The Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka has returned to the scene of her two previous AO titles with a statement win over Sloane Stephens, while Alex Zverev has blasted Lucas Pouille off the court on an electric first night of Australian Open 2025. No such luck for the Aussies, with Daria Saville, Adam Walton, Li Tu and Omar Jasika failing to progress beyond the first round. Casper Ruud has dodged a bullet from Jaume Munar who pushed the No.6 seed to five sets, while Kei Nishikori survived two match points against Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro to advance – experts Mark Hlawaty and Simon Rea join the show to analyse how both players managed to turn around their fortunes. Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva was the first player through to the second round among other Day 1 winners including Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa, Donna Vekic, Ugo Umbert, Arthur Fils and Tomas Machac. Plus, we preview Jannik Sinner’s clash with Nicolas Jarry on Day 2 as well as Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia’s 2024 rematch. And producer Ursin Caderas takes a ride in the KIA player car with Aryna Sabalenka. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The singles draws are locked and loaded, with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic on track for a quarterfinal showdown, while Coco Gauff has been delivered a tricky quarter containing unseeded AO champions Sofia Kenin and Naomi Osaka — commentator Nick McCarvel and GIG analyst Levi Huddleston join Jon and Brie to preview the women’s and men’s singles championships and reveal the GIG championship predictions. Zheng Qinwen is the beneficiary of a favourable draw — the 2024 finalist sits down with Jon to discuss how she plans to go one step further this year. Plus, Andrea Petkovic and Craig Tiley join Jon and Brie on the AO Live Stage at Grand Slam Oval to reveal the top 10 young stars to watch at AO 2025. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has made a bright start to his Brisbane campaign, lining up a clash with Gael Monfils to whom he’s never lost. Aryna Sabalenka remains the hot favourite for the women’s title following the eliminations of Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko from her quarter — AusOpen.com's Dan Imhoff joins Jon, Brie and Luke Saville to recap all the big news from an entertaining first week of competition including the show-stopping Djokovic-Kyrgios doubles pairing and the golden run of local favourite Kim Birrell. USA and Kazakhstan are the first two teams through to the United Cup semifinals, with the winners of Poland v Great Britain and Italy v Czechia to join them in the last four — Mark Petchey and Andrea Petkovic help preview the business end of the competition. Plus, Team Poland No.1 Iga Swiatek sits down with Pippa Horn to discuss everything from tennis to her undying love for Taylor Swift. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sit-Down is the latest podcast from AO Originals. Each week, you’ll hear a candid conversation with a notable tennis identity, delving into their achievements, challenges, and career-defining moments. From Grand Slam champions to coaches and tennis insiders, we go beyond forehands and backhands to learn more about some of the sport’s most interesting people. Whether you're a tennis nerd, a passionate fan, or you’re just discovering the sport, The Sit-Down has something for everyone. Check out the latest episode today! iHeart Spotify Apple Podcasts PodLink See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back with a new season of and a new name! Grand Slam champions Sam Stosur and Todd Woodbridge join Jon Hoevenaars and Brie Stewart to preview the season and reveal their break-out player predictions (Mirra Andreeva, Holger Rune, Flavio Cobolli and Joao Fonseca), their dream Australian Open final match-ups (Aryna Sabalenka v Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner v Carlos Alcaraz, Gauff v Iga Swiatek, and Nick Kyrgios v Carlos Alcaraz), and what they'd like to see more of in 2025. Vic Rudnikov checks in with USA No.1 Gauff about teaming up with Olympic mixed doubles partner Taylor Fritz for the United Cup, while tournament director Stephen Farrow joins us from Perth on the eve of the group stage. Plus, Brie reveals her “contentious” top 5 Christmas songs, with something for (nearly) everyone… See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From qualifying to an equal-best Grand Slam performance, Sumit Nagal provided a feel-good story of Australian Open 2024. His broader journey to become India’s top-ranked singles player is equally compelling, with Nagal transitioning to tennis from his first sporting love of cricket. The 27-year-old joins Viv and Matt from Mumbai to discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and inspirational figures who have shaped his career – and why he can’t wait to combine his sporting passions in his highly anticipated return to Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our final episode of the season, Jon, Brie, Pratty and Pete reveal their choices for most eye-catching player, most surprising Grand Slam result, favourite tennis moment, and rising star of season 2024. Matteo Arnaldi is the first international player to arrive for the Australian Summer of Tennis — the Italian young gun joins the show to discuss his ‘honorary Australian’ status after recently buying a home in Melbourne with his girlfriend Mia Savio. Plus we discuss the wildcards for AO 2025 and unveil the charity match schedule for Opening Week, featuring the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin and Zheng Qinwen. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American youngster Alex Michelsen sits at a career-high world No.41 as he heads to Jeddah to compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals. The 20-year-old recently sat down with Viv and Matt during a rare break at home in California to discuss his meteoric rise. Michelsen began season 2024 ranked 97th and soared thanks to reaching two ATP finals — Newport and Winston-Salem — and winning more than 30 singles matches, including against top-10 opponent Alex de Minaur in Los Cabos. Michelsen, now coached by 2005 US Open semifinalist Robby Ginepri, attributes his vast improvement to strengthening his varied game and taking advantage of his 6’4” frame. He hopes to finish the year strong at the Next Gen event (as the No.2 seed) before turning his attention to the Australian Summer of Tennis. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian tennis has lost one of its most celebrated champions, Neale Fraser. Known for his unmatched left-handed serve, unwavering sportsmanship, and remarkable achievements on and off the court, 'Frase' left an indelible mark on the sport. A dominant force in the 1950s and early 1960s, he won 19 Grand Slam titles—including the US triple crown twice—captained Australia's Davis Cup team to four historic victories, and remained a steadfast ambassador for tennis throughout the latter years of his life. Four of his protégés John Fitzgerald, John Newcombe, Darren Cahill and Todd Woodbridge reflect on Fraser's influence on their lives and on the sport. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex de Minaur and Matt Ebden have capped career-best seasons by taking home the Newcombe Medal at the 2024 Australian Tennis Awards, while Darren Cahill has been recognised for his ongoing work with world No.1 Jannik Sinner with the award for Coaching Excellence – Performance. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley and Storm Hunter share their highlights of the evening and preview the upcoming Australian Summer of Tennis. Victoria Rudnikov hits the Blue Carpet to quiz the stars about the first thing they do when they get home from an overseas trip, with which other player they would like to trade places for a day, and what they want more of in 2025. Plus, Daria and Luke Saville join the show to reflect on 2024 and share some big news for next season! AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Viv and Matt sat down with Paul McNamee in April, the conversation naturally shifted to his time as tournament director of the Australian Open. McNamee held the role from 1995 till 2006, a period of extraordinary growth for the tournament. During this time, the AO's status rose to match the other Grand Slams, its brand identity was refreshed, and it attracted new audiences. This peaked during AO 2005, the tournament's centenary year, with the men's final between Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin attracting some of the biggest domestic TV numbers in ratings history. With Australian Open 2025 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to relive McNamee’s memories of his time in charge. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iga Swiatek has returned to the court after completing her mandatory one-month anti-doping ban — Casey Dellacqua discusses the impact on the five-time Grand Slam champion. Novak Djokovic has been unveiled as the star attraction for the Brisbane International, which he hasn’t played since 2009, opening the possibility of a 2022 Wimbledon final rematch with Nick Kyrgios. With just over a month till AO 2025, GIG analysts Simon Rea and Levi Huddleston put forward their best cases for first-time Australian Open title winners: Carlos Alcaraz v Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff v Emma Navarro. Plus, Brie reveals the top 5 rankings risers inside the top 60 for 2024. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been almost a year since John Millman retired from professional tennis at AO 2024, drawing the curtains on an impressive 15-year playing career. The former world No.33 sits down with Todd Woodbridge to discuss his enjoyment of rediscovering a stable lifestyle and reconnecting with family and friends — two things he seldom experienced during his decade-and-a-half on the tour. Yet the Queenslander also reveals how the rhythm of international travel was baked into his DNA, which he has since countered by keeping himself busy with a return to study. Millman also shares his career highlights, including his famous 2018 win over Roger Federer to reach the US Open last eight, and his pride at representing Australia —particularly his Davis Cup debut against Belgium in 2017 and as Aussie No.1 during the team’s win over Brazil in 2020. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT @toddwoodbridge See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has steered Italy to its second successive Davis Cup title in Malaga, ending Australia’s hopes in the semifinals — Aussie Billie Jean King Cup coach Nicole Pratt and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald analyse why the Italians have proved so successful over the past two years. In an announcement that’s shocked the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has unveiled Andy Murray as one of his new coaches for the Australian summer — the team unpacks how Murray can help his rival’s quest for major title 25 at AO 2025. Plus The Sit-Down’s Matt Trollope joins reveals the top five performers of 2024. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Open holds a special place in Donna Kelso's heart; it was where she officiated her last match as a chair umpire — the women's final of AO 1998. The Sydneysider has since held an ongoing role as a WTA supervisor, which sees her travel the world and visit incredible locations as the tour traverses the globe. It's the continuation of a long-running connection to tennis for Kelso, who picked up the sport as a child after winning a racquet in a colouring competition, and who progressed to calling lines as a teenager at the NSW Open. She sat down with Viv and Matt to discuss her tennis journey, her trailblazing role as a female gold-badge chair umpire, her best on-court moments as a tennis official, and her famous shoe collection. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tennis world has bid farewell to Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga — we pay tribute to the King of Clay with a special Australian Open tribute. Meanwhile, Netherlands has progressed to the semifinals against Germany, and Australia is set for a quarterfinal showdown with USA, with Italy or Argentina to follow. AusOpen.com’s Rhys de Deugd is on the ground in Malaga, where Italy’s women have returned to the top of the world with an inspired performance in the Billie Jean King Cup finals led by Jasmine Paolini. GIG analyst Simon Rea casts a spotlight over year-end tour champions Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff five weeks out from the Australian Summer of Tennis. Plus, Nick Kyrgios is primed and ready for his much-anticipated comeback at the Brisbane International. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Kyrgios has outlined his comeback intentions, announcing he will play the Brisbane International before returning to the Grand Slam stage at Australian Open 2025. Viv and Matt sit down with the former world No.13, who has played just one match in the past two years due to injuries. The worst of those was a wrist problem, which required reconstructive surgery, but Kyrgios has recovered and feels fitter than he has in years. Will he be able to scale the heights of 2022, when he was a Wimbledon finalist and US Open quarterfinalist? Only time will tell. But the 29-year-old is thrilled to be back and has revealed he was looking forward to putting on a show for fans, while having learned a lot about both himself and the sport from his recent time in the commentary booth. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As forecast by Storm Hunter, Coco Gauff has silenced her critics to win the season-ending WTA Tour Finals, leaving Zheng Qinwen, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Jess Pegula in her wake. Jannik Sinner and Alex Zverev have booked their semis spots at the ATP Finals with commanding performances in the group stage, with Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Casper Ruud still in contention — Casey Dellacqua and John Fitzgerald discuss the results from Riyadh and the current standings in Turin. 53 days out from the first Grand Slam of the year, AO tournament director Craig Tiley joins the show to discuss the ever-evolving entertainment landscape of the Australian Open and what he’s most looking forward to. Plus, we reveal the seven Australian players nominated for Newcombe Medal ahead of the Australian Tennis Awards in December. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 20 years ago, Jill Craybas produced one of the great Grand Slam upsets, defeating Serena Williams to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon — a career-best result. The former US college player, who also holds a communications degree, sat down with Matt to reflect on a professional career that saw her crack the top 40 and win the WTA Japan Open title. Since retiring in 2013, she has emerged as a notable voice in tennis media — including as a part of Australian Open’s World Feed commentary team. Craybas discusses in detail her career highlights, her favourite memories, and how she marvels at the modern stars of the game. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify Host handles: @Viv_Christie @MattyAT See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aryna Sabalenka, Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff have secured semifinals spots at the WTA Finals leaving Iga Swiatek relying on Gauff to beat Barbora Krejcikova to stay alive. Storm Hunter and John Fitzgerald discuss Swiatek's challenge, Gauff's form, and Elena Rybakina's potential with new coach Goran Ivanisevic in her corner. Alex de Minaur has broken a 20-year drought by becoming the first Australian singles player since Lleyton Hewitt to reach the ATP Tour Finals. We catch up with Donna Vekic 50 days out from her favourite event the United Cup, and Brie reveals her top 5 musically talented tennis players. AusOpen.com iHeart Apple Podcasts Spotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.