The Tennis Podcast

The final Tennis Podcast from the Aegon Championships at The Queen’s Club features the men of the hour, live.The champion Feliciano Lopez tells Catherine Whitaker and Gigi Salmon just what becoming the oldest man in the Open era means to him.“It’s the best week of my life,” says Lopez. “Not only to win at Queen’s but to beat those players (Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych, Grigor Dimitrov and Marin Cilic in the final). It makes it so special. I take a lot of pride in being the oldest champion in the Open era. It’s a dream for me. This tournament is so special, and outside of the four Slams this is the tournament I wanted most to win.”After that, the vanquished Cilic joined the podcast to talk about the pain of losing 7-6 in the third after holding match point. In lighter moments, he revealed that his encouragement to himself during matches is to shout ‘Emperor’ in Croatian, that he didn’t mind Goran Ivanisevic calling him second favourite for the Wimbledon title - “So, there’s a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final of the Aegon Championships is upon us, and although it might lack the top 3 seeds Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic, who all lost on Tuesday, the Tennis Podcast team is predicting an emotional day.The previous final appearance of Feliciano Lopez, in 2014, ended in an agonising loss in a final set tie-break. That was after he had held match point, and it hurt the Spaniard more than just any other loss in his career. 'I’ve wanted to win this tournament so badly throughout my whole career," Lopez told Catherine Whitaker. "Now I have another chance," she saiidMarin Cilic has reached the final before, and won the tournament. The only problem is that nobody can remember any of the tennis in it. On that day, his opponent, David Nalbandian was disqualied for kicking a wooden sponsor box that injured the leg of a lines judge. Cilic is in for a very busy day. After the singles final he plays the conclusion of his doubles semifinal against Jamie Murray and Bruno... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the world discussed the positive test of Dan Evans on Friday, Grigor Dimitrov, Feliciano Lopez, Marin Cilic and Gilles Muller were making their way to the semifinals of the Aegon Championships.In the latest Tennis Podcast, we hear the statement read by Evans after his positive test for cocaine. One of the semifinalist at Queen’s - Gilles Muller - joins presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and Gigi Salmon (BBC) to celebrate National Luxembourg Day, talk about the first two titles of his career at the age of 23, and how his driving force to play through injuries had been to play in front of his two young sons. We also hear from Dimitrov, who is getting closer to the title he won three years ago, and Lopez, the man that he edged out in three tie-break sets three years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years ago, Jonas Bjorkman was part of the Andy Murray coaching team. Now, he is a key cog in Team Marin Cilic, who is into the quarterfinals of the Aegon Championships at The Queen’s Club.In the latest daily Tennis Podcast from Queen’s, Bjorkman joins presenters Catherine Whitaker and Gigi Salmon to talk about life with the big Croatian, who won the US Open in 2014.For starters, they call him The President of the team, although Bjorkman jokes ‘actually he is more like a Dictator’, and that Cilic started a punishments process for any member of the team that is late for team dinners etc. “I was quite pleased,” said Bjorkman. “Marin was late twice this week.”Bjorkman also talks about Cilic’s chances of winning the Aegon Championships title again, having lifted the giant silver trophy in 2012.We also hear from Daniil Medvedev, one of the members of the ATP’s #NextGen group of 21-and-under players after reaching the last eight. Medvedev faces 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov in... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thanasi Kokkinakis takes on fellow #NextGen star Daniil Medvedev on centre court at the Aegon Championships today, and part of his pre-match preparation was to join Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and Gigi Salmon (BBC 5 Live) on the Tennis Podcast.How many text messages did he receive after his stunning win over Milos Raonic in the previous round? How stressful was it trying to close out a match of that magnitude after so long out? And most importantly, what superpower would he choose - invisibility, x-ray vision, or the ability to fly?Elsewhere, Tomas Berdych won the match of the tournament so far, edging out Denis Shapovalov, and Grigor Dimitrov overcame a set deficit against Julien Benneteau. The Tennis Podcast is a free, weekly, downloadable tennis audio show, with daily editions during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a day of high-drama at the Aegon Championships as the top three seeds all fell, it was Andy Murray’s surprise defeat to Jordan Thompson that dominated the discussion on the Tennis Podcast.Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and Gigi Salmon (BBC) discuss the match in depth from a shell-shocked Queen’s Club. Would Murray of a year ago have won today? And should the World No.1 enter Eastbourne next week before he heads to Wimbledon to defend his title? There are more questions than answers right now.A disappointed Murray spoke to Gigi post-match. We hear that full interview.And what of Jordan Thompson? The Australian was a lucky loser replacement for Aljaz Bedene but he was far from an understudy. He played an impressively smart match, serving 12 aces, and deserves immense credit.Elsewhere, Stan Wawrinka lost to Feliciano Lopez. Catherine and Gigi agree that while it was an upset on paper, Lopez’s love for grass meant that many saw it... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Queen’s Club was baked in sunshine as the Aegon Championships got underway, and The Tennis Podcast team of Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and Gigi Salmon (BBC) are on hand to review the day’s action.Billed as match of the day, Denis Shapovalov and Kyle Edmund didn’t disappoint, playing three sets of thrilling tennis in the late afternoon on Centre Court. Shapovalov in particular was impressive, building on his qualifying run to beat Edmund 6-4 in the third. Catherine could barely contain her excitement at his lefty single-handed backhand. We hear from the ATP #NextGen star.Elsewhere, there was disappointment for Nick Kyrgios. The Australian unfortunately had to retire mid-match against Donald Young but is still optimistic for Wimbledon.There were no other big name casualties on the opening day as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Grigor Dimitrov and Tomas Berdych all looked good in straight-set wins.Looking ahead to day two, Andy Murray begins his title defence. His full pre-tournament... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clay has turned to grass, and in the first of the daily podcasts from the Aegon Championships, David Law (BBC 5 Live) and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) are together on a scorching hot day at The Queen’s Club to preview the tournament.One of the players Catherine spoke to on a busy day of media activity was Nick Kyrgios, who plays Donald Young on day one. The Australian is yet to win a match at The Queen’s Club, but as he told Catherine, he is in a very good place, physically and mentally, at the moment. Also on the schedule for Monday are Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Grigor Dimitrov. They will be the favourites in their matches, but the Tennis Podcast team believe both Adrian Mannarino and Ryan Harrison are capable of causing an upset. Monday’s headline match is last on Centre Court, between Denis Shapovalov and Kyle Edmund. They met in the Davis Cup in March with Shapovalov losing through disqualification - he hit a ball away in anger that smashed into the face of the chair umpire - an... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rafael Nadal became the first man in history to win ten Grand Slam titles at a single event, and after completing La Decima at Roland Garros, Catherine Whitaker spoke to David Law about it on The Tennis Podcast.Where was the match won and lost? Is it fair to be disappointed in the performance of Stan Wawrinka? Or was Nadal just so good that a competitive contest was simply out of the question?Nadal will now travel to the Aegon Championships at The Queen's Club as he tries to transfer his form from clay to grass ahead of Wimbledon. Will his relatively easy passage through in Paris make him fresh enough to do what he did in 2008 when he won the Roland Garros-Queen's-Wimbledon treble? The podcast team also discuss the withdrawal of Maria Sharapova from Wimbledon qualies, and there's bad news for Dan Evans. The Tennis Podcast is a free, weekly downloadable tennis audio show, with daily editions during the Grand Slam tournaments at next week at The Queen's Club. The podcast is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jelena Ostapenko is the French Open champion, but was it a red-hot couple of weeks and ultimately a flash in the pan, or will she go on to win multiple Grand Slam titles? It provoked a fiery disagreement on the latest Tennis Podcast between presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live). Ahead of the men’s final, John McEnroe joined Whitaker on Eurosport to sum up the magnitude of achievement if Nadal were to seize his 10th title on Sunday.“Nadal winning ten titles at the French Open would be at the top of all sporting achievements,” said McEnroe. “Guys like Phelps have had all those gold medals, and there are so many other great achievements, and Federer’s are up alongside him, but then you think, has anyone ever topped this? I don’t think so.”Does McEnroe think Wawrinka could spring an upset?“Stan has to hurt him early on, he is incredibly fit, and we have to make sure people realise how great a player Wawrinka has become. But this is the ultimate... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jelena Ostapenko takes on Simona Halep in the final of the French Open.Few people know more about winning Grand Slam titles than Chris Evert, and she joined Tennis Podcast presenter Catherine Whitaker on Eurosport to preview the match.Where will the match be won and lost? What will it be like for Ostapenko to play in her first Grand Slam final at the age of 20? Evert knows - she met Margaret Court when she was just 18 years of age. How has Halep turned things around from some of her lows earlier in the year? And who is Evert picking to win?Listen to the interview in full on the Tennis Podcast.The French Open women's final starts at 3pm local, 2pm UK time time. It will be shown live on Eurosport and the Eurosport player.The Tennis Podcast is a free, weekly, downloadable tennis audio show, with daily editions during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How could Andy Murray play that well and not win? That was the first thought of Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) on the The Tennis Podcast, recorded shortly after the semifinals.The answer, they concluded, came from down the other end of the court, where Stan Wawrinka was firing his bullets for more than four hours. Where was the match won and lost? What did Murray think of his performance? - we hear from him. And what sort of chance do the podcast team give Wawrinka in the final against Rafael Nadal?Meanwhile, with the women’s final coming up on Saturday, what do they expect to happen? And what did Halep’s coach Darren Cahill say to Catherine when she asked him for an interview on Eurosport?Both finals will be broadcast on Eurosport and Eurosport player. The Tennis Podcast is a free, weekly, downloadable tennis audio show, with daily editions during the Grand Slam tournaments. It is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Murray is now playing like the man that reached World No.1 at the end of last year, according to Boris Becker. As Murray prepared to take on Stan Wawrinka in the French Open semifinals, Becker spoke to Tennis Podcast presenter Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) to assess the British player’s improvement over the course of the tournament. “Andy Murray now looks like the Andy Murray of last year,” said Becker. Even after the match against (Juan Martin) Del Potro in the third round, he has looked like himself. I think Ivan Lendl arriving has made a real difference. It’s like Murray is unchaining himself from everything that has gone before earlier this year. He’s a champion, and champions know how to win. He’s No.1 for a reason, and with Wawrinka playing so well, this could be a classic between two titans.”Becker also previews the semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem on the podcast, and Whitaker speaks to Eurosport commentator Chris Bradnam about the superb... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a busy day in which all four of the men’s quarterfinals and two of the women’s quarters were played, the question on everyone’s lips was ‘what was wrong with Novak Djokovic’.Listeners to The Tennis Podcast will know that it has been a recurring conversation over the past 12 months, and if anything, this latest episode - a straight sets defeat to Dominic Thiem - was even more mystifying.So, what is wrong with Djokovic? Did he, as John McEnroe suggested in commentary on Eurosport, ‘tank’ in the third set? Or, are we damning Thiem with faint praise after registering his first ever win over the former World No.1? Either way, what should Djokovic do from here?The Tennis Podcast team also talk about Andy Murray’s hard-fought win over Kei Nishikori, and the size of the task he will face against an in-form Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals. Who do presenters Catherine Whitaker and David Law think will win that one?They also talk about Rafael Nadal’s serene progress, the wonder... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a largely frustrating, rain-sodden day in Paris, Jelena Ostapenko and Timea Bacsinszky were two of the only people at Roland Garros smiling at the end of the day.Unseeded teenager Ostapenko stunned former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in three sets, while Bacsinszky defeated home favourite Kristina Mladenovic. On the latest Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker is joined by her Eurosport colleague, commentator Chris Bradnam, to review where the quarterfinals were won and lost.With the two of the men's quarterfinals held over to Wednesday because of the rain, meaning that all four are played on the same day, Catherine was joined by Pat Cash on Eurosport to chat all things tennis.Cash revealed that Andy Murray's coach Ivan Lendl was 'by far the most annoying person I have ever met in a locker room in my life', that Andre Agassi revealed to him that Novak Djokovic was still very much a work-in-progress, and that Dominic Thiem could take advantage against the defending champion in the heavy, soggy... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Night and day’ said Andy Murray to Catherine Whitaker on Eurosport, when comparing his form before the French Open to the tennis he displayed in reaching the quarterfinals on Monday.That interview, reproduced here on The Tennis Podcast, gives an insight into his growing confidence, self belief, and relaxed state of mind. What does he expect to happen against Kei Nishikori in the next round? What do he and Ivan Lendl talk about in the locker room after matches? And is his daughter Sophia showing any signs of interest in tennis yet? He answers them all, with a twinkle in his eye that comes across even in audio form. On a busy day for Whitaker in Paris, she also tells us about a conversation she had with Goran Ivanisevic, on the day that he separated with Tomas Berdych. Ivanisevic told Whitaker the alliance between Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi 'is not going to last'.The form of Stan Wawrinka is covered, as his that of his quarterfinal opponent Marin Cilic, and there’s a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garbine Muguruza departed the French Open wagging her finger in anger at the local crowd. They didn't care. Kristina Mladenovic, or Kiki as she is known, reached the quarterfinals in a tumultuous atmosphere at Roland Garros, and afterwards the Tennis Podcast team assembled to talk about it.Were the crowd out of order or do players just need to accept and take it? Could Mladenovic go on from here and win the title?Elsewhere, the only man that looked anything like as impressive as Rafael Nadal on day 8 was Dominic Thiem. Could the Austrian find enough inspiration to take out Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals?On Monday, Andy Murray takes on young Russian Karen Khachanov in the last 16. Who is Khachanov? Presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) reveal all they know.The rest of the results on Sunday are reviewed on the show, with previews of Monday's matches thrown in. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the French Open enters week two, Andy Murray has started to look like the World No.1 for the first time this year, according to the Telegraph's Tennis Podcast team.Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and the Telegraph's Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs met up after Murray's straight sets defeat of Juan Martin del Potro to dissect his win, including a mind-boggling 85 minute first set.We hear from Murray, talking to Whitaker on Eurosport straight after the match, and Briggs proudly airs his down-the-line-drop-shot theory again, which was backed up throughout the contest.They discuss Kyle Edmund's narrow loss to Kevin Anderson, the progress of women's favourite Simona Halep, and the tension between French players Caroline Garcia and Alize Cornet, who face off in the last 16.We also hear from Mats Wilander, who joined Catherine Whitaker in the rain to fill some airtime on Eurosport, and ended up giving the most fascinating insight into the difference between Federer/Nadal and... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The French Open Day 6 edition of the Tennis Podcast started with Novak Djokovic two sets to one down. By the time it concluded, he had extricated himself from trouble.Presenter Catherine Whitaker was joined by Eurosport colleagues and commentary team Simon Reed and Frew McMillan as they stepped out of the commentary box following one of their shorter shifts - a 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 victory for Rafael Nadal over Nikoloz Basilashvili. ‘He looked unbeatable’ said McMillan, and Reed agreed.As well as reviewing that awesome performance, Whitaker, Reed and McMillan talked about Djokovic’s struggles against Diego Schwartzman and his alliance with Andre Agassi, as well as all the other week one storylines. Later in the show, we get the chance to hear the thoughts of the Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, and his Argentine counterpart Daniel Orsanic ahead of Andy Murray vs. Juan Martin del Potro on Saturday.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was still short of Andy Murray's vintage, Grand Slam title-winning best form, but he is into round three of the French Open, and according to Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and the Telegraph's tennis correspondent Simon Briggs, he has the perfect platform to build on.In the latest Tennis Podcast, Whitaker and Briggs discuss the contrasting routes through to the third round of Murray and Juan Martin del Potro, and speculate as to what might happen when they meet on Saturday.Del Potro's heartbreaking, retirement win over Nicolas Almagro, who departed the court in agony and floods of tears after injuring his knee, reminded everyone what a sporting man Del Potro is. The Argentine rushed to Almagro's aid and comforted him throughout.Kyle Edmund joined Murray in round three, and will now face Kevin Anderson, a surprise winner over Nick Kyrgios. Can Edmund keep his run going?And there's debate over Margaret Court's controversial comments about same-sex marriage, and the response... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day four of the French Open started with everyone expecting to talk about Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Garbine Muguruza. It ended with the latest Tennis Podcast leading on Steve Johnson, the World No.26. While Nadal and Djokovic cruised to victory, Johnson dragged himself through four ageing sets against Borna Coric. Not that big a deal on the face of it, until you saw him on match point, falling to his knees and sobbing uncontrollably. A few weeks earlier, his father and mentor, Steve senior, had died suddenly at the age of 58. Podcast presenter Catherine Whitaker admitted to welling up watching him, and she wasn’t the only one.The wins of Nadal and Djokovic are also discussed, as is the surprising loss of Jo Wilfried Tsonga to Renzo Olivo. Could that open a door for Britain’s Kyle Edmund, who now plays Olivo in round 2 today?Two of the favourites for the women’s title, Muguruza and Svetlana Kuznetsova squeezed through in three sets, and Caroline Wozniacki dished out a 6-0... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Murray arrived in Paris with little form to speak of, under the weather, and by all accounts, tetchy. After losing the second set 6-4 against Andrey Kuznetsov, things were not looking up. According to Tennis Podcast presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker, sets 3 and 4 of his first round win could end up being the turning point of his French Open. Perhaps even his year. He found renewed purpose, positive body language and incisive play. He looked more like the World No.1.The news was less positive for Johanna Konta, who lost from a set up, and Alexander Zverev, who couldn’t reproduce the form that landed him the Rome title. The podcast team assess their defeats, while also covering the win of Nick Kyrgios and the return of his good friend, Thanasi Kokkinakis. They also react to the storm over the actions of French tennis player Maxime Hamou towards Eurosport reporter Maly Thomas during an interview, behaviour described by the French Tennis Federation as ‘reprehensible’. The... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic started their campaigns at Roland Garros, but while both registered convincing looking straight set wins, not everyone was convinced by what they saw.On the Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker was joined by two Eurosport colleagues - former World No.5 Jo Durie and commentator Chris Bradnam - to dissect day 2 at the French Open.How did the Djokovic / Andrew Agassi partnership seem like it was working? Was Agassi the coach sitting stony-faced like Ivan Lendl, or fidgeting and pumping his fist at his charge like John McEnroe?How did Nadal look as he started his quest for a tenth title in Paris?What was going on with one of the pre-tournament favourites in the women’s draw - Kristina Mladenovic - who became entangled in a 3-hour epic with Jennifer Brady?Looking ahead to Tuesday, how do Durie and Bradnam rate the chances of British pair Andy Murray and Johanna Konta, who both start their campaigns?It’s all discussed on the latest Tennis... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tennis Podcast - Kvitova ‘Wins French Open’ On Opening DayIt was only the first day, but it already felt as though Petra Kvitova had won the French Open.Six months after being subjected to a terrifying knife attack in her own home, Kvitova returned to the court and won her first match at Roland Garros. Simon Briggs, the Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent, appears on the latest Tennis Podcast and says that she was unquestionably the story of the opening day of the tournament. That’s on a day when the World No.1 Angelique Kerber suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Ekaterina Makarova. The German seemed a shadow of the woman that won two major titles a year ago. What did Briggs and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) make of her defeat?Catherine Whitaker was courtside during the Dan Evans vs. Tommy Robredo match, and described the conditions as some of the most oppressive she had ever experienced, such was the heat. The pod team assess the performance of... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago, the weather was awful, Rafael Nadal pulled out just as he was about to get going, and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray marched to a final meeting, while Garbine Muguruza ousted Serena Williams in the final. As the French Open prepares to get underway in 2017, things could not be more different. The weather is glorious, Nadal is the overwhelming favourite to land an extraordinary 10th title, and Djokovic and Murray are scratching around for form. Meanwhile, Muguruza is similarly short of her title-winning best from last year and Serena Williams is off the circuit for a while as she prepares to give birth to her first baby.The Tennis Podcast team are here to go through it all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andre Agassi will return to the sport as its latest ‘Super Coach’, Maria Sharapova will play in Wimbledon qualifying and Victoria Azarenka will return to the sport seven months after having her baby boy, Leo. Just another week in on the global tennis tour.It all gave the Tennis Podcast team plenty to get their teeth into in the latest edition of the show, which is available to listen to now.What do we expect to happen when Agassi and Djokovic get together in Paris? Will it be a success?What will it be like when Sharapova plays Wimbledon qualifying?And how will will Victoria Azarenka get on when she returns? According to presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport), there is a lot more to Azarenka than meets the eye. The break-out victory in Rome of Alexander Zverev is discussed, as is the win for Elina Svitolina, and the team try to work out what happened to Simona Halep in... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With nine days having passed since the last podcast was recorded, an awful lot has happened in the fast-moving tennis world, including the announcement that the FFT have denied Maria Sharapova a wildcard into either the main draw or the qualifying event at Roland Garros. Catherine & David pick apart the decision, the way it was announced and the way the tennis world has reacted to it, as well as discussing the 4000 other things that have happened in tennis this week including yet another clay court title for Rafael Nadal, and the decision by Roger Federer to skip the French Open and focus on Wimbledon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was midway through recording of the latest Tennis Podcast that presenters Catherine Whitaker and David Law received a message from the Telegraph’s tennis correspondent Simon Briggs which detailed his story about Andre Agassi being a potential coach for Novak Djokovic.Djokovic had cleared out virtually all of his support team in one go last week, and the podcast’s attentions immediately turned to who might replace him. Could it be Pete Sampras, the 14-time Grand Slam champion that Djokovic idolised as a boy? Maybe Mats Wilander? Or perhaps a non-playing established coach? Or maybe he would just play without a coach for a while.Then, the Agassi story landed at Tennis Podcast HQ, and the debate intensified still further. The results of the past week are discussed, there’s a preview of Madrid, the appalling social media abuse of Gael Monfils is detailed, and the team give their impressions of Tie Break Tens, the new short format of the game that... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a rough few months with illness and injury, but Andy Murray believes that he has come in the clay court season in 2017 ‘in a better place’ than he did the 2016 in which he ended up reaching the French Open final. Murray joined Catherine Whitaker for Tennis Podcast Extra, and described his season so far, his hopes for the clay court season, and the challenge of staying at World No.1.The interview took place at The Queen’s Club - home of the Aegon Championships which Murray has won a record five times. What is he expecting from the grass court season? Why does Queen’s work for him so well as preparation for Wimbledon? And does he have anything planned for his 30th birthday later this month? Murray also talks about the progress of fellow British players Johanna Konta, Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans, as well as how he hopes to play Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at some point this year. The Tennis Podcast is a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maria Sharapova is back. Many are happy to see her, many less so, but her return can not be ignored, and it’s the central theme on this week’s Tennis Podcast. How will she reflect on her run to the semifinals? Did she strike the notes in her post-match press conference? And is she a French Open contender?The team also look at the continuing form of Rafael Nadal, who followed up his 10th title in Monte Carlo with a second La Decima in Barcelona. Can anyone stop him from making it three in Roland Garros next month? A certain Roger Federer, perhaps? As the tennis world awaits the return of Victoria Azarenka, and eventually, perhaps, Serena Williams after pregnancy, we hear from Kim Clijsters on what it was like for her to come back to win Grand Slam titles after becoming a mother.The wins of Laura Siegemund in Stuttgart, and Lucas Pouille in Budapest are also covered, the team preview a star-studded line-up for the third Tie Break Tens tournament which takes place in Madrid on Thursday, and we hear... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Tennis Podcast Extra, we focus on Nick Kyrgios, hearing from the man himself about what makes him tick, the ‘dark place’ he found himself in after the Australian Open, and how he got himself out of it to beat everyone except Roger Federer.We also hear from his Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, who gives an insight into how to get the best out of Kyrgios, his potential, and the man that he knows behind the scenes. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Results of tennis matches take a back-seat on this week’s Tennis Podcast after the behaviour of Ilie Nastase over the weekend and the return of Maria Sharapova imminent following a 15-month suspension for a failed drugs test. The former French Open champion and BBC presenter Sue Barker joins Tennis Podcast hosts Catherine Whitaker and David Law to expresses her shock and disappointment at Nastase’s ‘unforgivable’ behaviour.The Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs is a guest from Bucharest en route to Stuttgart in Germany, where Sharapova’s comeback will commence. Briggs details the ‘edginess’ felt by himself and the rest of the British media when the Nastase Fed Cup furore began to bubble over, and what to expect around the Sharapova story over the coming week.Pod presenters Whitaker and Law have their say about a deeply uncomfortable few days which culminated in Nastase being banned from ITF events pending an investigation, and the bizarre comments of Sharapova’s agent Max Eisenbud.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The year's first big clay court event is upon us and there are more unknowns than perhaps any edition of the Monte Carlo Masters over the last decade. The Tennis Podcast team are here to pick through it all. Is Andy Murray's elbow in a sufficient state for a proper clay court campaign?Is Novak Djokovic ready to rediscover his true form, or will he come unstuck again like he did against Jiri Vesely a year ago?And what of Rafael Nadal? After a strong start to the year, albeit in the slipstream of Roger Federer (who plans to put his feet up for the next six weeks), is the Spaniard in the right frame of mind to win a 10th Monte Carlo crown?Presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport) discuss the possibilities over a pint in the pub.There's also a preview of Britain's attempt to beat Romania, in Romania, in the Fed Cup World Group 2 Play-offs. Can Jo Konta, Heather Watson and co pull off a big upset?We also review last week's tournaments, celebrating a new... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Davis Cup weekend in which Lleyton Hewitt got the very best out of Australia, France’s strength in depth quelled Great Britain and Novak Djokovic played his first tie in more than a year, the Tennis Podcast team assembled to discuss the results. Is Nick Kyrgios’ recent excellence now just ‘a thing’? Could Britain have done any more? And will Djokovic returning to the Davis Cup fold be the catalyst for renewed form on the singles circuit?The podcast team also discuss the first title won by 19-year-old Russian Daria Kasatkina, the somewhat less-than-gracious runners-up speech of her opponent Jelena Ostapenko, and the subsequent tweet of Elena Vesnina, who wasn’t impressed. On-court coaching again comes up, as does player ‘grunting’ in a review of Mary Carillo’s interview with WTA CEO Steve Simon on the Tennis Channel. The Tennis Podcast is a weekly, downloadable tennis audio show presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport), with daily editions during the... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In becoming the first British woman to lift the Miami Open trophy, Jo Konta scored the nation’s most notable win by a female tennis player since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977, and reached World No.7 in the process.In the view of the Tennis Podcast team, this is only the beginning for Konta. On the latest show, presenters Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport) agreed that she is a going to be a powerful, influential, positive role-model. But how far can she go on the court? They debate her prospects, considering whether Grand Slam titles and perhaps even the World No.1 ranking are possibilities. Roger Federer, meanwhile, keeps winning, aged 35 and a half. Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami and out, for now, as he revealed he won’t play again until the French Open. How is he doing this? Would he win if he played the 2006 version of himself? And could he even win the French Open? The man he squeezed past in the semifinals, Nick Kyrgios, appears, in the view of the... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Miami got underway and concern grew for the health of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, the subject of on-court coaching came under the spotlight, and the Tennis Podcast team are debating it in this week’s show. Is it time for the men’s game to follow the lead of the women’s game and allow a mic’d up Ivan Lendl on to the court to tell Murray what’s what?Is it a ‘bad look’ for the sport, as many commentators have deemed it, for only female players to be seen asking for help on court? Should it be taken out of the sport altogether, or should tennis go much further and allow coaching from the stands between points? It’s all discussed in the latest Tennis Podcast.The health of Murray and Djokovic is discussed, the chances of Simona Halep, Jo Konta and the various other runners and riders in Miami are covered, and one of the show’s presenters reveals details of a scarcely credible tennis victory. There is also reaction to the latest Nick Kyrgios Twitter Q & A. The Tennis Podcast is a weekly... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roger Federer, who will turn 36 in August, will finish 2017 as the World’s No.1 male tennis player if he stays healthy.That’s the view of David Law, the BBC 5 Live and BT Sport tennis commentator and one of the presenters of The Tennis Podcast, which is produced in association with Telegraph Sport.Federer added the Indian Wells title to his win at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January, and Law said on the new edition of the podcast that, with the physical and form issues being experienced by Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic currently, added to the freshness and brilliance being exhibited by Federer, the Swiss player overhauling everyone by the end of the year. Elsewhere, Law and co-host Catherine Whitaker, a tennis presenter for Eurosport, wonder why so many of the players in the latter stages of big tournaments tend to be over 30 these days, including the excellent Elena Vesnina, who won the women’s title 15 months after finishing 2015 outside the world’s Top 100.There is concern over Murray... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Murray said he had never seen anything like it. Tennis Twitter almost broke. That’s what happened when the BNP Paribas Open draw in Indian Wells pitched Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro into the same quarter of the draw, along with precocious talents Alex Zverev and Nick Kyrgios.But who will come through it? Kyrgios faces Zverev, and Djokovic meets Del Potro tonight. The winner of those matches will clash in round 4. And then the winner of that is likely to meet the winner of Federer and Nadal. That’s just to reach the semis.On this week’s Tennis Podcast, Eurosport presenter Catherine Whitaker and BBC 5 Live and BT Sport commentator David Law make their predictions.There’s also discussion about Murray’s early demise in the Californian desert for the fourth time in seven years. What is his problem in Indian Wells?The comments of Caroline Wozniacki about Maria Sharapova’s wild card for Stuttgart, and her wild cards in general, are debated.There’s the... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big guns returned to action in Dubai and Acapulco with varying degrees of success, and Catherine and David convened to discuss a jam-packed week on The Tennis Podcast.Andy Murray scooped the title in Dubai, but only after winning a 30-minute, 38-point tie-break. He looked like his old self, according to the Tennis Podcast team. Nick Kyrgios scored one of the biggest wins of his career over Novak Djokovic, making it a hat-trick of wins over Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in his first matches against them. But he promptly lost to Sam Querrey. A fierce argument ensues between Catherine and David about whether he will ever crack it at Grand Slam level.On the subject of Querrey, it wasn’t just a win over Kyrgios. He knocked out seasoned players galore with victories over David Goffin, Dominic Thiem and then Rafael Nadal in the final. Where did that run of form come from, and can he build on it?Roger Federer returned, but it wasn’t one of his better weeks, as he lost a tie-break from 5-1 up... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open champion Roger Federer, the World No.1 Andy Murray, and the man who has dominated the men’s tennis world for years, Novak Djokovic, return to action this week, and all are discussed at length in the new Tennis Podcast.Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport) convene to discuss whether they think the headlines about Federer committing to playing for a further three years will be realised, whether Andy Murray might, in the words of the Telegraph’s Simon Briggs, have overtrained and given himself shingles, and why Djokovic has taken a late wild card into Acapulco.Looking back at a packed week on the tennis calendar, the team cover the rise of David Goffin and Elina Svitolina, two relatively unheralded figures, who broke into the world’s Top Ten over the past week. Will they become forces at the Grand Slam tournaments?The podcast looks at Donald Young, so long a relative underachiever, who has a suddenly notable but highly unusual claim to fame - beating... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karolina Pliskova has only lost one match all year, winning the title in Doha last week to add to her Brisbane victory and Fed Cup success. She reached the final of the US Open last September, beating Venus and Serena Williams along the way. So, is Pliskova the next new Grand Slam champion and World No.1 on the WTA Tour?In the latest Tennis Podcast, recorded in London Marylebone station, David Law (BBC 5 Live and BT Sport) and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) made their predictions, as did legions of the show’s listeners. On the men’s side, there were three surprising winners - Jo Wilfried Tsonga lifting his first trophy in two years (Rotterdam), Alexandr Dolgopolov his first for 5 years (Buenos Aires), and a tearful Ryan Harrison won the first title of his career (Memphis).The return of Juan Martin Del Potro to play his first tennis of the year is discussed, and the team also debate the fact that Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki and Eugenie Bouchard appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was Fed Cup week, and Britain were celebrating progress, despite it going down to the wire. Captain Anne Keothavong joins David Law and Catherine Whitaker to describe the emotions she was going through and how she made her big doubles decision.Elsewhere, Czech Republic kept on rolling, and will now face USA, who were trying to deal with controversy having played a World War 2 version of the German national anthem. On the men’s tour, there were three very different winners in Grigor Dimitrov, Alex Zverev and Victor Estrella-Burgos. All three are discussed in the latest Tennis Podcast.And we debate the subject of Maria Sharapova and wild cards. Madrid have announced that they are awarding her one, but what will Wimbledon do if she doesn’t have the ranking points to qualify automatically?The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An otherwise thrilling Davis Cup weekend ended in numbed silence after 17-year-old Denis Shapovalov smashed a ball away in frustration which crashed into the eye of chair umpire Arnaud Gabas. He was instantly defaulted, sending Great Britain through, and Canada out of the competition. A few hours after the incident, Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport), freshly back from Melbourne and wrapped in a comical coat to protect against the weather, and David Law (BBC 5 Live) met at London Marylebone station to discuss what had happened. Should Shapovalov have been dealt a harsher punishment? Is a lengthy ban in order? Or was it just an accident and everyone should leave him alone?That and all of the other Davis Cup ties are covered, as is a big win for Kiki Mladenovic, and the Fed Cup is previewed.Plus, David gives the inside track on what Rafael Nadal did next after his Australian Open final defeat (they shared a plane). The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fittingly, it went five sets, and they saved the best for last. Roger Federer produced a period of other-worldly tennis to win his 18th Grand Slam title against his biggest rival of all.Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) concur that it amounts to the greatest of all of his victories. In a Tennis Podcast recorded moments afterwards, they explain why.Over the course of the 30-minute show, they discuss where the match was won and lost, what happened to Nadal after going a break up in the fifth, and Mats Wilander drops by to give his verdict.We also hear from Rene Stauffer, journalist from Tages Anzeiger in Switzerland. Stauffer has covered Federer since he was junior and is uniquely placed to sum up the victory. The Tennis Podcast in Australia was produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport. The weekly show will return soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serena Williams made history by winning a 23rd Grand Slam singles title, and then the tennis world's attention turned to Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal. In the Day 13 Tennis Podcast from the Australian Open, Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) convened to look back and ahead. What was the match like between Serena and Venus? How big an achievement is a 23rd Slam? Will she break Margaret Court's number of 24? And how long will she continue to play?As we look ahead to Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer, Catherine interviews John McEnroe, David speaks to Boris Becker, and we hear from Federer, interviewed by Mats Wilander for Eurosport.A Tennis Podcast, produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport, will be available to download after the men's singles final on Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nine years since the one and only time that Serena Williams played Venus Williams, and Roger Federer met Rafael Nadal in the same Grand Slam tournament, it will happen against this weekend.After Nadal somehow subdued the brave, magical tennis of Grigor Dimitrov in a five-set, near five-hour epic on Friday night, Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport), David Law (BBC 5 Live) and Simon Briggs (Telegraph) got together on the Tennis Podcast to try to make sense of it all.Where was the match won and lost? How devastated was Dimitrov in his post-match interview? And what physical state will Nadal be in by the time he makes the final?Plus, with less than 24 hours to go until the Venus Williams vs. Serena Williams final on Saturday, who do the team think will come out on top? Will Venus win the title for the first time, in her 37th year? Or will Serena break the record she shares with Steffi Graf for Grand Slam title No.23? It’s all discussed in the Tennis Podcast. A new Tennis Podcast is available throughout the... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2003, Tennis Podcast presenter David Law covered his first Australian Open for BBC Radio 5 Live.He had brown hair, not the grey of today. Andre Agassi won the men’s title. Roger Federer had yet to win a major event and was regarded as an underachieving prodigy who might never fulfil his talent. And hardly anyone had ever heard of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, who were effectively still children.In the women’s final, Serena Williams beat Venus Williams. Fourteen years later, they will meet in the final again.After witnessing their journey through the semifinals, and then the victory of Federer over Stan Wawrinka, Law and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) convened to discuss a momentous day on the Tennis Podcast. We also hear from Dani Vallverdu, the coach of Grigor Dimitrov, who will take on Rafael Nadal in the second semifinal on Friday, about how they got together and the difference he has been able to make. There will be daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grand Slam tennis tournaments always throw up a special moment or two, a decent storyline, and usually a fitting crescendo.But the Australian Open is different. Everywhere you turn there are stories.Yesterday, Roger Federer and Venus Williams, aged 35 and 36 respectively, advanced to the final four. Today it was the turn of Rafael Nadal, who hasn’t reached a Grand Slam semifinal in more than two years, Serena Williams, who is 35 years of age and chasing 23 Grand Slam titles, Grigor Dimitrov, who finally looks like coming of age, and the best of the lot - Mirjana Lucic-Baroni - who reached a semifinal 18 years after her first. 'This moment has made my life,' she said.With all of that in mind, Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) didn’t really know where to start, so they asked Mark Petchey what he makes of it all instead.Can Federer win title No.18? Will Nadal stop him in the final again? Is Stan Wawrinka going to ruin everyone’s party the way he can? Or is Dimitrov ready to... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a day that Roger Federer moved one match away from the final of the Australian Open, and Rafael Nadal is still there, Andy Roddick joined The Tennis Podcast to declare that a meeting between the two in the final could be ‘the most historically significant match ever’. Roddick, inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in an on-court ceremony, told podcast presenter Catherine Whitaker (in Melbourne for Eurosport) that it could be an earth-shifting moment for the sport if it happens. He also talks Milos Raonic, Serena and Venus Williams, and who he thinks will win the two titles.The podcast team are also joined by Christopher Clarey, who has covered tennis for the New York Times for more than 20 years. Clarey talks about his impressions of the greats and their resurgence, and the rise of Coco Vandeweghe, who will face Venus Williams in the semis. They also preview Serena Williams vs. Johanna Konta, with Martina Navratilova giving her views on the match to David Law (BBC Radio 5 Live).... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2017 but it feels like 2007. The Williams sisters Serena and Venus are in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on course to meet in the final, and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will also clash if they win two more tennis matches each.While Nadal put Gael Monfils away in four sets to set up a last 8 clash with the highest remaining seed Milos Raonic, Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live) sat in the Melbourne press room to discuss day 8 at the Australian Open on The Tennis Podcast. What did they think of the defending champion Angelique Kerber’s late-night loss on Sunday? How does the form of Jo Konta compare to Serena Williams, who she will face in the quarterfinals? And who is Mirijana Lucic-Baroni, who has also made the last 8?How much of a surprise is it to see Federer playing tennis like this after six months out of the game? We ask Goran Ivanisevic and Michael Chang. And is he going to go all the way here? There’s also some frustration with Monfils, a question mark... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.