The Tennis Podcast

Another week, another significant step for Rafael Nadal. His 49th clay court title, his ninth Barcelona crown (to go with his nine Monte Carlo and Roland Garros victories), and the ever-growing feeling that he is back to his best. Catherine and David convene to reflect on his week, to talk about Angelique Kerber's win in Stuttgart, the rise of Laura Siegemund, and to remember the day that Roger Federer was given a cow to mark his first Wimbledon title.   There is also an exclusive interview with Jo Durie, former World No.5 and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist. She talks about what it's like to lead a French Open semifinal by a set a a break, how she once played Pictionary in the locker-room with Chris Evert & Martina Navratilova, and what she thinks Jo Konta's future will hold.  The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After a three-year absence, Rafael Nadal is back in the winner's circle in Monte Carlo, making it title No.9 in the process. After a week spent sunning herself in the principality, Catherine Whitaker describes the scenes she saw from courtside, and provides interview clips from Nadal, Monfils, Federer, Murray, and the conqueror of Novak Djokovic - Jiri Vesely.  Talking with David Law, who was not in Monte Carlo, the pair discuss the significance of Nadal's win and Djokovic's defeat, review a stunning Fed Cup weekend, and play #WhatWasThePointInWinning in tribute to Vesely.  The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with Telegraph Sport.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the longest-running and most glamorous tennis tournaments on the calendar is about to get underway in Monte Carlo. Catherine Whitaker is there, as are the best male players in the world. David Law isn’t (and boy is he letting everyone know about it…). That hasn’t stopped them getting together for a Tennis Podcast, nor has it prevented David from telling a story about how he once shared an elevator with Federer, moments after the great man, then only a teenager, had lost 7-5 in the third. ‘Why do I always lose the close matches?’ Federer asked. Find out what David said in response. Other Monte Carlo memories are discussed, the upcoming week is previewed, and we hear from Federer ahead of his return from surgery. Novak Djokovic also talks about his quest for that elusive first French Open, and Rafael Nadal explains how he thinks there is very little pressure when you keep on winning. We also hear your tennis ‘bucket lists’, and whether you prefer red, blue or green...  See acast.com/privacy for

Novak Djokovic completed his fourth Indian Wells / Miami double, won a record 28th Masters 1000 title, and prompted the question of whether there is anyone or anything that can stand between him and a Golden Grand Slam in 2016. David Law and Catherine Whitaker convene to discuss who, when and where someone might get in his way after the World No.1 continued his global dominance.  Victoria Azarenka also won her second successive big title, raising further questions over the form of Serena Williams. At 34, is this the beginning of the end for one of the greatest players of all time? Also, what’s been wrong with Andy Murray over the past few weeks? And with John Isner revealing that Roger Federer is a fan of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), David remembers the late 90’s when Federer would do locker-room impersonations of American wrestling stars.  The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four years ago, Jamie Murray had more doubles partners than months in a year, couldn’t reach the final of a futures tournament in Loughborough and looked as if he was going to retire. Now, he’s the World No.1 In the latest Tennis Podcast, Catherine Whitaker and David Law discuss his huge, history-making achievement, and that of Jo Konta and Heather Watson reaching the last 16 in Miami. There’s a recap of the events that have followed since Novak Djokovic sparked an equal prize money debate a week ago, discussion of a rare occurrence - Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer withdrawing from a tournament through ill health, and memories of Miami, which used to be called the 5th Slam. And listeners and presenters come together for a cathartic admission of their most rubbish tennis predictions, including ‘I picked Ryan Harrison for Top 10’, ‘I said Roger Federer would retire in 2008’, and ‘I thought Novak Djokovic would be a one-slam wonder’. Oops. The Tennis Podcast is produced in...  See acast.com/privacy for

On a day when we expected to be headlining with Azarenka’s win over Serena Williams, instead all the talk was of Indian Wells Tournament Director Raymond Moore’s astonishing comments about the women’s game, and a response from Novak Djokovic that reopened the equal prize money debate. David Law and Catherine Whitaker review what was said by whom, and react to it. Does Djokovic have a point? Is it time the debate was put to bed by making tennis equal pay for equal play? Or is it just too depressing for words that equality isn’t simply seen as the right thing in 2016? The wins of Azarenka and Djokovic are also discussed, as is the resurgence of Rafael Nadal.  In an exclusive interview, we also talk to Jez Green, the man that helped to make Andy Murray the physical juggernaut he is today, and who is now in charge of the fitness of 18-year-old German prodigy Alexander Zverev.  The Tennis Podcast is produced in association with The Telegraph.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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

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

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

Inspired by the returning Juan Martin del Potro, BBC 5 Live and BT Sport commentator David Law, and Eurosport presenter Catherine Whitaker discuss the most memorable tennis comebacks of all time - those that turned out well, and those that didn't Hear about Seles returning from being stabbed. Agassi's response to plummeting to 141 in the world. Capriati being irrelevant in the game for 5 years and returning to win Slams. Clijsters having a baby and then winning big. And many more.  The Tennis Podcast is produce in association with Telegraph Sport.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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