The Tennis Podcast

It was the match everyone wanted to see. But in the end, it didn't happen.Catherine and David come together on The Tennis Podcast to discuss a day of immense frustration at Roland Garros after Serena Williams was forced to withdraw before taking to the court against Maria Sharapova due to a right pectoral injury.Were there warning signs from Serena’s doubles match yesterday? Should Serena have even played doubles? And when was the last time the tennis world was so disappointed because a match didn’t happen?Fortunately, there was some tennis to talk about elsewhere as the quarter-final line-ups were confirmed. World No.1 Simona Halep was in blistering form against Elise Mertens and Angelique Kerber breezed past Caroline Garcia. Those two will meet in a mouth-watering last eight clash.On the men’s side, Rafael Nadal pulverised Maximilian Marterer, whose pre-match chat with Catherine helped him to a flying 2-love start, and then it was all downhill. Marin Cilic just about outlasted Fabio Fognini in 5, and Diego

Cancel your plans, Serena vs Sharapova is happening. After days of speculation, Catherine and David are giddy with excitement on the latest Tennis Podcast. But will the match live up to expectations? To preview a showdown of such magnitude, Catherine speaks to the perfect guest – esteemed New York Times writer Christopher Clarey. He’s the man who first described this match-up as an ‘un-rivalry’, but does he think Sharapova is primed to score her first victory against Serena since 2004? Clarey also gives his take on why Serena has historically had such a hold over Sharapova, debates who has more of a point to prove and explains why Serena vs. Sharapova matches still have such a fierce edge, despite the lopsided head-to-head. Elsewhere, for the third time this week, Catherine and David find themselves discussing a 5-set victory for Sascha Zverev. Is this shaping up to be a coming of age tournament for the German? Or might his exertions so far be his downfall against Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals? There’s

Kyle Edmund is out of the French Open. His five-set loss to Fabio Fognini brought an end to the British challenge at Roland Garros for another year. David and Catherine assemble on The Tennis Podcast to talk about it.Edmund vs. Fognini had looked thrilling on paper, but it ultimately failed to catch fire. Why was it such an ordeal? Why was Edmund unable to nullify the Fognini threat? And how much of a missed opportunity was this for the British No.1?Meanwhile, there was a familiar feeling on Court Philippe Chatrier as Rafael Nadal swept aside Richard Gasquet for the sixteenth time. Catherine bemoans Gasquet’s lack of belief and ponders why most players are so reluctant to do something completely different to try and perturb Nadal.The predictability of that contest sparked debate over the scheduling logic, particularly because the women’s No.1 Simona Halep was shunned to Court 18. Would that ever happen to a men’s No.1? Catherine and David have their say.Elsewhere, there’s no doubt that the women’s draw i

David and Catherine are back together on The Tennis Podcast to discuss yet another intriguing day at Roland Garros.The biggest story is the defeat of Elina Svitolina. The No.4 seed was among the favourites for the title, but once again she failed to transfer her fantastic tour form to a Grand Slam. Why does this keep happening?Svitolina was beaten by the unheralded Mihaela Buzărnescu of Romania whose remarkable ranking rise – from outside the Top-400 to inside the Top-40 in the space of twelve months – is lauded.Much like Svitolina, Sascha Zverev has also struggled to play his best at Grand Slams. After coming through a 5-setter against Dusan Lajovic in round two, the German was pushed to the brink and forced to save a match point on Friday against Damir Džumhur.Does it bode well for Zverev that he’s coming through these physical tests? Or does he need to be winning these matches more convincingly? David and Catherine give their thoughts.Novak Djokovic was also a winner on Day 6, beating Roberto Bautista-Agut

Serena Williams stole the show on Day 5 at Roland Garros, roaring back to defeat Ashleigh Barty in a vintage display. Shortly afterwards, The Telegraph’s Charlie Eccleshare joined David Law on The Tennis Podcast to reflect on the drama.Trailing by a set and a break, Serena looked out of sorts. But then she started playing like the Serena we all know so well, summoning her ferocious intensity and imposing her aura to turn the match around. Just how well did she play in those last two sets?Whisper it quietly, but Serena and Sharapova are on a collision course. David and Charlie are salivating at the prospect. Will it happen?Elsewhere, it was a day of mixed success for the Brits. Heather Watson fell in the second round for the sixth time, Norrie gave a very good account of himself against Lucas Pouille, and Kyle Edmund took the scenic route in beating Marton Fucsovics in a rather strange contest. Those matches are discussed in depth.What is it that makes Norrie such a nuisance for opponents? And how will Edmund

It was an action-packed Wednesday at Roland Garros, with thrilling matches everywhere you looked. On the Tennis Podcast, David and Catherine begin by assessing the comeback victories of Sascha Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov and Kei Nishikori. In particular, was Zverev’s win today a significant step in his bid to end his Grand Slam curse? David thinks it might be. And Catherine explains how Zverev has been showing off his lighter side while speaking to the media.Elsewhere, what caused Jared Donaldson to hit an underarm serve against Dimitrov? And what on earth is going on with Benoit Paire’s hair-beard combo?Novak Djokovic’s victory is also discussed. The Serb is the only player in the bottom half of the men’s draw not to drop a set, but how well is he actually playing?Meanwhile, David has predicted Simona Halep to win her first Grand Slam this fortnight. No wonder he was panicking when she lost the opening set against Alison Riske. Predictions disaster was averted, however, when Halep recovered to win in three. Is t

The story on everyone’s lips on Day 3 at Roland Garros was the return of Serena Williams. The American beat Kristyna Pliskova 7-6, 6-4 to win her first Grand Slam match since giving birth. Catherine is joined by Simon Briggs, tennis correspondent for The Telegraph, to talk all about it. How well did Serena play? How will she cope with the tactical nous of Ashleigh Barty in the next round? And what was the story behind the catsuit she wore on court?Speaking of fashion, Simon thinks Kyle Edmund’s latest outfit might be inspired by Liquorice Allsorts. There’s plenty of chat about that, as well as Edmund’s tennis, which was mightily impressive. Tougher tests await the in-form Brit.Rafael Nadal was also a winner on Day 3 after overcoming the stern challenge posed by Simone Bolelli in their rain-interrupted match. How convincing was the 10-time champion? And has the cavalier Italian provided the blueprint for threatening Nadal?There’s also condemnation of Jack Sock’s behaviour. The American caused a stir durin

Despite some late drama, the Sunday start at Roland Garros had felt a little flat. Fortunately, that all changed on day two and there was plenty for David (at a wildlife centre) and Catherine (at the tennis) to talk about.While a number of big names may have taken to the court, it was the World No.190 Marco Trungelliti who stole the headlines. The lucky loser’s 9-hour road trip from Barcelona, which caught the imagination of everyone at Roland Garros, got the Hollywood finale it deserved as he defeated Bernard Tomic to reach the second round. Catherine and David delight in the sheer romance of the story.It was also a successful day from a British perspective as Cameron Norrie and Heather Watson won convincingly. Both players are talking with real confidence. How might they fare in the next round?Elsewhere, there were wins for Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic. Who impressed most?But there was no such luck for Wawrinka. His ranking will drop alarmingly after a first round loss

As The Tennis Podcast turned six-years-old, Catherine & David celebrated by discussing the opening day of action at Roland Garros.But there was no cause for Johanna Konta to celebrate. The British No.1 lost in the first round at the French Open for the fourth consecutive year, beaten by Yulia Putintseva. Catherine gives us the lowdown on the talking points from Konta’s post-match press conference, which at one stage turned a little more feisty than usual. With these disappointing losses beginning to stack up for Konta, how concerned should we all be about her form?Elsewhere, there was a big shock as defending champion Jelena Ostapenko lost in straight sets to Kateryna Kozlova.Those upsets brought some much-needed drama to an opening day which felt underwhelming at times, and left Catherine & David debating the pros and cons of a Sunday start.There’s also a brief chat about Monday’s play, when a number of the big names will get their campaigns underway. Plus, David reveals how lucky loser Marco Trungel

As the French Open prepares to get underway at Roland Garros in Paris, Catherine Whitaker sits courtside as Serena Williams goes through her preparation for the year’s second Grand Slam tournament.What did Simona Halep and Jelena Ostapenko have to say ahead of Roland Garros? Catherine has been talking to them.Who is scheduled to meet Rafael Nadal as he tries to win his 11th French Open title? Catherine and David look at his likely route.And what on earth is Dominic Thiem doing playing and winning the Lyon tournament the day before a Grand Slam tournament gets underway? Is he not going to have worn himself out? Or does he know something we don’t?There’s talk of Kyle Edmund, Jo Konta, and a resurgent James Ward, who has reached the final in the Loughborough challenger tournament.There will daily editions of The Tennis Podcast throughout the French Open, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).  See acast.com/privacy fo

Just moments after Rafael Nadal was crowned Champion in Rome for the eighth time, Catherine & David bask in the London sunshine to discuss the King of Clay's rain-assisted victory over Sascha Zverev, and the extraordinary performance of Elina Svitolina earlier in the day to dismantle an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. Other Rome talking points are also in the spotlight, including Karolina Pliskova's uncharacteristic outburst of on-court anger, and the WTA's decision not to disclose her punishment. Plus we ask for the thousandth time this year... Is Djokovic finally back?And with the main French Open warm-up events now done and dusted, David & Catherine examine the runners and riders for the second Grand Slam of the year - how likely is Jelena Ostapenko to repeat her heroics of 2017? And can Zverev really be considered second favourite for a maiden Grand Slam title?Oh, and of course there is mention of the Royal Wedding and a certain GOAT's attendance...The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the y

Sheltering just metres from Craven Cottage and an army of angry Derby County football fans, David & Catherine digest the extraordinary and contrasting title wins in Madrid for Alex Zverev and Petra Kvitova. Who of the two will go further at Roland Garros? And why did David not think to ask that question as a poll vault?Plus there's analysis of Nadal's (not so) shock defeat to Dominic Thiem, and chat about the (not quite) biggest win of Kyle Edmund's career over Novak Djokovic. And speaking of Djokovic.. Mary Carillo gives her astoundingly excellent thoughts about what's going on with him and why, all via the medium of Whatsapp.All that as well as a Serena Williams comeback update, pronunciation corner, and a rare mention for Tom Okker. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments, in association with Telegraph Sport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).   See acast.com/privacy fo

After a week when the Munich, Estoril and Prague titles were all won by home favourites, attention now turns to Madrid, which is a veritable who’s who of the best, healthy tennis players in the world. Catherine Whitaker, sitting in a car park, and David Law in a window-less room, go through a draw that has thrown up some corkers. The wins of Alexander Zverev in Munich, Petra Kvitova in Prague and Joao Sousa in Estoril are covered, and David wants to know why Portugal, where Sousa’s triumph was celebrated, has produced so few top players over the years.The awful stabbing of Monica Seles is remembered, 25 years on. Just how good could she have been if that had not happened?Seles features in many listeners’ memories of the best matches of the 1990s.The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments, in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport. It is presented by Catherine Whitaker (Eurosport) and David Law (BBC 5 Live, BT Sport).   

After clinching his second 'undecima' of the season in Barcelona following yet another week of straight sets victories, David & Catherine meet in the pub to ponder what the miracle formula might be to muster a challenge to the King of Clay. Is Nadal's lack of competition hurting men's tennis? And how annoyed are we allowed to be at Roger Federer for denying us the chance to see the rivals face off on clay once more.Karolina Pliskova's Stuttgart win is also discussed, as is the surprise clay court form of her final opponent Coco Vandeweghe. Via the revolutionary medium of whatsapp, David is even able to share first hand secrets from Vandeweghe's coach, 1987 Wimbledon winner Pat Cash.There is talk of Dan Evans' return to action in Scotstoun (correct pronunciation clarified herein) following his 12 months drugs ban, and the 'cockle-warming' reunion of Stan Wawrinka with his former coach Magnus Norman. we trail the upcoming fly-on-the-wall HBO documentary about Serena Williams.The Tennis Podcast is produced w

Rafael Nadal won his 36th consecutive set of clay court tennis, dropping an average of two games per set, to claim his 11th Monte Carlo title. Afterwards, the Tennis Podcast team found themselves asking who can stop him on the surface, and how?Presenter David Law was joined by Telegraph Sport tennis correspondent Simon Briggs to work their way through the potential candidates to ‘do a Robin Soderling’ - who beat Nadal at the French Open in 2009 - and how. Is it an in-form Juan Martin Del Potro? Could Novak Djokovic return to exert his former hold over the clay court master? Maybe big John Isner? Or is it simply impossible if Nadal is fit and at his best? They also wonder whether underarm serving might be a legitimate tactic to use against Nadal, given that he operates so far back behind his baseline.The Fed Cup weekend results are discussed - Great Britain’s narrow, heartbreaking defeat to Japan, and the wins for Czech Republic and the United States to reach the final. Was there anything that the British team

David Law is back from holiday and full of beans. Catherine Whitaker is off on holiday and bemused by washing machines on tennis courts.In the 401st Tennis Podcast, they look ahead to Monte Carlo, back on rain-drenched Lugano - which a shocked Catherine reports had a washing machine on court throughout, and the exploits and ultimate disappointment of Kyle Edmund, who lost in the final of Marrakech.They continue their debate about the Wimbledon queue with listener thoughts and Wimbledon’s reaction thrown in, talk about Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda reconnecting, and David drops the sizeable name of Sue Barker following an alleged recent text conversation. Plus, what’s the most impressive performance by a player on his/her least favourite surface?It’s all discussed in the latest Tennis Podcast, produced in association with Telegraph Sport and Eurosport.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With David Law swanning off on holiday, we've recorded our third listener-questions show - the 400th in our six year history - guest edited by Lea Lahnstein.David and Catherine Whitaker have answered the best of them, such as what makes a good coaching partnership and the fascination of what goes on behind closed doors, how many is the perfect number of seeds at Grand Slams, and whether or not the Wimbledon queue is a fair and fun thing. Plus David Catherine compare their own playing styles to pro players, with amusing results.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the sunshine swing draws to a close in Miami the latest Tennis Podcast reviews an extraordinary pair of titles for American players Sloane Stephens and John Isner. Stephens has endured a disappointing run of form since becoming a surprise US Open winner in September last year, but her exceptional performances in Miami lead the podcast team to speculate whether she may always be a player that experiences high peaks and low troughs. Stephens’ beaten final opponent Jelena Ostapenko is also discussed, as she embarks upon the build-up to defending her own surprise Grand Slam title of 2017 on the clay in Paris. Meanwhile, in the men’s final Isner proved that being older than Catherine & taller than David is no barrier to winning an ATP Masters 1000 title. At 32 years of age and 6ft 10in tall, the American’s thrilling thee set victory over Alex Zverev anointed him the oldest ever debut Masters champion, and the tallest-ever, full-stop. Also covered is the breaking news that Andre Agassi has left hi

As Federer and Serena fall early in Miami, David & Catherine discuss the future for both; will we ever see Federer at the French Open again now he's announced he'll skip the clay once more, and how long is Serena's road back to full match fitness post pregnancy? And speaking of long roads back, Andy Murray has been spotted on the practice court for the first time since his hip surgery, but if Novak Djokovic's current form is anything to go by, returning from injury can be a bumpy ride for former world number ones.The pair also discuss the developing stand-off between Caroline Wozniacki and the Miami Open over abuse she alleges she and her family received from the crowd during her defeat last week to Monica Puig, and they throw in their two cents on the McEnroe/Navratilova pay gap story.The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments, in association with Telegraph Sport.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With Juan Martin Del Potro and Naomi Osaka mixing up tennis’ natural order in Indian Wells, Catherine & David meet in the Putney Exchange to discuss what the pair’s respective victories mean for the future. Does Osaka have the desire and ruthlessness to propel her to World Number One? And how powerful a role model could she end up being? Can Del Potro continue his rise back up the rankings? And will Federer maintain his Number One status, and beard, in Miami? And how good was that final??Also discussed is the ATP and ITF ‘arms race’ to stage the definitive tennis team competition. Is further division the last thing tennis needs? Plus Catherine gets a long-awaited chance to talk about her love affair with gin and tonic. The Tennis Podcast is produced weekly throughout the year and daily during the Grand Slam tournaments, in association with Telegraph Sport.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.