WTA Finals - Goran to guide Rybakina as Draws revealed

The opening singles match of the 2020 ATP Finals was a repeat of last year's closer between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem, a fact which served only to emphasise the differences and remind us of what we're missing. On the podcast, Catherine describes the bittersweet feeling of what it was like to be inside the O2 arena without fans as London hosts the event for the last time.Still, the tennis was high-quality and we discuss how Thiem managed to get his revenge, the way his game has developed on a hard court, the moment of 'silliness' which cost Tsitsipas dearly, and why it might be a tough defeat to take for the Greek. Elsewhere, we analyse Rafael Nadal's 6-3, 6-4 victory over Andrey Rublev. In what way was there a gulf in class? Are there limits to Rublev's game? Finally, we cover some of the many interesting stories in the doubles event this week, a first ATP title for Jannik Sinner, and a victory in Linz for Aryna Sabalenka in the final WTA tournament of the season.The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 Nov 202042min

In this episode we look ahead to the ATP Finals – the final event of this strange tennis season and the final time it will be staged in London. Catherine details her experience inside the O2 bubble so far, as well as the dental emergency which almost scuppered her plans. We also analyse the two singles groups, discuss what we learned on media day, and make some predictions.Just how motivated will Djokovic be to win the title? Is Nadal better suited to indoor tennis than ever? Does Medvedev have a point to prove? Can Rublev raise his game against the top players? Will Schwartzman do more than make up the numbers? And how are Thiem and Tsitsipas’ injuries?We also react to the latest developments involving the allegations against Alexander Zverev, including some new comments from him in his press conference and a long overdue statement from the ATP.The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14 Nov 202057min

On-court action unfortunately takes a back seat on the podcast this week as we discuss in depth the allegations from Olya Sharypova that her ex-boyfriend, Alexander Zverev, physically and emotionally abused her during their relationship.We lay out the new allegations from Sharypova detailed in her interview with Racquet Magazine, present Zverev’s responses throughout the week to questions about the accusations, and talk through Jon Wertheim’s extensive take on the issue.We also examine the way in which Zverev’s refusal to comment beyond his initial statement has been disappointing, how the ATP’s silence is making matters worse, what the phrase ‘Believe Women’ means and demands of us, and the way this incident is affecting how we feel about the sport right now.In the second half of the episode, we chat about Daniil Medvedev’s victory in Paris, the completion of the ATP Finals line-up, the climax of the WTA season in Linz, Tennis Australia’s potential plans for an extended swing Down Under in 2021, and Nick Kyrgios’ openness about his struggle with depression.The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9 Nov 20201h 2min

Catherine, David and Matt are back to answer more listener questions. In the mailbag this week:· Who will win a Grand Slam title first – Denis Shapovalov or Felix Auger-Aliassime?· Who will be the next first time Grand Slam champion in the women’s game?· Is Roger Federer in danger of the bronze medal when it comes to who is best out of The Big 3?· What are we most excited about, in the tennis world, next year?· Can Dominic Thiem win Roland Garros before Rafael Nadal retires?· And what’s the best and worst aspect of each Grand Slam?We also celebrate the two-year anniversary of Matt’s full debut on The Tennis Podcast by re-living the moment. The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Nov 20201h 8min

Our focus this week is on Vienna after Andrey Rublev won his 5th title of the season there. Does Rublev’s consistency at ATP 500 level make him a contender for men’s player of the year? The other big talking points involved Novak Djokovic who clinched the year-end No.1 ranking for the sixth time, equalling Pete Sampras’ record, before losing 6-2, 6-1 against the impressive Lorenzo Sonego. What happened? What did we make of Djokovic’s post-match comments? Should his year-end finish as No.1 come with an asterisk in 2020? And how does finishing No.1 six times in 10 years compare to Sampras’ achievement of six consecutive No.1 finishes? David digs deep into his memory bank to recall Sampras’ quest in 1998. Elsewhere, we discuss John Millman’s first ATP title in Nur-Sultan and look ahead to the Paris Masters. The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Nov 20201h 6min

In the first of two pods over the next week answering listener questions, we discuss who is the best at tennis out of Catherine, David and Matt, whether there should be a free-for-all tournament without seeds, our worst travel disasters, who might be a good coach to take Stefanos Tsitsipas to the next level, the Wimbledon traditions we would ditch, how social media has increased tribal fan support in tennis, and the worst five set matches we’ve watched. The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 Okt 20201h

We discuss whether we learned anything new about Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev after their victories in Ostrava(!!!) and Cologne(2), the possible reasons why Sabalenka hasn’t translated tour success to the Grand Slams, how high the ceiling could be for Antwerp champion Ugo Humbert, and, after David’s discussion on Twitter with Denis Shapovalov, whether tennis is better off with or without Hawkeye. Should entertainment be the number one priority? Could there be a compromise by reducing the number of challenges per match? And how have Andy Roddick’s views on the topic evolved since his playing days?The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 Okt 20201h 7min

With the dust having settled on Roland Garros, the tennis season stutters on, and Catherine, David and Matt are back to talk about everything that was weird and wonderful in Cologne 1 and St Petersburg, including dogs on sun loungers, a live band at changeovers, and a 40-minute Eurovision-style closing ceremony.How motivated are we to watch non-Grand Slam tennis at the moment? What’s going wrong for Felix Auger-Aliassime in finals? How concerned should we be about Andy Murray’s latest setback? Why was Andrey Rublev so emotional after his title victory? And why has Carlos Alcaraz caught our attention on the challenger tour? There’s also discussion about the way in which Sam Querrey jeopardised the tour by fleeing St Petersburg following his positive covid test, Daria Gavrilova and Ellen Perez’s documentation of their time in quarantine in Australia, and a shake-up on the ATP player council.The Tennis Podcast is presented by Catherine Whitaker and David Law, and features Matt Roberts. It is produced weekly year-round, and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is crowdfunded by listeners each December.*SUPPORT THE TENNIS PODCAST* We are crowdfunded for 2020, but if you’d like to receive a reminder e-mail when we launch our next campaign in December to fund our 2021 season, then you can put your details here - http://eepurl.com/gwWILX* PODCAST LINK *If you enjoy listening to The Tennis Podcast, please spread the word and share our link on your social media platforms - https://podfollow.com/the-tennis-podcast* NEWSLETTER *Sign up to get our news, offers, predictions and Matt’s Stat - http://eepurl.com/gbmzRX*SHOP*Let everyone know how you feel with our new I LOVE TENNIS range - https://thetennispodcast.teemill.com/* EMAIL *We hope that the podcast helps to provide some form of escape during these challenging times. If you ever feel like writing to us, our e-mail is open – info@tennispodcast.net*REDDIT *We have a sub-reddit page! It's a growing online community where over 1000 listeners chat about the show and all things tennis. Join in - https://www.reddit.com/r/thetennispodcast/SOCIAL MEDIA *Twitter - www.twitter.com/tennispodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennispodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19 Okt 20201h 11min