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2025, but Daniel Nestor won’t be. Join The Barge!Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our ShopFollow us on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 15min
Saudi Kings cash in, but at what cost?
Catherine, David and Matt convene to discuss the latest results and news. Part 1: A review of last week’s tour events, including a title for Daria Kasatkina in Ningbo and Tommy Paul in Stockholm.Part 2 (from 25 minutes): Six Kings Slam. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and friends made millions in Saudi Arabia, but with precious little mention of the spectre of sportswashing. We discuss the subject in depth. Part 3 (from 52 minutes): News - Danielle Collins announces she's not retiring yet, Iga Swiatek hires Wim Fissette as her new coach, and the rankings quirk which means Aryna Sabalenka is World No1. again. Join The Barge!Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our ShopFollow us on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
Sabalenka-Sinner double again; Djokovic motivation question; Stop scheduling clashes!
For the fourth time this year, Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner have won titles in the same week. Sabalenka won in Wuhan, beating Zheng Qinwen in a brilliant final, while Sinner became Shanghai champion by beating Novak Djokovic in a rather flat final. Catherine, David and Matt discuss both matches and the talking points from both tournaments, including how Zheng is viewed in the locker room, Coco Gauff’s 21 doubles faults in the semi-final, and whether Novak Djokovic can ever rediscover the edge he needs to beat Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. There’s also a rant about both finals being scheduled at the same time and Matt lauds Tomas Machac. Join The Barge!Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our ShopFollow us on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 11min
Goodbye Rafa
Rafael Nadal's surprising retirement announcement sparks heartfelt reflections on his legendary career. The hosts share nostalgic memories and discuss the impact on fans and rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz. Wimbledon updates include changes to match scheduling and the introduction of electronic line calling. Tensions between players and umpires arise, highlighting the need for stricter conduct rules. The conversation wraps up on a lighter note, celebrating the Tennis community and a loyal fan's support as they bid farewell to a true champion.

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 3min
Gauff finds final form; Swiatek seeks new guidance; Djokovic returns
The discussion kicks off with Coco Gauff's impressive title win in Beijing, contrasting her triumph with Karolína Muchová's near miss. Iga Swiatek's surprising coaching change sparks an insightful look at the challenges of high-pressure coaching relationships. Djokovic makes a notable comeback after five years, showcasing his skill and connection with fans. The episode also highlights upcoming changes in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup formats, emphasizing the evolving landscape of tennis.

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 4min
Alcaraz vs Sinner delivers; Fils finds new level
Carlos Alcaraz, the in-form tennis star known for his electrifying gameplay, discusses his recent thrilling victory over Jannik Sinner, highlighting their intense rivalry. Jannik reflects on his composed performance despite the loss. Arthur Fils shares insights from his incredible title run in Tokyo, and the group speculates about his promising future. They also touch on recent WTA action, from impressive performances to unfortunate injuries, painting a vivid picture of the current tennis landscape.

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 19min
Sinner faces WADA appeal, Wimbledon wins big, Asian swing intensifies
Jannik Sinner, a rising star in tennis, discusses the ongoing WADA appeal after he tested positive for a banned substance, shedding light on the complexities of doping in sports. Legendary Rafael Nadal joins the conversation, sharing insights about his selection for Spain’s Davis Cup squad. The podcast also covers Wimbledon’s ambitious expansion plans, the surprising early end to Caroline Garcia’s season, and highlights from tournaments in Beijing and Tokyo, including Zhang Shuai’s 24-match losing streak breakthrough.

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 15min
Laver Cup - What it’s like being there; Gauff/Gilbert go separate ways
Charlie Eccleshare, a sports journalist from The Athletic, shares his firsthand experience at the Laver Cup in Berlin. He reveals the electrifying atmosphere, including unique player interactions and the thrill of watching matches alongside tennis legend Andre Agassi. The conversation touches on Coco Gauff's split from coach Brad Gilbert and the intriguing dynamics of emerging players like Carlos Alcaraz. They also reflect on the significance of the Laver Cup in the broader tennis world, noting how it challenges conventional tournament norms.