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Tennis Unfiltered

Tennis Unfiltered

477 episodes — Page 8 of 10

French Open, Day 8: Nadal's epic win over Auger-Aliassime, Gauff and Stephens set up clash and Fernandez is ready

Will Felix Auger-Aliassime regret not serving at 70 per cent? How is Rafa Nadal playing? Can Coco Gauff stop Iga Swiatek? Where did Sloane Stephens' form come from? This and so many other questions to answer from Roland Garros... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 202222 min

French Open, Day 7: Rublev and Medvedev through, Sabalenka and Badosa out and the fourth round settled

Calvin and James raw and unedited on Saturday's action at Roland Garros Jessica Pegula is the highest ranked seed left in the women's draw except for Iga Swiatek Who can challenge the Polish world No 1? Is Aryna Sabalenka ever going to win a grand slam? What does Andrey Rublev add to the draw? Why did we never believe that Daniil Medvedev could be good on clay? What is Holger Rune's deal? James will be taking no questions about the football now and for some time afterwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 28, 202231 min

French Open, Day 6: Fernandez delights, Gauff flexes, Nadal, Djokovic and Alcaraz cruise

What a match between Fernandez and Bencic! Anisimova got away with one Norrie’s French Open campaign is over Gauff dispatched the giant-killer Kanepi It’s a big day for the top half pretenders tomorrow: Pegula vs Zidansek, Badosa vs Kudermetova; Keys vs Rybakina and Sabalenka vs Giorgi. Holger Rune vs Hugo Gaston on Saturday night Medvedev faces Kecmanovic, which feels like a big test Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 28, 202238 min

French Open, Day 5 EXTENDED EDITION: The chances of Nadal and Djokovic, can anyone beat Iga and lots more

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic: who are we more convinced by? Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev: who are we less convinced by? Can anyone stop Iga Swiatek and is it worth trying? How do we rate the British effort? Plus a look ahead to how the quarter-finals might be shaping up and why Irina-Camelia Begu was not disqualified from the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 26, 20221h 14m

French Open, Day 4: Raducanu out, Sakkari shocked, Alcaraz and Zverev survive scares

Calvin and James discuss high-profile defeats for Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari, while Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz both faced match points but somehow came away with victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 25, 202236 min

French Open, Day 3: Tsonga's bittersweet au revoir, Tsitsipas comes back and Paire leads a revolt

After a late-night finish from Tsitsipas and Musetti, this podcast needs no introduction. Also it's very late and I'm very tired. Instead, here is Benoit Paire's introduction to his press conference. **** I would like to talk about Wimbledon. I would like to know if ATP defends more players or Russia. This is why I wanted to talk with you guys. Because we are going to play a tournament without any points. When some people had COVID, we didn't say, Oh, okay, we should cancel the tournament altogether. But then we have three or four Russian players, including Medvedev, and we are rallying against Wimbledon. I think it's a pity, because if we were to listen to all the players, players do not understand this decision. 99% of players, they want to have points and to play the tournament as it was before. So I want to know if ATP wants to defend players or Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 202237 min

French Open, Day 2: Naomi Osaka's Wimbledon bombshell, Emma Raducanu's comeback win plus Djokovic, Swiatek and more

Today's Roland Garros wrap includes: Amanda Anisimova beating Naomi Osaka Osaka's Wimbledon bombshell and reaction from Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic Emma Raducanu almost slipping on a first-round banana skin Novak Djokovic standing up for players' rights Here is Tuesday's order of play (All courts start at 10am BST unless stated; British players in bold) Court Philippe Chatrier Play starts at 11am Alize Cornet vs Misaki Doi Casper Ruud (8) vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Paula Badosa (3) vs Fiona Ferro Not before 7.45pm: Lorenzo Musetti vs Stefanos Tsitsipas (4) Court Suzanne Lenglen Facundo Bagnis vs Daniil Medvedev (2) Not before 12pm: Lloyd Harris vs Richard Gasquet 1-6 2-5 Taylor Townsend vs Carolina Garcia Hugo Gaston vs Alex de Minaur (19) Chloe Paquet vs Aryna Sabalenka (7) Court Simonne Mathieu Tessah Andrianjafitrimo vs Karolina Pliskova (8) Not before 11.30am: Benoit Paire vs Ilya Ivashka 3-6 2-1 Frances Tiafoe (24) vs Benjamin Bonzi Simona Halep (19) vs Nastasja Schunk Pablo Carreno Busta (16) vs Gilles Simon Court 5 Not before 11am: Ekaterina Alexandrova (30) vs Greet Minnen Irina-Camelia Begu vs Jasmine Paolini Court 6 Danielle Collins (9) vs Viktoriya Tomova Not before 11.30am: Sebastian Korda (27) vs John Millman 1-0 Adrian Mannarino vs Federico Delbonis Claire Liu vs Tamara Zidansek (24) Giulio Zeppieri vs Hubert Hurkacz (12) Court 7 Emil Ruusuvuori vs Ugo Humbert Not before 12pm: Madison Keys (22) vs Anna Kalinskaya 2-1 Jessica Pegula vs Qiang Wang Bjorn Fratangelo vs Jannik Sinner (11) Rebecca Sramkova vs Daria Kasatkina (20) Court 10 Joao Sousa vs Chun-Hsin Tseng Shelby Rogers vs Tereza Martincova Roberto Carballes Baena vs Oscar Otte Panna Udvardy vs Fernanda Contreras Gomez Court 11 Ricardas Berankis vs Laslo Djere Jiri Lehecka vs David Goffin Irina Bara vs Yulia Putintseva Madison Brengle vs Mihaela Buzarnescu Court 12 Denis Shapovalov (14) vs Holger Rune Not before 12pm: Pedro Martinez vs Henri Laaksonen 6-2 4-6 0-2 Mayar Sherif vs Marta Kostyuk Oksana Selekhmeteva vs Kaja Juvan Jiri Vesely vs Steve Johnson Court 13 Aleksandra Krunic vs Kamilla Rakhimova Not before 11.30am: Arantxa Rus vs Elena Rybakina (16) 1-6 4-2 Peter Gojowczyk vs Lorenzo Sonego (32) Angelina Kalinina vs Hailey Baptiste Marco Cecchinato vs Pablo Andujar Court 14 Lucia Bronzetti vs Jelena Ostapenko (13) Not before 11.30am: Arthur Rinderknech vs Alexander Bublik 2-6 2-4 Andrey Rublev (7) vs Soonwoo Kwon Camila Giorgi (28) vs Shuai Zhang Lucas Pouille vs Zdenek Kolar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 23, 202224 min

French Open, Day 1: Jabeur shock, Muguruza's big problem, ADF stuns fantasy pros and a look ahead to Monday

We'll be doing daily podlets from Paris to cover off each day's play and preview action from the next day. We hope you enjoy! If you want to watch James' video diaries, head to instagram.com/jamesgraysport Ons Jabeur left the women's draw even more wide open when she lost to Magda Linette Garbine Muguruza can't buy a win and the last person she needed to face was Kaia Kanepi Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is supposed to be good on clay! Plus: Could Nadal REALLY lose in R1? Could Djokovic REALLY lose in R1? (No and no.) How will the Brits fare on Monday? Will it just rain all day and what happens if it does? The show courts on Monday are as follows... Court Philippe Chatrier Play starts at 11am BST Iga Swiatek (1) vs Lesia Tsurenk Diane Parry vs Barbora Krejcikova (2) Jordan Thompson vs Rafael Nadal (5) Not before 7.45pm: Novak Djokovic (1) vs Yoshihito Nishioka Court Suzanne Lenglen Play starts at 10am BST Amanda Anisimova (27) vs Naomi Osaka Stan Wawrinka vs Corentin Moutet Anett Kontaveit (5) vs Ajla Tomljanovic Lloyd Harris vs Richard Gasquet Court Simonne Mathieu Play starts at 10am BST Ocean Dodin vs Andrea Petkovic Cameron Norrie (10) vs Manuel Guinard Linda Noskova vs Emma Raducanu (12) Benoit Paire vs Ilya Ivashka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 202228 min

Wimbledon in crisis and a French Open preview: Do points still mean prizes and is there any escape from Alcaraz?

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lovetennispod Play fantasy tennis here: https://forms.gle/wTitJ6wQqMGHny1v9 Follow your progress here: https://rb.gy/xkx8b9 This week, George, James and Calvin react to the breaking news that Wimbledon has been stripped of its ranking points for 2022 as the two tours fire back over the decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus over the invasion of Ukraine. Is it the right thing to do? How will Wimbledon react? What next? Will anyone notice? They also look over the French Open draw and try to pick their fantasy teams in an effort to avoid anyone finding out how little they really know about tennis(!). As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review if you are able to do so. We love getting them and it helps us do more with our podcasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 21, 20221h 11m

Wimbledon sweating on decision over Russia ban, Raducanu's injury struggles, Djokovic and Iga hit top form in Rome and more

Just hours before this podcast was recorded, the ATP confirmed they would not strip Queen's and Eastbourne of their points over the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players, but would not be drawn on their response to Wimbledon doing the same. What about the WTA? And will Wimbledon really be a ranking points-free zone? On the court, Emma Raducanu pulled out injured in Rome, losing to Bianca Andreescu after dropping the first set. Is the back injury a concern? What other 'niggles' are there to shake off ahead of Roland Garros? Iga Swiatek mullered the women's draw once again, even Ons Jabeur crumbled in the face of her aggression. Can anyone stop her? Novak Djokovic has done what he does best and hit top form and the right time but Carlos Alcaraz will start as joint-favourite for the title. Stefanos Tsitsipas has lots of points to defend in Paris but seems unable to beat the biggest players, while Alexander Zverev is quietly coming up on the rail... But what about Rafael Nadal? Roland Garros is his domain but his own body seems to be failing him at the worst possible time. PLUS: Jack Draper, Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils all pull out of the French Open, Laura Robson officially retires and doubles is the gift that keeps on giving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 20221h 11m

Alcaraz and Ons rule Madrid, Novak and Nadal break cover + schedule controversy, racquet arguments and a rising British star

Carlos Alcaraz beat Alexander Zverev in an underwhelming final after perhaps the greatest run of Masters history, beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in consecutive days. Will he win *60* grand slams?! George, Calvin and James refuse to get off the hype train. Will Nadal and Nole be in better shape come Roland Garros and be able to stop him? What of the lost generation, consumed by the all-conquering Alcaraz? What next for Ons Jabeur? This is certainly the biggest win of her career, but she now needs to show she can do it at grand slam tournaments at the French Open could be a great opportunity. Could Madrid have scheduled the tournament any better? Almost certainly. Who is Sonay Kartal? The British 20-year-old has already won three 25Ks this year and is flying up the rankings. The sky is the limit, isn't it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 20221h 26m

A new-look Raducanu model, Wimbledon row rumbles on, Federer and Nadal comebacks, Swiatek injury

Please leave us a five-star review wherever you get your podcast - we will read EVERY single one out on the pod (eventually - the system often filters them out for a few weeks). You can also contact us on Twitter @LoveTennisPod or by email [email protected], and we'll always try to include your questions on the podcast. Firstly, George sends his apologies this week. North London's most injured tennis player has finally gone under the knife to repair a meniscus damaged putting up flatpack furniture. He assures he will be less pilled up next week and capable of lucid thoughts. In his absence, James and Calvin did their best to get through another stacked week of tennis news, starting with Emma Raducanu's decision to sack coach Torben Beltz and adopt a new training model, including support from the LTA and a wide range of voices contributing to her development. Elsewhere, Wimbledon defended their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from their tournament. They claimed the UK Government advice had left them with little option but to do so. How will the ATP and WTA respond? Could they pull points from the grass-court season in the UK altogether and put on extra tournaments elsewhere? Plus we discuss the return of Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors later this year, whether Rafael Nadal really needs that much match practice as he makes his comeback at the Madrid Open, what Iga Swiatek's 'injury' really means, Jack Draper's fine win in Spain and titles for two more young up-and-comers, Holger Rune and Sebastian Baez. James Gray - @jamesgraysport George Bellshaw - @bellshawgeorge Calvin Betton - @calvbetton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 2, 20221h 8m

Wimbledon bans Russians with Roland Garros and Rome considering the same - right or wrong?

Since we last recorded, Wimbledon turned the tennis world upside down by banning Russian and Belarusian players from the grass-court grand slam. The decision divided opinion in the tennis world, and between George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray. Part one of this pod is entirely dedicated to the issue, so if you're sick of that by now, skip the first half hour. In part two, you'll find Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andy Murray and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 20221h 15m

The return of the clay! Raducanu's debut ups and downs, Tsitsipas Monaco king + Djokovic, ADF and more

Emma Raducanu made her senior professional debut on clay last week - with mixed results. She beat Tereza Martincova, her best result against a player in the top 50 since the US Open, and was then thumped by Marketa Vondrousova. What next for Raducanu in Stuttgart and beyond? And could we see another coaching change in the not-too-distant future? Stefanos Tsitsipas retained his Monaco crown by seeing off Alejandro Davidovich Fokina - is he the real French Open favourite given the lack of form elsewhere? ADF knocked out Novak Djokovic for him on his return to action for the first time in six weeks, so what can we learn from that result? 'Minute Tennis' returns as Calvin discusses why clay is such an important surface for development and why Brits are usually so poor on it Plus: Billie Jean King Cup news, blisters, toenails, the No 1 ranking and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 19, 20221h 7m

Nick Kyrgios vs umpires - who wins? Plus Tsonga's retirement, Raducanu coaching update and Monte Carlo

Please leave us a five-star review wherever you get your podcast - we will read EVERY single one out on the pod. You can also contact us on Twitter @LoveTennisPod or by email [email protected], and we'll always try to include your questions on the podcast. Nick Kyrgios has picked up yet more fines for on-court spats with umpires, although this one did concede he had got it wrong. Does tennis need to reflect on how good its umpires are? Or find a better way to deal with players who behave unacceptably towards them? The so-called golden generation of French tennis is coming to an end as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga announces his retirement. A career well spent or a persistent underperformer? And what now for the game in France as others will soon follow him out to pasture. Emma Raducanu has been hitting with at the academy run by Riccardo Piatti - is this a hint about where her next coaching change might come from? Torben Beltz remains in charge... for now. Belinda Bencic beat Ons Jabeur in an excellent final in Charleston, should we consider the Swiss a genuine threat on the clay now? We also talk about all the latest injury news including Matteo Berrettini, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal. James Gray - @jamesgraysport George Bellshaw - @bellshawgeorge Calvin Betton - @calvbetton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 20221h 16m

The future of tennis has arrived: Swiatek, Osaka and Alcaraz announce a new era in Miami

As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star review to help us reach more listeners and devote more time to the pod. - Are we over Ash Barty? The WTA’s new No 1 and the biggest star of the women's game met in Miami final, and gave us all plenty of reasons to be cheerful - Can anyone beat Iga Swiatek? She was far too strong for Naomi Osaka and now heads to the clay where she won her grand slam title. - Naomi Osaka is back: we are pleased to see her and she seems please to see us. A rivalry to define an era? - There’s no escape from Alcaraz as Carlos wins his first Masters title. How many slams will he win? Could he win one *this year*? - Casper Ruud certainly played his part in Miami as looks a complete top-10 player. Is he a major threat at RG? (But he's not just about the clay.) Do we see him as more than just a sometime semi-finalist at slams? - Daniil Medvedev is a doubt for the French and for Wimbledon all of a sudden: minor surgery on a hernia is going to keep him out for most of the clay and The Daily Telegraph say the All-England are ready to ban over Russian invasion of Ukraine… - We also look at Jack Draper's run of wins, Cameron Norrie's move into the top 10, new world No 1 Joe Salisbury, Nick Kyrgios drawing a telling off from the ATP boss for all the players, Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka returning and the Emma Raducanu effect on UK TV right! Phew... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 5, 20221h 14m

Will Smith rewrites history, Barty's legacy, new No 1 Swiatek + Murray, Kyrgios and more

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the most Richard Williams move possible, and then rewrote the story of Serena and Venus' father just as well as the film did Ashleigh Barty is done with tennis - but is tennis done with her? Certainly not... How will Iga Swiatek stand up to the pressure of being the sport's new No 1 and leading yet another "new generation" of players? The Brits are on a roll: Paul Jubb has won his first Challegner title, Heather Watson beat Elina Svitolina, Cam Norrie closing in on the top 10 and Joe Salisbury is set to become world doubles No 1 for the first time However, Andy Murray has never been more in last chance saloon Nick Kyrgios looking fit, fired up and ruthless: is a Wimbledon title out of the question given lack of quality on grass/Novak’s lack of activity? Is Emma Raducanu an easy target for critics who say she is too busy off the court to be successful on it? Or has Raducanu got to do her talking on court? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 20221h 27m

Champagne Fritz topples Nadal, Calvin's Kyrgios theory, super Swiatek and Harriet's Dart-ing run

Taylor Fritz won his first ever Masters title by beating Rafael Nadal, the first American to do so in 21 years - is there an era of American success and attention in the offing? And how big would that be for tennis as a whole? Nick Kyrgios came, conquered, swore and left again, but not without leaving plenty of entertainment behind. Does he really not care about winning? Actually, says Calvin, it's that he can't cope with losing. Liam Broady came through qualifying but how close did he get to springing a main draw upset against Miomir Kecmanovic? Iga Swiatek moved up to No 2 in the world for the first time by beating Maria Sakkari in the women's final. Sakkari is also up to a career-high at No 3. Are we starting to see a new world order in the WTA? Harriet Dart has cracked the top 100 for the first time after a surprise run in California. Can she go further? And a quick look at the Miami Open, where Daniil Medvedev could end up facing Andy Murray in the second round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 22, 20221h 3m

Osaka vs heckler, Federer injury latest, more Murray coaches + Raducanu, Anisimova, Draper

Andy Murray got his 700th career win at Indian Wells but was then beaten by Alexander Bublik - what can Calvin tell us about his new coaching set-up, and where does he go from here? Roger Federer says he is in the middle of a three-part recover from his knee injury and we ask whether he is really a serious tennis player any more. Naomi Osaka was left in tears after a spectator shouted "you suck" at her and she said it reminded her of what Serena and Venus went through back in 2001. Is she fit for professional tennis at the moment? How much of her will we see at future tournaments? Did Emma Raducanu exceed expectations in California, where she won one and lost one? QUICK HITS Novak Djokovic's draw farce Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans - a foregone conclusion? Amanda Anisimova splits with Darren Cahill Jack Draper gets a wildcard in Miami Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 13, 20221h 9m

Murray brings back Lendl, Serena aims at Zverev (and misses) and Djokovic makes a difference in Ukraine

Andy Murray has brought Ivan Lendl back into his coaching team for a third spell, reuniting a partnership that picked up three grand slams and two Olympic gold medals Serena Williams has taken aim at Alexander Zverev's actions and claimed she would have been put "in jail" if she had done something similar Novak Djokovic is doing his best to help on the front line in Ukraine as Dayana Yastremska, who escaped the county, donates her runners-up prize money in Lyon to the cause Leylah Fernandez has her second WTA title after beating the improving Camila Osorio in three dramatic sets in Mexico, feature five saved championship points and a floodlight failure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 7, 20221h 5m

Svitolina and Rublev lead bold stance on war in Ukraine + Norrie, Nadal, Raducanu and Draper

Anna Smith once again joins James Gray and Calvin Betton to talk all things tennis. We start with the horrific Russian invasion of Ukraine, brought into the tennis world by the likes of Elina Svitolina and Andrey Rublev this week with strong statements of their views. Will the WTA, ATP and ITF follow suit? We await with interest. Elsewhere, Cam Norrie reached final and beat Stefanos Tsitsipas along the way but lost to Rafael Nadal. Beating Tsitsipas was only his third ever victory over a top-10 player: a landmark win or a right place, right time victory? And what about Nadal? The man who keeps defying time, and now seems happy to play a relatively full schedule too. How many Slams do we see him winning based on this latest resurgence? Emma Raducanu continues to struggle for momentum with yet another injury hampering her. Is criticism of her for “doing too many photoshoots” unfair? There are a lot of points to defend later in the year, if any of these injuries are serious and she slips back down the rankings, how will that impact her progress overall? Jack Draper has won his third Challenger of the year, and is up into the top 150 in the world. How far do we see him going in 2022? And finally, Alexander Zverev smashes up a chair, gets fined and kicked out of the tournament - but should he get banned by the ATP as well? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 28, 20221h 7m

Norrie's new normal, Alcaraz in the top 20, Ostapengoat and THAT Novak Djokovic interview

A new voice joins us to talk about all things tennis as Anna Smith, former player and now coach, commentator and broadcaster, replaces George Bellshaw (for this week at least) in the third chair. She chats with James Gray and Calvin Bellshaw about this week's latest tennis news, including titles for Cam Norrie, Carlos Alcaraz and Jelena Ostapenko, a return to the public eye for Novak Djokovic and three Brits winning titles at lower levels to suggest the future is very bright on home soil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 22, 20221h 4m

Del Potro tears, FAA's breakthrough and Wimbledon's "Equality"

George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray breakdown the latest week in the weird world of tennis. This week on the Love Tennis Podcast: Juan Martin del Potro's on-court tears Daniil Medvedev's chase of Novak Djokovic's world No. 1 crown Andy Murray's hopes of finding a new coach Felix Auger-Aliassime's first ATP title The future stars of the men's game Anett Kontaveit's roaring indoor streak Emma Raducanu's 2,000 points challenge Serve bots reign supreme in Dallas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 20221h 13m

Sad farewell for Del Potro, Murray's clay skip & umpire scandal with special guest Simon Briggs

The Telegraph's Simon Briggs joins as a guest for the first half of this week's Love Tennis Podcast as George Bellshaw takes over regular hosting duties, accompanied by Calvin Betton. James Gray returns - live from Beijing - for the second half of the pod.What they discussed:- Behind the scenes of umpire controversy- Juan Martin del Potro’s last hurrah- Andy Murray’s decision to skip the clay-court season- A first international media interview with Peng Shuai - Alexander Bublik’s first ATP title- Emma Raducanu’s off-court court case- And random titbits across the world of tennis involving Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Albert Ramos Vinolas, Joao Sousa and Dominic Thiem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 8, 20221h 6m

Nadal's greatest or a Medvedev mistake? Aus Open in review including Barty, Swiatek and Kyrgios

James Gray picks the brains of George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton after a wild weekend of Australian Open action.What questions did they answer? Well...- Is this Rafael Nadal's greatest ever title?- Is he now the GOAT?- What does Daniil Medvedev need to change?- Could the Russian ever overhaul the great Big Three?- What does Ash Barty add to the women's game?- Is the WTA in crisis?- Has Nick Kyrgios 'changed the game'?- What great rivalries does tennis have to look forward to?And a whole lot more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 31, 20221h 10m

Australian Open SF previews: Unique Medvedev, slow but special Nadal, unbeatable Barty?

****This week's episode is supported by MANSCAPED, the best in men’s below-the-waist grooming champions of the world. Get 20% OFF MANSCAPED and free Shipping with promo code LOVETENNIS at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod****In a two-part special, George Bellshaw takes care of the women's semi-finals before Calvin Betton cracks into the men's draw.Questions asked and (partially) answered include:- What does it take to beat Ash Barty?- Where did Madison Keys come from?- Has there every been anyone like Daniil Medvedev (on this planet or others)?- Is anyone mates with Stefanos Tsitsipas?- Can Nick Kyrgios turn up a bit more, please?Presented and produced by James Gray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 27, 20221h 18m

Australian Open R1+2: Raducanu's blisters, Murray's travails and predicting half the field to win

The Australian Open is four days old - and here are the big questions for the pod:- Just how well did Emma Raducanu play with half her game wiped out by a blister on her right hand?- What have we learned about the US Open champion during her first senior Australian swing?- How open is the bottom half of the draw?- Can Simona Halep take advantage?And on the men’s side…- Is Daniil Medvedev really angry with the Australian crowd?- Who is the biggest shock exit so far?- What can Andy Murray realistically expect to achieve if he is losing in the second round of that draw?- Is Nick Kyrgios going bald?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 20, 20221h 12m

The BIG Australian Open preview: Djokovic out, predicted winners, fantasy tips and more

It's a bumper episode. We apologise. There was quite a bit to talk about.ENTER FANTASY TENNIS HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14IXsNQb95sGWAS7-FxxdyN2O4xFjiOEKrWqBBJ6PU-k/editNovak Djokovic is OUT of the Australian Open, flown back to Serbia before the tournament even began after his visa was cancelled. In his stead, Daniil Medvedev is the new favourite, but who will challenge him? Alexander Zverev, quite probably; Stefanos Tsitsipas, less probably; Rafael Nadal, quite possibly; Andy Murray, maybe!We also look at a typically wide open women's draw but conclude that Ash Barty is the player to beat, why Andy Murray's second serve has become such a problem, what Emma Raducanu's chances of getting past even the first round are and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 16, 20221h 15m

Novak Djokovic remains in hot water and Emma Raducanu's hour-long defeat analysed

Key questions answered in this episode include:- Should we be no-platforming Novak Djokovic's father Srdan?- Is the Djokovic family the new Trump?- What can Emma Raducanu do to bounce back from defeat to Elena Rybakina?- Is Andy Murray back (again)? (Shady's back etc)- Should we turn Ugo Humbert into a serve-and-volleyer (given the chance)?- Exactly *what* has happened to Aryna Sabalenka?All this and much, much more in a bumper episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 11, 20221h 6m

Novak Djokovic - what now? Your questions answered in a special episode on the most famous visa case of 2022

We answer your questions on the Novak Djokovic Covid vaccine/medical exemption/Border Force/visa saga including:- Will other grand slams try to pull the move?- What now for Djokovic's global reputation?- Will he actually play the Australian Open?- Is he *really* the new Jesus?James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw might not have all the answers - but they can at least try. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 6, 202238 min

ATP Cup latest, Raducanu's late withdrawal, and why there isn't more tennis on TV

Great Britain earned a redemptive win over Germany at the ATP Cup, gaining revenge for Davis Cup defeat, and Dan Evans appears to have found some form out of nowhere.Emma Raducanu meanwhile needs another week to find some more form and has pulled out of her first tournament of the season - what would a good month in Australia look like for her?And why is it SO hard to watch tennis on TV? We look at just how many subscriptions you need to watch all the tennis from the Australian swing - and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 2, 20221h 10m

A never-heard-before Emma Raducanu interview, Osaka's return and predictions for 2022

Emma Raducanu was just a Fed Cup new girl back in 2020 when George Bellshaw interviewed her at the indoor courts at Queen's Club in west London, but you'll get to hear some of the best bits from their chat in this week's episode.George, James and Calvin also discuss Naomi Osaka's imminent return to grand slam tennis, Novak Djokovic's latest vaccine update (or non-update) and predict the grand slam winners for 2022.If you don't want to listen (why wouldn't you?!), here they are in full:Australian OpenJames - Medvedev, MuguruzaGeorge - Medvedev, MuguruzaCalvin - Djokovic, OsakaFrench OpenJames - Djokovic, SwiatekGeorge - Nadal, BartyCalvin - Tsitsipas, BartyWimbledonJames - Djokovic, SerenaGeorge - Djokovic, Barty Calvin - Djokovic, MuguruzaUS OpenJames - Zverev, SabalenkaGeorge - Medvedev, OsakaCalvin - Medvedev, Gauff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 27, 20211h 3m

Andy Murray is back and Rafael Nadal isn't? Mubadala fallout, more Covid and Raducanu's award

Andy Murray beat Dan Evans and Rafael Nadal at the Mubadala World (lol) Tennis Championship - which is just an exhibition tournament but, says Calvin, plays like more of a warm-up event. So how much can we take away from arguably the Brit's best result of the year?The boys also discuss the rising Covid cases across the tennis community, the thinning Australian Open field and Calvin reveals what life is like inside the NTC, where players and coaches alike are desperate to avoid catching the latest variant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 21, 202157 min

LIVE: Murray splits with Delgado, Raducanu has Covid and LTP's end of season awards

A momentous episode of the podcast as James, George and Calvin all get together in a room for the first time ever (if you don't count being stood next to Court 5 at Wimbledon in the summer, socially distanced and outdoors). They discussed Andy Murray's split with long-time coach and friend Jamie Delgado and what will come next for the former world No 1, Emma Raducanu's poorly timed contraction of Covid and her pre-season plans, and discussed nominations for the prestigious LTP awards.(As you know, all three of us are volunteers and, frankly, so is our equipment. As such this was recorded in James' living room, converted into a very rudimentary, makeshift studio. Please accept our apologies for any issues with sound quality.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 20211h 6m

Listeners' survey - your chance to tell us what you REALLY think of the pod

Fill out the Love Tennis Podcast listeners' survey: https://forms.gle/UHTqseLQzjJNEQdA9You can also email us your thoughts: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 7, 20214 min

Jo Konta retires, RTF win the Davis Cup and #WhereIsPengShuai

Listener survey - have your say: https://forms.gle/tU8ycz2f2gv2nr3J7Johanna Konta has retired from professional tennis at the age of 30. She reached three grand slam semi-finals, No 4 in the world rankings and racked up more than $10m in career prize money - but did anyone in the UK ever see it coming? And what about *that* infamous Wimbledon press conference?RTF (Russian Tennis Federation) did what everyone expected them to and delivered victory in the Davis Cup Finals after Great Britain had been knocked out by Germany in the quarter-finals. Daniil Medvedev was nearly flawless but Andrey Rublev had a few wobbles, despite delivering when it mattered. What will happen to the tournament next year? Abu Dhabi done deal?Where Is Peng Shuai. We will keep talking about this story and so will the WTA. This week, Steve Simon has said the WTA will not hold tournaments in China until the situation is resolved but the ITF has said they will maintain their junior and senior calendar there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 5, 20211h 3m

Raducanu’s return, Djokovic’s vaccine 'blackmail' spat and Davis Cup knockout predictions

Emma Raducanu played her first match on British soil in nearly five months, appearing at the Royal Albert Hall for an exhibition match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, which she duly hit and giggled her way through. The British No 1 will now head to the Middle East for a pre-season training camp, another exhibition, Christmas and then fly to Australia.Novak Djokovic's dad has been causing trouble by saying that his sone will not be 'blackmailed' into playing the Australian Open (and therefore getting vaccinated).And Great Britain are through to the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup where they will face Germany (this feels familiar) with the draw opening up for almost anyone who thinks they can win a doubles match.James, George and Calvin talk about these things and much, much more in this week's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 28, 20211h 11m

Federer retirement predictions, WTA and ATP Finals reviews and Djokovic slam prospects in 2022

Where is Peng Shuai? is our first question on this week's podcast, as the world continues to put pressure on the Chinese government over the player's well-being.Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev beat Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on successive days to win the ATP World Tour Finals and raise the prospect that the German might win his first slam in 2022. What does that mean for Novak Djokovic's efforts to run away with the all-time record?Garbine Muguruza, the woman who should win every tournament she enters, did indeed triumph at the WTA Finals, but will she end up making world No 1 in the near future?Roger Federer says he would be 'surprised' if he plays Wimbledon in 2022 - so how do we think his return to the tennis court is going and how will it look if/when he makes it back?All these questions and more are answered by tennis coach Calvin Betton, writer George Bellshaw and journalist James Gray on this week's Love Tennis Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 22, 20211h 9m

Where is Peng Shuai? WTA release important statement + new coaches for Raducanu and Murray

We start by discussing #WhereIsPengShuai, the beginning of (we hope) a lengthy campaign to get to the bottom of the Chinese player's disturbing story. After making a serious allegation of sexual assault against a high-ranking Chinese official, her social media post was deleted from Weibo and she has not been heard from since.On Sunday, the WTA released a firm statement asking for clarity and transparency on Shuai's location as well as a full investigation into the case.We also discuss Emma Raducanu's new coach, Andy Murray's end to the season as well as the WTA, ATP and Next Gen Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 14, 20211h 9m

Eddie Jones is talking out of his backside, Raducanu latest and Djokovic's supremacy goes on

Calvin does not hold back on Eddie Jones after the England rugby coach warned one of his players not to make the 'same mistakes Emma Raducanu has', and James and George can only really agree.Plus the lads look at a new coach in the Andy Murray camp, what Emma Raducanu can do as No 1 seed in Linz and the inexorable march of Novak Djokovic towards the title of Greatest Of All Time.There's also a big congratulations to friend of the pod Luke Johnson, a preview of the WTA Finals and yet another lament of the Billie Jean King Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 8, 20211h 8m

A Radu-saster in Romania, Tiafoe ticket sales and more Novak vs vaccines

- Was Emma Raducanu's trip to Transylvania a horror show or not?- Would you rather watch Frances Tiafoe or Jannik Sinner?- Will Novak Djokovic go to Australia?- Which heavyweight boxer is Andy Murray most like?James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton tackle these questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 1, 20211h 12m

Novak Djokovic and vaccines + Sinner, Murray, Raducanu, Kontaveit and NO football

WTA players were told on Sunday night that they did not need a vaccine to attend the Australian Open, but that they would have to do two weeks of hard quarantine in a hotel. Cue a political maelstrom, with Novak Djokovic and Vika Azarenka at the heart of it. James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton pick the bones out of the story that continues to run as well as discussing:- Whether Jannik Sinner is still moving forward- How Andy Murray is avoiding going backwards- What next for Emma Raducanu's coaching sagaAnd more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 24, 202158 min

The secrets of Norrie’s success, Raducanu’s ‘trial’ coach and the wrath of Murray

Cam Norrie 'has hit his ceiling', they said. They were wrong.Will the boys admit they underestimated the new British No 1? Will George concede he would now beat Andy Murray in a one-off match? Why is his backhand so *weird*?Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray discuss Indian Wells champions Cam Norrie and Paula Badosa, the latest man to coach Emma Raducanu, and why Andy Murray has rarely been so angry after losing a match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 20211h 7m

NEW: Emma Raducanu's 'desperate coaching plea', Murray's best win for four years and tantrum tales from tour

*This is a reuploaded version after a technical issue with this week's episode*Emma Raducanu returned to action last week for the first time since the US Open, but was beaten in straight sets at Indian Wells to send everyone into panic mode that she *wasn't* in fact the greatest tennis player since Eve herself invented the game as a way to keep Adam busy in the summer. She also said she still doesn't have a permanent coach and, slightly bizarrely, made another public plea for "anyone experienced" to offer themselves as a candidate.James, George and Calvin discuss all that plus:- Andy Murray, shoe-related drama off the court and putting-teenagers-in-their-place-related on it- Complaints about the state of the Indian Wells courts- Reilly Opelka's views on mixed doubles (who cares what he thinks?)- Live reporting from Calvin on an all-time tantrum in Prague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 11, 20211h 4m

A Zverev domestic abuse investigation at last - but will it make any difference?

The ATP have finally opened an investigation into the domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev, which he has consistently denied.James, George and Calvin discuss that and all the latest news on the court too with titles for Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud, a fine run for Cam Norrie and another new coach for Emma Raducanu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 4, 20211h 3m

Is the Laver Cup broken? Raducanu's latest coaching break up, Thiem time and British success

Tune in for a review of a one-sided Laver Cup and where the tournament goes from here, a look at Emma Raducanu's coaching situation, what has happened to Dominic Thiem - and British success in Europe for Andy Murray and Liam Broady. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 27, 202156 min

Raducanu takes on China, Nadal appears without crutches and Murray's French autumn

Emma Raducanu is already on her way to overtaking Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka on Weibo, China's biggest social network - is she the most marketable star in world sport?We also ask whether Rafael Nadal's latest injury and the surgery required on it spells the end of a great career, what Andy Murray's ATP Challenger campaign in France means and how the Laver Cup can justify blocking people on Twitter who dare to mention domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 20211h 9m

The making of Emma Raducanu and the breaking of Novak Djokovic - US Open special

How did Emma Raducanu get so good and where did it all go wrong for Novak Djokovic?Plus Daniil Medvedev, Leylah Fernandez, Fantasy US Open results and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 13, 202157 min

The US Open is FIERY! Toilet-gate, Murray's moods, Osaka out, Raducanu, Alcaraz - and more!

Halfway through the US Open and already enough drama and beef for a Gray family BBQ.James, Calvin and George ask each other:- How much did we see Carlos Alcaraz coming?- Will Naomi Osaka ever return as the same player?- Could Emma Raducanu actually win the US Open?- How quickly could Calvin change his clothes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 20211h 5m

Fantasy US Open tips: Who should *you* pick for LTP's exclusive fantasy tennis game?

James, George and Calvin talk through their picks for the US Open just hours before the deadline to enter, at 3pm BST on Monday 30 August Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 30, 202134 min