Double Bagel Podcast

Lewis and Finn

Hosted by terrible tennis players, ex-coaches, tech dude Matt Finnigan and anesthesiologist Lewis Ireland. They have the gift of the gabb when it comes to critiquing professional tennis stars. Bringing humour to the forefront of tennis commentary, their seemingly limited knowledge does not stop them from strong opinions and unwavering confidence. Join them weekly to learn minimal about strategy, techniques and players.

  1. 09/29/2025

    Episode 22 - No Bagels, Just Crumbs

    Summary In this conversation, the hosts delve into the current state of women's and men's tennis, focusing on Iga Swiatek's impressive performance and her quest for double bagels. They discuss the Asian swing of tournaments, emerging Australian talents, and the dynamics of men's tournaments, particularly the Laver Cup's controversial format and player selections. The conversation is filled with humor and insights, making it an engaging listen for tennis fans. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the current state of team events in tennis, particularly focusing on the Davis Cup and Labor Cup. They explore innovative ideas for tournament formats that could enhance viewer engagement and player motivation. The discussion then shifts to dream doubles pairings, highlighting the potential chaos and entertainment value of certain player combinations. Finally, they delve into the impact of weather on tennis matches, advocating for a more resilient approach to playing in adverse conditions. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for the Double Bagel 02:48 Eager's Dominance and Historical Context 05:42 The Asian Swing and Tournament Dynamics 08:34 Player Performances and Predictions 11:24 Emerging Talents in Women's Tennis 14:11 Men's Tournament Overview and Key Players 21:32 Tennis Players and Personal Preferences 22:20 BlondeKaraz: A Rising Star 23:03 American Talent in Tennis 23:53 Understanding Protected Rankings 25:44 Anticipating the Finals 26:39 The Laver Cup: A Team Sport Dilemma 29:02 Critique of the Laver Cup Lineup 32:48 The Future of Team Events in Tennis 37:08 The Six Kings Slam: A New Tournament 41:21 Prize Money and Tournament Viability 41:25 Prize Money and Player Performance 43:30 Horrific Doubles Pairings in Tennis 47:15 The Worst Exhibition Matches 51:42 Rain and Tennis: A Controversial Topic 59:50 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    1h 8m
  2. 09/10/2025

    Episode 21 - Hard Courts, Harder Feelings. US Open Wrap-up!

    Summary This conversation delves into the recent performances of top tennis players, focusing on Carlos Alcaraz's impressive victory over Yannick Sinner in the US Open final, the challenges Sinner faces in their rivalry, and the mental aspects affecting Novak Djokovic's game. The discussion also touches on the unpredictability of women's tennis, highlighted by Sabalenka's triumph, and the need for new rivalries and talents in the sport. In this episode, the hosts discuss various controversies surrounding post-match ceremonies in tennis, particularly focusing on the recent US Open. They express their frustrations with the format of interviews and the role of commentators. The conversation then shifts to the peculiar presence of older ball kids at tournaments, leading to a humorous debate about the appropriateness of their involvement. The hosts also engage in a draft of the best tennis players who have never won a Grand Slam, highlighting notable names and their careers. Finally, they reflect on the current state of tennis and the upcoming season, sharing their hopes for future tournaments. Chapters 00:00 The Rise of Carlos Alcaraz 03:22 Yannick Sinner's Challenges 06:09 The Mental Game in Tennis 09:17 Novak Djokovic's Decline 12:13 Future of Men's Tennis 15:18 The Rivalry Dynamics 18:15 The Need for New Stars 24:14 The Need for a Tennis Villain 29:12 Women’s Tennis Breakthroughs 35:30 Controversies in Post-Match Ceremonies 39:44 The Peculiar Case of Ball Boys 44:38 Drafting the Best Players Without a Slam 58:25 The Current Landscape: Players on the Brink 01:00:29 Marvel Meets Tennis: Who Would Make the Best Player?

    1h 9m
  3. 08/25/2025

    Episode 20 - Game, Set… Achoo + US Open Predictions

    Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the recent Cincinnati final where Yannick Sinner faced off against Carlos Alcaraz but had to retire due to illness, humorously dubbed 'man flu.' They explore the implications of Sinner's performance on his confidence heading into the US Open, the rising stars in women's tennis, and the new mixed doubles format introduced at the US Open. The discussion also touches on the legitimacy of the mixed doubles event, predictions for the US Open, and the overall state of tennis, including the controversies surrounding player invitations and sponsorships. In this episode, the hosts delve into the upcoming US Open, analyzing player rankings, matchups, and making predictions for both the men's and women's draws. They discuss the potential outcomes for top players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek, while also engaging in a fun segment where one host competes against an AI to guess tennis players. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted mailbag segment and final thoughts on what to expect from the tournament. Chapters 00:00 The Man Flu: A Serious Threat 02:49 Yannick Sinner's Disappointing Performance 05:39 Mental Fortitude in Tennis 08:31 The Rise of Women's Tennis 11:22 Mixed Doubles: A New Format 14:23 Exhibition or Grand Slam? 17:05 The Future of Tennis Events 23:45 Cocktail Prices and Event Costs 28:32 Lacoste's Controversial Marketing Move 30:21 US Open Preview and Player Form 37:49 Predictions for the US Open Finals 43:34 Predictions and Favorites for the Tournament 48:15 Lewis vs. The Machine: A Fun Game 54:12 Mailbag: If Tennis Balls Could Talk 57:39 Final Thoughts and Tournament Expectations

    1h 6m
  4. 08/18/2025

    Episode 19 - Return of the King

    Summary In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the theme of comebacks in sports, drawing parallels between legendary moments and personal experiences. They discuss recent highlights in tennis, focusing on the rise of young talent like Ben Shelton and the ongoing rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. The conversation also touches on the importance of sportsmanship, the impact of injuries, and the controversies surrounding celebrations in sports. With a mix of humor and insight, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of tennis and the dynamics of competition. In this episode, the hosts analyze the thrilling match between Sinner and Alcaraz, discussing the implications for their rivalry. They also cover the women's semi-finals, highlighting key players and matches, and delve into controversies surrounding crowd behavior during matches. The conversation shifts to Coco Gauff's recent struggles with double faults, Venus Williams' unexpected return to the court, and predictions for the Cincinnati tournament. The hosts then rank their favorite tennis movies and answer a fun mailbag question about substituting tennis balls with other objects. Chapters 00:00 The Art of the Comeback 10:18 Recent Tennis Highlights 20:17 The Rise of Young Talent 24:25 The Rise of Young Talents 28:34 Unconventional Moves in Tennis 30:17 Controversies and Player Dynamics 31:52 Predictions for Sinner vs Alcaraz 33:21 Wimbledon Final Recap 36:48 Women's Semi-Finals Overview 38:25 Crowd Behavior and Player Reactions 44:32 Analyzing Unforced Errors in Tennis Matches 46:32 The Mental Game: Overcoming Pressure in Tennis 48:12 Predictions for Upcoming Tournaments 50:16 Ranking the Best Tennis Movies 58:34 Creative Tennis Substitutes: A Fun Discussion

    1h 10m
  5. 07/15/2025

    Episode 17 - Straight Outta Kraków: The Bagel Queen Reigns

    Summary The conversation dives deep into Iga Swiatek's historic victory at Wimbledon, where she achieved a remarkable double bagel against Amanda Anisimova. The hosts discuss the implications of such a dominant performance, the emotional aftermath for Anisimova, and the overall impact on women's tennis. They also reflect on the men's tournament, the celebrity presence at Wimbledon, and the future of players like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. In this episode, the hosts delve into the excitement surrounding the upcoming tennis final between Sinner and Alcaraz, discussing their predictions for their careers. They also touch on Curios's new ventures and celebrate Ega's recent victory. The conversation shifts to the various ways tennis players celebrate their wins, highlighting memorable moments and the emotions involved. Finally, they explore the art of making excuses in tennis, sharing humorous and creative ways players might deflect blame after a loss. Chapters 00:00 Iga Swiatek's Historic Wimbledon Victory 02:50 The Impact of Dominance in Tennis 05:46 The Emotional Aftermath of a Double Bagel 08:32 The Unprecedented Nature of the Match 11:21 The Mind Games and Strategies in Tennis 14:13 Reflections on the Future of Anisimova 17:06 The Men's Final Preview and Comparisons 24:25 The Decline of Novak Djokovic 26:55 Tactical Insights for Players 28:41 Alex De Minaur's Performance 31:27 The Anticipation of the Final 32:44 Celebrity Presence at Wimbledon 35:15 Roger Federer's Legacy and Support 37:10 Nick Kyrgios and His New Ventures 43:08 The Peculiarities of Watching Others Eat 44:29 Celebrating Tennis Victories: A Deep Dive 49:02 Iconic Tennis Celebrations: The Top Picks 58:24 Excuses for Losing: A Comedic Approach 01:03:27 Looking Ahead: Non-Grand Slam Tennis Stories

    1h 9m
  6. 07/07/2025

    Episode 16 - Wimblegeddon: The Grasspocalypse

    Summary The conversation delves into the surprising early exits of top players at Wimbledon, the rise of underdogs, and the emotional narratives surrounding the tournament. It highlights coaching controversies, the performance of Aussie players, and the dominance of top seeds. Additionally, it discusses the impact of curfews on match play and the unexpected culinary preferences of players, particularly in the women's draw. In this episode, the hosts delve into a variety of topics ranging from quirky food challenges to tennis predictions and player performances. They explore creative nicknames for tennis players, discuss the dumb rules of tennis that need to change, and engage in a humorous 'Would You Rather' segment related to tennis. The conversation is lively and filled with insights, making it an entertaining listen for sports enthusiasts. Chapters 00:00 Wimbledon Upsets: A Shocking Start 02:55 The Wild West of Tennis: Analyzing the Draws 05:52 The Underdog Story: Hope Amidst the Chaos 08:40 Coaching Controversies: Public Criticism in Tennis 11:26 Aussie Players on the Rise: Thompson and Demon 14:10 The Clash of Titans: Sinner vs. Alcaraz 17:12 The Heat of Competition: Wimbledon Conditions 23:47 Tennis Tournament Insights 26:33 Curfews and Controversies in Tennis 30:13 Women's Tennis Highlights 36:34 Food Challenges and Fun Segments 44:46 The Scud and Other Nicknames 45:38 The Toilet Break Controversy 47:27 The Magician: Bublik's Dual Nature 48:15 Creative Nicknames in Tennis 50:14 Dumb Rules in Tennis: A Discussion 01:00:23 Would You Rather: Serve or Explain?

    1h 13m

About

Hosted by terrible tennis players, ex-coaches, tech dude Matt Finnigan and anesthesiologist Lewis Ireland. They have the gift of the gabb when it comes to critiquing professional tennis stars. Bringing humour to the forefront of tennis commentary, their seemingly limited knowledge does not stop them from strong opinions and unwavering confidence. Join them weekly to learn minimal about strategy, techniques and players.