The Tennis Podcast

Catherine, David and Matt catch up on all the action at the WTA Finals so far.
Part one - We start by hearing from The Athletic’s Ava Wallace who is on site at Indian Wells. She gives us an insight into the strange vibe of this year’s tournament ahead of its move to Charlotte. Why has the tennis been disappointing? And with rumours swirling about a change of format next year, how much is Round Robin to blame? We also look ahead to the semi-finals with Jessica Pegula and Elina Svitolina up against the standout players so far in Mirra Andreeva and Linda Noskova.
Part two (29:55) - What’s going on with Aryna Sabalenka? It’s a question we’ve been asking for some time and it’s only got more puzzling after her back-to-back defeats against Andreeva and Svitolina. We discuss those matches and ponder what we can expect from her in the new season. There’s also chat about the doubles event which, unlike the singles, has been full of great matches.
Part three (43:55) - ATP Finals preview and predictions. Can anyone stop Carlos Alcaraz?
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Part one - Paris (00:00 - 33:56). There’s only one place to start and that’s Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling title run in Paris. We cover his Houdini act to beat Taylor Fritz. how he did things that nobody else can, and his connection to Paris. Plus, Fritz’s agonising near miss as the ATP Finals Race wrapped up, Ben Shelton’s run to the final, and Luca van Assche proving us wrong.
Part two - WTA Finals (33:57 - 57:00). We discuss Elena Rybakina’s unfortunate withdrawal, how Coco Gauff vs Jessica Pegula on the opening day brought the event to life, and the disaster that was the player photoshoot.
Part three - News (57:01 - 1:17:52). David fills us in on Claire Liu’s career journey after her title in Hong Kong, there’s a classic Magda Linette week to discuss, and our reaction to Gael Monfils being named as France’s new Davis Cup captain.
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Catherine, David and Matt catch up on a dramatic week in Paris so far and look ahead to the WTA Finals at Indian Wells.
Part one (00:00 - 32:32) We start by discussing the Race From Turin as Rafael Jodar, Frances Tiafoe, Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur all lost early in Paris, opening the door for Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul to potentially qualify for the ATP Finals. How might things shake out? There’s also a big discussion about Alexander Zverev losing his first match as world number one against Lorenzo Musetti and in particular Zverev’s annoyance at having to defend his position at the top of the rankings. Does he not know his tennis history? What do his remarks reveal about his psyche?
Part two (32:33 - 46:05) We discuss the groups and main storylines going into the WTA Finals at Indian Wells. Can Elena Rybakina defend her title? Will Aryna Sabalenka finally find form and win this event for the first time? Why do Linda Noskova and Coco Gauff feel to us like big contenders?
Part three (46:06 - 1:02:08) We react to the viral video of Jessica Pegula being caught on a hot mic giving some brutally honest remarks about Mirra Andreeva and Conchita Martinez.
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David is back from holiday and he rejoins Catherine and Matt to discuss another busy week of action, on and off court.
Part one - ATP (00:00 - 47:42) We start by revelling in Carlos Alcaraz’s incredible form as he won the title in Vienna, beating Alex de Minaur in a thrilling final despite the one-sided scoreline. In the semis, De Minaur beat Alexander Zverev who this week officially became the World No.1. How do we view Zverev’s season in light of his 3-9 record against the Top 10? There’s also chat about Valentin Vacherot’s victory in Basel and we look ahead to Paris and the home straight of the Race to Turin, with Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic all still hoping to qualify. Who will make it?
Part two - WTA (47:43 - 1:07:28) We discuss Diana Shnaider’s impressive title run in Tokyo and assess where she’s at in her career. Is she ready to make a big jump in 2027? There’s also coverage of Elena Rybakina securing the year-end No.1 spot and then immediately withdrawing from Tokyo, as well as a first career title for Harriet Dart who is thriving under the tutelage of Marion Bartoli.
Part three - News (1:07:29 - 1:32:17) We react to two big pieces of coaching news, with Magnus Norman set to join team Sinner and Ben Shelton hiring Juan Carlos Ferrero. Will both partnerships be successful? Finally, what’s going on between Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti? We discuss the rumours and that interview.
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With David away on holiday, Catherine and Matt are joined by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare for reaction to the week’s results and some bigger picture reflections on the season.
Part one - WTA (00:00 - 44:55). We start by discussing Elena Rybakina’s first title as the World No.1 and her impressive performance to beat Leylah Fernandez in the Ningbo final. Charlie reflects on how Rybakina’s rise to the top has coincided with Aryna Sabalenka’s slump and we take a look at the WTA Finals line-up which got confirmed last week. How weird is it not to see Iga Swiatek there? And how might Elina Svitolina be affected by her split from Gael Monfils and, in particular, the horrible online abuse she’s suffered?
Part two - ATP (44:56 - 1:16:45). There’s reaction to Lorenzo Musetti’s stunning title run in Lyon, Daniil Medvedev’s resurgence continuing with a title in Almaty, and Tallon Griekspoor overcoming the change of venue in Brussels to triumph there. We also reflect on the careers of Stan Wawrinka and David Goffin as they come to an end while Matt faces the music after his disastrous performance in Wrexham.
Part three (1:16:46 - 1:35:12). A look ahead to this week’s action as the Race for Turin heats up with so many players in contention taking part in Vienna and Basel. Will Djokovic qualify? Finally, there’s reaction to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina getting the call-up for Spain’s Davis Cup Finals squad.
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