2019. Ready? Play.

The calendar hasn’t even ticked over to 2019 yet, but the new tennis season is officially here and that can only mean one thing: Catherine and David are back together on The Tennis Podcast to preview it!

Most of the top players appear to be in better health than they were twelve months ago, but two men with question marks still hanging over their physical condition are Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal. Is there cause for concern after Nadal withdrew from an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi? (09:56) And what should we make of Murray’s recent comments about his hip injury? (19:50)

Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, looked sharp during his matches in Abu Dhabi. Is there anyone in the locker room who won’t feel intimidated by Djokovic’s form and aura ahead of the Australian Open? (14:10)

In Brisbane, Jo Konta has yet another difficult-looking first-round match against Sloane Stephens. But could it actually be the ideal time to play the American? (28:48). Stephens is currently “on a break” from her coach Kamau Murray. Is that a wise move? How will Stephens and Simona Halep cope Down Under without their long-term coaches in their corners? (49:29)

Looking ahead to the year as a whole, David and Catherine give their wishes and predictions for the 2019 season (54:44).

There’s also plenty of reaction to various bits of news from the off-season, including Wimbledon’s expansion plans (38:10) and the WTA rule changes aimed at helping players returning from maternity leave and long-term injury (40:16). The introduction of a 10-point final-set tiebreak at the Australian Open is also discussed (41:29).

The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph.

***KICKSTARTER 2019***

We really want The Tennis Podcast to be better than ever in 2019. If you’d like that too, our Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign is open for two more weeks.

With over 500 backers so far, we’re almost 70% of the way to reaching our target. Thanks to everyone who has pitched in – we’re truly overwhelmed by the level of support.

If you are keen to help keep the podcast going and growing in 2019, but haven’t yet chipped in to the Kickstarter, you can do so here: http://po.st/TP_Kickstarter2019

Every single backer that wants to will have their name published on our website.

There are also lots of rewards available if you’d like to get really involved – including the opportunity to introduce the pod, an invitation to our end-of-year awards show and guest editorship of an episode. Plus, if you think you really know your tennis, you can pit your wits against Catherine and David by entering our predictions competition.

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