The Tennis Podcast

It’s been a turbulent couple of months for the boss of men’s tennis - ATP Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode, who is a guest on this week’s Tennis Podcast, which is produced in association with the Telegraph. An investigative report into suspicious betting patterns by the BBC and Buzzfeed led to allegations of match-fixing on the eve of the Australian Open in January, an independent review was hastily called by Kermode and the other governing bodies to look at make-up, funding and performance of the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), and then the sport’s anti-doping process was thrown into the spotlight last week following Maria Sharapova’s revelation about a positive drug-test.In a wide-ranging, 30-minute interview, Kermode, who has just been re-elected for a further three years, tells David Law about how the independent review into the TIU will work, how players are kept up-to-date with changes to the anti-doping banned list, and how the sport needs to educate the next... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She was expected to announce her retirement, but instead Maria Sharapova revealed even more shocking news in a Los Angeles press conference - she had tested positive for the banned substance meldonium, which she said she had been taking for ten years for a health condition, but which had been added to the banned list at the start of 2016.In the latest Tennis Podcast, you can hear Sharapova's statement in full, and presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker discuss the implications for Sharapova and the sport. Also, with Andy Murray finally subduing Kei Nishikori after 4 hours and 54 minutes, and Novak Djokovic coming back from two sets to one down in Belgrade, the pair could be on a collision course in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in July.Is Murray's decision to prioritise the Davis Cup a sign that the media has been under-appreciating the completion all along? And will Djokovic put his hand up for the quarterfinals in this jam-packed Olympic year?Finally, the Tennis... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Murray On Fatherhood, 10 Years At The Top, And Plans To Play Into His Mid-30'sAndy Murray has just become a father, celebrated ten years since his first ATP title, and now returns to work to start the defence of the Davis Cup, which Britain won in November. In an exclusive interview, Murray talks to Catherine Whitaker on the Tennis Podcast about his relief at arriving home from Australia in time for the birth of his daughter, Sophia, his hour on the phone with coach and fellow new-parent Amelie Mauresmo, and his memories of that first ATP title in San Jose. As he explains, it was his first trip anywhere with Kim Sears, the woman that would become his wife.How did it feel to see his brother Jamie win a Grand Slam doubles title? How will he organise his year with the Olympics to consider? And how long does he see himself playing for? Murray answers them all in this week’s show.Presenters Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Stephen Farrow, Aegon Championships... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by the returning Juan Martin del Potro, BBC 5 Live and BT Sport commentator David Law, and Eurosport presenter Catherine Whitaker discuss the most memorable tennis comebacks of all time - those that turned out well, and those that didn'tHear about Seles returning from being stabbed. Agassi's response to plummeting to 141 in the world. Capriati being irrelevant in the game for 5 years and returning to win Slams. Clijsters having a baby and then winning big.And many more. The Tennis Podcast is produce in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roger Federer has won more Grand Slam singles titles (17), and spent more weeks as World No.1 than anyone in history. Rafael Nadal has won 14 major wins, including 9 French Open crowns, and Olympic singles gold. But is that it? Will either win another major title in their careers?The Tennis Podcast team (BBC 5 Live and BT Sport commentator David Law, and Eurosport commentator Catherine Whitaker) convened to debate the issue and ask for listener’s opinions in a poll. The results were not what they expected. Also, will Angelique Kerber back up her Australian Open title with further big wins? Which is more likely - a single Andy Murray major title in 2016, or a Novak Djokovic golden Grand Slam (Olympic gold and all four Grand Slam singles titles?). Both are debated in the latest episode. The podcast team also welcomes veteran broadcaster and writer Richard Evans on to the show to pay tribute to the late tennis, commentator Gerald Williams.The Tennis Podcast is produced... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After running the podcast single-handed for a fortnight of the Australian Open, David Law is rejoined by TV's Catherine Whitaker to share notes about what went on in Melbourne.Catherine reveals the tears that flowed in the Eurosport studios, her highlights and lowlights of the tournament, and her concern that it will take 'a Soderling moment' to provide a different Grand Slam male champion.A fabulous Fed Cup weekend is reviewed, but is there something we can do to make the thing more easily understood?We talk about Great Britain boasting six players in the singles Top 100 for the first time in three decades, and discuss Rafael Nadal, who has signed up to return to the Aegon Championships at The Queen's Club in June. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic made it Grand Slam title No.11 to draw level with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, and afterwards Simon Briggs of the Telegraph and Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim joined David Law to talk about it.It was straight sets for Djokovic over Murray, but not straightforward, and the trio discussed whether Boris Becker or Ivan Lendl were the biggest reasons for the shift in power in the Djokovic/Murray rivalry.Meanwhile, after Angelique Kerber made her dreams come true by winning her first major title, the podcast team assess the state of mind of Serena Williams.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Australian Open men's final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary team get together to assess the chances of Murray in his fifth attempt at winning the title.In the final he faces the ultimate challenge, the 'Everest' of tennis, in the form of Novak Djokovic. Goran Ivanisevic talks to the pod team to explain why it is such a nightmare trying to coach against him. In his opinion, Djokovic can break all records.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It took 5 sets and more than 4 hours, but Andy Murray finally set up another final against Novak Djokovic after defeating Milos Raonic at the Australian Open, and the Tennis Podcast team got together afterwards to discuss it.The Telegraph’s Chief Sports Feature Writer Oliver Brown joined Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs and BBC 5 Live commentator David Law to talk about how Murray came back from two sets to one, marvel at the tennis shown by Raonic, and wonder whether there’s any way Murray can beat Djokovic in the final.Plus, with Serena Williams aiming to match the exploits of Steffi Graf by winning a 22nd Grand Slam, they assess the chances of Graf’s compatriot Angelique Kerber in keeping Williams at bay.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Novak Djokovic was Boris Becker-like in his presence in the Australian Open semifinals on Thursday night, and despite a spirited Roger Federer fightback, it was Djokovic who reached yet another Grand Slam final. David Law is joined by Telegraph Sport's Simon Briggs to talk it through, before going on to discuss the journey of Johanna Konta, which finally came to an end at the Australian Open in the semifinals. Plus, Serena Williams was a destructive as ever.And, with Andy Murray due to take on Milos Raonic of Canada, we hear from Murray's coach of last year - Jonas Bjorkman - and Carlos Moya, the man guiding Raonic in 2016.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything went to form on day nine at the Australian Open, with victory for Serena over Sharapova, and wins for Federer and Djokovic.It all means that a dream semifinal between Federer and Djokovic - the 45th match between them - will take place on Thursday. Who will win? David Law and special guest Chris Clarey of the New York Times break it down, and the conclusion might surprise you.And what about Victoria Azarenka? Blazing through the draw, the Belorussian is the second best player in the world we think, but can she beat Serena? And what is she really like? Chris Clarey lets us know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a stressful middle Saturday, in which the coach of Ana Ivanovic (Nigel Sears) was taken ill but since discharged from hospital, his son-in-law Andy Murray can look ahead to a fourth round clash with Bernard Tomic.We speak to Todd Woodbridge about Tomic - what makes him tick? What does he need to do to break the Top Ten? Woodbridge tells us. And what about Nick Kyrgios? We get a view from the great Australian doubles player on that, too. Meanwhile, another fourth round blockbuster is Stan Wawrinka vs. Milos Raonic. We talk to Alex Corretja about Raonic's new coach, Carlos Moya.And with Jo Konta on the brink of reaching a first Grand Slam quarterfinal, we hear from the last British woman to do it - Jo Durie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an emotional night when Lleyton Hewitt's 20-year career came to an end, his first coach Darren Cahill joins BBC 5 Live tennis commentator David Law on the Tennis Podcast to discuss his fabulous career. Cahill remembers the 12-year-old that turned up at his door 'dressed in Agassi gear' and says that he was already a pro, even at that age. Memories of Hewitt's greatest achievements are discussed, what he was like to coach, and what Cahill thinks we can expect of Hewitt the coach.Craig Willis, the Australian Open's on-court announcer, is another special guest, as is Great Britain doubles player Colin Fleming, who lets us know what Andy Murray is in for in trying to be a tennis playing father. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Monday’s allegations of suspected match-fixing, Telegraph Sport’s Simon Briggs joins Tennis Podcast presenter David Law (BBC 5 Live) to give his view on the situation, review a day in which Johanna Konta beat Venus Williams, and Andy Murray cruised through in style against Alex Zverev.Pat Rafter, a two-time Australian Open champion, also joins the show to reminisce about Lleyton Hewitt, who is playing in his final tournament.And Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith reviews a day in which Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep both crashed out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open draw is out, and so is The Tennis Podcast, dissecting and previewing what is to come over the next fortnight.Catherine Whitaker is in the UK to present the tournament’s Highlights Show on Eurosport, David Law is in Melbourne for BBC Radio 5 Live, and so is the Telegraph’s correspondent Simon Briggs.Andy Murray was drawn in the opposite half of the draw to Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, meaning he can only face one of them. According to Simon Briggs, Murray has the ideal draw. It’s not just an opinion, Briggs has crunched the numbers.‘Mathematically, Murray has the perfect draw,” Briggs tells The Tennis Podcast. “He is scheduled play lowest possible seed in all four rounds leading up to the final (R3 - No.32 Joao Sousa, R4 - No.16 Bernard Tomic, QF - No.8 David Ferrer, SF - No.4 Stan Wawrinka). The odds of that happening are 256-1. He had some rough draws last year, but if he doesn’t do well this time we certainly can not blame the draw - he’s... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Catherine back from Doha, and David about to set off to Melbourne, the Putney Exchange shopping centre once again plays host to half an hour of chat about the latest goings-on in the tennis world.When Novak Djokovic thrashed Rafael Nadal in Doha, Catherine didn't know where to look. When Victoria Azarenka rolled back the years in Brisbane, did she become the favourite for the title? And was the win of Milos Raonic over Roger Federer a taste of things to come? It's all discussed here on The Tennis Podcast, in association with The Telegraph.Meanwhile, Andy Murray signs up to play in the Aegon Championships at Queen's Club, where he will go for a record fifth title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Tennis Podcast of 2016, Catherine Whitaker is in Doha (for BeIn Sports), David Law is in London (for BT Sport) and they both come together to preview the new season.Will Andy Murray ever be World No.1? Will Agnieszka Radwanska ever win a Grand Slam title? And what next for Kyle Edmund, who made such a splash in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final, and then won Tie Break Tens. Catherine speaks to him to find out.The awarding of SI Sports Person of the Year to Serena Williams is also discussed, as is the off-season coaching carousel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 12 months of tennis, 85 episodes of The Tennis Podcast, and some incredible highlights, the 2015 season has come to a close.In our final show of the year, Catherine and David debate the 2015 Tennis Podcast Awards, with the final verdict from special guest Alan Mills - the Wimbledon Referee of 23 years. Who is the Player of the Year, The Most Improved, and who had the most spectacular hairstyle (good or bad)?Merry Christmas one and all, thanks for listening, and have a happy new year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tennis Legend John McEnroe speaks exclusively to the Tennis Podcast about Andy Murray's Davis Cup win, 2016 hopes and why he believes one of the secrets to beating Djokovic is to smile more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the bowels of the iconic Royal Albert Hall Jamie Murray settles in for an exclusive chat with The Tennis Podcast. Has the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas win sunk in yet? How nervous was he during that doubles rubber? And what are his plans for the off-season ahead of teaming with Bruno Soares? This is the only place to find out.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Britain has won the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, completing a journey from the brink of Division 4 - Euro Africa Zone 3 - to lifting the cup in the space of just five years.Telegraph Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs joins David Law review the final, talk about its significance for the legacy and future of Andy Murray, and Jeremy Bates - the first man ever to pick Andy Murray for a Davis Cup team - remembers what Murray was like in that very firs tie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Britain is one Andy Murray victory away from winning a first Davis Cup by BNP Paribas in 79 years, and after a thrilling doubles rubber, David is joined by Eurosport commentator Chris Bradnam and Davis Cup winner Henri Leconte to review day two.Leconte, meanwhile remembers how he helped France to victory over the United States in 1991. Barely able to walk, he was coaxed off his chair by Yannick Noah, and trained himself into fighting condition to down Pete Sampras. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an intriguing first two rubbers of the Davis Cup final between Belgium and GB, David is joined by Eurosport commentator Simon Reed, and pundit Colin Fleming to dissect the ins and outs of day one, including a standout two sets from Kyle Edmund. The trio analyse Edmund's performance, as well as Andy Murray's efforts against Ruben Bemelmens to level the tie at 1-1. Plus the trio look ahead to Saturday's all-important doubles rubber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week of uncertainty, the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final is all set to take place in Ghent, Belgium, and The Tennis Podcast brings you the lowdown from courtside on the day that the draw was made.Joining presenter David Law were the Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs and British Eurosport presenter Rob Curling to discuss the news that Kyle Edmund will make his debut (IN THE FINAL!), and Andy Murray will open against the unheralded Ruben Bemelmans.What has the atmosphere been like in Belgium with all that has been going on? What are the strategies behind the team selections, and who will win?We also hear from a ‘pumped’ Murray, and Paul Hutchins - the captain of the team when Britain last reached the final in 1978.The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. www.wearetennis.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the dismantling of the O2 Arena tennis court, David & Catherine meet to digest a fascinating World Tour Finals ending in the 'Groundhog Day scenario' of an emphatic Novak Djokovic victory. So has this been the most dominant ever tennis season from one individual? And will the Serb remain as dominant in 2016?Plus we discuss a breakthrough week for Rafael Nadal, and look ahead to the Davis Cup Final, the staging of which is currently mired in doubt and fear due to the terror alert in the Belgian capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The draw has been made, the groups are set, and the ATP World Tour Finals are about to get underway.So, it’s time for a pre-tournament Tennis Podcast to talk it over. David Law and Catherine Whitaker pick their semifinalists, finalists and champion.And in an interview conducted with Tim Henman a few weeks ago, we discover that the great man will be at the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final, as a fan! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the tennis of Novak Djokovic once again suggesting that the 'Big Four' has become a 'Big One', Andy Murray now takes to the clay to try to balance preparation for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final with a need to concentrate on the ATP World Tour Finals at the 02. Phew!John McEnroe tells us about 1978, when he played his first Davis Cup singles rubbers in the final against Great Britain. He also predicts victory for Britain this time.Meanwhile, Catherine and David reveal their tennis wish for 2016. It involves Venus Williams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Agnieszka Radwanska is the champion of the 2015 WTA Finals in Singapore, Roger Federer edged Rafael Nadal in the 34th instalment of their rivalry, and Andy Murray has confirmed that he intends to play the ATP World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena.Catherine and David get together to talk it over, and we also hear about a new teenage generation of American players who have a nation expecting. Oh, and Catherine is furious with someone. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marat Safin is an exclusive guest on the Tennis Podcast this week. The two-time Grand Slam champion talks to our reporter David Lewy at the Kia Motor Champions Cup about facing Federer, his major titles, and the racquets he smashed along the the way. He also gives an insight into his new life in Parliament and explains why he feels Grand Slam titles were harder to win in the era in which he played. Meanwhile, Catherine Whitaker is in Singapore for the WTA Finals and talks to David Law about the vibe ahead of the year-end event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week where Novak Djokovic won yet another Masters Series title in Shanghai and cemented his place even more firmly as the most dominant player on the ATP World Tour, David & Catherine meet (you guessed it, in the Putney Exchange shopping centre) to discuss his stranglehold over the rest. Is he getting better? How do you stop him? And why he isn’t held in the same esteem as previously dominant players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? Other topics from the world of tennis this week include Nick Kyrgios, who is edging closer to triggering a ban after incurring another fine in Shanghai, plus David & Catherine’s thoughts on which, if any, of the current crop of ‘young guns’ is best equipped to pose a future challenge to Djokovic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal for the seventh time in eight meetings, Catherine Whitaker and David Law discuss whether Nadal will ever be a dominant force again.Also in Beijing, Garbine Muguruza emerged triumphant in the WTA Premier Mandatory tournament. Will she win a Grand Slam title in 2016?And, in a week when Catherine was 'swanning around Mallorca' on the ATP Champions Tour, the result was an exclusive interview with Alex Corretja in which he described what it was like to coach Andy Murray. He also reminisces about his first practice session with a 16-year-old Rafael Nadal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After yet more breakthroughs for the new British Number One and World No.49 Jo Konta, fellow BT Sport commentator Anne Keothavong tells David Law that she thinks Konta could make it into the World's Top 20 by Wimbledon 2016. Plus David & Catherine Whitaker debate the future of Serena Williams - how deep an impact will her US Open loss to Vinci prove to have? - and the amazing success of her sister and newly crowned Wuhan Open Champion Venus. All that, plus plenty more talking points, including whether Andy Murray deserves his inclusion in 'The Big 4', and debate over whether Grigor Dimitrov will ever fulfil his potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the most unbelievable things that have happened in tennis in the last 11 years? And what will happen over the next 11? All discussed by David & a gravelly-voiced Catherine as well as Andy Murray's bold revelation that he may miss the ATP World Tour Finals in order to prepare for the Davis Cup final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Britain is into a Davis Cup final for the first time since 1978, and the Tennis Podcast reviews a week in which Andy Murray shouldered his nation’s fortunes successfully, yet again. Telegraph Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs joins Tennis Podcast presenters David Law (BBC Radio 5 Live) and Catherine Whitaker to talk about Murray’s exploits, carried out, as we discover on the show, with a bad back. Lleyton Hewitt’s glorious Davis Cup playing career also came to an end in Glasgow, and he reflects on 17 years at the top of the sport, while also paying tribute to Murray. Finally, Leon Smith talks exclusively to The Tennis Podcast and says that Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund and James Ward now have to ‘prove why I should pick you’ for the final against Belgium, in Belgium, 27-29 November. Belgium are into their first final since 1904. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph, and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murray brothers’ five-set win over Sam Groth and Lleyton Hewitt was ‘one of the most memorable days in British tennis history’, according to British Eurosport pundit Annabel Croft. With Great Britain standing one Andy Murray match win away from a Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final for the first time since 1978, Croft joined David Law (BBC 5 Live) and Catherine Whitaker on the Tennis Podcast to talk about an epic doubles encounter. "I've never experienced an atmosphere in my life like the one in this arena today,” said Croft. “It’s one of the most memorable days in British tennis history and Judy Murray said to me in New York that winning the Davis Cup is one of Andy’s major ambitions." Sitting courtside in Glasgow as Bernard Tomic was put through his paces on Saturday evening, the Tennis Podcast team speculated about whether any changes to the team are likely. ‘‘It is just such a conundrum for the Aussies over who to pick,” said Croft. "From what I’m seeing I think it might well be... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former British Davis Cup player Greg Rusedski has backed Britain to go on from their 1-1 overnight scoreline to reach the final of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas for the first time in 37 years. In a guest appearance on Tennis Podcast, Rusedski told presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker that Andy Murray is looking better than ever, and believes he will play in Saturday’s doubles and carry Britain to victory on Sunday, Captains Leon Smith and Wally Masur give their verdicts on day one, with Masur confirming the identity of his doubles pairing. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. Greg Rusedski is a pundit for British Eurosport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great Britain are about to play Australia in the host nation’s first Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal for 34 years, and as well as previewing the tie in Glasgow, The Tennis Podcast has spoken exclusively to both teams to find out more about them. For instance, which of them would get on best at Strictly Come Dancing? Who knows their capital cities? And who spends the most time in front of the mirror? As you will hear, the team members on the respective teams do not always agree… Fun and games aside, the talk of the town, and the podcast, was that of Captain Leon Smith’s decision to choose Dan Evans as the No.2 singles player in place of James Ward and Kyle Edmund, who are both higher ranked. How big of a risk is it? Will it be a mistake or a masterstroke? The Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs talks it through with presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker, and we hear the reasons given by Leon Smith, and the verdict of Andy Murray. Predictions for the tie as a whole are... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The newly crown US Open champion Novak Djokovic is capable of winning more Grand Slam titles than Roger Federer, according to the Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs. In a Tennis Podcast recorded just moments after Djokovic’s victory in the final of the US Open - his tenth major title - Briggs told presenter David Law (who commentated on the match for BBC Radio 5 Live) that ‘it is not impossible’ for Djokovic to reach and surpass Federer’s current total of 17. In the podcast, Briggs, Law and Catherine Whitaker of Eurosport also discuss the women’s final - the victory and subsequent retirement announcement of Flavia Pennetta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serena Williams’ dream of becoming the first tennis player to win a calendar-year Grand Slam in 27 years was dashed by Roberta Vinci, who had never previously taken a set from her, never gone beyond a major quarterfinal, and lost more tennis matches than she had won in 2015 prior to the US Open. Afterwards, the Telegraph’s Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs joined BBC Radio 5 Live commentator David Law on the Tennis Podcast to try to make sense of it all, and answer the question ‘was this the biggest tennis upset ever?’. Earlier, Flavia Pennetta set up an all-Italian final, and so the Tennis Podcast spoke to Vincenzo Martucci, veteran tennis writer of 37 years for Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. In his final year in the job, he suddenly found himself covering the biggest story of his career. There’s a preview of a mouth-watering men’s singles final on Sunday - the 42nd edition of Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic (the head-to-head is 21-20), and Jamie Murray’s quest for a first Grand... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a frustrating day of rain at the US Open on Thursday, the silver lining is Fantastic Friday, with all four of the men’s and women’s semifinals played on the same day. The Tennis Podcast’s David Law (BBC Radio 5 Live) and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) get together to look forward to the action, with special guests Mark Philippoussis - the 1998 US Open runner-up, and Goran Ivanisevic - coach of defending champion Marin Cilic. Philippoussis looks back on when he was the first ever opponent of Roger Federer in a Grand Slam tournament 12 years ago, assessing his incredible longevity, while Ivanisevic talks about the chances of his man Cilic against Novak Djokovic. And back by popular demand (or, if we’re honest, in spite of no demand whatsover), Catherine and David give their predictions for the four semifinals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A run of 18 straight Grand Slam quarterfinals came to an end for Andy Murray as Kevin Anderson reached the last 8 of a major tournament for the first time in his career. What did the Telegraph’s tennis correspondent Simon Briggs make of it? He joined the Tennis Podcast’s David Law (a BBC 5 Live commentator) and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) to reflect on Murray’s exit, discuss the main reasons for it, and whether it will prove a silver lining for Britain’s hopes in next week’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal against Australia in Glasgow. In a strange turn of events, Britain’s Johanna Konta went out just 20 minutes earlier, but her run was reason for celebration according to our Tennis Podcast team. And what of Venus against Serena Williams in the quarterfinals. Can Venus cause a sensational upset by ending her sister’s calendar Grand Slam dream? Who will the crowd pull for? Catherine, David and Simon preview that and reflect on the rest of a tournament which has been as exhilarating as it... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Andy Murray and Johanna Konta reached the last 32 of the US Open in 3-hour + epics, The Tennis Podcast discussed their post-match moods, which could hardly have been more different. While Konta celebrated the best win of her career - over the Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Muguruza - Murray went two sets down before roaring back to beat Adrian Mannarino in 5 in draining humidity. Telegraph tennis correspondent Simon Briggs joined presenters David Law (BBC Radio 5 Live) and Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) to reflect on the British victories, discuss how Murray looked ‘a shell of himself’ in Catherine’s post-match interview, and how Konta seems like a different player to the one that has languished well outside the Top 100 for years. Will Murray bounce back to go all the way? Can Konta cause another shock against the 18th seed Andrea Petkovic? And how have the big names looked in the first few days? The Tennis Podcast discusses it all. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Serena clinch the Calendar Grand Slam? What now for injured Sharapova? And could Belinda Bencic cause an upset? And on the men's side, can Federer win a magical 18th Major? Will Djokovic seal his place among the greats? Could Murray muscle in on the action? Or will 'the walking headline' Nick Kyrgios take him out in the first round?David Law is joined by The Telegraph's Tennis Correspondent Simon Briggs to preview the 2015 US Open! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a week to go until the US Open, Roger Federer has joined Andy Murray in beating Novak Djokovic in a big final to throw the year’s final Grand Slam tournament wide open.In the latest Tennis Podcast, produced in association with The Telegraph, presenter David Law talks to co-host Catherine Whitaker, who was courtside at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, about Federer’s latest age-defying feat.After 17 years as a professional, he appeared to ‘invent’ new strokes in Cincinnati, while playing more aggressively at the net than at any other time in his career. Could this lead to an extraordinary 18th Grand Slam title in New York? We hear his post-match reaction as he explains why he is hitting his backhand better than ever, and how he decided to celebrate with his twin daughters.Meanwhile, are these worrying moments for Djokovic fans? After the final, he explained how short of form he feels and therefore how well he did to reach the final at all. Catherine and David... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Murray has beaten Novak Djokovic for the first time since the 2013 Wimbledon final to win the Rogers Cup in Montreal, and in an interview with Tennis Podcast presenter Catherine Whitaker immediately afterwards, he talked about the significance of the victory. Had the two-year, eight-match losing streak against Djokovic had been preying on his mind? Does the win give him belief that he can make it to World Number One? And what was his reaction to the news that his coach Amelie Mauresmo gave birth to a baby boy on the morning that he won the final? All of those questions are answered in this interview on the Tennis Podcast. Whitaker and co-presenter David Law (BBC 5 Live) give their views about the significance of the win, review the performance of Belinda Bencic who beat six Grand Slam finalists and champions in a row to win the title in Toronto. Also discussed is the fall-out from the words uttered on court by Nick Kyrgios. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tennis Podcast is back after a few weeks of holiday, and before we get into the fall-out from Nick Kyrgios and cover the latest from both the Tours, here’s an exclusive interview with the great Pete Sampras. This week, Sampras has been in Knokke, Belgium playing in the Optima Open, one of the tournaments on the ATP Champions Tour. Today he meets Xavier Malisse in the final. Our reporter Stuart Fraser caught up with him to ask if he thinks Roger Federer can win another Grand Slam, whether Rafael Nadal can come again, and the rivalry between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Plus, can he see Serena Williams wrapping up the calendar Slam in New York? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Davis Cup Sunday - Murray, Hewitt Set Up GB vs. Australia Semifinal Showdown; Leon Smith interview Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith told The Tennis Podcast that Andy Murray is ‘a phenomenal competitive animal’ after he carried the nation to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals for the first time since 1981. Smith joined Tennis Podcast presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker to reflect upon a tie that Britain won 3-1 against France. It set up a final four meeting with Australia, 18-20 September. “I’ve been trying to come up with the right words to describe Andy, but he is just a phenomenal competitive animal. It was unreal,” said Smith, after captaining the British team from the brink of relegation to Euro African Zone 3 in July 2010, to the semifinals of the World Group. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with the Telegraph, and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Rusedski has told The Tennis Podcast that victory on Sunday over France would be the most important win for Britain’s Davis Cup team could lead to them lifting the Davis Cup outright given the teams left in the competition. Team GB are three sets away from reaching the semifinals of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals for the first time in 34 years. Andy and Jamie Murray joined forces on Saturday to fight back from a set down and defeat Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Nicolas Mahut. Andy Murray will now play his reverse singles at 12.30pm on Sunday against either Gilles Simon or Richard Gasquet. Victory would put Britain into a home semifinal against either Australia or Kazakhstan. The Kazakhs lead 2-1 going into the final day. The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with the Telegraph, and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the first day of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinals on Friday, Great Britain and France stand 1-1 overnight, with the winner looking increasingly likely to face Kazakhstan, who took a shook 2-0 lead in Australia. Tennis Podcast presenters David Law and Catherine Whitaker sit next to the centre court at The Queen’s Club to reflect on a pulsating if largely predictable day one in London, and speculate over Saturday’s doubles pairings. Would a chat with France captain Arnaud Clement shed any light? Find out in the latest Tennis Podcast, produced in association with the Telegraph, and supported by BNP Paribas, the bank for a changing world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinals about to get underway, The Tennis Podcast's David Law was invited inside the Great Britain team room to talk to captain Leon Smith, Andy and Jamie Murray, and James Ward and Dominic Inglot together, moments after the draw for their tie with France. What does the captain's job entail? Which Davis Cup memory stands out for Andy Murray from his childhood? And what are Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot's thoughts after being picked for the doubles?We also hear from the No.1 player in France, Gilles Simon, and David and Catherine Whitaker look ahead to all of the quarterfinals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.