Talking Tennis

Was handling the pressure the key to Alexander Zverev’s victory over Ben Shelton in the 2026 US Open final? Steve Flink joins John on this episode of ATP Weekly, we examine what separated the finalists and what their performances tell us about the road ahead. We also assess the US Open campaigns of Frances Tiafoe, Alex Michelsen and Taylor Fritz. Who impressed, who fell short, and are we sleeping on Learner Tien? Plus, did Carlos Alcaraz justify his return from injury—and what can we take from his time in New York? Join us for debate, analysis and a look at the biggest stories from the men’s tournament. Who deserves the most credit for their US Open campaign? Please follow this podcast and give us a rating, it really makes a difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elena Rybakina is a US Open champion—but could this be only the beginning of a new era of dominance? On this week’s WTA Weekly, we reflect on Rybakina’s magnificent triumph in New York and ask how many Grand Slam titles she could ultimately win. Does she now have the game—and the belief—to challenge for every major? We also assess the chasing pack after a dramatic US Open. How will Aryna Sabalenka respond to another painful defeat? Can Iga Swiatek rediscover her best tennis? And will Coco Gauff bounce back and add to her Grand Slam collection? Plus, we discuss the biggest stories from Flushing Meadows and what the results could mean for the balance of power at the top of the women’s game. Subscribe to Talking Tennis for weekly WTA analysis, reaction and debate. #Tennis #WTA #Rybakina #USOpen #Sabalenka #Swiatek #Gauff #WTAWeekly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elena Rybakina is the 2026 US Open champion! 🏆 Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a gripping three-set final to capture the first US Open title of her career. After Sabalenka battled back to force a deciding set, Rybakina regained control and produced a commanding finish on Arthur Ashe Stadium to lift the trophy. In this post-match reaction, we analyse: 🎾 How Rybakina overcame Sabalenka🔥 The decisive moments of the final🏆 What this maiden US Open triumph means for Rybakina📊 Where the match was won and lost🔮 What comes next for both players Was Rybakina the deserved champion? Let us know what you made of the final in the comments—and remember to like the video and subscribe to Talking Tennis for more match reactions, analysis and live watchalongs. #ElenaRybakina #ArynaSabalenka #USOpen #USOpen2026 #Tennis #WTA #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina meet in a blockbuster 2026 US Open women’s singles final—but who will lift the trophy in New York? We preview the championship match, analyse their contrasting styles, assess the key tactical battles and revisit their head-to-head record before making our final prediction. Can Sabalenka’s relentless power carry her to another Grand Slam title, or will Rybakina’s devastating serve and composed baseline game earn her US Open glory? 🎾 Sabalenka vs Rybakina preview 🔥 Key strengths and tactical matchups 📊 Head-to-head analysis 🏆 Our winner and score prediction Let us know who you think will win—and in how many sets! #USOpen #Sabalenka #Rybakina #Tennis #WTA #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton collide in a blockbuster 2026 US Open men’s singles final—but who will be crowned champion in New York? We preview the championship match, examine their head-to-head record and break down the crucial tactical battles before making our final prediction. Can Zverev’s experience, defence and backhand carry him to an elusive first Grand Slam title, or will Shelton’s explosive serve and fearless attacking tennis propel the American to glory on home soil? 🎾 Zverev vs Shelton preview 🔥 Key strengths and tactical matchups 📊 Head-to-head analysis 🏆 Our winner and score prediction Let us know who you think will win—and in how many sets! #USOpen #Zverev #Shelton #Tennis #ATP #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coco Gauff saves match points in a dramatic victory over Mirra Andreeva to reach the US Open semi-finals! We react to the key moments from an enthralling quarter-final and assess Gauff’s chances against new world No.1 Elena Rybakina in the last four. Plus, we preview the all-American men’s quarter-final between Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe. Who will handle the occasion and book their place in the US Open semi-finals? 🎾 Gauff’s incredible escape🔥 How Andreeva let victory slip away🇺🇸 Gauff vs Rybakina semi-final preview💥 Shelton vs Tiafoe preview and prediction Let us know your predictions—and remember to like, subscribe and follow Talking Tennis for more US Open coverage! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎾 US OPEN LATEST! 🔥 Coco Gauff beats Paula Badosa to advance🇵🇭 Alex Eala prepares to face Iva Jovic🤔 Can Learner Tien upset Jakub Mensik?🚨 The ITIA investigates a tennis event linked to suspicious gambling activity Which story has caught your attention? Let us know below! 👇 #USOpen #CocoGauff #AlexEala #IvaJovic #LearnerTien #JakubMensik #TennisNews #TalkingTennis #WTA #ATP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Novak Djokovic is OUT of the US Open after a stunning first-round defeat to Mariano Navone — his earliest Grand Slam exit in more than 20 years. We react to one of the biggest shocks in recent tennis history, analyse what went wrong for Djokovic and discuss what this result means for his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Is this the beginning of the end for Djokovic at the majors, or can the 24-time champion bounce back? 👇 Let us know your reaction in the comments 🎾 Subscribe to Talking Tennis for US Open news, live watchalongs, previews and post-match reaction. #Djokovic #USOpen #Navone #Tennis #USOpen2026 #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The US Open is here — but who will emerge from a fascinating women’s draw? On this week’s WTA Weekly, we assess Coco Gauff’s title chances and ask which players are capable of stopping the American in New York. We also examine Aryna Sabalenka’s recent struggles, consider whether Iga Swiatek should be viewed as a leading contender and discuss the fitness concerns surrounding Elena Rybakina. Plus, we reveal our favourites, dark horses and potential surprise packages ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year. Who are you backing to win the US Open? 🎾 Subscribe to Talking Tennis for previews, predictions, watchalongs and reaction throughout the tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US Open draw has been revealed — and Alex Eala will begin her campaign against a qualifier in New York. We break down Eala’s projected route through the tournament and assess whether she has been handed a genuine opportunity to produce another historic Grand Slam run. In the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz faces a demanding title defence with several dangerous opponents standing between him and the trophy. We examine his path, the biggest first-round matches and the sections of both draws that could produce major upsets. Who received the best draw — and who faces an early exit at Flushing Meadows? #USOpen #AlexEala #CarlosAlcaraz #Tennis #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who tops the power rankings heading into the US Open? Brenner and Fergus rank the leading contenders for the men’s singles title in New York. Is Carlos Alcaraz the undisputed No.1, or is there another player capable of stopping him? Where does Novak Djokovic feature—and can the 24-time Grand Slam champion make another historic run? From the genuine title favourites to the dangerous outsiders, they assess form, fitness, hard-court credentials and the players nobody will want to face at Flushing Meadows. Who is ranked too high, who has been overlooked, and who would make your top five? Join the debate and share your US Open power rankings! #USOpen #Tennis #Alcaraz #Djokovic #ATP #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stan Wawrinka is heading to the US Open after all! The three-time Grand Slam champion has received a late wild card following Patrick Kypson’s withdrawal through injury. We react to the news, discuss what Wawrinka can still bring to New York and assess whether the Swiss veteran could produce one final memorable run at Flushing Meadows. Can Stan roll back the years at the US Open? Let us know what you think. #StanWawrinka #USOpen #Tennis #ATP #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Coco Gauff delivered a statement performance in Cincinnati—but just how impressive was her title run, and what does it mean ahead of the US Open? On this week’s WTA Weekly, we react to Gauff’s dominant victory over Jessica Pegula in the final and assess whether she should now be considered the favourite in New York. We also celebrate another major milestone for Alex Eala as the Filipina star reaches a new career-high ranking, before previewing the Monterrey Open and identifying the players to watch. 🎾 Gauff conquers Cincinnati🇵🇭 Eala climbs to a career-high ranking🔍 Monterrey draw, contenders and predictions🏆 The latest US Open talking points Join the discussion and let us know your biggest takeaway from the week! #WTA #CocoGauff #AlexEala #MonterreyOpen #USOpen #Tennis #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arthur Fils is the Cincinnati champion after beating Frances Tiafoe in the final — but what does this breakthrough mean for the Frenchman heading into the US Open? In this week’s ATP Weekly, we react to Fils’ biggest title yet, preview the Winston-Salem Open and discuss Carlos Alcaraz’s arrival in New York. With defending champion Jannik Sinner ruled out through injury, could this be Novak Djokovic’s best—and perhaps last—chance to claim a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title? Join us for the latest results, analysis, predictions and US Open talking points. #ATP #Tennis #ArthurFils #FrancesTiafoe #NovakDjokovic #CarlosAlcaraz #USOpen #CincinnatiOpen #WinstonSalemOpen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open after a knee injury ended his hopes of defending the title. We discuss the latest on Sinner’s condition, what his absence means for the men’s draw and who should now be considered the favourite to lift the trophy in New York. Is Carlos Alcaraz the clear frontrunner—or could another contender seize the opportunity? 🎾 Sinner’s withdrawal explained 🏆 The impact on the US Open title race 🔥 The leading contenders 🔮 Our predictions for the tournament Who is your US Open favourite? Let us know in the comments! #JannikSinner #USOpen #CarlosAlcaraz #Tennis #ATP #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest from Cincinnati as Amanda Anisimova ends Alex Eala’s run to set up a fascinating clash with Linda Noskova. We also react to one of the strangest matches of the tournament, with Brandon Nakashima defeating Daniil Medvedev in bizarre circumstances, before previewing the blockbuster showdown between Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk. 🎾 Anisimova ends Eala’s Cincinnati campaign 🎾 Can Noskova stop the American? 🎾 What happened in Nakashima’s bizarre win over Medvedev? 🎾 Andreeva vs Kostyuk: preview and prediction All that and more on the latest Talking Tennis podcast. #Tennis #CincinnatiOpen #AlexEala #AmandaAnisimova #BrandonNakashima #DaniilMedvedev #MirraAndreeva #MartaKostyuk #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The dust has settled in Montreal — but what did we learn? This week on ATP Weekly, we reflect on the biggest stories from the Canadian Open and examine whether Ben Shelton’s impressive run proves his season is firmly back on track. We also turn our attention to Cincinnati, previewing the leading contenders, the most intriguing storylines and the players who could build vital momentum ahead of the US Open. Montreal reflections, Shelton analysis and a full Cincinnati preview — all on the latest episode of Talking Tennis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The semi-finals are set in Canada! 🇨🇦🎾 We preview four huge matchups across Toronto and Montreal: 🔥 Iga Świątek vs Elina Svitolina 🔥 Elena Rybakina vs Coco Gauff 🔥 Rafael Jodar vs Brandon Nakashima 🔥 Ben Shelton vs Learner Tien Who will handle the pressure, reach the final and move one victory away from the title? We break down the key matchups, recent form and make our predictions. Subscribe to Talking Tennis on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcasts. #Tennis #WTA #ATP #CanadianOpen #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Silk sits down with acclaimed sports journalist and author Matthew Futterman to discuss his new book, The Cruelest Game. Featuring compelling insights into Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Madison Keys and Björn Borg, among others, Futterman explores the physical pain, psychological pressure and extraordinary sacrifices behind professional tennis—and reveals what the sport demands from those who pursue greatness. A fascinating conversation about ambition, resilience and why tennis may be the cruelest game of all. #Tennis #MatthewFutterman #TheCruelestGame #TalkingTennis #TennisPodcast #CarlosAlcaraz #NovakDjokovic #MadisonKeys #BjornBorg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Taylor Fritz is the champion in Washington—but what does the title really mean for his season and his chances during the North American hard-court swing? In this week’s ATP Weekly, we assess Fritz’s DC triumph and whether it strengthens his credentials as a genuine contender at the biggest tournaments. We also put Rafael Jodar’s meteoric rise under the microscope following his remarkable run in Washington. How high is the young Spaniard’s ceiling, and could he be one of the ATP Tour’s next breakout stars? Plus, we preview the Canadian Open in Montreal, examining the draw, leading contenders, potential dark horses and the biggest storylines to follow. Let us know your predictions—and don’t forget to subscribe to Talking Tennis for more weekly ATP analysis. #ATPWeekly #TaylorFritz #RafaelJodar #CanadianOpen #Montreal #ATPTour #TennisPodcast #TalkingTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WTA Weekly is back as we break down a landmark week in Washington that could prove to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 WTA season. Alex Eala made history by capturing her maiden WTA title with a stunning comeback victory over Jessica Pegula, securing a place inside the world's Top 20 and further cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in women's tennis. We discuss just how significant this breakthrough is, whether Eala is ready to challenge for the biggest titles, and how far she can realistically go over the coming months. We also assess Jessica Pegula's disappointing defeat. Should Washington be viewed as a missed opportunity, or does the American remain one of the leading contenders heading into the US Open despite falling short in the final? Plus, we look ahead to the Canadian Open in Toronto, preview the biggest storylines, analyse the key draw implications, and highlight the players to watch as the North American hard-court swing continues. 🎾 In this episode: Alex Eala's historic Washington triumph Top 20 ranking – how high can Eala climb? Is Eala now a genuine US Open contender? What went wrong for Jessica Pegula? Why Pegula should still be among the favourites in New York Toronto preview and players to watch Predictions for the week ahead If you enjoy the podcast, don't forget to follow, rate, and share the show, and let us know your predictions for Toronto in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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"There's a total lack of transparency here," argues Daniel Kaplan after Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion and 2021 Olympic Silver medalist, received a four year ban for her refusal to take an anti-doping test last December. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to ATP Weekly, your roundup of the biggest stories from the grass-court swing as Wimbledon approaches. Frances Tiafoe claimed the biggest title of his career at the Halle Open, defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Tiafoe produced a near-flawless performance, breaking early in both sets and protecting his serve throughout. He also became the first American champion in Halle since 1993, a significant milestone heading into Wimbledon. In London, Francisco Cerúndolo defeated Tommy Paul 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3 to win the Queen’s Club Championships. The Argentine battled through a marathon final lasting more than three hours, the longest championship match in the tournament's history. After dropping the opening set, Cerúndolo steadily wore down Paul and completed a memorable comeback to secure his first ATP 500 crown. The triumph makes Cerúndolo the first Argentine ever to win Queen’s and further establishes him as a genuine threat on grass after previously winning Eastbourne in 2023. One of the most anticipated stories of the week is the return of British star Jack Draper. After months on the sidelines with injury problems, Draper is set to make his comeback at the Eastbourne Open. Draper has spoken positively about working with former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, whose guidance has helped him through a difficult rehabilitation period. The Brit opens his campaign against Brandon Nakashima. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WTA Weekly: Noskova wins Berlin, Bouzkova seals Nottingham title | Eala heads to Bad Homburg after Berlin heroics | Serena Williams to play Wimbledon singles | Sabalenka woes continueThis week on WTA Weekly, @nickbc30 and @aces_and_faults break down a huge grass-court weekend as rising Czech star Linda Noskova captured the biggest title of her career at the Berlin Open, defeating Jessica Pegula in a three-set final to claim her first grass-court trophy and move into the WTA Top 10 for the first time. Nick and Amanda also discussed Marie Bouzkova's title-winning run in Nottingham and what it means heading into Wimbledon, while Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala continues to turn heads after a breakthrough Berlin campaign that included wins over top players before her semifinal run ended against Noskova. With Bad Homburg next on her schedule, we assess whether another deep run is on the cards. Plus, the tennis world is buzzing over Serena Williams return to Wimbledon singles competition, and we examine what that could mean for the tournament and her legacy. We also take a closer look at the worrying trend surrounding world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, whose grass-court preparations suffered a setback after a semifinal defeat to Jessica Pegula in Berlin. Is it merely a bump in the road, or a genuine concern ahead of SW19? All that and more as Wimbledon fever builds on this week's episode of WTA Weekly. 🎾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Shelton continued his breakout 2026 season by winning the Stuttgart grass-court title, defeating fellow American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the final. It was Shelton's first ATP title on grass and his third trophy of the season after earlier successes on hard courts and clay. The title run was anything but straightforward. Shelton survived multiple three-set battles during the week, including a dramatic semifinal victory over Jiří Lehečka in which he saved two match points before prevailing in a final-set tiebreak. With Wimbledon approaching, Shelton's ability to win on all three major surfaces has elevated him into the group of genuine contenders for a deep run in London. Kamil Majchrzak completed a dream week in 's-Hertogenbosch by claiming the first ATP Tour title of his career. The Pole's run included victories over top players, highlighted by wins against Felix Auger-Aliassime and Daniil Medvedev. Majchrzak reached the final after upsetting Medvedev in straight sets and then completed his remarkable tournament by lifting the trophy, a breakthrough achievement for the 30-year-old. His grass-court form makes him one of the more dangerous unseeded players heading into Wimbledon qualifying and draw discussions. The first week of ATP grass-court action produced two major storylines: Shelton has shown he can transfer his explosive serve and aggressive baseline game to grass, making him a legitimate threat at Wimbledon. Majchrzak's confidence is at a career high after securing his first ATP title and multiple top-level victories. This week's ATP 500 event in Halle serves as one of the strongest Wimbledon tune-ups. Historically, the tournament has favored elite servers and aggressive all-court players. The field is expected to feature many of the tour's leading grass-court performers as they continue preparations for the Championships. Players to watch include: Jannik Sinner, who has been one of the dominant forces of 2026. Ben Shelton, arriving with momentum from Stuttgart. Other Wimbledon contenders looking to fine-tune their grass-court games. The ATP 500 event at Queen's Club traditionally offers one of the clearest indicators of Wimbledon form. The fast conditions reward big serving, aggressive returning, and efficient net play. Key questions entering the week: Can the top contenders quickly adapt from clay to grass? Will a player such as Shelton continue his surge? Which established grass-court specialists will emerge as serious Wimbledon threats? Bottom line: Shelton leaves Stuttgart looking like one of the hottest players on tour, while Majchrzak's maiden ATP title is one of the feel-good stories of the grass season. The spotlight now shifts to Halle and Queen's, where the final pecking order for Wimbledon will begin to take shape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WTA Weekly – Queen's Club Review & Berlin/Nottingham Preview Welcome to WTA Weekly. This week, the grass-court season delivered one of its best stories as Donna Vekic completed a remarkable run to win the Queen's Club title in London. Entering the tournament as a lucky loser after falling in qualifying, Vekic took full advantage of her second chance and capped the week with a 6-0, 7-6(6) victory over home favourite Emma Raducanu in the final. Vekic dominated the opening set before Raducanu fought back impressively in the second. The Brit recovered from a difficult start, built a lead, and even held set points, but Vekic's experience on grass proved decisive in a tense tiebreak. The Croatian eventually converted her fifth championship point to secure her first title in several years. Despite the loss, Raducanu leaves Queen's with plenty of positives. After an injury- and illness-disrupted season, she reached the final without dropping a set before Sunday and recorded victories over multiple top players. Her form suggests she could be a dangerous contender during the remainder of the grass swing and at Wimbledon. As for Vekic, the title continues a remarkable turnaround. She only entered the main draw after a late withdrawal created a lucky-loser spot, yet she navigated the field brilliantly and now heads into Wimbledon full of confidence. Looking ahead, attention shifts to the WTA 500 event in Berlin, one of the strongest grass-court tournaments outside Wimbledon. The field is expected to feature many of the tour's top players, making it a crucial test before the Championships. Meanwhile, the WTA event in Nottingham offers another opportunity for players to gain valuable grass-court matches and ranking points. With Wimbledon just around the corner, every match becomes increasingly important as players fine-tune their games for the year's biggest grass-court event. That's all for this week's WTA Weekly. The road to Wimbledon is heating up, and after Vekic's incredible lucky-loser triumph at Queen's, the grass season has already shown that anything can happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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ALEX EALA - LIVE Q&A After winning her first grass court title in Birmingham, in typical gritty fashion, we will have our first Alex Eala Q & A. Get your questions in as we do a live show, addressing all your Eala-related queries. Why is she so good on grass? Can she go far at Wimbledon? Why does she struggle on clay? What is her potential? What was she like to interview? Can she win a Grand Slam? What is her ceiling? Strengths & weaknesses, and things to work on... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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At just 19 years old, Mirra Andreeva has captured her first French Open crown, beating Maja Chwalińska 6-3 6-2, announcing herself as one of the brightest stars in women's tennis. But is this breakthrough triumph the beginning of a new era, or simply the first chapter in what could become a legendary career? In this episode, we break down Andreeva's remarkable run to the Roland-Garros title, the strengths that set her apart from her rivals, and how her game stacks up against the current elite of the WTA Tour. We discuss her tactical intelligence, mental composure under pressure, and whether she has the tools to become a multiple Grand Slam champion. We also explore what this victory means for the future of women's tennis, the challenges Andreeva will face as expectations rise, and how many major titles could realistically be in her future. Join us as we analyze one of the biggest stories in tennis and ask the question on everyone's mind: Is Mirra Andreeva's first French Open title the first of many Grand Slam victories to come? 🎾 Subscribe for more tennis analysis, Grand Slam coverage, and in-depth discussions on the biggest stories in the sport. #Tennis #FrenchOpen #MirraAndreeva #RolandGarros #WTA #GrandSlam #TennisPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2026 French Open men’s final is set, and it’s a matchup few predicted at the start of the fortnight. Alexander Zverev is one win away from finally capturing his first Grand Slam title, while Flavio Cobolli has stormed into his maiden major final after a breakthrough season. With both men chasing their first Slam trophy, the pressure in Paris couldn't be higher. In this episode, we break down the key tactical battles, examine each player's route to the final, discuss Cobolli's path after Matteo Arnaldi's withdrawal, and analyse whether Zverev can overcome the mental hurdle that has denied him Grand Slam glory in previous finals. We'll also look at their recent clay-court history, the significance of Cobolli's upset win over Zverev in Munich earlier this season, and the factors that could decide the championship on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Can Zverev finally lift a major trophy after years of near misses, or will Cobolli complete a stunning Cinderella run and become a surprise Roland-Garros champion? We give our full match preview, keys to victory, and official prediction for the French Open final. 🎾🔥 Prediction: Zverev in 4 sets. His experience in deep Grand Slam runs, superior consistency over five sets, and proven clay-court pedigree make him the favourite, but Cobolli's confidence and fearless shot-making give him a genuine chance to spring the upset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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🎾 LAST BALL DROPS | FRENCH OPEN DAILY 🇫🇷 The drama keeps coming at Roland-Garros. ❌ Four-time champion Iga Świątek is OUT, ending her remarkable reign in Paris. 🔥 Teenage sensation João Fonseca delivered the biggest statement of his young career, taking down Casper Ruud in a breakthrough victory. 💪 Business as usual for Alexander Zverev and Mirra Andreeva, who both cruised into the quarter-finals with commanding performances. 🎙️ On today's Last Ball Drops, we break down: • What Świątek's exit means for the women's draw • Fonseca's arrival on the Grand Slam stage • Zverev's title credentials • And why Andreeva continues to look like a serious contender 🎧 Listen on Apple or Spotify or watch now on YouTube and catch up on all the key stories from French Open with @brennermorton & @fergus_sjourno #FrenchOpen #RolandGarros #Tennis #IgaSwiatek #JoaoFonseca #CasperRuud #AlexanderZverev #MirraAndreeva #GrandSlam #LastBallDrops #TennisPodcast #ParisTennis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Iga Świątek beat compatriot Magda Linette 6-4 6-4 in 85 minutes to reach the Roland-Garros round of 16 for the eighth straight year, the first woman to do it since Monica Seles. Swiatek will play Marta Kostyuk next, who is on a 14-match winning streak. Who wins this clash? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A dramatic day at Roland-Garros sees Jannik Sinner’s French Open campaign come to an end, leaving the men’s draw wide open. In this episode of Last Ball Drops, we break down what Sinner’s exit means for the tournament, assess the title credentials of Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, and debate who now stands as the favourite to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires. We also review the key matches from today’s action, analyse the shifting dynamics in the draw, and look ahead to the biggest storylines still to come in Paris. Who has the edge on the clay? Can Djokovic add another Grand Slam to his collection, or is this finally the moment for Ruud or Zverev? Join us for your daily French Open roundup, expert analysis and plenty of tennis debate. 🎾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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A chaotic day in Paris delivered one of the tournament’s biggest shocks so far as Elena Rybakina crashed out of Roland-Garros in dramatic fashion. We break down Yuliia Starodubtseva’s stunning comeback, the brutal heatwave conditions impacting players across the grounds, and how Marta Kostyuk battled through to keep the Ukrainian charge alive. Jakub Mensik survives an absolute clay-court war — and nearly collapses afterward — while João Fonseca continues his breakout run to book a blockbuster showdown with Novak Djokovic. We also cover Swiatek’s steady progress, more five-set madness in the men’s draw, and the growing conversation around player safety in the Paris heat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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WTA Weekly French Open Preview | Swiatek Seeks Fifth Roland Garros Crown | Gauff Aims to Defend Her Title The clay-court Grand Slam season reaches its peak as Roland Garros gets underway in Paris. This week, we break down the women's singles draw, the biggest contenders, and the storylines that could define the 2026 French Open. Can Iga Świątek rediscover her best form on her favorite surface and capture a fifth Roland Garros title? The former champion remains one of the most dangerous players on clay despite a challenging season, and Paris could be the perfect stage for another deep run. Meanwhile, defending champion Coco Gauff returns looking to repeat last year's triumph and add another major trophy to her growing collection. After another strong clay-court campaign, the American arrives in Paris full of confidence and eager to prove she can thrive under the pressure of defending a Grand Slam title. We also assess the chances of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the ever-dangerous Elena Rybakina, rising star Mirra Andreeva, and in-form Elina Svitolina as a stacked women's field prepares for two weeks of battles on the Paris clay. Join us as we preview the draw, predict potential blockbuster matchups, identify dark horses, and reveal our picks for who will be lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen on championship weekend. 🎾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The Roland Garros draw is out and we went LIVE to break down every major storyline from Paris! Who will Filipino sensation Alex Eala face in the opening round, and does she have a path to make a deep run? Which half of the men's draw will Novak Djokovic land in, and what could his route look like as he chases another Grand Slam title? On the women's side, we reveal the full pathway for four-time champion Iga Swiatek as she targets an incredible fifth Roland Garros crown. Swiatek opens against Emerson Jones and could face a quarterfinal showdown with Elina Svitolina, while Djokovic has been handed a potentially challenging section of the draw that could see a Round 4 matchup with recent Rome finalist Casper Ruud. We'll also examine the prospects for top contenders including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and the rest of the field, highlighting the toughest first-round matchups, possible blockbuster clashes, and the biggest winners and losers from the draw ceremony. Join us live as we react in real time, answer your questions, and map out the road to the 2026 French Open titles. Who got the dream draw? Who faces danger from day one? Let's dive in. 🎾 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brenner and John break down their ATP French Open Power Rankings ahead of Roland Garros — and the debate gets heated fast. Does teenage sensation João Fonseca deserve a spot in the top contenders? Who really belongs behind overwhelming favourite Jannik Sinner — Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, or clay specialist Casper Ruud? The guys debate recent form, draw dynamics, clay-court trends, and which dark horses could shake up Paris. Plus: sleeper picks, early upset alerts, and players neither host trusts despite the ranking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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In this week’s WTA Weekly, Anne-Marie Batson joins Nick Carter as the pair break down Elina Svitolina’s stunning run to the Italian Open title and ask the big question ahead of French Open — can she finally go all the way at Roland Garros? We also examine the growing uncertainty surrounding the top contenders after a turbulent week in Rome. Iga Swiatek looked vulnerable on her favourite surface, Elena Rybakina struggled for consistency, Coco Gauff failed to capitalise on key opportunities, and Aryna Sabalenka arrives in Paris with questions still hanging over her clay-court form. With the women’s draw feeling more open than ever, we discuss who has momentum, who has concerns, and which players could shake up the tournament over the next two weeks in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s ATP Weekly, we break down Jannik Sinner’s historic title run at the Italian Open — and ask the big question heading into French Open: despite the trophy, has Rome actually exposed a few vulnerabilities in the world No.1’s game on clay? We also dive into the brutal projected Roland Garros draw, where one half could become an absolute minefield packed with contenders, rivalries, and potential blockbuster clashes from the very first week. Plus, we preview the final ATP stops before Paris at the Hamburg Open and Geneva Open, looking at the key names, dangerous floaters, and players searching for momentum before the second Slam of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we break down the WTA Strasbourg draw and spotlight Alexandra Eala’s opening matchup against a qualifier as she looks to build momentum heading into Roland Garros. We also examine the potential second-round clash with a dangerous Czech opponent and what it could mean for Eala’s chances in the tournament. Plus, Emma Raducanu is back in action — we discuss her return, current form, and what fans can expect from her clay-court campaign. Tune in for draw analysis, key storylines, and all the latest from Strasbourg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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In this episode, we preview a blockbuster showdown at the 2026 Italian Open as Coco Gauff takes on Elina Svitolina in the WTA Rome final. We break down the key tactical battles, recent form, head-to-head history, and how the slow clay courts in Rome could shape the match. Can Gauff’s elite athleticism and heavy topspin overwhelm Svitolina’s defensive consistency and counterpunching? Or will the experienced Ukrainian find a way to disrupt the rhythm and claim another big clay-court title? We also discuss what this final means heading into Roland Garros, the biggest pressure points for both players, and give our full match prediction, including scoreline picks and X-factors to watch. If you’re following the WTA season or looking ahead to the French Open, this is the perfect preview before championship Sunday in Rome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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In Rome, the clay-court drama keeps escalating. Teenage sensation Alexandra Eala pushed Elena Rybakina far more than many thought, while Iga Swiatek powered past Elisabetta Cocciaretto in ruthless fashion to set up a blockbuster clash with Naomi Osaka. We break down what Eala’s form means, whether Swiatek is rediscovering her unstoppable prowess, and why the Osaka matchup suddenly feels must-watch. Elsewhere, the noise around João Fonseca’s passionate fanbase continues to stir debate across the tournament grounds, and Spanish rising star Rafa Jodar is turning heads with another fearless run. Is this the week he announces himself to the tennis world at large? Join us for all the latest stories, analysis, and talking points from the Italian Open in Rome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The draws are out in Rome—and there’s plenty to unpack. In this episode, we break down the biggest storylines from the 2026 Italian Open, starting with a potential early blockbuster between Jannik Sinner and Jakub Mensik looming in Round 3. Could the young Czech shake things up, or will Sinner feed off the home crowd in Rome? On the women’s side, rising Filipina star Alex Eala faces a tricky opening test against Magda Linette Frech—can she make a statement right away? Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina finds herself in one of the toughest sections of the draw. We analyze her path and the dangers that could derail her campaign. We also highlight dark horses, upset alerts, and our early predictions as the clay-court season heats up in the Italian capital. 🎾 Tune in for sharp insights, bold takes, and everything you need to know before the action begins in Rome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off another commanding run in Madrid, Jannik Sinner continues to tighten his grip on the ATP Tour. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined, the conversation shifts: is men’s tennis becoming too predictable, or are we watching the rise of a new era of dominance? This week, we break down Sinner’s relentless form, what his latest title means for the rankings race, and whether the tour has a competitiveness problem without its biggest rivalries fully firing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marta Kostyuk claims the biggest title of her career in Madrid, taking down Mirra Andreeva in a thrilling final—and we break down exactly how she did it. Is this a turning point, or just the beginning? With Roland Garros looming, the big question takes center stage: who is the French Open favourite right now? We assess the cases for Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff—form, surface, mindset, and who’s peaking at just the right time. Plus, key takeaways from Madrid, rising storylines on the WTA Tour, and what it all means heading into Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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In this episode, we break down the ATP Madrid Open draw with a live reaction to all the biggest storylines and potential matchups. Rising star João Fonseca finds himself in Jannik Sinner’s quarter—does the young talent have what it takes to challenge one of the tour’s most in-form players, or is Sinner already on a clear path to the title? We also discuss the wider field, key dangers lurking in each section, and which players could shake up the tournament. Plus, we dive into the latest news surrounding Carlos Alcaraz, as Feliciano López suggests the Spaniard is likely to miss Rome—what does that mean for the clay season and Roland Garros buildup? Tune in for sharp analysis, bold predictions, and everything you need to know heading into Madrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Jannik Sinner delivers a statement victory over Carlos Alcaraz to capture the Monte Carlo Masters title — but does this triumph make him the man to beat at French Open? In this episode, we break down Sinner’s performance on clay, what it tells us about his evolution as a player, and whether he now edges ahead of the competition heading into Roland Garros. We also analyze what went wrong for Alcaraz and whether this result shifts the balance in one of tennis’s most exciting rivalries. Plus, we look ahead to the next stops on the clay swing, previewing the Barcelona Open and the BMW Open — who to watch, potential upsets, and key storylines as the road to Paris continues. 🎾 Form, rivalries, and Roland Garros implications — it’s all here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n this episode of WTA Weekly, we break down everything you need to know ahead of the Stuttgart tournament. We preview the draw, highlight key storylines, and discuss the notable absences of Aryna Sabalenka and Qinwen Zheng. We also take a closer look at an exciting Round 1 clash between Alexandra Eala and Leylah Fernandez, and what it could mean for both players. Plus, we analyze the chances of top contenders like Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Jelena Ostapenko as they aim for a deep run. Finally, we recap Mirra Andreeva’s impressive title run in Linz and what it signals for her. All that and more in this week’s episode of WTA Weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teen sensation João Fonseca continues his dream run in Monte Carlo, storming into his first-ever Masters 1000 quarterfinal and announcing himself on the big stage. We break down his rise, what’s fueling his confidence, and how far he could go. Meanwhile, is a blockbuster final on the horizon? Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner look on a collision course, and we dive into their form, potential matchups, and what a showdown would mean for the clay-court season. Plus, Alexander Zverev gets past Zizou Bergs—but not without questions. We analyze Zverev’s performance, what worked, what didn’t, and whether he can step up against tougher opposition. All that and more from a thrilling week at Monte Carlo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Stay up to date with the latest action on the WTA Tour in this week’s episode of WTA Weekly. We break down Jessica Pegula’s dominant title defense in Charleston, where she once again proved her consistency and class on clay. Over in Bogotá, Marie Bouzkova battled past Panna Udvardy to claim the trophy in a hard-fought final. Plus, we spotlight rising star Alexandra Eala and her impressive run in Linz, signaling a bright future ahead. Tune in for match analysis, key takeaways, and what these results mean for the weeks to come on tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The WTA tour heads to Linz with a fresh twist as the tournament makes the switch to clay courts, shaking up expectations and opening the door for surprises. In this episode, we break down the full draw, highlight key first-round matchups, and look ahead to potential blockbuster clashes—including a possible second-round showdown between rising star Alex Eala and former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko. How will the surface change impact the field? Which players are primed for a deep run, and who could struggle with the transition? Tune in as we analyze the storylines, dark horses, and early predictions for an intriguing week in Linz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices