US Open Day 11 - Bad, Bizarre, Brilliant: Women’s semis reviewed; Men’s semis preview

For the next two weeks our listeners will be setting the agenda on The Tennis Podcast as Catherine Whitaker and David Law take part in a couple of Q&A episodes. This week’s questions have been chosen by guest editor Keturah Anderssen-Chivers:· Are players damaging their chances of progressing in Grand Slams by regularly requesting on-court coaching on the WTA Tour? (01:09) · Is it better for the sport to have four outstanding players who dominate, or have a range of players competing more evenly? (14:25)· Is it unfair for a top player to enter 250 events - where they are likely to dominate - just so they can hit milestones? (20:31)· Which new rule changes should be trialled at this year’s Next Gen Finals? (24:30)· What are the pros and cons of working at tennis tournaments as journalists rather than attending as fans? (30:05)· Who are the best players aged 25 and above not to have won a Grand Slam title? And will they win one? (35:55)· Which players have had the most disappointing start to 2019? (39:45)The Tennis Podcast will be released weekly throughout the year and daily at all four Grand Slam tournaments, courtesy of our Kickstarter backers. It is produced in association with The Telegraph. *** SOCIAL MEDIA ***Instagram - http://po.st/TTP_InstagramTwitter - http://po.st/TTP_TwitterFacebook - http://po.st/TTP_Facebook *** NEWSLETTER ***Sign-up here to receive our weekly newsletter - http://po.st/TTP_Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Apr 201944min

This week’s Tennis Podcast starts by addressing the elephant in the room: last week’s prediction that Roger Federer might not even be on the list to win the title in Miami. Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Grad Matt discuss how Federer discovered his best form, the way he dismantled a legion of big servers en route to lifting the trophy, and how he will approach the clay court swing. Elsewhere in the men’s draw, breakthroughs for Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov got everyone talking. But did Shapovalov approach his match against Federer in the wrong way? And are we beginning to find out what makes Auger-Aliassime so special? In the women’s draw, what’s changed to allow Ash Barty to produce her best tennis on the big stage for the first time? And will she go on to win Grand Slams? Finally, what might Andy Murray have felt while watching Bob Bryan win the doubles title just months after hip surgery? The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers, and in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Apr 201955min

The 2019 Miami Open is less than a week old but there’s already been loads of talking points for Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Grad Matt to get stuck into on this week’s Tennis Podcast. First of all, the move away from Crandon Park to the Hard Rock Stadium is discussed. What have the players been saying about the new venue? And how does it come across on television? In the women’s draw, Bianca Andreescu is once again the centre of attention. How is she managing to back up her Indian Wells title so impressively? And did Angelique Kerber overstep the line when she called Andreescu “the biggest drama queen ever”? Or was it just harmless, fun aggro? Elsewhere, is there any reason to be worried about Naomi Osaka after she lost early again? And is Serena going to break Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles or not? Her withdrawal is discussed. On the men’s side, unconvincing wins for Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are assessed, the poor form of Alexander Zverev is scrutinised, and another Nick Kyrgios circus act has everyone buzzing. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers, in association with Telegraph Sport. *** SOCIAL MEDIA ***Instagram - http://po.st/TTP_InstagramTwitter - http://po.st/TTP_TwitterFacebook - http://po.st/TTP_Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Mar 201950min

Two thrilling finals at Indian Wells produced two surprising winners in the form of Bianca Andreescu and Dominic Thiem. On the Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker and David Law discuss their remarkable performances. In Andreescu, it feels like tennis has a new teenage star, one who embraces meditation and plays with stunning variety. What makes her so special? And how does she compare to the other crop of youngsters who are breaking through so rapidly on the women’s tour? As for Dominic Thiem, how did he wrestle the final away from Roger Federer? And how has he adjusted his game to suit hard courts? Other talking points from Indian Wells include another knee injury for Rafael Nadal, and a small blip for Novak Djokovic. Elsewhere, there’s debate about the potential of having Main Draw lucky losers, an update on ATP politics, and tribute to Paul Hutchins. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers, in association with Telegraph Sport. *** SOCIAL MEDIA ***Instagram - http://po.st/TTP_InstagramTwitter - http://po.st/TTP_TwitterFacebook - http://po.st/TTP_Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Mar 201950min

At the end of a week where on-court action has been overshadowed by political turmoil in tennis, Catherine Whitaker and David Law begin The Tennis Podcast by discussing the news that Chris Kermode will leave his role as ATP President at the end of the year, after the players’ representatives on the board voted not to renew his contract. Why has no official statement been released to explain the reasons behind this decision? How have people reacted to the news? And has Chris Kermode been made the scapegoat when what some players are really after is a fundamental restructuring of the ATP? Elsewhere, Catherine chats about her first experience of Indian Wells, and there’s a look at the major storylines from the tournament so far. Those include Felix Auger-Aliassime’s hold over Stefanos Tsitsipas, the awesome sight of Serena Williams vs Victoria Azarenka followed by the distressing sight of Serena retiring against Garbine Muguruza, Sloane Stephens’ slump in form, the limitless talent of Bianca Andreescu, and unfulfilled hype as Nick Kyrgios vs. Novak Djokovic won’t be happening. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers, and in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Mar 201949min

Andy Murray has spoken to the media, including The Tennis Podcast, for the first time since undergoing hip resurfacing surgery at the end of January, opening up about the details of the operation, his rehabilitation programme, his improved quality of life now that he’s pain-free, and how he still hopes to make a competitive return.This bonus edition of the podcast, recorded at The Queen’s Club, is the only place to hear Murray’s comments in full. Afterwards, David Law and Simon Briggs of Telegraph Sport give their reaction.What persuaded Murray to choose Sarah Muirhead-Allwood as his surgeon? What new things have we learned about his current condition? How different was Murray’s frame of mind compared to when we last saw him in Australia? And what’s the likelihood that we see him back on court in the future?Simon also gives an update on the political situation at the ATP ahead of a council meeting at Indian Wells that will see players discuss the possible ejection of president Chris Kermode.The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers, in association with Telegraph Sport. *** SOCIAL MEDIA ***Instagram - http://po.st/TTP_InstagramTwitter - http://po.st/TTP_TwitterFacebook - http://po.st/TTP_Facebook*** WEEKLY NEWSLETTER *** Sign up - http://po.st/TTP_Newsletter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 Mar 201941min

At the end of a thrilling week of tennis in Dubai and Acapulco, there was no shortage of talking points for David Law and Catherine Whitaker on The Tennis Podcast.They begin by trying to find new superlatives for Roger Federer after he won his 100th career title. How fitting was it that it came in Dubai, a place where Federer has had his ups and downs? How well did he play throughout the week? What did he do differently to get revenge on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final? And can he now go on to catch Jimmy Connors’ Open Era record of 109 titles?In Acapulco, we saw the whole Nick Kyrgios package, and wasn’t it wonderful? But have we learned anything new about Kyrgios? Or just been reminded of what we already knew? His comeback against Nadal is discussed, his demolition of Alexander Zverev is praised, and his use of the underarm serve is debated. Is it a legitimate tactic, obnoxious, or both?The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers. It is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Mar 201951min

Three and a half years after an extraordinary title run in Toronto, Belinda Bencic has produced another one, this time in Dubai. On The Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts discuss what makes Bencic such a brilliant player, and wonder whether she can start producing these exceptional weeks more often. Elsewhere in Dubai, Naomi Osaka lost her first match without Sascha Bajin and afterwards gave an emotional press conference. Is there cause for concern? Or are we just not used to a player being so in touch with their emotions? And who might her next coach be? David has a hunch...On the men’s side, Dan Evans came so close to winning his first title, but fell short against Radu Albot in Delray Beach. What made it such a fun match to watch? And how much can Evans achieve this year? In Rio, Felix Auger-Aliassime made his move by reaching the final. Why is he being tipped for stardom? And tribute is paid to the victorious Laslo Djere, who has tragically lost both of his parents to cancer. Finally, Stefanos Tsitsipas won his second career title in Marseille. How significant is it that he’s backing up his form from Australia? The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily at the Grand Slam tournaments, thanks to our Kickstarter backers. It is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Feb 201948min