The Tennis Podcast David Law, Catherine Whitaker, Matt Roberts

In our final preview show ahead of this year's Roland Garros, we were live in our AirBnB in Paris to react to an astonishing Rafael Nadal press conferences as he confirmed that he's feeling better, said there's a chance he could play this tournament again next year, and revealed that he's been practising well in preparation for his first round match against Alexander Zverev. There was a dose of realism in there too - he hasn't played at a high level for a long time - but his mood was much more buoyant than we were expecting.
We also react to Hannah's latest column to talk about how Nadal's dominance at the French Open has made us feel over the years and how to come to terms with what the tournament will be like without him.
Finally, there's reaction to Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu's press conferences, chat about possible outsiders who could go on a run, a discussion about what would count as success for Novak Djokovic in 2024, and a run through the day one order of play.
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Catherine, David and Matt divided and conquered on media day at Roland Garros as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both spoke positively about their fitness, Daniil Medvedev and Coco Gauff discussed their serves, Andy Murray reflected on his 2017 semi-final against Stan Wawrinka, Alexander Zverev talked about his round one showdown with Rafael Nadal, and Iga Swiatek gave off a real air of confidence. Plus, David doorstepped some Danish journalists to find out about the real Holger Rune, and we watched Novak Djokovic lose to Tomas Machac in Geneva.
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Hannah’s latest column about Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is available for Friends - https://bit.ly/HannahOnRafa
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The Roland Garros draw threw up 128 first round singles matches, but there’s only one which everyone is talking about: 14-time champion Rafael Nadal drawn to face Alexander Zverev. 
On the pod, hear the reaction from inside the room when Zverev’s name was drawn next to Nadal’s, as well as Catherine, David and Matt’s own feelings about the prospect of that match. 
Elsewhere, there’s chat about the draws facing all the other leading contenders, the state of French tennis, and Dominic Thiem’s defeat in qualifying. 
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Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. 
Hannah’s latest column about Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is available for Friends - https://bit.ly/HannahOnRafa
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It’s Roland Garros week! And Iga Swiatek will head to Paris as an overwhelming favourite for the French Open title after her dominant victory over Aryna Sabalenka in Rome. Catherine, David and Matt discuss the final, Swiatek’s game on the clay, and where she stands in relation to some of the all-time greats. 
On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev won his second Rome title over Nicolas Jarry in the final. Where does he rank among the Roland Garros favourites and will the fact that his trial for domestic abuse allegations begins on May 31st have any impact? 
There’s also chat about Novak Djokovic’s decision to take a wildcard into Geneva, Emma Raducanu withdrawing from French Open qualifying, and Dominic Thiem’s attempt to get into the main draw. 
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Hannah’s latest column about Emma Raducanu is available for Friends - https://bit.ly/HannahOnEmmaRaducanu
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Tennis Podcast Terminology

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Catherine, David and Matt are together at Tennis Podcast Towers to discuss everything that's happened in Rome since Monday. There's lots of excitement about a final rematch between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, David's hopped on board Matt's Nicolas Jarry hype train, and Catherine rants about the French Open's decision not to give Dominic Thiem a wildcard.
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Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. 
Hannah’s latest column about Emma Raducanu is available for Friends - https://bit.ly/HannahOnEmmaRaducanu
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Tennis Podcast Terminology

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For the first time since 2004, neither Novak Djokovic nor Rafael Nadal will feature in the quarter-finals of Rome as both lost early at the Foro Italico. 
Djokovic was beaten in just over an hour by Alejandro Tabilo, a couple of days after being hit on the head by a water bottle, while Nadal was a shadow of himself in a 6-1 6-3 loss to Hubert Hurkacz. 
Catherine, David and Matt discuss both results and, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both sidelined with injury, there’s lots of chat about what it all means for Roland Garros. 
In the women’s event, Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal is discussed, as well as impressive weeks for Naomi Osaka and Paula Badosa. 
Finally, there’s reaction to Dominic Thiem announcing his retirement at the end of the season. 
LONDON LIVE SHOW! 
We are delighted to announce that The Tennis Podcast will be live in London at Bush Hall on Wednesday 19th June. The show will start at 8pm, with doors opening at 7pm.
Tickets are now on General Sale, and they are going quickly!
You can buy them here - https://myticket.co.uk/artists/the-tennis-podcast-live
OUR LINKS:
Join The Barge!
Become a Friend of the Tennis Podcast to also help us to produce the show year-round, receive exclusive access to bonus podcasts throughout 2024, including Tennis Re-Lived and Grand Slam review shows, read Hannah's Column and watch monthly live shows on YouTube. 
Hannah’s latest column about Emma Raducanu is available for Friends - https://bit.ly/HannahOnEmmaRaducanu
Sign up to receive our Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, predictions, and more)
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Check out our Shop
Read our New York Times profile
Tennis Podcast Terminology

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.