The Tennis Podcast

On the eve of another Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer Grand Slam semifinal, Catherine and David mull over the possibilities and come to a conclusion about who will win. They also discuss the incredible rise of Stanimal, and the women's final between Li Na and Dominika Cibulkova. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Stanislas Wawrinka defeats Novak Djokovic in a stunning run at the Australian Open, we talk to his coach Magnus Norman, who Mats Wilander called 'the best coach in the world'. Norman explains why he advises ex-players to coach kids first, and what he thinks Wawrinka will do next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all had a little chuckle when David's pick for the women's semifinals, Petra Kvitova, lost in round one, but when his pick for the men's title, Juan Martin Del Potro, lost in the second, it prompted a full-force guffaw, and an inquest. While we were at it, we looked at the third round match-ups and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With David having picked Petra Kvitova to reach the semifinals (she lost first round), and Juan Martin Del Potro (his pick for the title) losing the first set of his first round match, an emergency Tennis Podcast episode was swiftly convened on day three of the Australian Open. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the year's first Grand Slam title begins in Melbourne, Catherine and David look ahead to who will be the runners and riders that matter. What do they think of the legends coming back into the sport to coach the top players? Who will have the greatest impact? And is David still sticking with Juan Martin Del Potro to win the title? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You thought the tennis season drew to a close with the Davis Cup final, but no, it all ends at the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall in London. There, Catherine and David chatted to Annabel Croft, and Goran Ivanisevic - as he lay half-naked on the treatment table. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radek Stepanek achieved his dream by winning the Davis Cup in 2012 and hopes to help the Czech Republic successfully defend it this week. What does he remember about the moment he won? The first 30 seconds, he tells us, nothing at all! In an interview with David Law a month afterwards, Stepanek explains his horror at realising he forgot to shake his opponent's hand immediately afterwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer, Catherine and David got together to discuss the other semifinal and look ahead to the final. Oh, and to talk to every man in the draw, and a couple of other tennis stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an early discussion about who would be the World No.1 player in the rain (obviously), David and Catherine get down to the serious business of predicting who will come through the ATP World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena in London. There's also chat about the Fed Cup final, which saw a depleted Russia trounced by Italy. So where were the Top 10 Russian players? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Great Storm hits the UK, David and Catherine hunker down for a chat about Serena Williams' victory at the WTA Championships, the sight of Dimitrov playing Federer, and a massive prediction made at 30 seconds notice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Robson needs a coach. Martina Navratilova wants to be a coach. Is it a perfect match? Andy Murray is out for the season. Will he ever reach No.1? Roger Federer can't hit a barn door at the moment. Should he retire? And what was he like when he was young? We speak to the man that he grew up idolising, and who beat Federer in his first final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 51, Catherine and David review and the US Open and debate whether Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal will break the records of Steffi Graf and Roger Federer. And we hear from Mario Ancic, whose career was cut short, but who is making a good life for himself outside of tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the US Open finals between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, and Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, we enter the BBC Radio commentary box to get the views on what will happen from a woman that has beaten Serena - Jill Craybas, an Australian Open runner-up John Lloyd, the BBC's Tennis Correspondent Russell Fuller, and BBC producer Steve Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Serena Williams into the latter stages of the US Open, here's an interview in which she told David Law what's driving her, what goes on inside her mind ('the mind of a maniac', as she calls it), and how much the history books feature in her goals. Does she dream about tennis? Does she wake up with aches and pains? Find out, in our interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With one week gone, Catherine and David get stuck in to the US Open, review the exploits of Dan Evans and look ahead to that possible Federer vs Nadal showdown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After choosing a short sabbatical over retirement, the Tennis Podcast is back to preview the US Open, throw in some more dodgy title predictions, and to pick through Marion Bartoli's decision to hang up her racquet, Maria Sharapova's interesting month, and the incredible form of Rafael Nadal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The day after a British man won Wimbledon for the first time in 77 years, Catherine Whitaker and David Law got together to talk about it. Oh, and yes, Catherine was asked about the 'foregone conclusion' that she said would be Serena Williams' run to the title! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the most extraordinary first week of a Grand Slam tournament in history, Catherine and David pick the bones out of it, argue about whether there is even the remotest chance that Serena Williams might lose, and nearly get into a very heated equal prize-money debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of Wimbledon, David and Catherine look at the draws, New York Times and NCR Tennis Podcast presenter Ben Rothenberg rows with us about whether Grand Slam tournament matches should all be best of three sets, and the great Nick Bollettieri talks about his incredible life in tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Rafael Nadal defeated David Ferrer to win his eighth French Open title, a record for any player at a single Grand Slam tournament, David was desperate to gloat about getting his prediction right. Catherine stands her ground as usual in Episode 44, and they both throw their hats into the ring to predict how many Slam titles Nadal and women's champion Serena Williams will end up with. Our big interview this week is with Tim Henman, who hails Andy Murray, talks about his greatest moment as a tennis player, and how long he thinks Roger Federer will go on for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the men's French Open semifinals, and the much-awaited clash between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Catherine and David continue their disagreement about who will win. And, in the second part of our interview with Bob Brett, the great coach talks about life trying to tame Goran Ivanisevic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 42, we celebrate our first birthday with an interview with Serena Williams. The World No.1 tells us what is driving her to continue into her 30's, whether she ever feels aches and pains in the morning, and how driven she is to overtake Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in the history books.We also preview the French Open, dissecting the draw of the second Grand Slam tournament of 2013. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first part of our in-depth, exclusive interview with the great coach Bob Brett, the Australian tells us all about the three and a half years that he spent coaching Boris Becker between 1987 and 1991. He explains how he tried to get the best out of Becker at a time when Ion Tiriac didn't think Brett was the the right man for the job, how he risked the wrath of Boris by telling some home-truths in a rain-break, and how emotion overcame him when Becker reached No.1 in the world.Brett starts by telling us about the legendary Australian Open Davis Cup captain Harry Hopman, who was Brett's mentor.Before all of that, Catherine and David continue to argue about who will win the French Open, and reflect on Rome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 40, we feature an exclusive, in-depth, emotional interview with the long-time coach of Tim Henman - David Felgate. What was it like when Henman went from spindly 17-year-old outsider to Wimbledon semifinal Top 5 contender? How tough was it when the relationship came to an end after almost nine years? And how did Felgate deal with watching, from the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary box, as Henman so nearly reached the final of Wimbledon in 2001? All of that, and a full review of Madrid, where Rafa's good form continued, but it wasn't enough to win over Catherine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are into the fifth month of the year, and David is already nominating someone for player of the year so far - here's a clue, he's not in the Top 4. We also meet the youngest woman in the Top 100 - Donna Vekic - and talk to her coach, David Felgate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The headline story from Monte Carlo was the defeat of Rafael Nadal for the first time in the Principality for a decade, but almost as many people left talking about Grigor Dimitrov as they did Novak Djokovic. It was the 22 year old Bulgarian that pushed Nadal all the way in the quarterfinals, before Djokovic finished the job in the final. Is the Tennis Podcast's favourite player finally coming of age? We speak to him about the challenge of facing Andy Murray in Miami, his new coaching set-up, and why he plays so much doubles. We also review Monte Carlo, and try to work out how the Fed Cup works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tennis circuit moves from hard court to clay this week and we find ourselves asking a number of questions. Why is 6'9" John Isner better on clay than grass? What is the greatest clay court match you ever saw? Whose achievements are better - Tiger Woods or Roger Federer? And we interview Roger Rasheed about his new charge, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who he says can 'grab a Grand Slam' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Great Britain won a Davis Cup match from two rubbers down for the first time in 83 years, David and Catherine spend the first 13 minutes of Episode 36 trying to make sense of it all. The rest of the Davis Cup matches are covered, Serena wins another title and we interview Bethanie Mattek-Sands about clothes, career plans and the fact that David didn't think he would like her. Meanwhile, Catherine struggles to muster an enthusiasm for the talking point of the week - 'Which tennis clothes did you always want to have and why?'. Arguments ensue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The morning after the cramp-inducing classic between Andy Murray and David Ferrer in the Sony Open, David and Catherine talk over the Miami Masters tennis tournament. We also have an in-depth interview with the incredible Tommy Haas, who turns 35 this week, and to Team Robmond - Laura Robson and Lisa Raymond - who reveal that they plan to team up at Wimbledon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If there were any doubts that Rafael Nadal is back, they were banished in Indian Wells and we review his exploits in Episode 34. Miami is previewed, we speak to Sloane Stephens, and play Time Machine Tennis! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is the greatest female player of all time? Sue Barker has a strong opinion in part two of our interview with her, and it isn't Martina Navratilova. We also ask her about what it was like to interview a tearful Andy Murray on court at Wimbledon, and then ask you, our listeners, when tennis made you cry? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In December, British Davis Cup player Ross Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Last week, he announced that he is putting on 'Rally Against Cancer' - a doubles exhibition featuring Andy Murray and Tim Henman on finals day at the Aegon Championships (Queen's Club) to raise money for the hospital treating him. In this edition, we talk to Ross about the plans for Rally Against Cancer, how he is now, and the support that he has had from fans, fellow players, and in many cases, total strangers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John McEnroe turned 54 this week, he will start his 2013 ATP Champions Tour campaign in Delray Beach this week, and he is probably the most talked-about tennis player in history. In Episode 31, we talk exclusively to the man who divided opinion wherever he went, try to understand what makes him tick, and speak to Richard Evans - who wrote two books about McEnroe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1977, Britain's Sue Barker stood on the brink of reaching the Wimbledon final for the first time. She had won the French Open the previous year, beaten her semifinal opponent on each of their meetings that year, and was already thinking about a potential final against Chris Evert or Virginia Wade. And then she lost. Now the presenter of BBC Television's Wimbledon coverage, Sue talks to the Tennis Podcast about an experience from which she says she never recovered. In Episode 30, we also discuss the return of Rafael Nadal, and the rise of Horacio Zeballos, while trying to assess whether this is the start of his rise to the top, or the peak of his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rafael Nadal takes to the court for the first time in seven months, Catherine and David discuss their first ever memories of the great man, and go through those of our listeners. And, in our big interview, Andy Murray ponders his start to 2013, looks forward to the grass court season, and welcomes back Nadal himself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BBC broadcaster John Inverdale joins Catherine and David to discuss the mens' singles final and assess where it was won and lost. And, as a man who worked alongside the great Fred Perry on BBC Radio, John gives a unique insight into the last British man before Murray to win a Grand Slam singles title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded a few hours before the women's final, Catherine and David look ahead to Victoria Azarenka vs. Li Na, and Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray. They also discuss whether Azarenka deserved the hard time she received from the watching world after the semifinals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Australian Open in its second week, we speak to the great Martina Hingis, who reached the final six times in a row. Can anyone stop Serena Williams? What would she advise a player to do against Williams? And what is her opinion of some of the up-and-coming stars? Are the age rules right these days given that Hingis was the World No.1 at 16 and retired at 22? What does she think of Andy Murray, and the impact of Ivan Lendl, and would she ever like to take a similar coaching role? All questions answered.After the five-set classic between Stanislas Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic, we also ask you whether it’s time for a 5th set tie-break in the final set of all Grand Slam tournaments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second round is complete (almost), the third round line-up is just about set, and Catherine and David are here to talk it through. Inevitable arguments take place about who is looking the best out of Federer, Djokovic and Murray, Catherine puts her neck on the line with ivanovic vs. Jankovivc and Venus vs. Sharapova, and the subject of Federer's pink shoelaces is discussed. In some depth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our first Australian Open Extra, Catherine and David are joined by Sunday Times Tennis Correspondent Barry Flatman to talk through the first couple of days of action in Melbourne. Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer cruised through, Serena Williams had a scare when she twisted an ankle, and her protege Sloane Stephens and Laura Robson both continued their rise with comfortable wins. On Tuesday, the tennis world received some very sad news about the Executive Chairman and President of the ATP, Brad Drewett, who is stepping down from his role because of ill health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Australian Open Is here and David and Catherine are in Melbourne ready to go. We take a look at the draws, David tries to changes his predictions, much to Catherine's disgust, and you tell us your favourite Australian Open memories. In our big interview with the Bryan Brothers, we hear about their punch-up in the back of a car, the $5,000 guitar that got smashed in the process, and their thoughts on a combined singles and doubles ranking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ivan Lendl sits impassively in Andy Murray's corner, never smiling, rarely reacting. What is he thinking? Why did he want to coach Murray in the first place? And what was it like to be his opponent? In Episode 25, the Tennis Podcast tries to work out what makes the former World No.1 tick. We hear from Lendl, his long-time agent Jerry Solomon, the man that first introduced him to Murray - Darren Cahill, and Mats Wilander - who stood across the net from Lendl on 22 occasions. Meanwhile, after Catherine and David put their necks on the line with predictions for the season, this week's it's your turn with numerous Twitter contributions read out on the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2013 is upon us and that means a new tennis season! David and Catherine preview and predict what will happen in the new year, interview the British No.1 Heather Watson, and get the thoughts of Mats Wilander on what Watson needs to do to make it to the top without a killer shot. He thinks she can make a Grand Slam quarterfinal. Also, should Andy Murray have been given a Knighthood rather than an OBE? Some very strong opinions are aired! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final podcast of 2012 sees David and Catherine chatting for half an hour with Andrew Castle, Jeremy Bates and Thomas Enqvist - inside the locker room at the Royal Albert Hall, home of the Statoil Masters Tennis.What does Andrew Castle remember about the day he put up a sign which read 'say no to the poll tax' during a final against Bates? Who do we all think will win the Australian Open? And which player from outside the Top 4 will be the next to win a Grand Slam title? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2 of our special interview with former World No.1 Mats Wilander, he talks about the two greatest rivals of his career, why he doesn't mind upsetting people when he commentates, and what he meant when he said 'the Olympic Games are just another stamp in my passport'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one of our exclusive interview with former World No.1 Mats Wilander, Catherine asks him what it was like to be the next Swedish player after Bjorn Borg, whether he felt invincible in 1988 when he won three Grand Slam titles, and his memories of the famous Car Park Press Conference which led to the start of the ATP World Tour. We also review the Davis Cup final and reveal some special Novak Djokovic news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After topping the World Rankings for the second year in a row amidst personal problems and against some of the greatest tennis players of all time, Novak Djokovic assesses whether 2011 or 2012 was the more impressive year. David and Catherine also weigh into the debate, with differing opinions that result in a full-scale argument. We also hear from Roger Federer on his year, and review the ATP World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena. And finally, who won David and Catherine's prediction competition? Do they even know? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The draw for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the 02 Arena in London has been made, and Catherine and David are ready to battle it out for prediction supremacy. We stuck them in separate rooms, gave them the draw and got them to fill it out. Find out which Top 3 player David thinks won't even make the semifinals, and which outsider Catherine has in the final. Tell us who you think will win @TennisPodcast on Twitter and you could win a signed programme from the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirty two years may have passed since Bjorn Borg beat John McEnroe in the 1980 Wimbledon final, but the Swede still thinks about that fourth set tie-break which he lost 18-16. As he tells us in an incredibly revealing and moving interview, it was the worst moment of his entire life. Fortunately for him, 'the best moment of his life' would follow an hour later. Borg and McEnroe talk us through that incredible match, and we discuss our other favourite tie-breaks from over the years. The WTA finals are reviewed, and we wonder what method Roger Federer will eventually choose to bow out of the sport. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week when Bob and Mike Bryan finished a year ranked No.1 for a record 8th year, we pay homage to them, but ask whether they should get more recognition. What should tennis do to give doubles more media exposure and television/radio airtime? Should major changes be made to the doubles form of the game? Plenty of thoughts are offered by you, our listeners. Elsewhere, we review a cracking week on the ATP and WTA Tours, and build the perfect player with the help of Carlos Moya, Mark Philippoussis and Gaston Gaudio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.