Pod Laver Arena

OMG, the humanity! Mike and Sam become quivering wrecks in the presence of Aussie tennis greatness. In this very special edition of Pod Laver Arena, they talk to the heroic captain of Australia's Billie Jean King Cup team - none other than Samantha Stosur! Watch in awe, as Samantha moves from genuine pity of our hosts to a general acceptance of their vapid buffoonery. The former world #4 spills all the beans on the upcoming BJK Cup clash and reveals whether local hero, Talia Gibson will embrace the nickname 'Gibbo' (can confirm it's no, no she will not). Oh, and Sam also harks back to the time she kicked Serena Williams' ass in the US Open final. Solid, solid memories. Cram it in your ears! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens in Miami... is up for full and frank discussion! Such as: why did Coco Gauff wear a hat? Also, in this bombastic episode, host Lizzy Hoo reveals that Monte Carlo - the place - is actually, a sh*thole. Hot take, Lizzy! We marvel at the tennis-themed wizardry of Jannik Sinner, and dive headfirst into the murky world of 'ball daddies' (fully grown ball kids). What we find, will shock you. We also discuss Dr Rafael Nadal's impressive cloak, and chat in-studio to American gun, Jessica 'the JPEG' Pegula. Cancel your plans, stay in, and listen to this! You can use the skip forward 15 seconds feature to skim past Mike's Anagrams - he understands. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bone-rattling episode, we dig down dangerously into the Miami Open, at the exact same time of making fun of Mike's little moustache. We give a laser-focussed analysis of the Danielle Collins and Corentin Moutet SHORT KING DRAMA, and it ends with Lizzy speaking in a dubious French accent that no one enjoys. Sam gets bold and attacks the rat-like features of Alex de Minaur (game recognise game), comparing him to that of the bogan varietal. Oh, and Mike's Anagrams cements itself as the most dogsh*t segment we could ever dream up. Look... if you had a podcast, we'd listen to yours. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pod Laver Arena — the only tennis podcast in the world (please don't Google) — is back! Hosts Lizzy, Mike and Sam dive racquet-first into the week's tennis news, and also into things that are barely tennis news. Mike's been to Indian Wells and he crosses to us from a dingy room to talk about it (spoiler alert: Tommy Haas did not return his calls). The guys also examine Aryna Sabalenka's wonderful, heavenly, love-filled week that saw win a big tournament and get a little dog. Also Mike does his weekly anagram and it's every bit as rage-inducing as you can imagine. Oh, and Elina Svitolina rang and said, "Hey, can you please run my interview from the AO?" So we did. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok tennis heads, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and Sam (@samtaunton) are back in the Pod Laver studios, bringing you searing wit and lacerating wordplay! Sam tarnishes the solid gold legacy of Craig Tiley, while Mike quietly wishes he had a private Rage Room like the one at the ATX Open. There's a weirdly long analysis of Valentin Vacherot's 'Chubb Close Call', and we crescendo with an interview with the still ruggedly handsome Tommy Haas - who performs a savage takedown of pickleball! This podcast will self-destruct by midnight tonight, so watch it before it explodes in your hands, you dorks! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Lizzy carry on their tradition of singing a tennis-themed song at the start of the pod and immediately a cease-and-desist letter from Will.I.Am drops from the ceiling. We expose tennis cheaters, examine the unstoppable force that is Carlos Alcaraz, and settle on calling our legion of fans 'Laverinos', which is probably a mistake. And are we mad that Alexandra Eala appeared on The Sit-Down and not our podcast? No! No way! Why would you say that? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Also, Mike is persisting with his anagram segment and, TBH, this edition is actually awesome. Plus, an interview with the best voice in tennis, Jakub Mensik. Slurp it up, Laverinos! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back by popular demand (we assume)! In this pod we speak to Alex de Minaur's coach, Matt Reid, hot off Alex's triumph in Rotterdam. We ask him a bunch of dumb questions and probably waste his time! Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) toys with the idea of changing his name, and he also admits to watching the Winter Olympics - the worst kind of Olympics. And, in a bombshell move, Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) admits that she is indeed a "boob girl" (pertaining to Alexander Bublik). We cap off these hijinks by speaking to none other than The Mooch - Karolína Muchová! In Pod we trust. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey we're back! And where did everybody go? Seriously... it's like a ghost town around here. No one. Nothing. Not even one Shake Shack. Anyway, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) were clearly up all night partying with Kyrgios because they are dusty and barely making sense. There's tennis-adjacent chat, new (and very cheap) graphics, and some wild speculation about what AO champion, Carlos Alcaraz, will get for a tattoo. And all this happens while Ace vapes in the corner, giving off a menacing vibe. Oh, and we finish with a very special visit from the uber-sensual tennis legend, Marat Safin. Gee he's cool. And smells nice. I mean like, really nice. I would best describe it as an intoxicating mix of moisturising cream and sandalwood. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And just like that, it’s over. We’re not crying, you are. But fear not, because we’re here to unpack absolutely everything from the Men’s Final, from the match itself right through to an unexpected but forensic audit of Rafa’s hair. In a welcome surprise to us, it looks like Novak Djokovic is bringing Borat “not” jokes back into the cultural conversation and frankly we’re here for it. We also relive that moment during the Kia guy’s speech, plus the epic tale of Mike and Sam getting kicked out of a media function, only to still somehow have the last laugh. Suck on that, Belinda. Mike and Sam dust off the vocal cords and deliver what can only be described as one of the songs of the summer, despite a deeply questionable attempt to rhyme the word Wimbledon. And finally, things completely derail as we unleash one of the most unhinged press conferences you’ve ever heard from our very own Ace-Man. If you’re not laughing by the end of the pod, Mike will eat a tennis ball. No follow up questions. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You turn your back for one second, and M&Ms mascots come into the studio and mess up the place. But the boys recover to talk smack about Elena Rybakina's victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the women's final. Great match, good times, subdued celebration. Not that Sam would know much about it - he was eating a charcuterie board with his girlfriend during the match. And will our brazen hosts sneak their way into the men's final tonight? Almost certainly not. I mean, the M&Ms mascots have a better chance, let's be honest. If that wasn't enough (which it isn't), Aussie tennis legend Pat Rafter drops in and hammers a ping pong ball into Sam Taunton's back fat. Wham! Footnote: In a breathtaking power move, Mike wears stolen sunglasses for this entire ep. It's stirring stuff. Alternatively, you can stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine Rod Laver dripping beads in a sauna, because we talk about that AND MORE. Yes, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and co-host Sam (@samtaunton) snuck into the Alcaraz v Zverev match yesterday and are still giddy as schoolgirls about it! And Mike stayed up until 3am watching the Novak beat Jannik Sinner, and it absolutely shows - the guy is fried. Anyway, marvel as we dissect the Alcaraz inner thigh massage controversy: did he abuse the rules? Or was it a Chubb close call? Also, we interview none other than Coco Gauff (and show her a piece of artwork that she DOES NOT LIKE and Lizzy almost smacks her in the head with a ping pong ball). Drink us in and dance around. Love you. #blessed Alternatively, stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrapAusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcasting from deep within the bowels of Tennis HQ, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and Sam (@samtaunton) - resplendent in their finery - talk absolute garbage about the epic event that is, the Australian Open. It's funny garbage, though. The lads analyse Sabalenka and Svitolina's non-handshake, the GruntGate controversy, and make a bold prediction about the amount of foot blisters Novak Djokovic will end up with. Oh, and Sam delivers a rousing message to the remaining Aussies in the draw that will bring a tear to your beady little eyes. I cried. I'm not too proud to admit it. Also, I guess I'm emotional because I miss my family. They have us working crazy hours here and, TBH, I'm reaching my upper limit. I mean, I'm resilient, normally... but this tournament requires a gargantuan effort and... ah look, this is probably not the forum. Anyway, come get an insight into Aryna Sabalenka's inner sanctum as we talk to her strength and conditioning coach, Jason Stacy! Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day we turn up and, to our amazement, our passes still work. It's only a matter of time before we're turned away, possibly by Wally Masur himself. In this scintillating and erotic new episode, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and blow-in host Sam Taunton (@samtaunton) trade barbs and Australian Open observations. You'll hear them say things like - but not limited to - 'Golly gosh, Lorenzo Musetti had his heart ripped out'. They'll also ask probing questions like 'Gee whiz, what's with all the straight sets matches?' They also massacre a Neil Diamond song, which is just horrendous for all involved. Oh, and we talk to USA turbo-hunk tennis-dude, Ben Shelton. Are you not TENTERTAINED (tennis-entertained)?! Don't answer that. Anyway, as our sponsor would say: 'Get some bubbles up ya!' AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Off the back of Alex De Minaur’s loss to Carlos Alcaraz, it is officially a dark day for Australian tennis and yes, the vibes inside the studio are appropriately grim. But fear not. Sam (@samtaunton) arrives armed with a bold, possibly unhinged new plan guaranteed to turn the fortunes of Australian tennis around forever. Probably. On top of his world-class tennis analysis, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) crunches the numbers on the stats that actually matter, like how many Shake Shack burgers have been consumed across the entirety of the Australian Open. If this wasn’t enough, our resident audio visual expert "Ace Man" launches a full scale investigation into Carlos Alcaraz that somehow raises more questions than it answers. And finally, it only felt right to give Alex De Minaur the send off he deserves, so we’ve lined up one of our all time interviews with him on today’s pod. It’s a cracking chat that will absolutely lift your spirits. Lifted spirits guaranteed or your money back. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Madison Keys lost the bet to Jessica Pegula, the tennis world has been left asking one question, is apple pie and cheese actually as cursed as it sounds? In a bold act of podcast-on-podcast solidarity, fearless hosts Mike and Sam step up to answer it once and for all. The results will shock you. Possibly emotionally, definitely spiritually. Maddy Inglis reveals what she plans to spend her big payday on, spoiler, it’s a toaster. We debut the hottest new segment on the block, Celeb Watch (everyone's talking about it), and unpack Lorenzo Musetti’s very interesting comments ahead of his upcoming clash with Novak Djokovic. And for our mic-drop moment, we welcome the Swiss Army Knife of tennis herself, Belinda Bencic. Turns out she has a secret talent and it is hands down one of the most impressive things we’ve seen on this pod. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you get a message saying Craig Tiley is coming into the studio, it usually means one of two things, you’ve either been absolutely flying or you’ve messed up badly. There is no middle ground. If he’s here to fire us, at least Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) won’t mind because yes, this is her final day on the pod. A devastating day for Pod Laver Arena. But with tragedy comes opportunity. A seat has opened up and after an extensive global search (and many rejections from our top choices) we officially welcome Sam Taunton (@samtaunton) to the team. We’re told he’s funny. We’ll let you decide. And before anyone panics, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) isn’t going anywhere, the show rolls on (somehow). Beyond all that, we get stuck into the biggest stories in the tennis world and do a deep dive into Carlos Alcaraz’s attention grabbing outfit that has the tennis world in an absolute spin. Strap in for another bumper episode of PLA. Watch it or we’re telling Craig Tiley. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a sad day, everyone. Stan Wawrinka’s glorious run has come to an end and no, we’re not crying, you are. To honour the great man, we crack a few cold (lukewarm) ones and reminisce about the good old days. We dive headfirst into all the drama from the last 24 hours, including Jannik Sinner’s case of the cramps, Novak Djokovic’s very close call, and Naomi Osaka’s big announcement. Not to be outdone, Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) makes an announcement of her own and nearly brings Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) to tears. And finally, for anyone getting sick of the ridiculous run of guests we’ve been on, bad luck. We’ve got another one. The one and only Naomi Osaka. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love is officially in the air at the Australian Open and shockingly it is not just Lizzy’s (@lizzyhoo) Raya account. Speaking of Lizzy, we drop a massive announcement about her future with the show. Brace yourselves, hearts will be broken. Despite being a little under the weather, Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) soldiers on and delivers the kind of totally hard hitting, deeply serious, stats-heavy analysis you have come to expect from him. Prepare to be blown away. Lizzy once again refers to it as a “tennis game” and finally addresses the growing speculation around her crumping ability. Bad day to be a hater. And because we like to keep things spicy around here and we do love a bad boy, today’s guest was an absolute no brainer, Thanasi Kokkinakis. We dive into his antics on and off the court and let’s just say, we have questions. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis beef is very much in vogue and frankly we want a slice. Our first target, Andy Roddick, we’re coming for you and your podcast. On today’s episode, our fearless hosts Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) and Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) dive into all the chaos from Day 5 of the AO, Stan the Man’s epic five set win and we expose the biggest liar on the tour. As a little cherry on top of the cake that is this podcast, we’ve got a player in by the name of Nick Kyrgios. You might have heard of him, no big deal. And to all the doubters out there we’ve done the impossible … we received some positive fan mail, take that Janice! POD LAVER ARENA RULES! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally, the debate that’s been tearing the tennis world apart is settled. What actually dries a wet court faster, 10 ball kids armed with towels or one futuristic drying machine? The answer will shock you. Mike (@comedymikegoldstein) has gone far too deep on Google and uncovered a truly explosive revelation about Andrey Rublev, Lizzy (@lizzyhoo) bravely fronts the nation to address the ongoing tracksuit speculation, and we somehow land an all-star guest in the one and only Sloane Stephens. Name one other podcast in the top 50 of Sport (we’re 51st, thank you very much) doing this kind of work. Exactly. You can’t. Tune in now or Mike wears the Naomi Osaka outfit again and that’s on you. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Stay up to date with the latest results each day of the main draw: https://lnk.to/TheAOWrap See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.