Love Tennis Podcast: Recent Episodes
Love Tennis Podcast
A weekly podcast trying to make sense - tactical, ethical, emotional sense - of the tennis world. James Gray is a journalist and broadcaster for i newspaper and inews.co.uk, George Bellshaw is a tennis writer with more appearances at majors than disgruntled former doubles partners (just), and Calvin Betton is a respected tennis coach who knows just about everyone worth knowing in British tennis.
Find us on the Sport Social website: https://podcast.sport-social.co.uk/podcast/love-tennis/
Calvin Betton joins James Gray and (very briefly) George Bellshaw to look back at the US Open and answer as many of your questions as possible in an hour
Why did Daniil Medvedev not change his return position?
Is Novak Djokovic just cashing in on a weak era?
Was the men's final actually interesting?
Why isn't Iga Swiatek more marketable?
Will Coco Gauff find her own period of dominance?
When is Naomi Osaka coming back?
And much, much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's US Open finals weekend! James Gray and George Bellshaw discuss...
Two pantomime villains, one more willing than the other, in Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev
How Carlos Alcaraz was unpicked by the 2021 US Open champion
Whether Coco Gauff can handle the occasion
What Aryna Sabalenka can do to overcome the crowd
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Calvin Betton and James Gray look back at the women's semi-finals and ahead to the men's on Friday night...
What has Coco Gauff actually done with her forehand to add racket head speed?
How Aryna Sabalenka became world No 1
The gameplan Ben Shelton needs to overcome Novak Djokovic
What Daniil Medvedev could do to upset Carlos Alcaraz's rhythm
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James Gray and George Bellshaw look back on the second round of the US Open on Wednesday where... - Zhang Zhizhen became the first Chinese man to beat a top-five opponent in ATP rankings history, stunning last year's runner-up Casper Ruud - No 7 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was knocked out by Dominic Stricker, world No 128 and a qualifier, in five exhausting sets - A Brit finally lost as Lily Miyazaki was beaten 6-3, 6-3 by Belinda Bencic, a dark horse for the title (James insists) - Venus Williams was battered 6-1, 6-1 by Greet Minnen - and we ask at what point she still deserves a wildcard - There were also defeats for Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Magda Linette, Francisco Cerundolo and Chris Eubanks PLUS All the latest from fantasy tennis, the league table is here: https://shorturl.at/azJRW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray looks back at the second day of action at the US Open where more seeds fell to make it a total of 17 out, more than a quarter, after only the first round.
Six British players picked up wins, all in straight sets, to make it 18-0 in the first round
Andy Murray saw the first ever use of VAR in a grand slam go awry
Grigor Dimitrov came from two sets down to win a 4:40 thriller
Caroline Garcia and Donna Vekic crashed out
And more! LINKS Laura Siegmund defends herself: https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1696528429355827200 Inside Sky Sports Tennis, by James Gray: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/sky-sports-tennis-return-us-open-mnf-studio-rights-2566137 Warning, contains strong language, but non-UK viewers need to be made aware of Neil Warnock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NCCzGM_af4&ab_channel=TomStrong Also more Warnock here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQtWVcFpvHg&ab_channel=poppadomhands
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What happened at the US Open on Day 1? Well... In the men’s draw…
Holger Rune loses to Roberto Carballes Baena and then complains about the court scheduling (while also claiming he wasn’t)
Dominic Thiem wins against Alexander Bublik! His first grand slam victory in 2 years and lost three of last four against top 20 players. Bublik also embarrassed himself rather and overstepped the line with a rant. As predicted, Felix Auger-Aliassime slumps to defeat against Makenzie McDonald
Sebastian Korda and Lorenzo Musetti out too
Stefanos Tsitsipas is too strong for Milos Raonic
Novak Djokovic cruises through, water is wet etc
In the women’s draw…
Maria Sakkari is out and in pain, saying she may need a break from the game
Other seeds to fall were Anhelina Kalinina, Bernarda Pera and Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Caroline Wozniacki gets a win on her Grand Slam return
Coco Gauff survives an early scare against queen of gamesmanship Laura Siegmund
Beatriz Haddad Maia edges Sloane Stephens
Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina cruise through
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James Gray and George Bellshaw assess every player's chances at the US Open, going through the men's and women's draw line by line.
How easy is Djokovic's draw and is Alcaraz's even easier?
Could Andy Murray go deep or will Alexander Zverev stop him in his tracks?
What was Iga Swiatek worried about?
Who is the WTA dark horse?
LINKS Interview with Ben Shelton: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/ben-shelton-tennis-nba-star-us-open-2573842 Interview with Milos Raonic: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/milos-raonic-bitter-losing-murray-wimbledon-sour-taste-2447451 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's featured listener emails are From Heather: "I found your discussion on the transgender issues in tennis really interesting but wonder why this is being treated as something new when in fact, the same issues occurred in the 1970s when Renee Richards tried to enter the US Open. I think that after various court cases, she did eventually win the right to compete there but I don’t remember anything else about her career other than she coached Martina Navratilova at some stage. It would be interesting to see if any of the issues people are concerned about at the moment were around when Renee Richards was fighting for her right to play and to see how and if, they were resolved. Love the podcast!" Andy Lee asks: "As a spectator, I always try and sit opposite the umpire's chair. Why can't someone in 2023 come up with a solution that would give spectators a better view on the players bench side? E.g. a perspex chair or suspended chair umpire? I find it ridiculous that the view of a third of the court is still obstructed from a lower level!" Got a question for the podcast? Email us on tennisunfiltered@gmail.com Meanwhile, this week James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw discussed...
Novak Djokovic defeats Carlos Alcaraz in another epic that lasted nearly four hours and which the Serb called "definitely one of the toughest matches I've ever played in my life, regardless what tournament, what category, what level, what player"
Djokovic also compared this to his rivalry with Nadal. Is Alcaraz-Djokovic perhaps even better?
Alcaraz laughed and joked with Djokovic afterwards, but how can he switch from friend to foe so effectively?
Coco Gauff wins the women’s title in Cincinnati, the biggest title of her career, not long after getting Brad Gilbert involved in her coaching team
Meanwhile, beaten semi-finalst Iga Swiatek says she has no fuel in the tank and needs to rest before the US Open
Juan Martin del Potro's potential comeback is over :(
A venue for the WTA Finals still not confirmed - nor the Next Gen Finals either
AND FINALLY Stefanos Tsitsipas asks for a woman to be removed from the crowd because she’s imitating a bee when he’s about to serve. Really.
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Tennis coach Calvin Betton joins James Gray (inews.co.uk and the i newspaper) from Poland in part one before George Bellshaw replaces him in part two from the less glamorous Birmingham. They answer questions on Tommy Paul's serve, string tension for amateurs, tournament scheduling, Alcaraz-Rune-Sinner and the race for No 1 between Iga Swiatek. We also discuss...
Is Jannik Sinner triumphing in Toronto a watershed moment for his career?
Can Alex De Minaur keep going up after reaching the final?
Why has Stefanos Tsitsipas hired Mark Philippoussis as his new coach?
Will Andy Murray get a game after returning to the GB Davis Cup team?
How impressive is Jennifer Brady's comeback?
Will Iga Swiatek still start the US Open as favourite?
LINKS Milos Raonic interview: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/milos-raonic-bitter-losing-murray-wimbledon-sour-taste-2447451 Cotton Eye Joe: https://twitter.com/some1namedryan/status/1690431039498592257 Collins vs Sakkari: https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1689516627648192512 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper talks to George Bellshaw (@bellshawgeorge) and Calvin Betton (@calvbetton) about music, Pokemon, walking and occasionally tennis. This week we talk about...
A first ATP 500 win for Dan Evans after poor run of form where he’d not won a match since April
Similarly in poor form, Coco Gauff gets her season back on track with a title in Washington
Nick Kyrgios replied to himself on Twitter presumably (he or others close to him) trying to send praise from a different account, and once again starts a fight about prize money
Caroline Wozniacki returns in Canada after coming out of retirement
Martina Navratilova criticises USTA for trans policy after a trans woman wins the 55+ national title
PLUS Your questions answered on Daniil Medvedev, Andy Murray's volleying and Pokemon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper talks to George Bellshaw (@bellshawgeorge) and Calvin Betton (@calvbetton) about music, Pokemon, walking and occasionally tennis. This week we ask...
Is Alexander Zverev establishing himself as a US Open threat after winning the title in Hamburg?
Wasn't Marketa Vondrousova vs Ons Jabeur at Wimbledon actually just a refreshing change from the usual power battles on the WTA?
What is Max Eisenbud, agent to Sharapova, Li Na and Raducanu, trying to sell us?
How hard is it to adapt to different opponents day after day?
Is Nick Kyrgios doing anything for the game of tennis?
Why do we still love Stan Wawrinka so much?
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Tennis coach Calvin Betton, journalist James Gray and writer and broadcaster George Bellshaw look back at a busy week of news in tennis as well as take a broader look at what happened at Wimbledon having had a week to reflect on the tournament. We pick our awards including best moment, worst moment, biggest surprise and biggest disappointment. We also ask:
Is Carlos Alcaraz working too hard?
Are the Brits working at all?
What on earth happened in that Toth-Zhang match?
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James Gray asks Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw the big questions after Carlos Alcaraz claims his first Wimbledon title and Novak Djokovic misses out on his eighth. Questions like:
Has Alcaraz's second serve always been this good?
What happened to Djokovic in the tie-break?
Is this the beginning of a great rivalry?
Who will win the US Open?
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Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw join James Gray for a debrief on the women's final, which saw Marketa Vondrousova become the lowest ranked women's champion in Wimbledon's history, while Ons Jabeur lost her third consecutive grand slam final. It left us asking questions like...
Why shut the roof in the wind?
Will Ons Jabeur ever win a grand slam?
Will Marketa Vondrousova ever win another?
Has the women's draw given us more entertainment than the men's?
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George Bellshaw joins James Gray at the gates of Wimbledon ahead of the women's final to look back at Friday's action and ahead to Saturday's.
Novak Djokovic felt he was unfairly called for a hindrance against Jannik Sinner. What do you think? https://twitter.com/jamesgraysport/status/1679872598295937024
Does Carlos Alcaraz have any chance of beating him on Sunday? He says he will not be tired or afraid.
Who will become a first-time Wimbledon champion: Ons Jabeur or Marketa Vondrousova?
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Tennis coach Calvin Betton joins James Gray to review the women's semi-finals (Vondrousova vs Svitolina and Jabeur vs Sabalenka) as well as look ahead to the men's last four (Djokovic vs Sinner and Alcaraz vs Medvedev). To sign up for our live text chat on a new app called Circus on Friday, you need to download two apps. First of all, download Test Flight: https://t.co/UAjqwtpRFa Then download Circus: https://testflight.apple.com/join/R83MjeGY When we go live during Djokovic vs Sinner, you'll see Tennis Unfiltered in there. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray and Calvin Betton look back at the second set of Wimbledon quarter-finals as Ons Jabeur beats Elena Rybakina, Carlos Alcaraz tonks Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev outlasts Christopher Eubanks and Aryna Sabalenka cruises past Madison Keys. To sign up for our live text chat on a new app called Circus on Friday, you need to download two apps. First of all, download Test Flight: https://t.co/UAjqwtpRFa Then download Circus: https://testflight.apple.com/join/R83MjeGY When we go live during Djokovic vs Sinner, you'll see Tennis Unfiltered in there. Join us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tennis coach Calvin Betton joins James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper to look back at the first day of quarter-finals at Wimbledon Order of play Centre Court – 1.30pm
(6) Ons Jabeur (Tun) vs (3) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spa) vs (6) Holger Rune (Den)
No 1 Court – 1pm
(25) Madison Keys (USA) vs (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Bel)
(3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) vs Christopher Eubanks (USA)
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James Gray and Calvin Betton look back at a day of shocks that never were - and ask why Wimbledon insists on starting matches so late. Tuesday's Wimbledon order of play on the show courts Centre Court (1.30pm)
(1) Iga Swiatek (Pol) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukr)
(7) Andrey Rublev (Rus) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (Ser)
No 1 Court (1pm)
(4) Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Marketa Vondrousova (Cze)
(8) Jannik Sinner (Ita) vs Roman Safiullin (Rus)
No 2 Court (11am)
(15) Marcel Granollers (Spa) & Federico Zeballos (Bol) vs Robert Galloway (USA) & Lloyd Harris (Rsa)
(13) Jamie Murray (Gbr) & Michael Venus (Nzl) vs (4) Hugo Nys (Mon) & Jan Zielinski (Pol)
Caroline Garcia (Fra) & Luisa Stefani (Bra) vs Su-Wei Hsieh (Tpe) & Barbora Strycova (Cze)
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James Gray looks back at the second ever scheduled Middle Sunday, and ahead to a not so manic Monday, which will feature... Centre Court (1.30pm)
(13) Beatriz Haddad Maia (Bra) vs (3) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)
Not before 2.30pm, to finish: (2) Novak Djokovic (Srb) leads (17) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol) 7-6, 7-6
(6) Ons Jabeur (Tun) vs (9) Petra Kvitova (Cze)
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spa) vs Matteo Berrettini (Ita)
No 1 Court (1pm)
(3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) vs Jiri Lehecka (Cze)
(21) Ekaterina Alexandrova (Rus) vs (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr)
(21) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul) vs (6) Holger Rune (Den)
All courts below start at 11am No 2 Court
(25) Madison Keys (USA) vs Mirra Andreeva (Rus)
Christopher Eubanks (USA) vs (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
(5) Santiago Gonzalez (Mex) & Edouard Roger-Vasselin (Fra) vs Toby Samuel (Gbr) & Connor Thomson (Gbr)
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James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw debate the merits of the BBC's Wimbledon coverage and why British tennis has had such a poor tournament. Order of play for Sunday Centre Court (1.30pm)
(7) Andrey Rublev (Rus) vs Alexander Bublik (Kaz)
(1) Iga Swiatek (Pol) vs (14) Belinda Bencic (Swi)
(17) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (Ser)
No 1 Court (1pm)
(4) Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Lesia Tsurenko (Ukr)
(8) Jannik Sinner (Ita) vs Daniel Elahi Galan (Col)
(19) Victoria Azarenka (Blr) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukr)
No 2 Court (11am)
Marketa Vondrousova (Cze) vs (32) Marie Bouzkova (Cze)
Not before 12.30pm, to finish: (21) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul) leads (10) Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-2, 6-3, 1-2
Roman Safiullin (Rus) vs (26) Denis Shapovalov (Can)
No 3 Court Not before 12pm: Mirra Andreeva (Rus) vs (22) Anastasia Potapova (Rus)
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James Gray gets Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw to break down all the action from the first Friday of Wimbledon, including Andy Murray finally losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. Saturday’s order of play (All courts start at 11am unless stated) Centre Court (1.30pm start)
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spa) vs (25) Nicolas Jarry (Chi)
(6) Ons Jabeur (Tun) vs Bianca Andreescu (Can)
Katie Boulter (Gbr) vs (3) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)
No 1 Court (1pm start)
(3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) vs Marton Fucsovics (Hun)
Anna Blinkova (Rus) vs (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr)
(19) Alexander Zverev (Ger) vs Matteo Berrettini (Ita)
No 2 Court
Natalija Stevanovic (Ser) vs (9) Petra Kvitova (Cze)
Laslo Djere (Ser) vs (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
(10) Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs (21) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul)
No 3 Court
(13) Beatriz Haddad Maia (Bra) vs Sorana Cirstea (Rom)
(31) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Spa) vs (6) Holger Rune (Den)
(22) Anastasia Potapova (Rus) vs Mirra Andreeva (Rus)
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James Gray and Michael Hincks look back on Day 4 at Wimbledon, and Denis Shapovalov talks about what it's like trying to beat the SW19 crowd ahead of his clash with Liam Broady Order of play for show courts (All courts start at 11am unless stated) Centre Court (from 1.30pm)
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spa) vs Alexandre Muller (Fra)
(Not before 3pm, to finish) Andy Murray (Gbr) leads (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre) 6-7, 7-6, 6-4
(1) Iga Swiatek (Pol) vs (30) Petra Martic (Cro)
Stan Wawrinka (Swi) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (Ser)
No 1 Court (from 1pm)
Varvara Gracheva (Fra) vs (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr)
(12) Cameron Norrie (Gbr) vs Christopher Eubanks (USA)
(6) Ons Jabeur (Tun) vs Bai Zhuoxuan (Chi)
No 2 Court
Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Blr) vs (9) Petra Kvitova (Cze)
(Not before 12.30pm, to finish) (3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) leads Adrian Mannarino (Fra) 6-3, 6-3, 4-4
(19) Alexander Zverev (Ger) vs Yosuke Watanuki (Jpn)
(26) Denis Shapovalov (Can) vs Liam Broady (Gbr)
(32) Marie Bouzkova (Cze) vs (5) Caroline Garcia (Fra)
No 3 Court
Roberto Carballes Baena (Spa) vs (6) Holger Rune (Den)
(8) Jannik Sinner (Ita) vs Quentin Halys (Fra)
(4) Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Ita)
Elina Svitolina (Ukr) vs Sofia Kenin (USA)
Court 12
Viktorija Golubic (Swi) vs (25) Madison Keys (USA)
14) Lorenzo Musetti (Ita) vs (17) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol)
(11) Daria Kasatkina (Rus) vs (19) Victoria Azarenka (Blr)
(7) Andrey Rublev (Rus) vs David Goffin (Bel)
(Not before 6pm) (1) Barbora Krejcikova (Cze) & Katerina Siniakova (Cze) vs Fang-Hsien Wu (Tpe) & Lin Zhu (Chn)
Court 18
Marta Kostyuk (Ukr) vs Paula Badosa Gibert (Spa)
Matteo Berrettini (Ita) vs (15) Alex De Minaur (Aus)
Alexander Bublik (Kaz) vs Maximilian Marterer (Ger)
(3) Rajeev Ram (USA) & Joe Salisbury (Gbr) vs Tallon Griekspoor (Ned) & Bart Stevens (Ned)
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James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper looks back at a wild Wednesday, before asking Grigor Dimitrov about how to unlock the secrets of Carlos Alcaraz. Order of play (British players in bold; show courts only) Centre Court
1.30pm: Liam Broady (Gbr) vs (4) Casper Ruud (Nor)
Alize Cornet (Fra) vs (3) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)
Andy Murray (Gbr) vs (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
No 1 Court
1.00pm: (19) Alexander Zverev (Ger) vs Gijs Brouwer (Ned)
Sloane Stephens (USA) vs (20) Donna Vekic (Cro)
(4) Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Cristina Bucsa (Spa)
No 2 Court
11.00am: (28) Elise Mertens (Bel) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukr)
(7) Andrey Rublev (Rus) vs Aslan Karatsev (Rus)
Danielle Collins (USA) vs (14) Belinda Bencic (Swi)
(3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) vs Adrian Mannarino (Fra)
No 3 Court
11.00am: (29) Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Arg) vs Stan Wawrinka (Swi)
Viktorija Golubic (Swi) vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (Svk)
Leylah Annie Fernandez (Can) vs (5) Caroline Garcia (Fra)
Ilya Ivashka (Blr) vs (21) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul)
Court 12
11.00am: (16) Karolina Muchova (Cze) vs Jule Niemeier (Ger)
Matteo Berrettini (Ita) vs Lorenzo Sonego (Ita)
Viktoriya Tomova (Bul) vs Katie Boulter (Gbr)
(10) Frances Tiafoe (USA) vs Dominic Stephan Stricker (Swi)
(13) Jamie Murray (Gbr) & Michael Venus (Nzl) vs Albano Olivetti (Fra) & David Vega Hernandez (Spa)
Court 18
11.00am: Jan Choinski (Gbr) vs (17) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol)
Kimmer Coppejans (Bel) vs (15) Alex De Minaur (Aus)
(32) Marie Bouzkova (Cze) vs Anett Kontaveit (Est)
Mikael Ymer (Swe) vs (9) Taylor Fritz (USA)
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James Gray is joined by brand expert and editor-in-chief of PRWeek UK Danny Rogers to talk brand Wimbledon, as well as looking back at a rain-affected second day of the Championships Wednesday's order of play (All courts start at 11am unless otherwise stated) CENTRE COURT (1.30pm)
Daria Kasatkina [11] vs Jodie Burrage (GBR)
Iga Swiatek (POL) [1] vs Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP)
Jordan Thompson (AUS) vs Novak Djokovic (SRB) [2]
No 1 COURT (1pm)
Daniil Medvedev [3] vs Arthur Fery (GBR)
Heather Watson (GBR) vs Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) [10]
Jannik Sinner (ITA) [8] vs Diego Schwartzman (ARG)
No 2 COURT
Maria Sakkari (GRE) [8] vs Marta Kostyuk (UKR)
Yannick Hanfmann (GER) vs Taylor Fritz (USA) [9] 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 5-7, 2-3 to finish
Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [5] 6-3, 3-4 to finish
Alexander Zverev (GER) [19] vs Gijs Brouwer (NED)
(Not before 4:30pm) Nadia Podoroska (ARG) vs Victoria Azarenka [19]
No 3 COURT
Frances Tiafoe (USA) [10] vs Yibing Wu (CHN)
George Loffhagen (GBR) vs Holger Rune (DEN) 6-7(4), 0-0 to finish
Sonay Kartal (GBR) vs Madison Keys (USA) [25]
Jasmine Paolini (ITA) vs Petra Kvitova (CZE) [9]
(Not before 4:30pm) Andrey Rublev [7] vs Aslan Karatsev
COURT 12
Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) [13] vs Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) 2-0 to finish
Denis Shapovalov (CAN) [26] vs Radu Albot (MDA) 5-7, 2-2 to finish
Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 13 vs Lorenzo Sonego (ITA) 14 6-7(5), 0-0 to finish
Karolina Muchova (CZE) [16] vs Jule Niemeier (GER)
(Not before 4:30pm) Jan Choinski (GBR) vs Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [17]
COURT 18
Sho Shimabukuro (JPN) vs Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) [21]
Katie Boulter (GBR) vs Daria Saville (AUS) 5-6 to finish
Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [18] vs Natalija Stevanovic (SRB)
Kimmer Coppejans (BEL) vs Alex De Minaur (AUS) [15]
(Not before 4:30pm) Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [14] vs Jaume Munar (ESP)
COURT 4
Shuai Zhang (CHN) vs Donna Vekic (CRO) [20]
Ysaline Bonaventure (BEL) vs Zhuoxuan Bai (CHN) 6-7(0), 0-4 to finish
Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) vs Tommy Paul (USA) [16]
Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) vs Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP)
COURT 5
Camila Osorio (COL) vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA)
Alexandre Muller (FRA) 3 vs Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) 7-6(5), 1-0 to finish
Christopher Eubanks (USA) vs Thiago Monteiro (BRA)
Marco Cecchinato (ITA) vs Nicolas Jarry (CHI) [25]
(Not before 4:30pm) Xinyu Wang (CHN) vs Sofia Kenin (USA)
COURT 6
Anett Kontaveit (EST) vs Lucrezia Stefanini (ITA)
Varvara Gracheva (FRA) vs Camila Giorgi (ITA)
Marcos Giron (USA) vs Hugo Dellien (BOL) 7-6(2), 1-2 to finish
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) vs Anna Blinkova
(Not before 4.30pm) Tomas Barrios Vera (CHI) vs David Goffin (BEL)
COURT 7
Dominic Stricker (SUI) vs Alexei Popyrin (AUS)
Madison Brengle (USA) vs Sara Errani (ITA) 6-3, 3-0 to finish
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) vs Alexander Shevchenko
(Not before 4:30pm) Maximilian Marterer (GER) vs Michael Mmoh (USA)
COURT 8
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) vs Tatjana Maria (GER)
Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) vs Harold Mayot (FRA) 3-6, 3-5 to finish
Bernarda Pera (USA) [27] vs Viktoriya Tomova (BUL) 7-6(3), 0-1 to finish
Maxime Cressy (USA) vs Laslo Djere (SRB)
(Not before 4:30pm) Alexander Bublik (KAZ) [23] vs JJ Wolf (USA)
COURT 9
Lloyd Harris (RSA) vs Gregoire Barrere (FRA)
Ilya Ivashka vs Federico Coria (ARG)
Christopher O'Connell (AUS) vs Hamad Medjedovic (SRB) 7-5, 1-0 to finish
Viktorija Golubic (SUI) vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK)
(Not before 4:30pm) Alycia Parks (USA) vs Ana Bogdan (ROU)
COURT 10
Jaqueline Cristian (ROU) vs Lucia Bronzetti (ITA)
Roman Safiullin vs Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) [20] 2-6, 7-6(7), 6-7(4), 0-0 to finish
Nao Hibino (JPN) vs Alize Cornet (FRA)
Borna Gojo (CRO) vs Jiri Vesely (CZE) 4-6, 7-6(4), 0-0 to finish
(Not before 4.30pm) Stefano Travaglia (ITA) vs Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN)
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Wimbledon order of play, day 2 (All courts start at 11am BST unless stated; show courts only) Centre Court – from 1.30pm
Shelby Rogers (USA) v (3) Elena Rybakina (Kaz)
Ryan Peniston (Gbr) v Andy Murray (Gbr)
Panna Udvardy (Hun) v (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr)
Court 1 – from 1pm
(1) Carlos Alcaraz (Spa) v Jeremy Chardy (Fra)
(6) Ons Jabeur (Tun) v Magdalena Frech (Pol)
(12) Cameron Norrie (Gbr) v Tomas Machac (Cze)
No 2 Court
Dominic Thiem (Aut) v (5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre)
Not before 12.30pm, to finish: Quentin Halys (Fra) leads Dan Evans (Gbr) 6-2, 6-3
Jasmine Paolini (Ita) v (9) Petra Kvitova (Cze)
Heather Watson (Gbr) v (10) Barbora Krejcikova (Cze)
(3) Daniil Medvedev (Rus) v Arthur Fery (Gbr)
No 3 Court
George Loffhagen (Gbr) v (6) Holger Rune (Den)
Not before 12.30pm, to finish: Taylor Fritz (USA) leads Yannick Hanfmann (Ger) 6-4, 2-6, 4-6, 7-5, 3-2*
(8) Maria Sakkari (Gre) v Marta Kostyuk (Ukr)
(19) Alexander Zverev (Ger) v Gijs Brouwer (Ned)
Sonay Kartal (Gbr) v (25) Madison Keys (USA)
Court 12
Matteo Berrettini (Ita) v Lorenzo Sonego (Ita)
Not before 12.30pm, to finish: Radu Albot (Mda) leads Denis Shapovalov (Can) 7-5, 2-2
(18) Karolina Pliskova (Cze) v Natalija Stevanovic (Ser)
Alison Riske-Amritraj (USA) v Paula Badosa Gibert (Spa)
(10) Frances Tiafoe (USA) v Yibing Wu (Chn)
Court 18
Katie Boulter (Gbr) v Daria Saville (Aus)
Kimmer Coppejans (Bel) v (15) Alex De Minaur (Aus)
Sho Shimabukuro (Jpn) v (21) Grigor Dimitrov (Bul)
(16) Karolina Muchova (Cze) v Jule Niemeier (Ger)
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George, James and Calvin react LIVE to Nick Kyrgios pulling out of Wimbledon, take a look at how tennis is ready to take the Saudi Arabian dollar whatever way they can and look ahead to the first day at SW19. Wimbledon order of play, day 1 (All courts start at 11am BST unless stated) Centre Court – 1.30pm
Pedro Cachin (Arg) vs (2) Novak Djokovic (Ser)
Venus Williams (USA) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukr)
(8) Jannik Sinner (Ita) vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo (Arg)
No 1 Court – 1pm
(1) Iga Swiatek (Pol) vs Lin Zhu (Chn)
Laurent Lokoli (Fra) vs (4) Casper Ruud (Nor)
Sofia Kenin (USA) vs (7) Coco Gauff (USA)
No 2 Court
(4) Jessica Pegula (USA) vs Lauren Davis (USA)
David Goffin (Bel) vs LUCKY LOSER
Katie Swan (Gbr) vs (14) Belinda Bencic (Swi)
Quentin Halys (Fra) vs (27) Daniel Evans (Gbr)
No 3 Court
(7) Andrey Rublev (Rus) vs Max Purcell (Aus)
Katie Volynets (USA) vs (5) Caroline Garcia (Fra)
Jodie Burrage (Gbr) vs Catherine McNally (USA)
Yannick Hanfmann (Ger) vs (9) Taylor Fritz (USA)
Court 4
Nadia Podoroska (Arg) vs Tereza Martincova (Cze)
Corentin Moutet (Fra) vs Richard Gasquet (Fra)
Rebeka Masarova (Spa) vs (31) Mayar Sherif (Egy)
Lloyd Harris (Rsa) vs Gregoire Barrere (Fra)
Court 5
Barbora Strycova (Cze) vs Maryna Zanevska (Bel)
Maximilian Marterer (Ger) vs Borna Gojo (Cro)
Mikael Ymer (Swe) vs Alex Molcan (Svk)
(32) Marie Bouzkova (Cze) vs Simona Waltert (Swi)
Court 6
Sebastian Baez (Arg) vs Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera (Chi)
Martina Trevisan (Ita) vs Sara Sorribes Tormo (Spa)
(24) Qinwen Zheng (Chn) vs Katerina Siniakova (Cze)
(29) Tomas Martin Etcheverry (Arg) vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles (Spa)
Court 7
Luca Van Assche (Fra) vs Aslan Karatsev (Rus)
Marketa Vondrousova (Cze) vs Peyton Stearns (USA)
Miomir Kecmanovic (Ser) vs Diego Schwartzman (Arg)
Camila Osorio (Col) vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Ita)
Court 8
Alycia Parks (USA) vs Anna-Lena Friedsam (Ger)
Lesia Tsurenko (Ukr) vs Claire Liu (USA)
Dominik Koepfer (Ger) vs Oscar Otte (Ger)
Benjamin Bonzi (Fra) vs Harold Mayot (Fra)
Court 9
Jordan Thompson (Aus) vs Brandon Nakashima (USA)
Storm Hunter (Aus) vs Xin Yu Wang (Chn)
Aleksandar Vukic (Aus) vs Daniel Altmaier (Ger)
Court 10
Cristina Bucsa (Spa) vs Kamilla Rakhimova (Rus)
Jeffrey Wolf (USA) vs Enzo Couacaud (Fra)
Roman Safiullin (Rus) vs (20) Roberto Bautista Agut (Spa)
Court 12
Diane Parry (Fra) vs Harriet Dart (Gbr)
Michael Mmoh (USA) vs (11) Felix Auger-Aliassime (Can)
(26) Denis Shapovalov (Can) vs Radu Albot (Mol)
Shuai Zhang (Chn) vs (20) Donna Vekic (Cro)
Court 14
(14) Lorenzo Musetti (Ita) vs Juan Pablo Varillas (Per)
Kateryna Baindl (Ukr) vs Leylah Fernandez (Can)
(28) Elise Mertens (Bel) vs Viktoria Hruncakova (Slo)
(13) Borna Coric (Cro) vs Guido Pella (Arg)
Court 15
Yue Yuan (Chn) vs (19) Victoria Azarenka (Blr)
Liam Broady (Gbr) vs Constant Lestienne (Fra)
Alexander Bublik (Kaz) vs MacKenzie McDonald (USA)
Anett Kontaveit (Est) vs Lucrezia Stefanini (Ita)
Court 16
Linda Fruhvirtova (Cze) vs (30) Petra Martic (Cro)
John Isner (USA) vs Jaume Munar (Spa)
(24) Yoshihito Nishioka (Jpn) vs Daniel Elahi Galan (Col)
Sloane Stephens (USA) vs Rebecca Peterson (Swe)
Court 17
Ana Bogdan (Rom) vs (15) Ludmilla Samsonova (Rus)
(23) Magda Linette (Pol) vs Jil Teichmann (Swi)
Jan Choinski (Gbr) vs Dusan Lajovic (Ser)
Danielle Collins (USA) vs Julia Grabher (Aut)
Court 18
(12) Veronika Kudermetova (Rus) vs Kaia Kanepi (Est)
Albert Ramos-Vinolas (Spa) vs (17) Hubert Hurkacz (Pol)
(11) Daria Kasatkina (Rus) vs Caroline Dolehide (USA)
Emil Ruusuvuori (Fin) vs Stan Wawrinka (Swi)
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Read the Wimbledon men's draw in full here and the Wimbledon women's draw in full here Or listen to George Bellshaw and James Gray break down the full draw for both men and women, including:
Can anyone stop Novak Djokovic?
How will food poising affect Iga Swiatek's chances?
What will Carlos Alcaraz make of his projected run to the final?
Who are our best picks for fantasy tennis?
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Calvin Betton is in Eastbourne, George Bellshaw is in Birmingham and James Gray is in London to discuss all the latest goings on in the tennis world, including:
Carlos Alcaraz beats Alex De Minaur to claim the Queen's title
Jelena Ostapenko announces her Wimbledon candidacy in Birmingham
Wimbledon wildcards are released
Alexander Bublik beats Andrey Rublev to win the biggest title of his career
Who are the best up and coming British players?
Is Kate Middleton any good at tennis?
Are the Saudis taking over?
And so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The latest tennis news with James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper, joined by tennis coach Calvin Betton (part one) and writer and broadcaster George Bellshaw (part two). We answered listener questions on:
Are tournaments for sale to the highest bidder?
Does tennis take doping seriously enough?
Which one-time major winners are the least likely to win a second major?
Why do you think Wimbledon is not exploiting all their commercial opportunities?
And in tennis news, we talked about:
Andy Murray winning Surbiton and Nottingham (part one) and then loses in the first round of Queen's (part two)
Katie Boulter wins her first WTA title but is that just what happens when you play on grass?
Dan Evans produces 'embarrassing' defeat to Sebastian Korda and has split with his coach
Venus Williams and Camila Giorgi go to war in Birmingham
Anett Kontaveit retires
Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Halle
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Tennis coach Calvin Betton, writer George Bellshaw and reporter James Gray of inews.co.uk and i newspaper look back at the two French Open finals, review the tournament as a whole and pick up on the latest tennis news. Here are the stories we discussed: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to win French Open and eclipse Rafael Nadal with record-breaking 23rd grand slam
Will Djokovic now go on and take the calendar year Grand Slam?
Iga Swiatek beats Karolina Muchova in ‘rollercoaster’ to win fourth grand slam
Andy Murray takes a wildcard to play the Nottingham Challenger
French Open slammed by doubles champion - 'I hope next year you can do better'
We have a Fantasy Roland Garros winner! #FTU results revealed
Dan Evans wages class war on British tennis after French Open exit
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James Gray reports live from Paris after Iga Swiatek beats Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 to claim her third French Open title and fourth grand slam title overall. In Paris, she equals Serena Williams, Margaret Court and Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, while also winning her fourth slam just five days apart in age from Rafael Nadal. The men's final between Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud awaits (2pm UK time) and the weather is likely to mean the roof will be shut, another obvious advantage for Djokovic. But does Alexander Zverev have a point? Could the nerves get to Djokovic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton look back at Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz - and spend a lot of time talking about cramp. Here is Carlos Alcaraz playing arguably the best shot of all time: https://twitter.com/jamesgraysport/status/1667211512371396615 And here is Roger Federer doing something similar: https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/14588bg/where_have_we_seen_this_before/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray reports live from Paris after Iga Swiatek beat Beatriz Haddad Maia and Karolina Muchova stunned Aryna Sabalenka on women's semi-final day Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray catches you up on all the quarter-final action from the French Open
Carlos Alcaraz hammers Stefanos Tsitsipas, who blames a failure to manage his sleep properly for his performance
Novak Djokovic cruises past Karen Khachanov to reach his 12th Roland Garros semi-final and set up a showdown for the ages
Karolina Muchova is through to face Aryna Sabalenka, who appeared to inflame the situation with Elina Svitolina after her quarter-final win
Iga Swiatek still can't lose to Coco Gauff, hard as the American might try
Beatriz Haddad Maia is making history for Brazil
Alexander Zverev is coming up on the rail fast
Holger Rune ran out of puff against Casper Ruud
French Open women’s semi-finals
(Not before 2pm BST) Karolina Muchova vs Aryna Sabalenka (2)
(Followed by) Iga Swiatek (1) vs Beatriz Haddad Maia (14)
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James Gray reports live from Paris to look back at Day 5 at Roland Garros, the first half of the second round Thursday’s schedule (All courts start at 10am BST unless stated) Court Philippe Chatrier (from 10.45am)
Giulio Zeppieri vs Casper Ruud (4)
Iga Swiatek (1) vs Claire Liu
Oceane Dodin vs Ons Jabeur (7)
(Not before 7.15pm) Alexander Zverev (22) vs Alex Molcan
Court Suzanne Lenglen
Elena Rybakina (4) vs Linda Noskova
Jannik Sinner (8) vs Daniel Altmaier
Julia Grabher vs Coco Gauff (6)
Arthur Rinderknech vs Taylor Fritz (9)
Court Simonne Mathieu
Kayla Day vs Madison Keys (20)
Diane Parry vs Mirra Andreeva
Aslan Karatsev vs Frances Tiafoe (12)
Court 14
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Alex De Minaur (18)
Bernarda Pera vs Donna Vekic (22)
Tommy Paul (16) vs Nicolas Jarry
Bianca Andreescu vs Emma Navarro
Court 7
Diana Shnaider vs Beatriz Haddad Maia (14)
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Grigor Dimitrov (28)
Marcos Giron vs Jiri Lehecka
Lauren Davis vs Lesia Tsurenko
Court 6
Borna Coric (15) vs Pedro Cachin
Ekaterina Alexandrova (23) vs Anna-Lena Friedsam
Jasmine Paolini vs Olga Danilovic
Francisco Cerundolo (23) vs Yannick Hanfmann
Court 9
Elisabetta Cocciaretto vs Simona Waltert
Guido Pella vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Court 12
Sara Sorribes Tormo vs Petra Martic
Rebecca Peterson vs Wang Xinyu
Thiago Agustin Tirante vs Zhang Zhizhen
Court 13
Anna Karolina Schmiedlova vs Aliona Bolsova
Yoshihito Nishioka (27) vs Max Purcell
Genaro Alberto Olivieri vs Andrea Vavassori
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Tennis coach Calvin Betton returns to the UK and talks to George Bellshaw and James Gray about...
The secret to Henry Patten and Julian Cash's record-breaking year, in which they've won nine Challenger titles and are on the verge of Australian Open qualification
The ethical issues of playing in Saudi Arabia vs allowing Russian players to play in the UK
Why Felix Auger-Aliassime can use Davis Cup success to kick on at grand slams - and why Denis Shapovalov can't
What Rafa Nadal is doing in South America
NOTES
Here is a link to the allegations made by Polish MP Katarzyna Kotula against Mirosław Skrzypczyński (TW: sexual abuse): https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/tylko-w-onecie/katarzyna-kotula-prezes-pzt-to-seksualny-predator-krzywdzil-mnie-gdy-bylam-dzieckiem/qj0rnet
And Iga Swiatek's response: https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1595077207130787840
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Calvin Betton dials in from Italy to join George Bellshaw and James Gray of the i newspaper and inews.co.uk to talk all things tennis, including:
Will Novak Djokovic ever age?
Is he already the greatest 35-year-old in the history of sport?
Will he surpass Roger Federer's record of six ATP Finals titles?
Do we read much into Rafael Nadal's defeats to Felix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz?
Could he still win the Australian Open next year?
Is Casper Ruud sneakily the most consistent player on tour? Or is he just 'a Poundland Djokovic'?
Can we possibly agree with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Andrey Rublev's 'very few tools'?
Coaching questions for Calvin
How gambling on tennis ruined my life, by Hannah Jane Parkinson: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/nov/20/gambling-addiction-tennis-bet365-online-betting-hannah-jane-parkinson
WHO IS THE WORST MUSICIAN ON THE ATP? Stefanos Tsitsipas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHiwNG2HVQ&ab_channel=StefanosTsitsipas-Topic Denis Shapovalov - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iu64p6RAWc&ab_channel=ShapoMusic-Topic Andrey Rublev - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9OUNt7gjDY&ab_channel=SummerAfternoon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tennis coach Calvin Betton, writer George Bellshaw and senior sports journalist at i and inews.co.uk James Gray discuss all the biggest issues in tennis over the last week, including:
Why Novak Djokovic's drinks bottle became such a big deal
How the BJK Cup was almost a disaster, then wasn't, then was again [and later why it should only be every four years]
What Cam Norrie should have done instead of going to Saudi Arabia for pre-season - and why it's different from allowing politics to ban Russian players from playing at Wimbledon
The secret to a top doubles pairing
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George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton join James Gray of the i newspaper and inews.co.uk to talk about everything that has happened in the last week of tennis, with questions like:
How can we fix the WTA Finals?
Why did it break in the first place?
Whose run to the final is more impressive: Caroline Garcia and Aryna Sabalenka?
What of Holger Rune's chances of winning over the rest of the locker room?
Why is Novak Djokovic so good in Paris (indoors)?
And many, many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray of inews.co.uk and the i newspaper talk about the biggest topics from the last seven days of tennis, including:
Dimitry Tursonov discusses the 'red flags' that made him walk away from the Emma Raducanu job, and how he did not line up Belinda Bencic before doing so (Read the full interview here: https://www.tennismajors.com/wta-tour-news/tursunov-i-wasnt-hopping-from-one-player-to-another-i-wouldnt-do-that-631908.html)
Iga Swiatek says she 'can't control' the hand-waving that some people call hindrances, but do the podcasters agree?
Cam Norrie (and Nick Kyrgios) complain that Novak Djokovic has benefitted from Wimbledon by qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals but they have not. Do we agree? (Read Simon Briggs' piece in the Telegraph here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/10/31/cameron-norrie-atp-finals-favours-novak-djokovic-unfair-selection/)
Daniil Medvedev has won his second title of the year, triumphing in Vienna
Australia confirm they have replaced the Hopman and ATP Cup with the United Cup, an 18-team, mixed competition held across three cities before the Australian Open
The WTA Finals gets underway in Fort Worth, having sold very few tickets indeed by all accounts - but listener Eli Cook asks us why one of the favourites Coco Gauff is quite so highly rated.
Plus loads more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray of i newspaper and inews.co.uk is joined by writer George Bellshaw and tennis coach Calvin Betton to talk about all the latest tennis news, including:
Simona Halep has been provisional suspended after failing a drugs test
Dan Evans says he should have been playing doubles for Great Britain in the Davis Cup and could quit if he is not given the chance to do so. Is he right? (Read the original story in full here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/dan-evans-threatens-quit-davis-cup-1918744)
Felix Auger-Aliassime wins back-to-back 250 titles - has he levelled up again?
Dominic Thiem says his backhand, serve and movement are all there now, but can he still function properly without a fully firing forehand?
Jessica Pegula beats Maria Sakkari in Guadalajara to cement her place as No 3 in the world, where does she sit in the eight-strong field for the WTA Finals in Forth Worth?
Arise the Next Next Gen as Lorenzo Musetti and Holger Rune both win titles
Filmmaker Cosmin Andrei talks to James about "OUT! The Untold Truth of Tennis", a film he wants to make in order to highlight the issues behind parental coaching in tennis (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andreea-costea/out-the-untold-truth-of-tennis)
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Live from Antwerp, James Gray joins Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw to discuss all the latest from the tennis world.
Why Andy Murray really pulled out of the European Open
What's the deal with indoor courts?
Is Felix Auger-Aliassime the next Andrey Rublev?
What does Coco Gauff have to do about her forehand
Whether Iga Swiatek needs to take a look hard look at herself, or if the 'hindrances' are just part of the game
And much, much more! Key links
You need to follow this guy (https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac) on Twitter. Just do it.
Here is JI's brilliant guide to WTA Finals permutations this week: https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1581988629475254274
This is the compilation of what some people are calling Iga Swiatek's pattern of behaviour: https://twitter.com/tennisooc/status/1581891202705596416
This is Anastasia Gasanova's series of posts, dating back years. Fair warning, there's lots of grim stuff in there: https://twitter.com/ukrtennis_eng/status/1581212917390712837
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton join James Gray to talk about the biggest issues in tennis this week:
Novak Djokovic wins his 90th ATP title in Astana, beating a strong field and thrashing Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. The former world No 1 is now guaranteed a place at the ATP World Tour finals and has lost just two tour matches since May - is this season he is putting together being underrated?
Daniil Medvedev was putting together a fine match against Djokovic before pulling an adductor muscle. What next for him?
Is Barbora Krejcikova good for women's tennis? She is certainly good at it after becoming just the second player in senior tennis to beat Iga Swiatek in a final. Both women saved match points before Krejcikova triumphed in three sets.
Emma Raducanu has ended her WTA season with a wrist injury but says she will play Billie Jean King Cup. What should we hope for next season? And will the seven-figure investment in British tennis secure her legacy?
Where will Taylor Fritz end next year after beating Frances Tiafoe to the title in Tokyo? Fritz is the only player along with Djokovic to win a 250, 500 and 1000 event in 2022 and is up to No 8 in the world.
There has been some movement on the Nick Kyrgios court case in Australia - James explains what but you should also read this explainer with one of Australia's top lawyers: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-next-emma-raducanu-british-tennis-grand-slam-champion-1891939
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George Bellshaw returns to join James Gray and Calvin Betton to discuss all the biggest stories in tennis this week, and consider the follow:
So Novak Djokovic wasn't injured then?
Can he catch Jimmy Connors' ATP title record?
Who will finish on the most titles out of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal?
Was Iga Swiatek right to criticise the tour and the ITF over the timing of the BJK Cup Finals in Glasgow?
How can tennis fix its calendar problems?
Should Corentin Moutet be banned after a fight with Adrian Andreev?
Who will win the race to Turin and Texas respectively?
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James Gray and Calvin Betton are joined by Michael Hincks, freelance sports journalist who got to witness the Laver Cup and The Roger Federer Show up close and personal.
They ask:
Did Roger Federer overshadow his own event? Does it matter?
What was Ellie Goulding doing there?
Who was our Laver Cup MVP?
Is Frances Tiafoe the future of the tournament?
Should we be asking the Laver Cup to help grow the game internationally?
What would we change about the tournament format?
Plus the latest from the tour, including a fresh injury problem for Emma Raducanu and Alexander Bublik being... Alexander Bublik. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're all wearing black, the crying has barely stopped and as a mark of respect George has left the country. Yes, Roger Federer has announced his retirement. Resident tennis coach Calvin Betton and journalist for i newspaper and inews.co.uk James Gray react to the news, and try to answer the following question...
If Federer changed the game, how?
Will he end up joining an elite group of billionaire athletes?
What is Federer's legacy?
Will we ever see another player win 20 grand slams across 15 years?
Could Britain have won their Davis Cup group by dropping Andy Murray?
Is the new Davis Cup format working?
Who will win the Davis Cup now?
Emma Raducanu is grinding the 250s, which is exactly what she needs?
How much will we see Naomi Osaka in 2023?
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James Gray is joined by Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw to look back at two weeks of mayhem at Flushing Meadows which culminated in Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz being crowned US Open champions, both for the first time.
Will Iga Swiatek win all four next year?
Will Carlos Alcaraz win any?
Has Casper Ruud proven he is a grand slam challenger?
Is Ons Jabeur actually any closer to winning one?
We'll also talk about the future of Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, whether Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff can really step up to win their first slam next year, and what this all means for the rest of the tours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw join James Gray in New York to look at the two singles finals, firstly between Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur, and then between Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James reports live from New York (well sort of - he definitely is there but since this is a podcast, it can't really be called live), talking all things US Open from the last 48 hours. This is a podlet, so sometimes he'll be alone, sometimes he'll be with a guest or two, and it will almost always be quite raw. No music, no editing, just pure, unadulterated mind dump. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James reports live from New York (well sort of - he definitely is there but since this is a podcast, it can't really be called live), talking all things US Open from the last 48 hours. This is a podlet, so sometimes he'll be alone, sometimes he'll be with a guest or two, and it will almost always be quite raw. No music, no editing, just pure, unadulterated mind dump. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin Betton joins James Gray to talk about the first week of the US Open.
Is this really the end of Serena Williams?
What will Emma Raducanu get out of playing a lower level of tournament?
Where is it going wrong for Andy Murray?
What next for Harriet Dart?
Is Rafael Nadal really in the best shape?
What can Daniil Medvedev expect from Nick Kyrgios?
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James reports live from New York (well sort of - he definitely is there but since this is a podcast, it can't really be called live), talking all things US Open from the last 24 hours. This is a podlet, so sometimes he'll be alone, sometimes he'll be with a guest or two, and it will almost always be quite raw. No music, no editing, just pure, unadulterated mind dump. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James reports live from New York (well sort of - he definitely is there but since this is a podcast, it can't really be called live), talking all things US Open from the last 24 hours. This is a podlet, so sometimes he'll be alone, sometimes he'll be with a guest or two, and it will almost always be quite raw. No music, no editing, just pure, unadulterated mind dump. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James reports live from New York (well sort of - he definitely is there but since this is a podcast, it can't really be called live), talking all things US Open from the last two days. This is a podlet, so sometimes he'll be alone, sometimes he'll be with a guest or two, and it will almost always be quite raw. No music, no editing, just pure, unadulterated mind dump. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Check out the men's draw in full and the women's draw in full to see how the brackets might unfold, and make sure to study them carefully before entering our fantasy tennis game, which will open when the last qualifier has been placed. This week, George, Calvin and James (from NYC) discuss the impact of Novak Djokovic finally withdrawing from the US Open, why grand slam prize money should be REDUCED and how Emma Raducanu might fair in her maiden grand slam title defence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu enjoyed two of her most high-profile wins as she beat Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams comfortably, but then lost to in-form Jessica Pegula. Finding form at the right time, or catching two legends at a bad time?
Borna Coric made an incredible return from shoulder surgery earlier this year and years in the wilderness to win the title in Cincinnati, his first Masters 1000 crown. He will now be seeded at the US Open; is he finally about to come of age?
In the women's draw, Caroline Garcia won as a qualifier in. Is she now finding her way and adding yet more chaos to the top of the women's game?
Both Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal lost in Cincinnati - which of those two is more concerning? And does it just throw the US Open even wider open?
Andy Murray throws away a win against Cameron Norrie and suffers bad cramps. What does he have to do to finally make that jump back into the top 30?
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Serena Williams says she will retire after the US Open, announcing in a long letter to the tennis world in Vogue that she’s “evolving” away from tennis and will focus now on expanding her family and her business Serena Ventures. What’s been her impact on the game? What’s her legacy? Where does she rank among the greatest of all-time? And what about her clash with Emma Raducanu?
Simona Halep is back in the top 10 after winning Rogers Cup beating Zhang, Teichmann, Gauff, Pegula and then Haddad Maia in the final. How much credit should her coach Patrick Mouratoglou be getting?
There was a first Masters 1000 title for Pablo Carreno Busta. Is he the most underrated player on tour?
Carlos Alcaraz lost to Tommy Paul from a commanding position and spoke about feeling the pressure afterwards. Are we concerned about his US Open chances?
Jack Draper beat Stefanos Tsitsipas for the biggest win of his career and a place on the cusp of the top 50. What do we think his ceiling is?
Nick Kyrgios beat Daniil Medvedev. Does this change our perspective on Kyrgios’s chances at US Open?
Dan Evans reached the semis and lost doubles final. After a big week for him, is there any sense that this US Open is last-chance-saloon in terms of having a serious chance of going deep in a grand slam?
Andy Murray is set to take on Cam Norrie in Cincinnati, who wins?
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- Nick Kyrgios wins singles and doubles title in Washington to announce himself as a challenger for the US Open title. He will be seeded for the singles draw and is probably playing at a top-10 level, isn't he?
- Daniil Medvedev also won a title this week in Los Cabos, beating Cam Norrie in the final after another strong week for the British No 1
- Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka faced off in San Jose, but where is this rivalry going?
- Afterwards, Naomi Osaka Tweeted and deleted about not having rich parents. Is that where all tennis players' motivation comes from?
- Daria Kasatkina is third in the WTA Race after winning the title, beating Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Paula Badosa and Shelby Rogers; (worth noting Gauff is no. 4 in the race)
- Terry White asked what we think about not allowing second serves? "Too many serve bots in the game. Has this been tried before?" he wrote on Twitter
- Elena Tsourdi asked us about Iga Swiatek's defeat to Carolina Garcia, particularly her destruction on second serve, and whether that concerns us about her form going forward AND FINALLY
- Pickleball and padel both got prominent coverage on US and UK TV this week - can tennis get anything out of people picking up these sports? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the singles in Atlanta with a knee problem but did then win the doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, the Australian Open winning pair
Alex de Minaur wins the singles title, beating Jenson Brooksby in the final
Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz again to claim his first ATP title on clay - how many times are we going to see that match-up in their careers?
Also titles for Roberto Bautista Agut, Caroline Garcia and Marie Bouzkova
Goran Ivanisevic says Novak Djokovic is targeting 30 grand slams, but has he worked out the visa implications?
Serena Williams has been playing the part of hitting partner to Venus in Washington, but do either of them have that long left?
Emma Raducanu has a new coach - on trial - in Dmitry Tursunov, although he is not available for the whole US swing. Needless to say, we have opinions... but he has at least got her playing doubles, it seems.
Kyle Edmund is back! He beat Yosuke Watanuki 6-4 7-6(8) to claim a first victory at ATP level since US Open 2020
AND FINALLY
Ash Barty got married. Nice one Ash.
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With James Gray on holiday, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw discuss all the latest news from the tennis world, including:
Novak Djokovic joins the Laver Cup but will having the Big Four on the same squad turn it into a global event?
What does Roger Federer's choice of racquet tell us about his career?
Dominic Thiem makes a semi-final, he's not had a chance to defend his 2020 US Open title yet...
Lorenzo Musetti goes for underarm serve on match point in the semi-finals but still wins and goes on to beat Carlos Alcaraz to the title, while the Spaniard becomes the second-youngest since 2000 (after Rafa Nadal) to reach the top five in the world
Casper Ruud beats Matteo Berrettini to the title in Gstaad
Irina-Camelia Begu triumphs in Palermo
Bernarda Pera shocks Anett Kontaveit to claim victory in Hamburg
Andrea Gaudenzi discusses a grass court Masters and hints it will lean towards Germany
Elina Svitolina criticises governing bodies for lack of support over Ukraine war while Iga Swiatek holds a high-profile fundraiser and vows keep focus on it
AND FINALLY... Venus Williams’ dream tennis dinner party...
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James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton dig into the biggest issues of the week in tennis. 1:35 - Daria Kasatkina reveals she is dating a woman, and her concerns about the taboo over same-sex relationships in Russia. The Russian No 1 also said she wanted "war to end", a significant statement both for its anti-war sentiment and even for defining the invasion of Ukraine as a war, something the Russian regime continues to call a "special military operation". 14:53 - Lleyton Hewitt is inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame at Newport, giving an emotional speech in which he said he never expected to be a HoFer, that is was something for his idols. How did the Australian make it so far? And what about that Wimbledon win in 2002? 23:55 - Maxime Cressy wins the title at Newport, serve-and-volleying his way to victory over Alexander Bublik. What is his ceiling? He will now probably be seeded at the US Open, which could make him a tricky early-round opponent for someone. And Calvin's got another theory about the return of S&V in modern tennis... 38:45 - Serena Williams reveals her plans for the summer will take her to Toronto and Washington before New York. How much work does she need to put in to be competitive at the US Open? 45:18 - Inside the secret world of tennis umpires, a Guardian long read. LINKS Daria Kasatkina puts it better than we ever could: https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/tennis-world-showers-daria-kasatkina-with-love-after-star-comes-out-as-gay/news-story/8b0b38bfb57cce0876552a94e2b9e976 Read William Ralston's brilliant piece on umpires here: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jul/07/tennis-umpires-secret-world-you-cant-be-the-players-friend A cricket umpire puts Stuart Broad in his place: https://twitter.com/ClubRespectTeam/status/1546611539523751939 Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lovetennispod And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv_pnF_62lE5rqd9qopYXcg And you can email us lovetennispod@gmail.com It's never been easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We've got a full set! George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray all manage to get on the same podcast to look back at two weeks of Wimbledon and forward to the hard court season. We asked:
Should Novak Djokovic still be confident of beating Rafa Nadal's all-time slam record?
Is Roger Federer still the GOAT on grass?
Would any of them beat John McEnroe?
Is Elena Rybakina a bigger breakthrough than Nick Kyrgios?
Will Ons Jabeur ever win a grand slam?
Does James need to change his fantasy tennis system? (Answer: always)
Was Wimbledon 2022 a success?
Why is Andy Murray STILL playing on grass?
Dominic Thiem is BACK?!
Follow us on Twitter @LoveTennisPod or get in touch with your thoughts lovetennispod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thank you so much for listening to all the podlets over Wimbledon. It has been our record fortnight, with thousands of you tuning in to listen. We really, REALLY appreciate it, even if you don't always agree with us. That's why we're here, in the end, to stir the pot a bit! Anyway, weekly pods will be back after Wimbledon - and if you want to play me at Matchpoint Tennis Championships, just drop me a DM... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thank you so much for listening to all the podlets over Wimbledon. It has been our record fortnight, with thousands of you tuning in to listen. We really, REALLY appreciate it, even if you don't always agree with us. That's why we're here, in the end, to stir the pot a bit! Anyway, weekly pods will be back after Wimbledon - and if you want to play me at Matchpoint Tennis Championships, just drop me a DM... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Order of play for Thursday
1.30pm: Ons Jabeur (3) vs Tatjana Maria
Followed by (expected around 3.15pm): Simona Halep (16) vs Elena Rybakina (17)
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Wimbledon order of play for Wednesday Centre Court (from 1.30pm BST) Ajla Tomljanovic vs Elena Rybakina Rafael Nadal vs Taylor Fritz No 1 Court (from 1pm BST) Simona Halep vs Amanda Anisimova Nick Kyrgios vs Cristian Garin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Order of play for Tuesday (All times BST and subject to change!) Centre Court (1.30pm start)
Novak Djokovic (1) vs Jannik Sinner (10)
Marie Bouzkova vs Ons Jabeur (3)
No 1 Court (1pm start)
Tatjana Maria vs Jule Niemeier
David Goffin vs Cameron Norrie (9)
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Order of play for Monday (All times BST and order of play is subject to change) Centre Court (from 1.30pm)
Brandon Nakashima vs Nick Kyrgios
Paula Badosa (4) vs Simona Halep (16)
Botic van de Zandschulp (21) vs Rafael Nadal (2)
No 1 Court (from 1pm)
Elena Rybakina (17) vs Petra Martic
Jason Kubler vs Taylor Fritz (11)
Amanda Anisimova (20) vs Harmony Tan
No 2 Court (from 11am)
Cristian Garin vs Alex de Minaur
Alize Cornet vs Ajla Tomljanovic
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Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please tell your friends and tennis partners about the Love Tennis Podcast. We will be releasing new episode EVERY DAY over Wimbledon, and it would be a great shame if we didn't get any new listeners for our trouble. You are our greatest asset, our greatest supporters and the reason we do it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A look back at all the biggest stories of the last week including:
Petra Kvitova won in Eastbourne and turned a few heads in fantasy
Stefanos Tsitsipas "proved" he can play on grass
Emma Raducanu's ongoing injury scare
Nick Kyrgios is up to his usual tricks again
Novak Djokovic still won't get vaccinated
Plus a look forward to the Day 1's order of play: All courts start at 11am BST unless otherwise stated Centre Court (1.30pm)
Novak Djokovic (1) vs Kwon Soon-woo
Alison Van Uytvanck vs Emma Raducanu (10)
Andy Murray vs James Duckworth
No 1 Court (1pm)
Mirjam Bjorklund (Q) vs Ons Jabeur (3)
Jan-Lennard Struff vs Carlos Alcaraz (5)
Angelique Kerber (15) vs Kristina Mladenovic
No 2 Court
Cameron Norrie (9) vs Pablo Andujar
Bernarda Pera vs Anett Kontaveit (2)
Jannik Sinner (10) vs Stan Wawrinka (WC)
Maria Sakkari (5) vs Zoe Hives (Q)
No 3 Court
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Hubert Hurkacz (7)
Danielle Collins (7) vs Marie Bouzkova
Tamara Korpatsch vs Heather Watson
Ryan Peniston (WC) vs Henri Laaksonen
Court 12
Casper Ruud (3) vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Kaja Juvan vs Beatriz Haddad Maia (32)
Belinda Bencic (14) vs Qiang Wang
Steve Johnson vs Grigor Dimitrov (18)
Court 18
Jodie Burrage (WC) vs Lesia Tsurenko
Enzo Couacaud (Q) vs John Isner (20)
Jay Clarke (WC) vs Christian Harrison (Q)
Marta Kostyuk vs Katie Swan (WC)
Court 4
Tommy Paul (30) vs Fernando Verdasco
Camila Osorio vs Elise Mertens (24)
Martina Trevisan (22) vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Carlos Taberner vs Reilly Opelka (15)
Court 6
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Ugo Humbert
Clara Tauson vs Mai Hontama (Q)
Tamara Zidansek vs Panna Udvardy
Taro Daniel vs Sebastian Baez (31)
Court 7
Anhelina Kalinina (29) vs Anna Bondar
Alejandro Tabilo vs Laslo Djere
Oscar Otte (32) vs Peter Gojowczyk
Court 8
Maximilian Marterer (Q) vs Aljaz Bedene
Aleksandra Krunic vs Sorana Cirstea (26)
Daniel Altmaier vs Mikael Ymer
Daria Saville (WC) vs Viktoriya Tomova
Court 9
Benoit Paire vs Quentin Halys
Federico Coria vs Jiri Vesely
Lucia Bronzetti vs Ann Li
Yanina Wickmayer (Q) vs Lin Zhu
Court 10
Ylena In-Albon vs Alison Riske (28)
Rebecca Marino vs Katarzyna Kawa (Q)
Maddison Inglis (Q) vs Dalma Galfi
Alexander Bublik vs Marton Fucsovics
Court 11
Thiago Monteiro vs Jaume Munar
Jule Niemeier vs Xiyu Wang
Tim van Rijthoven (WC) vs Federico Delbonis
Court 14
Adrian Mannarino vs Max Purcell (Q)
John Millman vs Miomir Kecmanovic (25)
Astra Sharma (Q) vs Tatjana Maria
Oceane Dodin vs Jelena Ostapenko (12)
Court 15
Nikoloz Basilashvili (22) vs Lukas Rosol
Kaia Kanepi (31) vs Diane Parry
Dusan Lajovic vs Pablo Carreno Busta (16)
Shuai Zhang (33) vs Misaki Doi
Court 16
Katerina Siniakova vs Maja Chwalinska (Q)
Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Kamil Majchrzak
Tallon Griekspoor vs Fabio Fognini
Ekaterine Gorgodze vs Irina-Camelia Begu
Court 17
Frances Tiafoe (23) vs Andrea Vavassori
Carolina Garcia vs Lily Miyazaki (WC)
Magda Linette vs Fernanda Contreras Gomez (Q)
David Goffin vs Radu Albot (Q)
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Novak Djokovic appears to have been given the softer end of the Wimbledon draw
Rafael Nadal will have to battle but the podders still reckon he'll make it through
Who is the dark horse to come out of a wide-open bracket and reach the quarter-finals?
Is there anyone Iga Swiatek should be scared of?
How glad is Ons Jabeur to have avoided her half of the draw?
How many Brits can make it through?
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A PACKED podcast with more stories than ever, including:
Serena Williams made her comeback official and will play doubles at Eastbourne with Ons Jabeur before taking a singles wildcard at Wimbledon
Naomi Osaka will not be there though after failing to recover from an Achilles problem, and she says she is trying to master the phrase "after the storm comes the calm"
Eugenie Bouchard said she would not play Wimbledon because it would be a waste of her protected ranking entries when she can't pick up any points
Emma Raducanu has pulled out of Eastbourne due to an ongoing side strain and is inevitably an injury doubt for Wimbledon
Tim van Rijthoven and Stan Wawrinka both have wildcards to Wimbledon main draw
Rafa Nadal announces his foot is (mostly) fine and his wife is (entirely) pregnant
Jannik Sinner has a new coach, formerly Simona Halep's coach Darren Cahill
Ons Jabeur beats Belinda Bencic to win a stacked draw in Berlin
Beatriz Haddad Maia wins her second title of the summer on grass while Katie Boulter also shows some form in the same tournament in Birmingham
Hubert Hurkacz strengthens his Wimbledon credentials by beating Daniil Medvedev to claim the title in Halle
Dominic Thiem gets accused of making an adult film, when in fact he was just grunting playing tennis!
Has tennis gone soft on drugs?
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Andy Murray played his first grass-court final since 2016, when he won Wimbledon, but he could not get over the line against a resurgent Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart.
There was good form for Nick Kyrgios who was stopped by Murray in the semi-final but revealed afterwards that he had been racially abused by the crowd.
Stefanos Tsitsipas was another who ran into Murray in good form, and is yet to show what he can do on grass
All of which gets us wondering.... how high can Andy Murray fly on grass this summer?
Tim van Rijthoven comes from outside the top 200 to win in s’hertogenbosch, beating all top three seeds including Daniil Medvedev in the final!
Dan Evans picked up the title in Nottingham, a Midlands win for the Midlands boy, while Ken Skupski and Jonny O'Mara beat Calvin's superstar pair to the doubles Trophy
Beatriz Haddad Maia won both the singles and the doubles in the WTA event
And not forgetting... a WTA event in Berlin coming up, the ATP heads to the Queen's Club and Sue Barker is to step down from heading the BBC coverage of Wimbledon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PART 1
Rafael Nadal won his 22nd grand slam title at Roland Garros, sweeping aside Casper Ruud with apparent ease. Has it changed the way we see the GOAT debate?
Nadal did reveal he would have a non-invasive nerve procedure in an effort to limit the pain in his foot after having anaesthetic injections throughout the tournament. How long has he got left on his left foot?
Casper Ruud admitted the occasion got to him after he managed to win just six games. Will he be back here again?
Coco Gauff seemed to experience similar as she was beaten by Iga Swiatek. What does Gauff have to do to compete at that level?
Iga Swiatek is now 35 matches unbeaten. Is there anyone out there who can stop her?
PART 2
Alexander Zverev has announced he has had surgery on his 3 torn ankle ligaments. When will we see him back in any meaningful way?
Emma Raducanu has another injury, this time an apparent side or rib strain. Is she in a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon?
The WTA are reportedly in talks to award 50 per cent ranking points to players at Wimbledon, reneging on their previous withdrawal. Does that suit anyone?
Who is better: Pat Cash or Patten-Cash? Get to know Britain's most in-form doubles pair.
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Rafael Nadal is looking to win a 14th French Open title and maintain his 100 per cent record in the final of Roland Garros
Casper Ruud is in his very first grand slam final and has never played Nadal competitively
What could possibly go wrong?!
And on Saturday Iga Swiatek beat Coco Gauff in straight sets to claim her second French Open title (in front of Robert Lewandowski), leaving the American tearful but proud of her achievements
Both women used their platform during the tournament to highlight causes close to their heart
Swiatek was asked many things in her post-match press conference, but also about what make-up she wears, a question that harked back to a bygone era
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Alexander Zverev was taken off court in a wheelchair to end a thrilling semi-final against Rafael Nadal
Nadal stopped keeping balls in his pocket because conditions were so humid
Casper Ruud was interrupted in his effort to beat Marin Cilic by a climate change protestor
The Norwegian triumphed though and will face Nadal in Sunday's final
Coco Gauff takes on Iga Swiatek in the women's final on Saturday (2pm BST)
Who do we want to win? Who do we need to win?
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Is there any way of stopping Iga Swiatek?
How on earth did Coco Gauff get so mature at 18?
How can Alexander Zverev beat Rafael Nadal?
Is Nadal's foot going to be alright?
Where did Marin Cilic's form come from?
What can Casper Ruud do in the tennis world?
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Read James' comment piece on the scheduling at Roland Garros here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/french-open-schedule-2022-women-match-men-primetime-slot-1662774 We also ask:
Did Casper Ruud really shout at Holger Rune in the locker room?
How is Marin Cilic still not done yet?
Is Iga Swiatek starting to show some weaknesses?
Can Daria Kasatkina stop her?
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How on earth do you explain Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal?
Where did Djokovic go wrong?
How fit is Nadal really and will we see him at Wimbledon?
Is 1am in May too late and too cold to play tennis?
Plus: Zverev vs Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Fernandez's injury and more!
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Order of play for Tuesday (All times UK) Court Philippe Chatrier
11am: Martina Trevisan vs Leylah Fernandez (17)
Followed by: Coco Gauff (18) vs Sloane Stephens
Followed by: Alexander Zverev (3) vs Carlos Alcaraz (6)
Not before 7.45pm: Novak Djokovic (1) vs Rafael Nadal (5)
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Will Felix Auger-Aliassime regret not serving at 70 per cent?
How is Rafa Nadal playing?
Can Coco Gauff stop Iga Swiatek?
Where did Sloane Stephens' form come from?
This and so many other questions to answer from Roland Garros... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin and James raw and unedited on Saturday's action at Roland Garros
Jessica Pegula is the highest ranked seed left in the women's draw except for Iga Swiatek
Who can challenge the Polish world No 1?
Is Aryna Sabalenka ever going to win a grand slam?
What does Andrey Rublev add to the draw?
Why did we never believe that Daniil Medvedev could be good on clay?
What is Holger Rune's deal?
James will be taking no questions about the football now and for some time afterwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What a match between Fernandez and Bencic!
Anisimova got away with one
Norrie’s French Open campaign is over
Gauff dispatched the giant-killer Kanepi
It’s a big day for the top half pretenders tomorrow: Pegula vs Zidansek, Badosa vs Kudermetova; Keys vs Rybakina and Sabalenka vs Giorgi.
Holger Rune vs Hugo Gaston on Saturday night
Medvedev faces Kecmanovic, which feels like a big test
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Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic: who are we more convinced by?
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev: who are we less convinced by?
Can anyone stop Iga Swiatek and is it worth trying?
How do we rate the British effort?
Plus a look ahead to how the quarter-finals might be shaping up and why Irina-Camelia Begu was not disqualified from the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin and James discuss high-profile defeats for Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari, while Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz both faced match points but somehow came away with victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a late-night finish from Tsitsipas and Musetti, this podcast needs no introduction. Also it's very late and I'm very tired. Instead, here is Benoit Paire's introduction to his press conference.
I would like to talk about Wimbledon. I would like to know if ATP defends more players or Russia. This is why I wanted to talk with you guys. Because we are going to play a tournament without any points. When some people had COVID, we didn't say, Oh, okay, we should cancel the tournament altogether. But then we have three or four Russian players, including Medvedev, and we are rallying against Wimbledon. I think it's a pity, because if we were to listen to all the players, players do not understand this decision. 99% of players, they want to have points and to play the tournament as it was before. So I want to know if ATP wants to defend players or Russia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's Roland Garros wrap includes:
Amanda Anisimova beating Naomi Osaka
Osaka's Wimbledon bombshell and reaction from Iga Swiatek and Novak Djokovic
Emma Raducanu almost slipping on a first-round banana skin
Novak Djokovic standing up for players' rights
Here is Tuesday's order of play (All courts start at 10am BST unless stated; British players in bold) Court Philippe Chatrier Play starts at 11am
Alize Cornet vs Misaki Doi
Casper Ruud (8) vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Paula Badosa (3) vs Fiona Ferro
Not before 7.45pm: Lorenzo Musetti vs Stefanos Tsitsipas (4)
Court Suzanne Lenglen
Facundo Bagnis vs Daniil Medvedev (2)
Not before 12pm: Lloyd Harris vs Richard Gasquet 1-6 2-5
Taylor Townsend vs Carolina Garcia
Hugo Gaston vs Alex de Minaur (19)
Chloe Paquet vs Aryna Sabalenka (7)
Court Simonne Mathieu
Tessah Andrianjafitrimo vs Karolina Pliskova (8)
Not before 11.30am: Benoit Paire vs Ilya Ivashka 3-6 2-1
Frances Tiafoe (24) vs Benjamin Bonzi
Simona Halep (19) vs Nastasja Schunk
Pablo Carreno Busta (16) vs Gilles Simon
Court 5
Not before 11am: Ekaterina Alexandrova (30) vs Greet Minnen
Irina-Camelia Begu vs Jasmine Paolini
Court 6
Danielle Collins (9) vs Viktoriya Tomova
Not before 11.30am: Sebastian Korda (27) vs John Millman 1-0
Adrian Mannarino vs Federico Delbonis
Claire Liu vs Tamara Zidansek (24)
Giulio Zeppieri vs Hubert Hurkacz (12)
Court 7
Emil Ruusuvuori vs Ugo Humbert
Not before 12pm: Madison Keys (22) vs Anna Kalinskaya 2-1
Jessica Pegula vs Qiang Wang
Bjorn Fratangelo vs Jannik Sinner (11)
Rebecca Sramkova vs Daria Kasatkina (20)
Court 10
Joao Sousa vs Chun-Hsin Tseng
Shelby Rogers vs Tereza Martincova
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Oscar Otte
Panna Udvardy vs Fernanda Contreras Gomez
Court 11
Ricardas Berankis vs Laslo Djere
Jiri Lehecka vs David Goffin
Irina Bara vs Yulia Putintseva
Madison Brengle vs Mihaela Buzarnescu
Court 12
Denis Shapovalov (14) vs Holger Rune
Not before 12pm: Pedro Martinez vs Henri Laaksonen 6-2 4-6 0-2
Mayar Sherif vs Marta Kostyuk
Oksana Selekhmeteva vs Kaja Juvan
Jiri Vesely vs Steve Johnson
Court 13
Aleksandra Krunic vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Not before 11.30am: Arantxa Rus vs Elena Rybakina (16) 1-6 4-2
Peter Gojowczyk vs Lorenzo Sonego (32)
Angelina Kalinina vs Hailey Baptiste
Marco Cecchinato vs Pablo Andujar
Court 14
Lucia Bronzetti vs Jelena Ostapenko (13)
Not before 11.30am: Arthur Rinderknech vs Alexander Bublik 2-6 2-4
Andrey Rublev (7) vs Soonwoo Kwon
Camila Giorgi (28) vs Shuai Zhang
Lucas Pouille vs Zdenek Kolar
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We'll be doing daily podlets from Paris to cover off each day's play and preview action from the next day. We hope you enjoy! If you want to watch James' video diaries, head to instagram.com/jamesgraysport
Ons Jabeur left the women's draw even more wide open when she lost to Magda Linette
Garbine Muguruza can't buy a win and the last person she needed to face was Kaia Kanepi
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is supposed to be good on clay!
Plus: Could Nadal REALLY lose in R1? Could Djokovic REALLY lose in R1? (No and no.) How will the Brits fare on Monday? Will it just rain all day and what happens if it does?
The show courts on Monday are as follows... Court Philippe Chatrier Play starts at 11am BST
Iga Swiatek (1) vs Lesia Tsurenk
Diane Parry vs Barbora Krejcikova (2)
Jordan Thompson vs Rafael Nadal (5)
Not before 7.45pm: Novak Djokovic (1) vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Court Suzanne Lenglen Play starts at 10am BST
Amanda Anisimova (27) vs Naomi Osaka
Stan Wawrinka vs Corentin Moutet
Anett Kontaveit (5) vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Lloyd Harris vs Richard Gasquet
Court Simonne Mathieu Play starts at 10am BST
Ocean Dodin vs Andrea Petkovic
Cameron Norrie (10) vs Manuel Guinard
Linda Noskova vs Emma Raducanu (12)
Benoit Paire vs Ilya Ivashka
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Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lovetennispod Play fantasy tennis here: https://forms.gle/wTitJ6wQqMGHny1v9 Follow your progress here: https://rb.gy/xkx8b9 This week, George, James and Calvin react to the breaking news that Wimbledon has been stripped of its ranking points for 2022 as the two tours fire back over the decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus over the invasion of Ukraine. Is it the right thing to do? How will Wimbledon react? What next? Will anyone notice? They also look over the French Open draw and try to pick their fantasy teams in an effort to avoid anyone finding out how little they really know about tennis(!). As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review if you are able to do so. We love getting them and it helps us do more with our podcasting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just hours before this podcast was recorded, the ATP confirmed they would not strip Queen's and Eastbourne of their points over the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players, but would not be drawn on their response to Wimbledon doing the same. What about the WTA? And will Wimbledon really be a ranking points-free zone?
On the court, Emma Raducanu pulled out injured in Rome, losing to Bianca Andreescu after dropping the first set. Is the back injury a concern? What other 'niggles' are there to shake off ahead of Roland Garros?
Iga Swiatek mullered the women's draw once again, even Ons Jabeur crumbled in the face of her aggression. Can anyone stop her?
Novak Djokovic has done what he does best and hit top form and the right time but Carlos Alcaraz will start as joint-favourite for the title. Stefanos Tsitsipas has lots of points to defend in Paris but seems unable to beat the biggest players, while Alexander Zverev is quietly coming up on the rail...
But what about Rafael Nadal? Roland Garros is his domain but his own body seems to be failing him at the worst possible time.
PLUS: Jack Draper, Matteo Berrettini and Gael Monfils all pull out of the French Open, Laura Robson officially retires and doubles is the gift that keeps on giving
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Carlos Alcaraz beat Alexander Zverev in an underwhelming final after perhaps the greatest run of Masters history, beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in consecutive days. Will he win 60 grand slams?! George, Calvin and James refuse to get off the hype train.
Will Nadal and Nole be in better shape come Roland Garros and be able to stop him?
What of the lost generation, consumed by the all-conquering Alcaraz?
What next for Ons Jabeur? This is certainly the biggest win of her career, but she now needs to show she can do it at grand slam tournaments at the French Open could be a great opportunity.
Could Madrid have scheduled the tournament any better? Almost certainly.
Who is Sonay Kartal? The British 20-year-old has already won three 25Ks this year and is flying up the rankings. The sky is the limit, isn't it?
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Please leave us a five-star review wherever you get your podcast - we will read EVERY single one out on the pod (eventually - the system often filters them out for a few weeks). You can also contact us on Twitter @LoveTennisPod or by email lovetennispod@gmail.com, and we'll always try to include your questions on the podcast. Firstly, George sends his apologies this week. North London's most injured tennis player has finally gone under the knife to repair a meniscus damaged putting up flatpack furniture. He assures he will be less pilled up next week and capable of lucid thoughts. In his absence, James and Calvin did their best to get through another stacked week of tennis news, starting with Emma Raducanu's decision to sack coach Torben Beltz and adopt a new training model, including support from the LTA and a wide range of voices contributing to her development. Elsewhere, Wimbledon defended their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from their tournament. They claimed the UK Government advice had left them with little option but to do so. How will the ATP and WTA respond? Could they pull points from the grass-court season in the UK altogether and put on extra tournaments elsewhere? Plus we discuss the return of Roger Federer at the Swiss Indoors later this year, whether Rafael Nadal really needs that much match practice as he makes his comeback at the Madrid Open, what Iga Swiatek's 'injury' really means, Jack Draper's fine win in Spain and titles for two more young up-and-comers, Holger Rune and Sebastian Baez. James Gray - @jamesgraysport George Bellshaw - @bellshawgeorge Calvin Betton - @calvbetton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since we last recorded, Wimbledon turned the tennis world upside down by banning Russian and Belarusian players from the grass-court grand slam. The decision divided opinion in the tennis world, and between George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray. Part one of this pod is entirely dedicated to the issue, so if you're sick of that by now, skip the first half hour. In part two, you'll find Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andy Murray and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu made her senior professional debut on clay last week - with mixed results. She beat Tereza Martincova, her best result against a player in the top 50 since the US Open, and was then thumped by Marketa Vondrousova. What next for Raducanu in Stuttgart and beyond? And could we see another coaching change in the not-too-distant future? Stefanos Tsitsipas retained his Monaco crown by seeing off Alejandro Davidovich Fokina - is he the real French Open favourite given the lack of form elsewhere? ADF knocked out Novak Djokovic for him on his return to action for the first time in six weeks, so what can we learn from that result? 'Minute Tennis' returns as Calvin discusses why clay is such an important surface for development and why Brits are usually so poor on it Plus: Billie Jean King Cup news, blisters, toenails, the No 1 ranking and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please leave us a five-star review wherever you get your podcast - we will read EVERY single one out on the pod. You can also contact us on Twitter @LoveTennisPod or by email lovetennispod@gmail.com, and we'll always try to include your questions on the podcast. Nick Kyrgios has picked up yet more fines for on-court spats with umpires, although this one did concede he had got it wrong. Does tennis need to reflect on how good its umpires are? Or find a better way to deal with players who behave unacceptably towards them? The so-called golden generation of French tennis is coming to an end as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga announces his retirement. A career well spent or a persistent underperformer? And what now for the game in France as others will soon follow him out to pasture. Emma Raducanu has been hitting with at the academy run by Riccardo Piatti - is this a hint about where her next coaching change might come from? Torben Beltz remains in charge... for now. Belinda Bencic beat Ons Jabeur in an excellent final in Charleston, should we consider the Swiss a genuine threat on the clay now? We also talk about all the latest injury news including Matteo Berrettini, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal. James Gray - @jamesgraysport George Bellshaw - @bellshawgeorge Calvin Betton - @calvbetton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As always, if you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a five-star review to help us reach more listeners and devote more time to the pod. - Are we over Ash Barty? The WTA’s new No 1 and the biggest star of the women's game met in Miami final, and gave us all plenty of reasons to be cheerful - Can anyone beat Iga Swiatek? She was far too strong for Naomi Osaka and now heads to the clay where she won her grand slam title. - Naomi Osaka is back: we are pleased to see her and she seems please to see us. A rivalry to define an era? - There’s no escape from Alcaraz as Carlos wins his first Masters title. How many slams will he win? Could he win one this year? - Casper Ruud certainly played his part in Miami as looks a complete top-10 player. Is he a major threat at RG? (But he's not just about the clay.) Do we see him as more than just a sometime semi-finalist at slams? - Daniil Medvedev is a doubt for the French and for Wimbledon all of a sudden: minor surgery on a hernia is going to keep him out for most of the clay and The Daily Telegraph say the All-England are ready to ban over Russian invasion of Ukraine… - We also look at Jack Draper's run of wins, Cameron Norrie's move into the top 10, new world No 1 Joe Salisbury, Nick Kyrgios drawing a telling off from the ATP boss for all the players, Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka returning and the Emma Raducanu effect on UK TV right! Phew... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the most Richard Williams move possible, and then rewrote the story of Serena and Venus' father just as well as the film did
Ashleigh Barty is done with tennis - but is tennis done with her? Certainly not...
How will Iga Swiatek stand up to the pressure of being the sport's new No 1 and leading yet another "new generation" of players?
The Brits are on a roll: Paul Jubb has won his first Challegner title, Heather Watson beat Elina Svitolina, Cam Norrie closing in on the top 10 and Joe Salisbury is set to become world doubles No 1 for the first time
However, Andy Murray has never been more in last chance saloon
Nick Kyrgios looking fit, fired up and ruthless: is a Wimbledon title out of the question given lack of quality on grass/Novak’s lack of activity?
Is Emma Raducanu an easy target for critics who say she is too busy off the court to be successful on it? Or has Raducanu got to do her talking on court? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Taylor Fritz won his first ever Masters title by beating Rafael Nadal, the first American to do so in 21 years - is there an era of American success and attention in the offing? And how big would that be for tennis as a whole?
Nick Kyrgios came, conquered, swore and left again, but not without leaving plenty of entertainment behind. Does he really not care about winning? Actually, says Calvin, it's that he can't cope with losing.
Liam Broady came through qualifying but how close did he get to springing a main draw upset against Miomir Kecmanovic?
Iga Swiatek moved up to No 2 in the world for the first time by beating Maria Sakkari in the women's final. Sakkari is also up to a career-high at No 3. Are we starting to see a new world order in the WTA?
Harriet Dart has cracked the top 100 for the first time after a surprise run in California. Can she go further?
And a quick look at the Miami Open, where Daniil Medvedev could end up facing Andy Murray in the second round.
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Andy Murray got his 700th career win at Indian Wells but was then beaten by Alexander Bublik - what can Calvin tell us about his new coaching set-up, and where does he go from here?
Roger Federer says he is in the middle of a three-part recover from his knee injury and we ask whether he is really a serious tennis player any more.
Naomi Osaka was left in tears after a spectator shouted "you suck" at her and she said it reminded her of what Serena and Venus went through back in 2001. Is she fit for professional tennis at the moment? How much of her will we see at future tournaments?
Did Emma Raducanu exceed expectations in California, where she won one and lost one?
QUICK HITS
Novak Djokovic's draw farce
Rafael Nadal vs Dan Evans - a foregone conclusion?
Amanda Anisimova splits with Darren Cahill
Jack Draper gets a wildcard in Miami
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Andy Murray has brought Ivan Lendl back into his coaching team for a third spell, reuniting a partnership that picked up three grand slams and two Olympic gold medals
Serena Williams has taken aim at Alexander Zverev's actions and claimed she would have been put "in jail" if she had done something similar
Novak Djokovic is doing his best to help on the front line in Ukraine as Dayana Yastremska, who escaped the county, donates her runners-up prize money in Lyon to the cause
Leylah Fernandez has her second WTA title after beating the improving Camila Osorio in three dramatic sets in Mexico, feature five saved championship points and a floodlight failure
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Anna Smith once again joins James Gray and Calvin Betton to talk all things tennis. We start with the horrific Russian invasion of Ukraine, brought into the tennis world by the likes of Elina Svitolina and Andrey Rublev this week with strong statements of their views. Will the WTA, ATP and ITF follow suit? We await with interest. Elsewhere, Cam Norrie reached final and beat Stefanos Tsitsipas along the way but lost to Rafael Nadal. Beating Tsitsipas was only his third ever victory over a top-10 player: a landmark win or a right place, right time victory? And what about Nadal? The man who keeps defying time, and now seems happy to play a relatively full schedule too. How many Slams do we see him winning based on this latest resurgence? Emma Raducanu continues to struggle for momentum with yet another injury hampering her. Is criticism of her for “doing too many photoshoots” unfair? There are a lot of points to defend later in the year, if any of these injuries are serious and she slips back down the rankings, how will that impact her progress overall? Jack Draper has won his third Challenger of the year, and is up into the top 150 in the world. How far do we see him going in 2022? And finally, Alexander Zverev smashes up a chair, gets fined and kicked out of the tournament - but should he get banned by the ATP as well? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new voice joins us to talk about all things tennis as Anna Smith, former player and now coach, commentator and broadcaster, replaces George Bellshaw (for this week at least) in the third chair. She chats with James Gray and Calvin Bellshaw about this week's latest tennis news, including titles for Cam Norrie, Carlos Alcaraz and Jelena Ostapenko, a return to the public eye for Novak Djokovic and three Brits winning titles at lower levels to suggest the future is very bright on home soil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George Bellshaw, Calvin Betton and James Gray breakdown the latest week in the weird world of tennis. This week on the Love Tennis Podcast:
Juan Martin del Potro's on-court tears
Daniil Medvedev's chase of Novak Djokovic's world No. 1 crown
Andy Murray's hopes of finding a new coach
Felix Auger-Aliassime's first ATP title
The future stars of the men's game
Anett Kontaveit's roaring indoor streak
Emma Raducanu's 2,000 points challenge
Serve bots reign supreme in Dallas
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The Telegraph's Simon Briggs joins as a guest for the first half of this week's Love Tennis Podcast as George Bellshaw takes over regular hosting duties, accompanied by Calvin Betton. James Gray returns - live from Beijing - for the second half of the pod.What they discussed:- Behind the scenes of umpire controversy- Juan Martin del Potro’s last hurrah- Andy Murray’s decision to skip the clay-court season- A first international media interview with Peng Shuai - Alexander Bublik’s first ATP title- Emma Raducanu’s off-court court case- And random titbits across the world of tennis involving Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Albert Ramos Vinolas, Joao Sousa and Dominic Thiem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray picks the brains of George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton after a wild weekend of Australian Open action.What questions did they answer? Well...- Is this Rafael Nadal's greatest ever title?- Is he now the GOAT?- What does Daniil Medvedev need to change?- Could the Russian ever overhaul the great Big Three?- What does Ash Barty add to the women's game?- Is the WTA in crisis?- Has Nick Kyrgios 'changed the game'?- What great rivalries does tennis have to look forward to?And a whole lot more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
*This week's episode is supported by MANSCAPED, the best in men’s below-the-waist grooming champions of the world. Get 20% OFF MANSCAPED and free Shipping with promo code LOVETENNIS at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod*In a two-part special, George Bellshaw takes care of the women's semi-finals before Calvin Betton cracks into the men's draw.Questions asked and (partially) answered include:- What does it take to beat Ash Barty?- Where did Madison Keys come from?- Has there every been anyone like Daniil Medvedev (on this planet or others)?- Is anyone mates with Stefanos Tsitsipas?- Can Nick Kyrgios turn up a bit more, please?Presented and produced by James Gray. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Australian Open is four days old - and here are the big questions for the pod:- Just how well did Emma Raducanu play with half her game wiped out by a blister on her right hand?- What have we learned about the US Open champion during her first senior Australian swing?- How open is the bottom half of the draw?- Can Simona Halep take advantage?And on the men’s side…- Is Daniil Medvedev really angry with the Australian crowd?- Who is the biggest shock exit so far?- What can Andy Murray realistically expect to achieve if he is losing in the second round of that draw?- Is Nick Kyrgios going bald?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's a bumper episode. We apologise. There was quite a bit to talk about.ENTER FANTASY TENNIS HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14IXsNQb95sGWAS7-FxxdyN2O4xFjiOEKrWqBBJ6PU-k/editNovak Djokovic is OUT of the Australian Open, flown back to Serbia before the tournament even began after his visa was cancelled. In his stead, Daniil Medvedev is the new favourite, but who will challenge him? Alexander Zverev, quite probably; Stefanos Tsitsipas, less probably; Rafael Nadal, quite possibly; Andy Murray, maybe!We also look at a typically wide open women's draw but conclude that Ash Barty is the player to beat, why Andy Murray's second serve has become such a problem, what Emma Raducanu's chances of getting past even the first round are and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Key questions answered in this episode include:- Should we be no-platforming Novak Djokovic's father Srdan?- Is the Djokovic family the new Trump?- What can Emma Raducanu do to bounce back from defeat to Elena Rybakina?- Is Andy Murray back (again)? (Shady's back etc)- Should we turn Ugo Humbert into a serve-and-volleyer (given the chance)?- Exactly what has happened to Aryna Sabalenka?All this and much, much more in a bumper episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We answer your questions on the Novak Djokovic Covid vaccine/medical exemption/Border Force/visa saga including:- Will other grand slams try to pull the move?- What now for Djokovic's global reputation?- Will he actually play the Australian Open?- Is he really the new Jesus?James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw might not have all the answers - but they can at least try. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Great Britain earned a redemptive win over Germany at the ATP Cup, gaining revenge for Davis Cup defeat, and Dan Evans appears to have found some form out of nowhere.Emma Raducanu meanwhile needs another week to find some more form and has pulled out of her first tournament of the season - what would a good month in Australia look like for her?And why is it SO hard to watch tennis on TV? We look at just how many subscriptions you need to watch all the tennis from the Australian swing - and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu was just a Fed Cup new girl back in 2020 when George Bellshaw interviewed her at the indoor courts at Queen's Club in west London, but you'll get to hear some of the best bits from their chat in this week's episode.George, James and Calvin also discuss Naomi Osaka's imminent return to grand slam tennis, Novak Djokovic's latest vaccine update (or non-update) and predict the grand slam winners for 2022.If you don't want to listen (why wouldn't you?!), here they are in full:Australian OpenJames - Medvedev, MuguruzaGeorge - Medvedev, MuguruzaCalvin - Djokovic, OsakaFrench OpenJames - Djokovic, SwiatekGeorge - Nadal, BartyCalvin - Tsitsipas, BartyWimbledonJames - Djokovic, SerenaGeorge - Djokovic, Barty Calvin - Djokovic, MuguruzaUS OpenJames - Zverev, SabalenkaGeorge - Medvedev, OsakaCalvin - Medvedev, Gauff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andy Murray beat Dan Evans and Rafael Nadal at the Mubadala World (lol) Tennis Championship - which is just an exhibition tournament but, says Calvin, plays like more of a warm-up event. So how much can we take away from arguably the Brit's best result of the year?The boys also discuss the rising Covid cases across the tennis community, the thinning Australian Open field and Calvin reveals what life is like inside the NTC, where players and coaches alike are desperate to avoid catching the latest variant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A momentous episode of the podcast as James, George and Calvin all get together in a room for the first time ever (if you don't count being stood next to Court 5 at Wimbledon in the summer, socially distanced and outdoors). They discussed Andy Murray's split with long-time coach and friend Jamie Delgado and what will come next for the former world No 1, Emma Raducanu's poorly timed contraction of Covid and her pre-season plans, and discussed nominations for the prestigious LTP awards.(As you know, all three of us are volunteers and, frankly, so is our equipment. As such this was recorded in James' living room, converted into a very rudimentary, makeshift studio. Please accept our apologies for any issues with sound quality.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fill out the Love Tennis Podcast listeners' survey: https://forms.gle/UHTqseLQzjJNEQdA9You can also email us your thoughts: lovetennispod@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listener survey - have your say: https://forms.gle/tU8ycz2f2gv2nr3J7Johanna Konta has retired from professional tennis at the age of 30. She reached three grand slam semi-finals, No 4 in the world rankings and racked up more than $10m in career prize money - but did anyone in the UK ever see it coming? And what about that infamous Wimbledon press conference?RTF (Russian Tennis Federation) did what everyone expected them to and delivered victory in the Davis Cup Finals after Great Britain had been knocked out by Germany in the quarter-finals. Daniil Medvedev was nearly flawless but Andrey Rublev had a few wobbles, despite delivering when it mattered. What will happen to the tournament next year? Abu Dhabi done deal?Where Is Peng Shuai. We will keep talking about this story and so will the WTA. This week, Steve Simon has said the WTA will not hold tournaments in China until the situation is resolved but the ITF has said they will maintain their junior and senior calendar there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu played her first match on British soil in nearly five months, appearing at the Royal Albert Hall for an exhibition match against Elena-Gabriela Ruse, which she duly hit and giggled her way through. The British No 1 will now head to the Middle East for a pre-season training camp, another exhibition, Christmas and then fly to Australia.Novak Djokovic's dad has been causing trouble by saying that his sone will not be 'blackmailed' into playing the Australian Open (and therefore getting vaccinated).And Great Britain are through to the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup where they will face Germany (this feels familiar) with the draw opening up for almost anyone who thinks they can win a doubles match.James, George and Calvin talk about these things and much, much more in this week's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where is Peng Shuai? is our first question on this week's podcast, as the world continues to put pressure on the Chinese government over the player's well-being.Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev beat Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on successive days to win the ATP World Tour Finals and raise the prospect that the German might win his first slam in 2022. What does that mean for Novak Djokovic's efforts to run away with the all-time record?Garbine Muguruza, the woman who should win every tournament she enters, did indeed triumph at the WTA Finals, but will she end up making world No 1 in the near future?Roger Federer says he would be 'surprised' if he plays Wimbledon in 2022 - so how do we think his return to the tennis court is going and how will it look if/when he makes it back?All these questions and more are answered by tennis coach Calvin Betton, writer George Bellshaw and journalist James Gray on this week's Love Tennis Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We start by discussing #WhereIsPengShuai, the beginning of (we hope) a lengthy campaign to get to the bottom of the Chinese player's disturbing story. After making a serious allegation of sexual assault against a high-ranking Chinese official, her social media post was deleted from Weibo and she has not been heard from since.On Sunday, the WTA released a firm statement asking for clarity and transparency on Shuai's location as well as a full investigation into the case.We also discuss Emma Raducanu's new coach, Andy Murray's end to the season as well as the WTA, ATP and Next Gen Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin does not hold back on Eddie Jones after the England rugby coach warned one of his players not to make the 'same mistakes Emma Raducanu has', and James and George can only really agree.Plus the lads look at a new coach in the Andy Murray camp, what Emma Raducanu can do as No 1 seed in Linz and the inexorable march of Novak Djokovic towards the title of Greatest Of All Time.There's also a big congratulations to friend of the pod Luke Johnson, a preview of the WTA Finals and yet another lament of the Billie Jean King Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Was Emma Raducanu's trip to Transylvania a horror show or not?- Would you rather watch Frances Tiafoe or Jannik Sinner?- Will Novak Djokovic go to Australia?- Which heavyweight boxer is Andy Murray most like?James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton tackle these questions and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
WTA players were told on Sunday night that they did not need a vaccine to attend the Australian Open, but that they would have to do two weeks of hard quarantine in a hotel. Cue a political maelstrom, with Novak Djokovic and Vika Azarenka at the heart of it. James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton pick the bones out of the story that continues to run as well as discussing:- Whether Jannik Sinner is still moving forward- How Andy Murray is avoiding going backwards- What next for Emma Raducanu's coaching sagaAnd more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cam Norrie 'has hit his ceiling', they said. They were wrong.Will the boys admit they underestimated the new British No 1? Will George concede he would now beat Andy Murray in a one-off match? Why is his backhand so weird?Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray discuss Indian Wells champions Cam Norrie and Paula Badosa, the latest man to coach Emma Raducanu, and why Andy Murray has rarely been so angry after losing a match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a reuploaded version after a technical issue with this week's episodeEmma Raducanu returned to action last week for the first time since the US Open, but was beaten in straight sets at Indian Wells to send everyone into panic mode that she wasn't in fact the greatest tennis player since Eve herself invented the game as a way to keep Adam busy in the summer. She also said she still doesn't have a permanent coach and, slightly bizarrely, made another public plea for "anyone experienced" to offer themselves as a candidate.James, George and Calvin discuss all that plus:- Andy Murray, shoe-related drama off the court and putting-teenagers-in-their-place-related on it- Complaints about the state of the Indian Wells courts- Reilly Opelka's views on mixed doubles (who cares what he thinks?)- Live reporting from Calvin on an all-time tantrum in Prague Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The ATP have finally opened an investigation into the domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev, which he has consistently denied.James, George and Calvin discuss that and all the latest news on the court too with titles for Jannik Sinner and Casper Ruud, a fine run for Cam Norrie and another new coach for Emma Raducanu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tune in for a review of a one-sided Laver Cup and where the tournament goes from here, a look at Emma Raducanu's coaching situation, what has happened to Dominic Thiem - and British success in Europe for Andy Murray and Liam Broady. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu is already on her way to overtaking Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka on Weibo, China's biggest social network - is she the most marketable star in world sport?We also ask whether Rafael Nadal's latest injury and the surgery required on it spells the end of a great career, what Andy Murray's ATP Challenger campaign in France means and how the Laver Cup can justify blocking people on Twitter who dare to mention domestic abuse allegations against Alexander Zverev. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did Emma Raducanu get so good and where did it all go wrong for Novak Djokovic?Plus Daniil Medvedev, Leylah Fernandez, Fantasy US Open results and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Halfway through the US Open and already enough drama and beef for a Gray family BBQ.James, Calvin and George ask each other:- How much did we see Carlos Alcaraz coming?- Will Naomi Osaka ever return as the same player?- Could Emma Raducanu actually win the US Open?- How quickly could Calvin change his clothes? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James, George and Calvin talk through their picks for the US Open just hours before the deadline to enter, at 3pm BST on Monday 30 August Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The BIG questions for the lads this week are:- Was Naomi Osaka given an unfair question?- Does she really need questioning?- Will Daniil Medvedev kick another camera?- Does Stefanos Tsitsipas need more fibre in his diet?And much, MUCH more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's big questions for James, George and Calvin are:- Will Roger Federer ever play again? (The listeners say no.)- Can Daniil Medvedev stop Novak Djokovic?- Has Camila Giorgi dumped her Dad?- What on earth was CoCo Vandeweghe up to?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where does Naomi Osaka's self-titled documentary land in the pantheon of great sporting films? George, James and Calvin discuss that, plus whether Novak Djokovic's latest withdrawal is anything to worry about and if Rafael Nadal needs to find some form ahead of the US Open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novak Djokovic says he carried multiple injuries through the Olympic Games - so should he have been playing them at all?George and James discuss all this and more - and Calvin calls in from Estonia at the end too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can anyone stop Novak Djokovic from claiming Olympic gold in Tokyo? James, George and Calvin struggle to find anyone to stop them, wonder out loud whether Andy Murray's singles withdrawal was forced or prudent, and consider if Lionel Messi is better at football than Djokovic is at tennis. Yes, really. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is it the end of Roger Federer? Is it time to let coaches get involved on every point? Is grass-court tennis worth the effort?All this and more on the latest Love Tennis Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novak Djokovic could give up his chance to secure the Golden Slam because he can't take his stringer to Tokyo, Ash Barty is a multiple grand slam winner but people still don't know who she is and have Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Andy Murray all played their last Wimbledon? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Karolina Pliskova and Ashleigh Barty turned semi-final places into places in the final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Emma Raducanu's injury ending from courtside, Ons Jabeur's brilliance and why rain no longer matters to Wimbledon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The pod still don't think anyone can beat Novak Djokovic - and still don't know who will win the women's singles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After Andy Murray bows out of Wimbledon in the third round, we ask: was it worth it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cam Norrie won through to the third round on Thursday and will now face Roger Federer on Saturday afternoon - which George and James may watch if they can work out what day it is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andy Murray keeps us all up at night - and we wouldn't have it any other way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Serena Williams crashed out of Wimbledon after only six games thanks to a slip and a leg injury that could - could - have ended her time at SW19 for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George and James consider Aryna Sabalenka, Andy Murray and even Katie Boulter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George and James try to unpick both draws and justify their terrible fantasy teams while Calvin reveals the best and the worst thing about life in the Wimbledon bubble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have been experiencing some technical difficulties that resulted in losing two recordings of pods in the last week. We can only apologise - and hope that this discussion of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer - as well as Cam Norrie, Jack Draper and Matteo Berrettini - makes up for your weeks in the wilderness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should Roger Federer have played the French Open at all? Will Serena Williams ever get a better chance to win No 24? What was Lorenzo Musetti thinking?It's all questions (and some answers) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We ask what we have learned - about Osaka, tennis and life - from Naomi Osaka's very public withdrawal from the French Open, what on earth has happened to Dominic Thiem and who gave the best press conferences ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roger Federer's return to action was a disappointing defeat to Pablo Andujar, suggesting his French Open campaign will be a damp squib - but for Stefanos Tsitsipas the right draw could represent his biggest chance at a grand slam yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We ask big questions about Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, as well as little questions about Ash Barty and Roger Federer - and some medium-sized ones about Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Iga Swiatek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin relives a heated argument about how flat tennis balls can (or cannot) simulate clay-court training and bemoans the lack of "natural surfaces" available in the UK. Meanwhile, George has yet another injury, Dominic Thiem doesn't, and James is just trying to keep the whole thing in one piece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ash Barty and Iga Swiatek may be playing each other on clay for big titles for years to come, and tournaments that cannot attract Novak Djokovic may not worry too much if they can.Elsewhere, Cam Norrie is in the form of his life, Nick Kyrgios is coming back to Europe and Calvin remembers (or tries to) a stag do to Mallorca dressed as The Riddler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The answer? A scrap, watched by Kyle Edmund.Otherwise we discuss the form of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who seem to be shying away from the French Open favourite's tag, while Ash Barty seizes it with both hands.We also look at some interesting developments regarding a Masters 1000 event on grass, Dominic Thiem's return from injury and pick our worst possible doubles drinking buddies... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rafael Nadal was left reeling from an interview with George Bellshaw, so much so that he lost on clay. We talk about the red-dirt GOAT (Stefanos Tsitsipas, of course), Andrey Rublev's 1D tennis and our dream drinking buddies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike McIntyre of the Tennis Canada Podcast makes a guest appearance to talk Felix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Annie Fernandez and more, Calvin reveals his guilty pleasure Madonna song and George insists he has not spent all day in the pub. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We ask whether Ash Barty has proved the point she insists she never had to prove, whether Bianca Andreescu is primed for a re-breakout and if Hubert Hurkacz is going to usher in a great new era as a role model for players who hit the ball with their eyes closed.We also pick our footballing doubles dream team and George explains why he has "Drog" tattooed on his body in an undisclosed location.Listen to the Love Tennis Podcast LIVE before it hits your feed, every Monday night at 8pm by downloading the Locker Room app for iPhone, and following George, James and Calvin on there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the end for full discourse on Matteo Berrettini's rig, but first we talk to Dom Hayes about the UK Pro League, chat about Andy Murray's latest withdrawal and where it has all gone wrong for Jo Konta.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 8pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Zverev beat Tsitsipas in Acapulco, Fernandez took a title in Monterrey and some bloke called Aslan won in Dubai.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We take about Federer's plans for 2021, Garbine Muguruza's sizzling form and Holger Rune's hair.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Special guest Sasa Ozmo joins from Serbia to discuss Novak Djokovic's latest record, George has a been in his bonnet about appearance fees and Calvin reckons Federer is lining up a few Challenger titles...NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first time in a month, George goes more than an hour without talking about Nick Kyrgios.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Australian Open gives the boys plenty to talk about, including Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic, abdominal injuries and the state of the draw.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sinner vs Shapovalov, Dan Evans' first title, the sad demise of Gael Monfils, Benoit Paire's beard and the needle between Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Calvin reveals Roger Federer has been hitting with players already in his race to be fit for the Australian Open, George discusses an unusually revealing interview with Jo Konta and James bemoans Guillermo Vilas' lost world No 1 status.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live at 9pm on Monday nights, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
George updates us on the possibility of Indian Wells being cancelled imminently, Calvin introduces to his current charge, British tennis player Luke Johnson, and James asks who really was Jimmy Connors.NB This is a raw recording of a conversation on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. If you want to listen live, download Locker Room on your iPhone and follow George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dominic Thiem's Grand Slam breakthrough year, picked by Calvin, earned him the listeners' vote for Player of the Year over George's Novak Djokovic, much to George's chagrin.NB This is a raw recording of the lads on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton chat over Medvedev's ATP Finals victory, whether Dominic Thiem has a problem in finals and what has happened to Novak Djokovic?NB This is a raw recording of the lads on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. We apologise for the vagaries of the format, and hope to return to something more produced soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James, George and Calvin discuss the difficulties surrounding the Australian swing that could jeopardise the first Grand Slam of 2021, whether Rafael Nadal is at real risk of going out of the ATP World Tour Finals at the group stages and what happens when an overnight storm floods your tennis court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NB We had some sound-related technical difficulties with George's microphone in the first eight minutes of the pod which we did eventually fix. If it annoys you too much, please skip forward to eight minutes and enjoy the rest! We talked about Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, the joy of doubles for Felix Auger-Aliassime and the end of the women's season in Linz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton talk Novak Djokovic's shock defeat, another title for Andrey Rublev and the weird world of Alexander Zverev Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton look back at Alexander Zverev's two titles in Cologne, Aryna Sabalenka (who IS a US Open champion, just not in singles) getting back to winning ways and Dan Evans moving away from his coach Mark Hilton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton try to pick the bones out of Andy Murray's latest injury, Felix Auger-Aliassime's run of final defeats and the difficulty of the WTA Finals being cancelled in China.NB This is a raw recording of the lads on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. We apologise for the vagaries of the format, and hope to return to something more produced soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James revels in predicting Nadal to win the French Open (duh?), George predicts the next five years of tennis and Calvin recounts the tale of the worst player he has ever seen.NB This is a raw recording of the lads on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. We apologise for the vagaries of the format, and hope to return to something more produced soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Alexander Zverev a risk to tennis in a post-Covid world? Does Novak Djokovic have a better opportunity than ever to beat Rafael Nadal in a French Open final? Who on earth is going to win the women's singles?George Bellshaw, James Gray and Calvin Betton discuss all this and more.NB This is a raw recording of the lads on a new app called Locker Room, which is providing us with the chance to podcast remotely during a time when we otherwise would not be able to. We apologise for the vagaries of the format, and hope to return to something more produced soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a raw, unedited recording of a session on Locker Room, an audio social media app the LTP team are currently beta testing.James, George and Calvin this week discuss the French Open draw and make their predictions for the last Grand Slam of a mad year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a raw, unedited recording of a session on Locker Room, an audio social media app the LTP team are currently beta testing.Once again, James was not able to join, leaving George and Calvin to do their own thing. One might wonder if they're starting to enjoy it... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a raw, unedited recording of a session on Locker Room, an audio social media app the LTP team are currently beta testing.Technical issues meant that James was not able to join, leaving George and Calvin to steer the ship on their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a lengthy sabbatical, George Bellshaw of Metro.co.uk and James Gray, now of i newspaper and inews.co.uk, are joined by a new member of the team, tennis coach Calvin Betton, to catch up on everything that has gone on in the tennis world and look ahead to the US Open.This podcast is a raw recording of a broadcast on the beta version of Locker Room, a new social media audio app that the team are currently helping to test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novak Djokovic was a predictable but impressive winner at the Madrid Open while Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer struggled - but who will triumph in Rome?George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk and James Gray of Love Sport Radio discuss that, Kiki Bertens, Jo Konta and more in the latest podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dominic Thiem is ready to come of age (again) on clay courts while Rafael Nadal is still looking ring-rusty. And can Petra Kvitova be the one to dominate the women's game?James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk discuss all that and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fabio Fognini became the first Italian ever to win a Masters title but it was Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who still dominated the headlines with their surprising absences from the final.James Gray and George Bellshaw look at that, the Fed Cup and the verdict on Justin Gimelstob... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roger Federer was the surprise winner that we were all expecting but did James Gray and George Bellshaw predict it?Find out as we look back at Miami, consider Serena Williams' injuries and work out who might succeed on clay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have injuries caught up with Rafael Nadal? Is Dominic Thiem ready to win a Grand Slam? Will Bianca Andreescu bring some order to the chaotic world of women's tennis?James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk discuss all this and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rafael Nadal could hardly have been less gracious in defeat to Nick Kyrgios - even though underarm serves are not against the rules! The Brits are enjoying the sunshine in Mexico and Juan Martin del Potro is not.James Gray and George Bellshaw sort through all the big issues of the day - and some of the smaller ones too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roger Federer is back! Clay-court return, Naomi Osaka's struggles and the best of the Brits by Love Tennis Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who will finish their career with the most Grand Slams? Djokovic, Nadal or Federer? Who will Naomi Osaka bring in next? Will Britain win the Davis Cup?James Gray and George Bellshaw have a lot of questions and not a lot of answers in their romantic Valentine's Day episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are the new Australian Open champions, Andy Murray has had surgery again and the Davis Cup is, once again, in disarray.Love Sport's James Gray and George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk talk through the biggest issues in tennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Andy Murray's imminent retirement dominates our Australian Open preview podcast while Jeremy Bates gives us the lowdown on the three-time Grand Slam champion's Davis Cup debut and predicts the fate of Britain's other contenders next week.Ben Weich makes his pod debut in London while George Bellshaw of Metro.co.uk joins James Gray from Melbourne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nadal, Murray and Sharapova all face injury battles to reach the Australian Open later this month but what can we expect from tennis this year.Love Sport Radio's James Gray and Metro.co.uk's George Bellshaw look ahead to 2019, discuss a difficult start to the year for British tennis and make the mistake of predicting the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roger Federer's 20th Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic's golden Masters or Rafael Nadal's 11th French Open? We asked the Love Tennis Podcast listeners which they thought was the achievement of the year - and many, many more.These are the Love Tennis Podcast Awards 2018! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jordanne Whiley won a Wimbledon wheelchair title while 11 weeks pregnant and now, with her son Jackson due for his first birthday in January, she is ready to get back on the court.James Gray and George Bellshaw talk to the 10-time Grand Slam champion and also look back at the Davis Cup final and Jo Konta's latest comments on Serena Williams herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Alexander Zverev has won the biggest title of his career at the ATP World Tour Finals - but is 2019 his year to mount a challenge to Novak Djokovic?Is Roger Federer getting special treatment? And should he?James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk discuss all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Roger Federer about to walk into the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals? Or has Novak Djokovic got the easier draw? And is Karen Khachanov going to leapfrog the other young pretenders to a Grand Slam?James Gray and guest podder Ros Satar attempt to answer all this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greek tennis journalist Vicky Georgatou joins James Gray and George Bellshaw to discuss Stefanos Tsitsipas' first ATP title. The pod also look at Kyle Edmund's maiden win, the ATP awards and the Swiss Indoors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Novak Djokovic picked up another title in China on Sunday and looks set to take another year-end world No 1. Meanwhile he, Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev have all had their say on the new Davis Cup and Johanna Konta is looking for a new coach.James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of Metro.co.uk discuss it all - and more - in the latest Love Tennis Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anne Keothavong, Team GB Fed Cup captain, joins the pod to discuss the chance to play at home in February and James and George review the seasons of Andy Murray, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.Produced by Guy WattsPresented by George Bellshaw and James GrayWith thanks to the LTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of Metro.co.uk look back at the Laver Cup, discuss the validity of the Davis Cup and whether Andy Murray might regret ending his season early.Presented by James Gray and George BellshawProduced by Guy Watts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After George's jaunt to Glasgow for the Davis Cup, the Love Tennis Podcasts looks over the result from the weekend as well as the new-look tournament for next year, backed by Gerard Pique and co, before looking ahead to the second instalment of Roger Federer's brainchild coming up this weekend - the Laver Cup.Produced by Guy WattsPresented by James Gray of Love Sport Radio and George Bellshaw of metro.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The inaugural Love Tennis Podcast previews the US Open, including a look back at Novak Djokovic's win over Roger Federer at the Cincinnati Masters, both of their chances of stopping Rafael Nadal from retaining the title and whether Serena Williams can win yet another Grand Slam.Presented by George Bellshaw and James GrayProduced by Guy Watts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices