Tennis Weekly

Passing Shot Productions

Brought together by their unified passion for tennis and ability to not take each other too seriously, Joel, Kim & Chris are here every Monday to give their verdict on the biggest stories from everyone’s favourite fuzzy yellow ball sport.

From the sublime to the ridiculous (with the odd bit of trivia thrown in), Tennis Weekly serves an all-court mix of ATP/WTA tour catch-ups, Grand Slam round-by-round coverage and special guests in conversation, to be your definitive tennis companion for the 2026 season.

So whether you’re a casual baller or a full time diehard, it’s time to pick up your headphones and have a listen to our racket. Ready? Play!

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642 episodes
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May 26, 2025 · 26 min
The 'Big Four' reunite for Nadal farewell, Swiatek takes on press, Tommy's truck update
What an emotional first day at Roland Garros as Rafael Nadal said goodbye to the tournament he won 14 times with the help of the Big Four, as Djokovic, Federer and Murray helped honour one of the greatest of all time and there were tears. Elsewhere at the French Open Iga Swiatek clapped back on media day and proclaimed 'I'm sorry you are not lifted' and tommy told Chris and Alina about his truck being repossessed but now it is back in safe hands where it belongs. Jannik Sinner gave an update on his relationship status and love of Copenhagen and Alex de Minaur proclaimed Katie Boulter to be the clay court specialist of the relationship. Don’t miss the recap of Roland Garros first day from the duo in Paris as they give you the off court scoop you didn't know you needed to know! PROPERTY HUB INVEST If you’re serious about property, head to https://propertyhub.net/start to take your first step. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
French Open Preview - Alcaraz the man to beat, Swiatek's crown under threat in Paris
Roland Garros is here! The French Open has officially landed and the singles draws are out. Join Joel, Kim, and Chris as they dive into the next two weeks in Paris—with plenty of plot twists already in the brackets. On the men’s side, top seeds Sinner and Alcaraz face tricky paths, while Novak Djokovic seems to have lucked out with a smoother draw (hello, Zverev’s quarter). Can Jack Draper bounce back from last year’s early exit? On the women’s side, defending champ Iga Swiatek has her hands full in a stacked section featuring Ostapenko, Rybakina, Svitolina, and finalist Paolini. Sabalenka’s on the hunt for her first French Open title—if she can get past Qinwen Zheng again. Plus, the team reveals this year’s Roland Garros Collect A Set player picks, quarter-by-quarter predictions, and their very BOLD calls for the tournament - we’d love to hear yours too! And don’t miss Chris’s behind-the-scenes scoop from Paris with Producer Alina, fresh from a draw ceremony full of champagne and strawberries and cream tarts (Wimbledon, is that you?!). PROPERTY HUB INVEST If you’re serious about property, head to https://propertyhub.net/start to take your first step. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Alcaraz stops Sinner as rivalry reignites Rome, Paolini powers to history, Djokovic/Murray split
It’s a milestone moment at Tennis Weekly HQ as we celebrate our 500th episode! Join us for a special edition with Joel, Kim and Chris on hand to look back on all the events from Week 2 at the Italian Open plus look ahead to the French Open. In Rome, the electric rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz reignited once again, with Carlitos emerging victorious to stop the Italian's 26 match winning streak. Jasmine Paolini thrilled the home crowd by doing the singles and doubles double while Coco Gauff came up just short again in another clay final and Sabalenka suffered a straight sets surprise to Qinwen Zheng. Off the court, Novak Djokovic made headlines by ending his coaching partnership with Andy Murray after just six months, and the Laver Cup revealed fresh names for 2025, including Holger Rune and João Fonseca who are set to make their debut in San Francisco. The gang also reflect on some of their favourite moments of the podcast as they hit 500 (Venus Williams! Timea Bacsinszky! Joel at Glastonbury!) and reveal the winners of the Rafael Nadal 'The Warrior' book competition. With 500 events also underway in Strasbourg and Hamburg, Joel ponders whether this is one of the best weeks on the tour to pick up some big and easy ranking points if you are an out of form player (ahem, Andrey Rublev). Thanks for joining us for 500 episodes—we couldn’t have done it without you! Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15, 2025 · 58 min
Book Club - ‘Rafael Nadal The Warrior’ - grit, glory and 14 French Opens with Chris Clarey
Paris... Roland Garros... French Open... with the second Grand Slam of the season just around the corner, we bring you a special episode from Tennis Weekly HQ where we talk Spanish legend Rafael Nadal with renowned tennis journalist and author Christopher Clarey who gives us an honest and insightful portrayal of the King of Clay in his latest book: The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay. With Joel and Kim, Chris takes us behind the scenes of Rafa's relentless rise to dominance on clay, the psyche that defines his greatness, where the biggest impact Uncle Toni made on his game, what he feels were his sweetest triumphs at the French Open in Paris and much more. We also discuss the legacy he has built off of the red dirt at Wimbledon and whether the Roger Federer rivalry could happen one more time on the court. Whether you're a lifelong Nadal fan or simply fascinated by greatness (or should that be GOATness?), join us for the story of Rafael Nadal like never before told as we reflect on one of the sport's most iconic champions. BUY THE BOOK 'THE WARRIOR: RAFAEL NADAL AND HIS KINGDOM OF CLAY' Buy on AMAZON Buy on AUDIBLE Buy on WATERSTONES (UK) Buy on WORLD OF BOOKS Grab your copy now! Follow Chris on Substack https://christopherclarey.substack.com/ SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Rome - Sinner returns to spotlight, Alcaraz back in the groove but Swiatek slips again
We're halfway through the Italian Open in Rome, and there’s been no shortage of drama in the final clay Masters event in the build up to the French Open in Paris. Joel and Chris are on hand at Tennis Weekly HQ to talk all about the return of the World Number 1 Jannik Sinner from suspension including the player and fan reaction. Carlos Alcaraz is also back, if a little under the radar after missing Madrid, but has got the pair pondering could we be in for another Sinner-Alcaraz ding dong? And if not, when? On the WTA side, It’s been another bumpy ride though on the clay for Iga Swiatek who suffered a early loss to Danielle Collins which put the chance of defending her Roland Garros title further into doubt whilst Coco Gauff proved why she could be the biggest threat to Aryna Sabalenka in Paris with a classy win over Emma Raducanu to make the quarterfinals. Outside of Rome, Novak Djokovic grabbed headlines with a wildcard entry into Geneva whilst his PTPA player union scored a legal win over the ATP. Plus, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals draw in Shenzhen is out as Great Britain were handed Japan - but who will be the British Number 1 leading the charge when September rolls around? We also break down what we’re looking forward as Week 2 in Rome gets underway and Joel is in the hot seat with nowhere to run in a solo edition of Par for The Courts. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Sinner's back! Rome awaits as Sabalenka and Ruud rule Madrid, Draper shows Paris promise
So, SO close… this week at Tennis Weekly HQ, we unpack all the drama from a thrilling Week 2 at the Madrid Open! Jack Draper came agonizingly close to a second Masters title, but it was Casper Ruud who claimed the biggest win of his career in a gripping three-set final. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance with a statement victory over Coco Gauff—could this be her year in Paris at the French Open? We also dive into Iga Swiatek’s struggles after a tough loss to Gauff, who now has won their last 3 encounters without dropping a set. With whispers of Swiatek potentially skipping Wimbledon and the grass court season entirely, we ask: what’s going on with the world No. 1, and is it time for a team shake-up? Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka picked up her first title in four years at a WTA 125 event which got the gang thinking in the Mailbag—which other big names should consider dropping down to rebuild confidence? Plus, we react to the latest doping-related suspension, this time involving Australia’s Max Purcell. Looking ahead, we preview the Italian Open in Rome, with Jannik Sinner after his suspension and Carlos Alcaraz returning to action while Novak Djokovic opts to sit this one out. The draws are in, the predictions are bold (and occasionally unhinged), and fan-favourite quiz segment Par for the Courts is back! Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 28, 2025 · 1 hr
Madrid - Djokovic doubts grow, Gauff swagger returns in blackout + Alcaraz on Netflix verdict
A dramatic Monday in Madrid as a power outage across Spain and Portugal cancelled play for the day at the Madrid Open. Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they look back on all the events of the first week where Novak Djokovic lost for the third time in a row leaving us to question (for the umpteenth time) whether he is a serious prospect for another Grand Slam title with the French Open looming. It was also a similar story for defending champion Andrey Rublev who left Madrid with a 1-4 Masters record this year, falling out of the Top 15 for the first time since 2020. It was not all doom and gloom though as Maria Sakkari returned to form of old with a demolition job over Jasmine Paolini whilst Coco Gauff put Sunshine Swing disappointment behind her to set up a tantalising quarterfinal against teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva. The Brits also enjoyed a solid first week with Draper, Fearnley, Norrie all into R3 and Katie Boulter winning her first clay match on the WTA Tour. Emma Raducanu also revealed there is an 'informal agreement' in place with Mark Petchey on her team. And though Carlos Alcaraz wasn't in Madrid due to injury, his new docuseries Carlos Alcaraz: My Way launched on Netflix with the gang discussing what they learned about Carlitos (other than his mum being a really good cook). Joel's Game also makes a return and we question what should be done about Electronic Line Calling in this week's Mailbag as Alexander Zverev follows Aryna Sabalenka and take a photo of a dubious mark on the tennis court during his match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 21, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Ostapenko wows Stuttgart, Rune rules Barca, Serena on Sinner + Madrid preview
Penko Power returns! It’s been a week for upsets on the ATP and WTA Tours this week as Jelena Ostapenko and Holger Rune were the big winners in Stuttgart and Barcelona. The Latvian gave us a reminder of all her talents with wins over Sabalenka and Swiatek whilst Rune put Carlos Alcaraz to the sword and returns to the Top 10. Alexander Zverev also rediscovered form in Munich despite hecklers from the crowds over ongoing domestic abuse allegations whilst Elina Svitolina won out in Rouen. It wasn’t just all about the champions though this week, as Harrriet Dart was in the news for telling her opponent she needed some deodorant (bizarre!), there were wild celebrations from new kid on the ATP block Dedura-Palomero over a retirement win against Shapovalov and the coaching circus continues with Maria Sakkari getting back together with former coach Tom Hill. Off the court, Serena Williams had her say on the Jannik Sinner ban and brought Maria Sharapova into the debate whilst the French Open organisers announced there would be a special ceremony for Rafael Nadal at this year’s Roland Garros. The gang also preview the upcoming Madrid Masters as we go back to the two week format (eurgh!) and give their champion predictions. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 14, 2025 · 59 min
Alcaraz finds form in Monte-Carlo, Raducanu mulls ex-Murray coach, Federer teases return
Monte Carlo(s) Masters! Chris is back from Mallorca to join Joel and Kim to reflect on the past week in tennis, which saw Carlos Alcaraz claim his maiden Monte Carlo Masters Title on the ATP Tour against Italian Lorenzo Musetti. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic had a horrible week on the French Riviera with early defeat to his clay nemesis Alejandro Tabilo as did Grigor Dimitrov who suffered a double bagel loss at the hands of Alex de Minaur and his short shorts. Whilst it was an off week for many of the top players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka on the WTA Tour, an Emma Raducanu-less Great Britain side made their way through to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen joining the likes of USA, Spain and defending champions Italy. The trio also discuss the latest coaching changes, as former World number 1 Dinara Safina joins Diana Schnaider’s team, Emma Raducanu considers Mark Petchey as her latest coaching option and there's rumour of Goran Ivanesevic joining the Stefanos Tsitsipas camp. There is also news that a certain Mr. Roger Federer is itching for a return to an exhibition tennis court which has got Joel wildly excited at the prospect of a Battle of the Surfaces 2 event against Rafael Nadal (one can dream right?). They also test their knowledge of recent WTA 1000 winners, make some daring clay court predictions and preview Stuttgart, Munich and Barcelona all taking place this week. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 7, 2025 · 59 min
Clay kick off! Sinner speaks on ban, Pegula bounces back, Top 20 push Slam pay rise
Clay season is upon us! Rejoice in the red (and green) dirt with Joel and Kim as they check in on the first week of action as part of the European / American Clay swing in the build up to the French Open at Roland Garros. It was an eventful seven days on the ATP and WTA Tours as Jessica Pegula clinched her first ever clay court title out in Charleston to put the disappointment of a final loss in Miami to Sabalenka behind her, whilst fellow American Jenson Brooksby fought his way to his maiden tour title in Houston as a qualifier wildcard saving multiple match points along the way! Italians Flavio Cobolli and Luciano Darderi also reversed their fortunes and won ATP 250 titles, whilst Camila Osorio defended her Bogota title on home turf at an event Joel questions whether should even exist in the first place. The duo also discuss the use of electronic line calling with Hawkeye on clay courts, upcoming development changes to Henman Hill for the 2027 Championships at Wimbledon, and recent calls for increased Grand Slam prize money from the ATP/WTA Top 20 players. Joel also teases Kim’s knowledge again on singular Masters winners, and they reflect on Jannik Sinner’s recent comments with Sky Italia about his ongoing ban from the Tour. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 31, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Miami Open - Mensik denies Djokovic's 100th title, Sabalenka strolls + Rublev-Safin team up
Sabalenka wins Miami as the Sunshine Swing ends with a downpour for Novak Djokovic as he lost out to 19 year old Jakob Mensik in straight sets. The title was Sabalenka’s first since that heartbreaking loss in the final of the Australian Open to Madison Keys and with it she cements her place a the top of the world rankings by opening up a 3000 point lead over No.2 Iga Swiatek. Swiatek went out to WC Alexandra Eala in another early shock loss for the former World No.1 and Joel, Kim and Chris question is it time for her to switch up her coach after not winning a title since Roland Garros last year? Elsewhere Djokovic declared his Miami form to be the best he had played since the Olympics where he won the gold medal, it wasn’t enough for him to win the title in Miami but it did prove that the Murray partnership is on an upward trajectory. There is a 2010s themed mailbag that puts Kim and Chris to the test and Joel talks his anguish when Tim Henman used to face off against Andy Murray in a ‘favourite vs favourite’ mailbag! They also preview the return to clay as Charleston gets under way and a number of 250s on the ATP Tour before the Monte Carlo Masters begins the clay court season proper next week. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 24, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Miami Open - Raducanu rises, Alcaraz slumps, Djokovic finds form as lawsuit looms large
Joel, Kim and Chris are back to catch up at the halfway point of the Miami Open, which has seen Indian Wells Champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva bow out early, and Carlos Alcaraz enduring a surprise loss to a perennial David Goffin. Meanwhile, Britain’s Emma Raducanu earnt her first Top 10 win of the year and has made it through to the quarter-finals of a W1000 event for the first time in a upturn of her fortunes, whilst Novak Djokovic breaks his Lucky Loser curse to continue through the draw. The trio also dissect the fallout from the latest news that the PTPA have filed a 163 page lawsuit to tennis’s governing bodies, a move that PTPA co-founder Novak Djokovic has himself not got behind. They also reflect on some of the sport’s most unusual or one-sided H2Hs (in honour of Goffin’s over Alcaraz) and Joel tests Kim and Chris’s Miami Open knowledge with a timely Par for The Courts: Back and Forth edition. Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit Roland-Garros 2025 | French Tennis Grand Slam | STH Group SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 17, 2025 · 58 min
Indian Wells - Dream Draper & Andreeva soar to new heights in desert, Miami Open preview
JACK DRAPER! Need we say more. Ok if we must… We’re halfway into the Sunshine Swing and it’s been a very memorable couple of weeks for two individuals out in the desert of Palm Springs at Indian Wells. Join Joel, Kim and Chris as they get giddy with excitement over how the Brit secured the biggest title of his career to date whilst moving into the Top 10 rankings for the first time, in help thanks to a semifinal win over Carlos Alcaraz. The trio also ponder whether he is a genuine Major contender, could it happen at Wimbledon and is an ATP Tour Finals appearance on the cards. And it was just as blockbuster in the women’s event as Mirra Andreeva kept up her hot streak with back-to-back W1000 titles by getting the better of World Number 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final. The gang discuss just where the seventeen (!) year old sensation could go next and whether a No. 1 ranking is possible this season. They also look at what’s going on with Iga Swiatek as she let frustration spill out onto court with a ball bash towards a ball boy that left her without reaching a tour level final for ten months and counting. We also look ahead to the Miami Open with mens and womens draw previews, the usual spicy predictions and discuss Rafael Nadal’s sit down chat with Andy Roddick and decide for ourselves just what was Rafa’s second best surface. He thinks grass - we’re not so sure. Mysterious Player also returns with Joel hoping Kim doesn’t get it in such a quick time… Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit Roland-Garros 2025 | French Tennis Grand Slam | STH Group SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2025 · 53 min
Indian Wells - Djokovic drought continues, Alcaraz builds buzz and Swiatek 3-Peat is ON
The Sunshine Swing is here and whilst it’s been relatively plain sailing for the top ranked women on the WTA Tour, it has been anything but for the men out in the desert. Join Joel and Chris for a midway catch-up as they discuss *another* lucky loser loss for Novak Djokovic out in Palm Springs, this time to Botic van de Zandschulp. It was also a tournament to forget for top seed Alexander Zverev whose hopes of becoming World Number 1 took another dent with Jannik Sinner still firmly in the driving seat. There was also a worrying setback for Nick Kyrgios as retirement rumours spread and Carlos Alcaraz got a big buzz from bumblebee fans in the crowd. On the women’s side, we wonder if this is two-time champ Iga Swiatek’s title to lose and who could potentially stop her with Sabalenka, Gauff and Rybakina all progressing. Madison Keys also returned for her first event back after becoming Australian Open champion and there was Great British success for lucky loser Sonay Kartal who was ready to pack her bags after a qualies defeat… but is now gearing up to face Aryna Sabalenka for a spot in the quarter-finals. We also discuss the WTA’s new maternity cover policy and the involvement of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund plus we might have just the quickest Par For The Courts in Tennis Weekly history! Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit Roland-Garros 2025 | French Tennis Grand Slam | STH Group SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 3, 2025 · 56 min
Tsitsipas back in Top 10, Navarro's 60 60 final, Laureus snub for Sinner + Indian Wells preview
The Sunshine Swing is almost here as the ATP and WTA Tours gear up for the one-two hit of Indian Wells and the Miami Open. In the final week of build up events to Tennis Paradise out in Palm Springs, Stefanos Tsitsipas (with his mystery racket in tow) captured his first ever 500 title in Dubai to re-enter the ATP Top 10 whilst Emma Navarro dished out a very rare sighting - a 60 60 double bagel in a WTA Final at the Merida Open. There were also wins for Tomas Machac, Laslo Djere and Jessica Pegula who got a new tennis fan in the form of Oscar winner and Hollywood A-Lister Matthew McConaughey watching on from the cheap seats in Austin. We also had a look to see what Jannik Sinner has been up to whilst serving his doping ban (clue - it involves fashion shows and ski trips) plus react to the news his Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award nomination has been withdrawn and seemingly replaced by his rival Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere, we preview what’s ahead in Indian Wells and question whether this might just be the most open Masters event yet of the season with both the top women and men still searching for their very best form. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 24, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
How TW was first to find out Venus said no to wild card + Djokovic on Sinner "favouritism"
Tennis Weekly had an EXCLUSIVE scoop this week as we broke the story that tennis legend Venus Williams was NOT accepting the highly publicised wild card to Indian Wells after Chris and producer Alina attended an in person event with Venus in Denmark! Not only did the news story and Tennis Weekly catch the attention of tennis media WORLDWIDE but it also caught the attention of BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director Tommy Haas who after viewing our Instagram Story put out a statement to say he had been "informed" Venus wasn't accepting the wildcard. Interesting... In other news It was also another blockbuster week on the ATP and WTA Tours come to an end with Joel, Kim and Chris on hand to dissect it all at Tennis Weekly HQ. Mirra Andreeva came of age in Dubai with a string of sterling performances to crack the Top 10 for the first time. Andrey Rublev also rediscovered his mojo in Doha with his first 500 title since 2022 whilst Jack Draper also made the final on return from injury. Sebastien Baez defended his title in a raucous Rio where there were epic doubles scenes as Matos and Melo became the first Brazilian champions of the event infront of a packed home crowd (who said doubles was dead??). Off court, the fallout continues for both Jannik Sinner and Elena Rybakina. Novak Djokovic had his say on the Italian's doping ban and said 'favouritism' was at play whilst WADA said it was 'a million miles away from doping'. And the gang talk about the issue of safeguarding as Emma Raducanu was put into an uncomfortable situation in Dubai where she had to ask for a stalker to be removed during her match against Karolina Muchova. Elsewhere, Mysterious Player makes a long awaited return as Kim and Chris work together to reveal the tennis player past or present. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2025 · 52 min
Sinner's well timed ban, Fonseca lives up to hype and US Open gets Mixed makeover
A blockbuster week on the ATP and WTA Tours concludes with the tennis world still reeling from World No. 1 Jannik Sinner’s three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency. Joel, Kim, and Chris break down the latest developments, the timing of the announcement, and the potential ramifications for the sport. On the court, Amanda Anisimova claimed the biggest title of her career at the W1000 event in Dubai, while teenage sensation Joao Fonseca continued his meteoric rise by capturing the title in Buenos Aires. The team also explores why Jelena Ostapenko remains Iga Swiatek’s kryptonite, the ongoing drama surrounding Elena Rybakina and her suspended coach Stefano Vukov, and the swift return of Novak Djokovic to the tour in Doha—where he’s set to play both singles and doubles alongside a retiring Fernando Verdasco (who, admittedly, we didn’t realize hadn’t retired yet!). Plus, the US Open shakes up the mixed doubles event with a drastic overhaul that has divided the tennis community, and Joel’s game returns with a Canada-themed edition. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 15, 2025 · 28 min
Jannik Sinner handed 3 month doping ban by WADA, back in time for Rome and French Open...
In a BREAKING NEWS edition of Tennis Weekly we cover the the latest in the Jannik Sinner doping affair after it was announced that Jannik Sinner has accepted a 3 month ban from WADA for testing positive for colostabol last year. The ban is effective from 9th February meaning he will miss the Sunshine Double but return in time for the French Open and Wimbledon as well as a warm up tournament at home in Rome. The case was set to go to trial on 16th and 17th of April and WADA were pushing for a 1-2 year ban finding Sinner was not at 'no fault or negligence' that his experienced team could have avoided Jannik Sinner being 'contaminated' with colostabol, a steroid, that led to two positive tests last year. Sinner was suspended for a matter of hours and days when both tests came to light and successfully appealed both decisions allowing to complete a full season and win two more Grand Slam titles. Joel and Chris discuss how the case was handled, why the change of heart for WADA as well as why it is possible for players to negotiate a ban that is so favourable to them that causes minimal disruption to their schedule and ranking. Does tennis have a serious transparency issue when it comes to doping? Let us know what you think of the resolution of this case! SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2025 · 50 min
Alcaraz seals first indoor title, Halep calls time on career and Serena's Super Bowl Moment
Tennis meets Super Bowl! It's been another memorable week on and off the tennis circuit as hot off the press Serena Williams graced all our TV screens crip walking (!) to Kendrik Lamar at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Back on the tour, Carlos Alcaraz caught a cold as well as his first ever indoor hard court title with a win in Rotterdam to equal Rafael Nadal, and Belinda Bencic enjoying another successful week in Abu Dhabi, this time as a Mother, to win her 9th career title in just her fourth event back from maternity leave. Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov stormed to the Dallas Open title, defeating 3 Top 10 players en route and reminding us all of his immense talents, whilst Anastasia Potapova clinched the Translyvania Open, an event at which we saw one of the most successful WTA players of the 2010s, Simona Halep, retire. Chris also tests Kim and Joel’s knowledge of indoor Champions with a new Par for The Courts, and they discuss all the recent tennis x Super Bowl madness on Super Bowl Sunday with the aforementioned Serena Williams popping up plus a Roger Federer TV ad spot with 'Elmo' from Sesame Street. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2025 · 48 min
Fight! Davis Cup dust-ups as GB out, WTA spoil Keys return and what next for Novak Djokovic?
TENNIS WEEKLY CROWDFUND: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tennis-weekly Tennis Weekly 2025 Crowdfund is now open! Your support keeps us going no matter how large or small is hugely appreciated, from listening to donating we couldn’t be more thankful to our audience! Now that the Australian Open is over it’s back to the tour and this week the main focus is the dramatic Davis Cup Qualifiers 1st Round which saw upset and drama pan out across the globe. The main focus was one particular incident between Belgium and Chile that quite literally left Christian Garin floored when Zizou Bergs charged at him and collided at a change of ends. On the ATP tour it was Felix Auger-Aliassime who came out on top after choosing to play the Open Occitanie instead of Davis Cup just for Canada. He won his 7th title in Montpelier and has now almost reversed his 0-8 record in finals and has gone 7-2 since 2022. Elsewhere on the WTA tour there was a maiden 500 victory for Ekaterina Alexandrova who defeated former Australian Open semi-finalist Dayana Yastremska in a hard fought final. Alexandrova even bageled Karolina Muchova on her way to the title. Joel and Chris also answer a mailbag involving Australian Open winner Madison Keys being removed from the entry list of the Austin Open due to a technicality and whether the WTA should be doing more to build the profile of 250s rather than just removing their star players that would mean bums on seats and money in the bank for the smaller tournaments. SOCIALS Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com. MERCH Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do! REVIEWS ***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.