The Tennis

Bonjour! The Sit-Down hosts Viv Christie and Matt Trollope discuss all the big news from week 1 of Roland Garros with experts Sam Stosur and Todd Woodbridge. 4-time champion Iga Swiatek is a step closer to defending her title after a convincing win over Emma Raducanu, while the Joao Fonseca juggernaut rolls on following his straight-sets triumph over Hubert Hurkacz. Casper Ruud’s shock elimination has opened up the draw for Alexei Popyrin and reignited the conversation about event scheduling. Hometown hero Gael Monfils has come back from two sets down to break the record for most 5-set wins at the event. The panel reacts to Naomi Osaka’s emotional media conference and recaps historical titles for Novak Djokovic and Maya Joint. Plus, Brie Stewart and Duncan McKenzie-McHarg join us from on the ground in Paris. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasmine Paolini has completed the Italian double, defeating Coco Gauff to claim the Rome singles title and taking down Elise Mertens and Veronika Kudermetova to win doubles with compatriot Sara Errani. Carlos Alcaraz has extended his head-to-head lead over Jannik Sinner, ending the Italian’s 26-match winning run in the Rome final. We check in with Brie Stewart and Duncan McKenzie-McHarg on the ground in Paris, while in studio, Xavier Muhlebach hosts a Roland Garros fantasy draft with experts Luke Saville, Simon Rea, and Viv Christie competing for bragging rights at Roland Garros. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Rome finals beckoning, AO 2024 finalist Zheng Qinwen has finally toppled Aryna Sabalenka on her seventh attempt, Coco Gauff has maintained her perfect record against teen queen Mirra Andreeva, and Carlos Alcaraz has locked in the No.2 seeding for Roland Garros after Alexander Zverev lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals. In What’s Caught Your Eye, Brie Stewart breaks down the split between Novak Djokovic and coach Andy Murray, Simon Rea dives into Peyton Stearns’ historic tie-breaker run, Luke Saville unpacks how the packed schedule is reshaping tournament fields, and Xavier Muhlebach brings us the surreal moment Sinner met the Pope. Plus, data whiz Simon has his say on Iga Swiatek’s slump and why we shouldn’t discount the ‘Queen of Clay’ ahead of Paris. Sinner's practice surprise. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the clay swing rolls into Rome, Jannik Sinner returns to the match court for the first time since his AO 2025 triumph — experts Luke Saville and John Fitzgerald join Xavier Muhlebach and Brie Stewart to discuss how his three-month hiatus may have impacted the world No.1. Sinner is on a QF collision course with Madrid champion Casper Ruud, who’s revealed he's sought treatment for mental health challenges, while Iga Swiatek has hosed down reports she might skip the grass court season to freshen up. Naomi Osaka has captured her first title since becoming a mother on her least favourite surface. Plus our resident clairvoyant Brie looks into her crystal ball to see what's in store for five players in Rome. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a manic week in Madrid with a mass power outage causing widespread disruptions to play, while Alexander Zverev has drawn attention to a problem with the video technology being used for the electronic line calling. Grand Slam champions Todd Woodbridge and Sam Stosur join Brie Stewart and Matt Trollope to discuss the big news from Madrid, including Maya Joint, Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic whose immediate future is under a cloud following his straight sets defeat to Matteo Arnaldi and subsequent withdrawal from Rome. Todd also reacts to Max Purcell’s 18-month ban from the ITIA for the use of a prohibited method in December 2023. And to celebrate episode 300, Brie quizzes the panel on centuries in tennis. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week after reaching the Miami final, Novak Djokovic has suffered a devastating loss to Alejandro Tabilo in his first outing at Monte-Carlo, while Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin have flown the Australian flag into the Round of 16. Jessica Pegula’s charmed run has continued in Charleston with her second title in a month (and first on clay), elevating her above countrywoman Coco Gauff to become America’s No.1 woman. Meanwhile, teenage bolter Alexandra Eala has gained direct entry into Roland Garros to become the first Filipino woman to play a Grand Slam main draw. And Daria Saville has opened a can of worms on TikTok questioning why brands prioritise tennis ‘WAGs’ ahead of women players for commercial partnerships. Dasha’s husband and coach Luke Saville gives his take, while Australian Open publicist Carla Alderuccio also joins Brie Stewart and Xavier Muhlebach in studio to untangle the threads. And who takes the chocolates in Brie’s Easter themed tennis quiz? AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miami has crowned new champions Jakub Mensik and Aryna Sabalenka to farewell the hard-court season. Danielle Collins was unable to defend her title but left with a surprise addition to her family. Over on the green clay courts of Charleston, Daria Kasatkina has claimed her first win playing under the Australian flag. Todd Woodbridge and Sam Stosur join Xavier Muhlebach and Brie Stewart in studio and Nick McCarvel dials in from Charleston to give us the court-side scoop. Aryna Sabalenka Miami restaurant video: https://x.com/Sabanewsss/status/1906745095795486954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1906745095795486954%7Ctwgr%5Ea3a4dc1972a41411d387063c8d71b207710deade%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftennisuptodate.com%2Fwta%2Fvideo-do-you-know-who-she-is-tense-restaurant-moment-as-man-tries-to-kick-sabalenka-off-her-table AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spot in the Miami Open semifinals is up for grabs - experts Nicole Pratt and Simon Rea share what caught their eye from their trip to the 305. Filipina Alexandra Eala took down Iga Swiatek in the biggest win of her career to reach her first Masters semifinal. Novak Djokovic is one step closer to his 100th title as he extends his record for most wins at 1000 level. Emma Raducanu’s quarterfinal run could signal her resurgence and Joao Fonseca is bringing a passionate audience to the game. Later in the show, AO Tournament Director Craig Tiley talks Queensland Tennis Centre upgrades in preparation for Brisbane 2032, plans for AO 2026 and more. Our guests join Xavier Muhlebach and Brie Stewart in the studio. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mirra Andreeva has extended her winning streak by defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and No.2 Iga Swiatek en route to the Indian Wells title, while Jack Draper secured his first ATP 1000 trophy and enters the top 10 for the first time. Things are heating up in Miami, with Nick Kyrgios coming back from a set down to claim his first victory since 2022. He joins fellow Aussies Rinky Hijikata, Kim Birrell and Tristan Schoolkate who also advanced to the second round. Our correspondents Daniela Hantuchova and Duncan McKenzie wrap up Indians Wells and preview Miami. In studio, Xavier Muhlebach and Brie Stewart are joined by Todd Woodbridge and Levi Huddleston. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz have powered into the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, while big names like Novak Djokovic, Alex De Minaur and Alexander Zverev suffered exits. Mirra Andreeva is making waves and could face reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Billie Jean King Cup squad announcements are imminent and the newly named "Orange Girl" of the Australian team Emerson Jones speaks about her upcoming role. Our correspondents from Indian Wells are Daniela Hantuchova and Duncan McKenzie-McHarg, while Xavier Muhlebach and Brie Stewart are joined by John Fitzgerald and Luke Saville in the studio. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek have returned to Indian Wells to defend their titles – Daniela Hantuchova joins Duncan McKenzie in the Californian desert to preview the event, which features a record 13 Australians including Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur who have Novak Djokovic in their quarter. After 11 consecutive finals losses Stefanos Tsitsipas has finally won his first ATP 500 title, conquering Felix Auger-Aliassime in Dubai. Analyst Levi Huddleston slices through the stats behind the Greek's victory plus Emma Navarro's triumph in Merida. Brie Stewart peeks behind the Oscars curtain to find some sociable tennis stars and Luke Saville reveals the details of wife Dasha's nightmare transit from Merida to Indian Wells. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outspoken American Reilly Opelka has taken aim at doubles tennis questioning its place in the game — former player-now-coach Luke Saville joins Jon Hoevenaars, Viv Christie, and Dan Imhoff to react to Opelka’s comments and make the case for doubles remaining a mainstay on the tennis calendar. Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva is the youngest WTA 1000 titlist after defeating three major winners en route to the title — the panel discusses her iconic champion's speech and what’s next for the 17-year-old. Andrey Rublev has captured his second title in Doha defeating Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, while Demon is holding onto his spot in the top 10 despite a first-round exit in Dubai. Three Aussie women are ranked inside the WTA Top 100 for the first time in three years after Maya Joint progressed to the Round of 16 in Merida, while Ajla Tomljanovic is on the verge of joining the 18-year-old along with Olivia Gadecki and Kim Birrell ahead of Indian Wells. Plus, Viv shares her top 5 teenage title winners. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jannik Sinner is free to return to the tour in time for Roland Garros after accepting a three-month period of ineligibility from WADA — experts Nicole Pratt and Sam Stosur react to the world No.1’s negotiated settlement and discuss the implications for tennis. Amanda Anisimova has climbed inside the world top 20 following her maiden WTA 1000 title in Doha, while runner-up Jelena Ostapenko has extended her dominance over Iga Swiatek to five wins from five meetings — analyst Simon Rea casts a spotlight over the match-up and the continued rise of Buenos Aires champion Joao Fonseca. Novak Djokovic has suffered a first-round loss to Matteo Berrettini who’s through to the quarterfinals of Doha along with top seed Carlos Alcaraz and Australia’s Alex de Minaur. And new Aussie women’s No.1 Kim Birrell joins the show as she prepares to lead the Billie Jean King Cup team in April’s qualifying round-robin in Brisbane. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marco Panichi, fitness coach of two-time Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, speaks with Daniela Hantuchova from The Real DNA Podcast about the secrets of the world No.1's elite physical conditioning, and how the demands on the modern player have changed the methodology of fitness coaching. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USTA has announced big changes to the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship, including moving to a two-day format during Fan Week — John Fitzgerald and Storm Hunter react to the news, while Storm reveals her comeback plans. Belinda Bencic has secured her first title since becoming a mother, winning the crown in Abu Dhabi. Iga Swiatek is gunning for a fourth straight title in Doha, with three of the top five seeds out before the quarterfinals. Alex de Minaur has ascended to an equal career-high world No.6 after finishing runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Rotterdam. Jannik Sinner is set to return to the match court for the first time since his AO25 triumph among a star-studded men’s field in Doha. Plus Brie reveals her top 5 social media comments from Tennis lovers. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Open 2025 may have drawn to a close, but we won't be forgetting it any time soon! With the first Grand Slam of the year wrapped up, we look back on a spectacular fortnight of action. From the fairytale runs of Eva Lys and Learner Tien to the championship moments of Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner, join Jon Hoevenaars as he hits rewind on some of our favourite moments of AO 2025. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the dust settles on Australian Open 2025, Jon Hoevenaars, Brie Stewart and Viv Christie from The Sit-Down reassemble at Pod Laver Arena to crown the award winners for Best Performance, Most Impressive Newcomer, Best Match, Best Interview and Best Fashion Statement of the first Grand Slam of the year. Did the panel get it right? Who did they miss? AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jannik Sinner has retained his Australian Open crown with a commanding straight-sets win over Alex Zverev, confirming him as the undisputed hardcourt king — experts Simon Rea and Peter Marcato join Jon to analyse the championship match and discuss the implications for both players. Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend have added the Australian Open trophy to their Grand Slam collection after upstaging Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko in the women’s doubles final. Madison Keys is acclimatising to her new identity as Grand Slam champion the day after her major breakthrough with a photo shoot at Melbourne’s iconic Brighton Beach. And we find out which musical artists the fans would like to see perform at the Australian Open finals. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madison Keys has dethroned Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam title, denying the world No.1 a rare ‘three-peat’ in Melbourne — experts Jill Craybas and Levi Huddleston join Jon to dissect the women’s final, and preview the men’s championship match between Jannik Sinner and Alex Zverev on Day 15. Harry Heliovaara and Henry Patten have come from behind against Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori to seize the men’s doubles trophy in an all-time epic final. Hear from the talented craftsmen responsible for spinning the Australian Open trophies ‘Norm’ and ‘Daphne’. And Alexia Mitchell goes backstage at AO Live to meet renowned DJ Armand van Helden. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has sensationally retired after the first set of his semifinal against Alexander Zverev, paving the German’s way to his maiden Australian Open final. The world No.2’s opponent will be Jannik Sinner who resisted a hit-and-miss Ben Shelton to progress to the last dance for the second straight year. Experts Simon Rea and Candy Reid discuss the fallout from Djokovic’s retirement and Zverev’s prospects in the final, and forecast how Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka can each lift the trophy in the women’s championship decider. Aussies Olivia Gadecki and John Peers have upstaged compatriots Kim Birrell and John-Patrick Smith to win the mixed doubles title. Plus, the AO Legends reveal their nominations for best players to never win a Slam. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.