The Tennis Podcast

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.

After three disappointments in Wimbledon finals, Goran Ivanisevic's dream finally came true in the most unlikely of ways. In the second part of our exclusive interview, Ivanisevic tells the Tennis Podcast about how he felt it was meant to be, the superstitions he stuck to, and what would have happened to him if he had not won the title. He also reveals that his son loves the game. Could there be another Ivanisevic at the top of the sport? Elsewhere, Catherine and David discuss the rise of Heather Watson, the brutal Shanghai final between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic and we pay tribute to Roger Federer's new record of 300 weeks at World No.1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one of our exclusive interview with Goran Ivanisevic, the Croatian talks about playing for his country while it was being torn apart by the Balkans War, how the weight of his wooden racquet created his now famous service action, and how he was unhappy for three years following his 1998 Wimbledon final defeat. Elsewhere, David and Catherine chat about the Shanghai Masters 1000 event, and David tries to get Catherine to reveal once and for all who she was supporting in that Ivanisevic vs. Pat Rafter Wimbledon final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an extraordinarily exciting Ryder Cup, David Law and Catherine Whitaker debate whether the Davis Cup should change formats to tap into the success of golf's biannual team competition. On the day that the Australian Open announced its prize money increase, the plight of players outside the Top 100 is discussed, and in our big interview, we talk to the Tennis Correspondent of the Times newspaper in London, Neil Harman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from Andy Murray's victory at the US Open, David and Catherine discuss the continuing rise of 18-year-old Laura Robson. David gets a bit carried away with his predictions (again) and is sobered a little by the even-handed approach of Robson's coach Zelko Krajan, whom he spoke to in New York for BBC Radio 5 Live. The interview is reproduced here on the Tennis Podcast. We also review the Davis Cup and ask if Tomas Berdych is about to 'do a Djokovic'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 76 years, Great Britain finally has a Grand Slam mens singles champion, and the Tennis Podcast reviews the heart-stopping moment that Andy Murray realised his dream. Courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live, we bring you the reaction of Murray's coach Ivan Lendl, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey. We also talk to Mats Wilander, who predicts the No.1 ranking and multiple Grand Slam titles for Murray, and Billie-Jean King about the 'best women's US Open final ever'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US Open enters week two, Lindsay Davenport, Alex Corretja and Roger Federer's coach Paul Annacone join the Tennis Podcast to assess the first week. David is asked to explain how his two main predictions are out of the tournament before the halfway stage, and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley assures everyone that there will be no boycott of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2013. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 10 we preview the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, hearing predictions from Mats Wilander and Goran Ivanisevic. They both pick the same man as our presenters, while David comes up with a comical prediction in the women's tournament. Fifteen years since the Arthur Ashe Stadium was unveiled, the Tennis Podcast pays tribute to Arthur Ashe, with words from John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, Cliff Drysdale and broadcaster/writer, Richard Evans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an interview first aired in Episode 4, Grigor Dimitrov tells the Tennis Podcast that he never set out to mimic Roger Federer. He also talks about how he used to experiment on the court just to entertain the crowds, but has now knuckled down and wants to compete for the sports' biggest prizes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gentle giant from Croatia, Marin Cilic is the special guest in Episode 9. He describes the moment he met Goran Ivanisevic for the first time, whether he feels privileged or cursed to be sharing an era with the Top 4 players, and what he would do with his perfect day off. David and Catherine also go over their non-top-4 picks for the Toronto title, and wish they had not bothered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exclusive interview with the Tennis Podcast in Episode 7, Janko Tipsarevic told us how he turned his career around, which of the Top 4 players in the world he finds most difficult to play against, and which of them he would choose to play 'for his life'. Surprisingly, it's the same player! Here you can listen to the interview as a standalone recording. For the full podcast, download Episode 7. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Olympic Tennis event has produced stories which have had The Tennis Podcast presenters, David Law and Catherine Whitaker, swooning. David wonders whether Andy Murray can use his gold medal triumph to launch a successful assault at the US Open, Catherine claims bragging rights in the prediction stakes, and the bickering continues as Toronto begins. In an exclusive interview, Cliff Drysdale tells the Tennis Podcast how the sport has changed since he reached the US Open final more than 45 years ago, and the emotions he went though when he led the players to boycott Wimbledon in 1973. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Olympic Games have arrived in London, and tennis returns to Wimbledon. David and Catherine discuss their favourite Olympic tennis memories and look at the draws for the 2012 event. In an exclusive interview, World No.8 Janko Tipsarevic talks about the Davis Cup triumph which propelled him into the Top Ten, which of the Top 4 players he would like to play 'for his life', and what he wants to do after retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded an hour after the men's singles final at Wimbledon, David and Catherine review Roger Federer's achievement in winning a 17th Grand Slam tournament and returning to No.1. They talk about Andy Murray, speculate about if and when he will win one, and pay tribute to Serena Williams. The Tennis Podcast also features an exclusive interview with Pat Cash, who won the Wimbledon title 25 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the first week of Wimbledon complete, David and Catherine get together to review the most stunning upset the tournament has ever known, analyse the form of the remaining contenders, and come up with their predictions for week two. Catherine plumps for two new champions, David sticks to his guns, and then there's the our in-depth, exclusive interview. In Episode 5, it is with Mark Philippoussis, who tells us about his mindset going into that fateful match against Pete Sampras at the Australian Open, his hope to have children, and why he disagrees with Marat Safin about the merits of Andy Murray employing Ivan Lendl as his coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Wimbledon preview, including a dissection of Andy Murray's awful draw, more predictions (will David ever learn?, plus an exclusive interview with the man known as 'Baby Fed' - Grigor Dimitrov. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Michael Chang think when his coach told him that fourth round run would be a good result in the 1989 French Open? How did he cope with being the youngest-ever French Open champion? And who does he think is the most talented player in history? Find out in an exclusive, in-depth interview in Episode 3 of The Tennis Podcast. Meanwhile, with the clay court season reaching its climax and the grass court season about to begin, David Law and Catherine Whitaker ponder whether Novak Djokovic can complete the most extraordinary tennis comeback in history to hold all four Slams at the same time. All this is brought to you from inside The Queen's Club, home of the AEGON Championships, and it all gets a bit much for David. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an embarassing Frech Open prediction, David holds his hands up in Episode 2, Catherine tries not to gloat and they talk Grand Slam upsets. Later, Gaston Gaudio tells The Tennis Podcast what John McEnroe's last words of advice were before the 2004 French Open final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented by tennis commentator David Law, the first episode of The Tennis Podcast features an exclusive, in-depth interview with former World No.1 Carlos Moya, predictions for the French Open, and a number of disagreements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.