Tennis Weekly

The clay season continues and it was titles for Rybakina, Fils and Shelton on the tour but the headlines were dominated by Carlos Alcaraz when he withdrew from Barcelona after his first match with a wrist injury. Since then Alcaraz has been spotted wearing a wrist cast at the Laureus World Sports Awards and his participation at Roland-Garros has been thrown into question given the nature of his injury. Elsewhere Jannik Sinner attempts to make history by winning 5 Masters titles on the trot and 4 in a row to open a season as the World No.1 looks to capitalise on the abscence of Alcaraz and Djokovic in Madrid. Returning to competition in Madrid is Aryna Sabalenka who has a battle for No.1 after Rybakina won her 2nd Stuttgart crown and drove away with another Porsche. Chris and Kim also discuss the controversial circumstances around former Wimbledon Champion Markéta Vondroušová's doping charges for refusing a test in December last year and try to make sense as to why a player with so much experience of being tested would not be aware of the rules or the consequences of refusing a test. They also celebrate Amelie Mauresmo announcing that Roland-Garros will not be having cameras behind the scenes after the fallout from the Australia Open and Coco Gauff's racket smashing incident and as always end with predictions as to what will go down when the tour reaches Madrid. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It finally happened... Sinner vs Alcaraz match one for 2026—and it did not disappoint (well… maybe a little, thanks to the Monte Carlo wind). Join Joel, Kim and Chris as they break down Jannik Sinner’s statement win to reclaim World No. 1 and ask why we aren’t seeing the best from Carlos Alcaraz at the moment and is Jannik Sinner the true World No. 1 despite having an inferior Grand Slam record to Carlitos. Elsewhere, we’ve got chaos, comebacks and a few raised eyebrows—Matteo Berrettini hands Daniil Medvedev (RIP Clayvedev) a brutal double bagel that no one saw coming, Mirra Andreeva bags another title in Linz, and Great Britain stun Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. Plus, Holger Rune’s comeback plans are picking up pace… but is it all happening a bit too soon? The gang are already a little worried. We also look ahead to a packed week on the clay with Barcelona, Munich and Stuttgart underway with Iga Swiatek debuting her new coaching era with Francisco Roig.Oh, and Andy Murray + roast potatoes… SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It finally happened! Sinner vs Alcaraz match one for 2026—and it did not disappoint (well… maybe a little, thanks to the Monte Carlo wind). Join Joel, Kim and Chris as they break down Jannik Sinner’s statement win to reclaim World No. 1 and ask why we aren’t seeing the best from Carlos Alcaraz at the moment and is Jannik Sinner the true World No. 1 despite having an inferior Grand Slam record to Carlitos. Elsewhere, we’ve got chaos, comebacks and a few raised eyebrows—Matteo Berrettini hands Daniil Medvedev (RIP Clayvedev) a brutal double bagel that no one saw coming, Mirra Andreeva bags another title in Linz, and Great Britain stun Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. Plus, Holger Rune’s comeback plans are picking up pace… but is it all happening a bit too soon? The gang are already a little worried. We also look ahead to a packed week on the clay with Barcelona, Munich and Stuttgart underway with Iga Swiatek debuting her new coaching era with Francisco Roig.Oh, and Andy Murray + roast potatoes… SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clay season is officially underway and we’re back at Tennis Weekly HQ to roundup week one as we start to look forward with Roland Garros on the horizon. This week, we ask ourselves is Jessica Pegula the best player on the WTA Tour currently not named Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka after she defended her Charleston title and why has Iga Swiatek decided to partner up with new coach Francisco Roig. Joel and Kim also debate the anatomy of a coaching break up with the news that Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was only informed by his agent that Roig had ditched him for the Polish former World No. 1. On the ATP side, there’s plenty to get stuck into as Tommy Paul grabs his first clay title, rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar making waves with his massive forehand in Marrakech, and we dive into the news that the WTA Tour Finals are set to leave Riyadh after 2026 with Gdansk and Charlotte in the United States on the shortlist. Plus, we announce the winner of our Babolat giveaway and of course take a look ahead to Monte Carlo where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner lead the charge which once again leads us to debate - are we *finally* going to get our first Sincaraz matchup this season?? SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunshine Doubles all round! Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they break down a historic sweep from Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka—becoming the first duo since Djokovic and Azarenka to complete the Indian Wells–Miami double in the same season. We dig into Sinner’s ruthless run—three straight Masters titles without dropping a set—and what it means for the World No.1 race and the looming clay swing, with Alcaraz defending big points. On the women’s side, we explore Sabalenka’s relentless consistency, does she actually have any challengers, and whether she can finally turn dominance into Grand Slam glory at Roland Garros. Plus we make our own 2026 clay-court predictions - dark horses, French Open picks, and who claims the men’s World No. 1 spot by grass season - Sinner or Alcaraz? And finally at HQ, we argue over what we think is tougher - the Sunshine Double or a Slam - and tie up a loosed end from last week: Dominic Thiem’s mystery Monday announcement… BABOLAT COMPETITION Babolat are giving one lucky listener the chance to win their new 9th generation Pure Aero 98 racket and brand new backpack with a combined worth of £340. To enter head to our Instagram page follow @babolatuk as well as @tennisweeklypod and tag a friend in our competition post. Entries close at Midnight on 5th April and competition is UK only. The winner will be announced on our next episode on 6th April and will be notified by Instagram direct message. To purchase the new 9th generation Pure Aero range go to the Babolat website or find your nearest tennis retailer. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Miami Open has hit the midway stage—and it’s already delivered a wave of shock exits, with Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Iga Świątek all crashing out early. We break down Alcaraz’s surprise loss to Sebastian Korda and ask: should there be concern heading into the clay swing? Fresh off a strong Indian Wells run—including a win over Novak Djokovic—Draper’s momentum stalled as his struggles against big servers continued in defeat to Reilly Opelka. Meanwhile, Świątek’s early exit was quickly followed by a split from coach Wim Fissette, despite their Wimbledon Championships success last year. We dive into what went wrong and who could be next. Juan Carlos Ferrero, anyone? Plus, we react to Wimbledon’s introduction of video reviews, debate a potential WTA Next Gen Finals, and look ahead to week two in Miami. Is the Sunshine Double still on for Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka? We think so! SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indian Wells absolutely DELIVERED. In Tennis Paradise, both finals provided thrilling conclusions with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka lifting their first-ever titles out in the desert after two blockbuster championship matches. Jannik Sinner continued his incredible hard-court dominance with another flawless, no sets dropped run after his triumph at the Paris Masters, defeating a resurgent Daniil Medvedev in a tense final decided by two tie-breaks. The victory makes Sinner the youngest player ever to complete the set of major hard-court titles — a huge milestone in his career. But while Sinner keeps raising the bar, Medvedev’s run back to the Top 10 has us asking: is he currently the best player outside of Sincaraz, and could he be a genuine Grand Slam contender again? And as the wait for a Sincaraz final this season continues, we also dive into the electric Djokovic vs Draper clash — a match we’re already calling a contender for match of the season — and debate whether that controversial hindrance call against Draper vs. Medvedev was really necessary. We’re still divided on it! On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka finally turned the tables on Elena Rybakina in a dramatic final, saving a championship point to snap her recent losing streak against the Kazakh and claim the Indian Wells crown. We discuss the Sabalenka-Rybakina rivalry and whether we think it will be the one to define women’s tour in 2026. Plus, Par for the Court returns and we look ahead to the Miami Open where Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu have dropped out with some bold predictions — Sunshine Double for Sinner and Sabalenka anyone? SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re hitting the halfway mark at Indian Wells in Palm Springs, and there’s already plenty of action to unpack as the tournament heads into a fascinating Round 4. At the top of the bill is a blockbuster first-ever meeting between Jannik Sinner and Brazil’s teenage sensation João Fonseca, who appears to have rediscovered his mojo out in the desert. We’ll also debate whether Learner Tien might be staking a claim as the top American right now after an eye-catching win over Ben Shelton. Elsewhere on the men’s side, Novak Djokovic unveiled a mysterious new sleeve — reportedly using infrared healing technology — while Carlos Alcaraz debuted some fresh kit. On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka are set to face off for the first time since the 2018 US Open in what Sabalenka has jokingly dubbed a potential “fashion show”. Emma Raducanu’s tough loss to Amanda Anisimova in just over fifty minutes also gives us plenty to dig into. And away from the court, there’s no shortage of talking points: eye-watering drink prices at Indian Wells (yes, we’re talking $43 Aperol spritzes), fan frustration over a controversial change to ground-pass ticket policies, and Sabalenka’s spicy claim that she might have even more Grand Slam titles if women played best-of-five sets. Kim on TV Mastermind - BBC iPlayer link SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic week on the ATP and WTA tours, with events in the Middle East casting a shadow over the tennis world and leaving players stranded across the region. From Tennis Weekly HQ, Joel, Kim and Chris unpack what it means for the sport (and the schedule) — and ask the bigger question: in the grand scheme of things, does tennis even matter? On court, it’s full steam ahead to Indian Wells as we dive into the men’s and women’s draws, lock in our champion predictions, tip our dark horses (yes, Marin Cilic gets a mention), and boldly flag the early exits — including a certain prediction involving Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari that may age horribly. We also debate Emma Raducanu’s reunion with Mark Petchey — smart reset or a backwards step, as Tim Henman suggests? — and analyse Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise mullet era, because no big tournament is complete without a bold new barnet. Plus, Laureus Awards chatter as Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline the nominations for tennis, but Joao Fonseca’s Breakthrough nod raises eyebrows at HQ. And we round up the week’s champions: Medvedev in Dubai, Cobolli in Acapulco, Bucsa’s double delight in Merida — and yes, Kim’s Mastermind appearance (spoiler alert: her specialist subject was not Rafael Nadal!). SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a dramatic week on tour, with events in the Middle East casting a shadow over the tennis world and leaving players stranded across the region. From Tennis Weekly HQ, Joel, Kim and Chris unpack what it means for the sport (and the schedule) — and ask the bigger question: in the grand scheme of things, does tennis even matter? On court, it’s full steam ahead to Indian Wells as we dive into the men’s and women’s draws, lock in our champion predictions, tip our dark horses (yes, Marin Cilic gets a mention), and boldly flag the early exits — including a certain prediction involving Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari that may age horribly. We also debate Emma Raducanu’s reunion with Mark Petchey — smart reset or a backwards step, as Tim Henman suggests? — and analyse Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise mullet era, because no big tournament is complete without a bold new barnet. Plus, Laureus Awards chatter as Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline the nominations for tennis, but Joao Fonseca’s Breakthrough nod raises eyebrows at HQ. And we round up the week’s champions: Medvedev in Dubai, Cobolli in Acapulco, Bucsa’s double delight in Merida — and yes, Kim’s Mastermind appearance (spoiler alert: her specialist subject was not Rafael Nadal!). SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unbeaten streak rolls on! It’s been another action-packed week across the ATP and WTA Tours, so join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they break down all the biggest stories from around the tennis world. Carlos Alcaraz continues his sensational start to the 2026 season, delivering a ruthless performance in yet another final to extend his undefeated run — leaving us all asking the same question: just how long can he stay unbeaten? And more importantly… is there anyone capable of stopping him?! It was a tougher week for Jannik Sinner, stunned by rising star and Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik. Joel asks whether Mensik could be the man ready to disrupt the emerging Sincaraz dominance — alongside the ever-present Novak Djokovic — at the very top of the men’s game. Elsewhere, there were title celebrations for Tomas Etcheverry in Rio and Sebi Korda at Del Ray Beach. Over on the WTA Tour, Jessica Pegula powered her way to a fourth WTA 1000 title in Dubai, spearheading an impressive American showing in the desert — despite the absence of several big names. We also dive into the growing speculation surrounding Emma Raducanu’s potential sponsorship switch from Nike to Uniqlo, and wonder whether tournaments in Acapulco and Mérida should proceed amid ongoing cartel violence in Mexico. Plus, we look ahead to the week’s action as Jack Draper makes his long-awaited return to the tour in Dubai, while Venus Williams steps back onto court in Austin fresh from receiving a pair of Indian Wells wildcards. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Shelton saved championship points in a full-throttle all-American showdown against Taylor Fritz in Dallas whilst Alex de Minaur triumphed at the third time of asking in Rotterdam. The trio ask each other whether they are Team Fritz or Team Shelton and is de Minaur the tour’s most consistent player outside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere, we get excited about Jack Pinnington Jones’ breakthrough ATP run, Daniil Medvedev’s latest tirade saying the tennis balls aren’t round (classic!) and rumours of David Nalbandian joining Grigor Dimitrov’s coaching team. Just don’t talk to us about Jack Draper’s new haircut… On the WTA tour it was Karolina Muchova magic in the Middle East! It’s been a captivating week on the ATP and WTA Tours with epic finals, teenage sensations… and dodgy barnets. Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they dig into Doha where Karolina Muchova *finally* ended her seven-year title drought against teenage sensation Victoria Mboko who is now into the Top 10. The gang debate has she stolen the top teen title away from Mirra Andreeva? And can Karolina Muchova make good on her talent and win a Grand Slam title? SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moving on from Melbourne! Back on the circuit and it was a bumper week for British tennis as Jack Draper made his long-awaited return to help Great Britain dominate Norway in the Davis Cup Qualifiers. Chris exclusively spoke to Jack ahead of the tie on his comeback. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu reached her first WTA final since her historic US Open 2021 victory (have we really had to wait that long?!) and Katie Boulter lifted the Ostrava title with Joel wondering if she can reclaim her British No. 1 ranking this season. Elsewhere we discuss Felix Auger-Aliassime putting a shock Australian Open exit behind him to defend his Montpellier crown, Czech rising star Sara Bejlek shocking the field in Abu Dhabi, and look forward to the first WTA 1000 event of the season in Doha where defending champion Amanda Anisimova is already out. Plus, we talk about Jannik Sinner becoming a ticket inspector at the Winter Olympics, debate which tennis players would dominate what snow sports and how comfortable we feel with Serena Williams weight loss advert that aired at the Super Bowl. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open 2026 is done and dusted, so it’s time for our Tennis Weekly Australian Open Wrap Up Show. After two weeks of daily pods, early mornings and late nights, Joel, Kim and Chris sit down to relive the tournament in all its glory — the good, the bad and the downright bizarre. We look back on Melbourne through our patented Peak, Pit & Pleasant Surprise scorecard, debating everything from Rafa watching Carlos complete the set, to crowd controversies, fashion moments, and why lights on the net were actually… kind of brilliant? We hand out our picks for best match, biggest upset, biggest surprise and one to watch across both the men’s and women’s draws — with plenty of disagreement along the way. There’s also a full prediction post-mortem. Who nailed their Australian Open champion picks? Who absolutely did not? From Alcaraz and Rybakina lifting trophies to bold calls involving Bublik, Jovic and Medvedev (honestly, what were Joel and Kim thinking), nothing is swept under the carpet including the ceremonious dishing out of the Slam of Spoon of Shame. Support the podcast by donating to our Tennis Weekly 2026 Crowdfund. Your support no matter how large or small is hugely appreciated, from listening to donating we couldn’t be more thankful to our audience! Click the link above or go to gofundme.com/tennis-weekly-2026 AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And that’s a wrap on Melbourne! Carlos Alcaraz is your Australian Open champion who becomes the youngest men’s player ever to complete the Career Grand Slam. In doing so, he handed Novak Djokovic his first-ever defeat in an Australian Open final, snapping the Serb’s perfect 10–0 record on Rod Laver Arena and sending the wait for Grand Slam title number 25 on. We break down exactly how Alcaraz turned the match after a nervy start, why that pivotal 4–4 game in the fourth set changed everything, and what truly separates Carlos from Jannik Sinner when facing Djokovic on the biggest stages. And yes, we tackle the elephant in the room — what does King Carlos’s win mean for his relationship with former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero… For Djokovic, it was a sobering comedown after a blockbuster semi-final win over Sinner. Was this his last genuine shot at Slam 25? And will we see him back at Melbourne Park next year? Plus, Chris gives his verdict on the women’s final, we go full Rafa-watch as Nadal looks on from the stands, and we reveal the winner of our exclusive Australian Open competition. Support the podcast by donating to our Tennis Weekly 2026 Crowdfund. Your support no matter how large or small is hugely appreciated, from listening to donating we couldn’t be more thankful to our audience! Click the link above or go to gofundme.com/tennis-weekly-2026 AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elena Rybakina has won the Australian Open! It looked like it was heading for a repeat of the 2023 Final where Sabalenka came back to win in three sets but Rybakina had a comeback of her own from 3-0 down in the Final set, storming back to close out the match 6-4 4-6 6-4. It was a long wait for a second major for Rybakina who triumphed at Wimbledon in 2022 but has had ups and downs professionally and personally but managed to set all of that aside to win in Melbourne. She moves up to number three in the ranking and adds the trophy to her recently won WTA Finals title to establish herself as the form player on the WTA Tour. Joel and Kim ask how high can Rybakina go and question why Sabalenka isn’t able to close out major finals despite being the dominant force on the tour. Sabalenka is now 4-4 in grand slam finals and has won just 1 of her last 4 since her 2024 US Open triumph. They also announce the winner of collect a set and who is taking home the official AO cap and they wrap-up the doubles where Zhang and Mertens and Harrison and Skupski came out on top. They also make their last observations ahead of the Men’s Finals the day after the semi-final epics in Melbourne Park. AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did we just witness?! Australian Open Day 13 delivered with aplomb so we had no choice but to all jump on the mics together at Tennis Weekly HQ and get our heads around the absolute treat that was the men’s semifinals action. Novak Djokovic rolled back the years in one of his all-time great Australian Open performances, outlasting Jannik Sinner in a five-set epic to move one win away from a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. At 38 years old, Novak went full Houdini on Rod Laver Arena, saving break point after break point after break point. Is this one of the greatest wins of his career? And what does this say about the Alcaraz-Sinner era when a 38 year old can defeat them? Carlos Alcaraz also survived a brutal 5 hour 27 minute marathon against Alexander Zverev to reach his first Australian Open final, in the longest men’s semi-final in tournament history (who remembers that match between Nadal vs Verdasco?). Cramp, controversy, medical timeouts, blown chances and unreal mentality. Did Zverev choke it or did Alcaraz win it? And should cramp ever equal an MTO? We also look ahead to a blockbuster Australian Open final: Djokovic vs Alcaraz. Slam 25 or a historic career Grand Slam at 22. Goosebumps already. AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have our ladies finalists! Australian Open Day 12 did not come to play – and neither did we. In this episode, Joel and Chris break down all the drama from Melbourne as Aryna Sabalenka bulldozes her way into a fourth straight Australian Open final, doing it the scary way: without dropping a set and with plenty of spice along the way (yes, we’re talking that hindrance call). We also dive into Elena Rybakina’s ice-cold win over Jessica Pegula, saving set points, firing aces when it mattered, and booking a blockbuster AO final rematch with Sabalenka. Joel and Chris hope that maybe we will get a ladies match that goes the distance in the business end of the tournament which has been strangely lacking. Elsewhere, we preview the men’s semi-finals with Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz and Zverev all lining up, ask whether anyone can actually stop Carlos, and look at how much Zverev’s serve decides his fate. Plus, all the latest from the doubles and mixed doubles finals and a quick detour across to America as the Serena Williams ‘will she, won’t she’ comeback takes on another development… AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another very eventful 24 hours at the Australian Open, and Joel and Chris are back at Tennis Weekly HQ to unpack it all as the semi-final line-ups are all locked in. We dive into Novak Djokovic’s latest Houdini act after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire despite leading by two sets, handing Novak yet another date with destiny — and Jannik Sinner. The Italian barely broke a sweat against Ben Shelton, cruising into another Australian Open semi and extending a frankly brutal head-to-head. Is Shelton running out of answers against the very elite, and is this era already beginning to define him? On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina laid down a serious marker by dismantling Iga Swiatek to set up a semi-final showdown with Jessica Pegula. We debate whether Iga has a genuine Rybakina problem, or if the rest of the field is simply catching up — and then get into Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Pegula speaking out about behind-the-scenes cameras and life “in the zoo” at Melbourne Park. Plus, we announce our Australian Open competition to win an official Australian Open towel and tennis ball, and look ahead to ladies’ semi-finals day with some fresh (and possibly questionable) predictions. AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a big day for Carlos Alcaraz and Elina Svitolina in Melbourne where both made their first ever Australian Open semifinals. Alcaraz produced a dominant display to defeat home hope Alex de Minaur in straight sets as Svitolina upset No.3 seed Coco Gauff in just 59 minutes. Alcaraz is still on track to become the youngest man to complete the career grand slam should he win on Sunday and based on his form his semifinal opponent Alexander Zverev will have to produce the performance of a lifetime to prevent the Spaniard from making another grand slam final. Zverev won his semifinal mainly thanks to his impeccable service display hitting 24 aces and 1 double fault to down next gen player Learner Tien in 4 sets. Svitolina will go on to face Sabalenka who dismantled 18 year old Iva Jovic in straight sets in sweltering conditions in Melbourne. Sabalenka has now made the semis or better at the last 8 grand slams and 14 of the last 17. Chris and Kim also talk tennis’ bad boy Nick Kyrgios who was spotted partying on two consecutive nights before his AO Mixed Doubles Round 2 loss with Leylah Fernandez. They question if it is time for Tennis Australia’s support of Nick to stop after such a display. Also up for discussion is player privacy after Coco Gauff was filmed smashing a racket after her semifinal loss and made it clear she felt there was not somewhere private apart from the locker room for the players to go. Finally they give a collect-a-set update where three players are still in the running to win the official AO cap thanks to our sponsor AO Travel & Experiences. AO Travel & Experiences Learn more and book your tickets through AO Travel & Experiences at ausopentravel.com SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.