What else can be said other than tennis seems quite alright in the hands of 20 year old Iga Swiatek and 18 year old Carlos Alcaraz. Iga becomes the first woman in no one knows how long (the guys ask for a fact check on this) to win four straight tournaments in a row, proving a dominant #1. Alcaraz for his part is dominating in his own right. He defeated Tsitsipas in a tense QF match-up before taking out De Minaur in a 3 hr 38 min marathon in the semis. Later that afternoon, he would defeat his countryman PCB to take his 3rd title in 2022 on home soil in Barcelona. Rising to #9 in the world, he makes his way into the Top 10 at the same age (a reminder, he's 18) and after winning the very same tournament as one Rafa Nadal (who did it back in 2005). That year, Rafa beat his fellow countryman Juan Carlos Ferraro, who happens to be Alcaraz's coach. The circle of Spanish Tennis life. The guys also cover: Jason's random pairing with a club player... and said player's subsequent coaching Aldwin's run in with a listener at Pegasus All the stories from Stuttgart and Barcelona Rublev takes the title in Serbia over Djokovic, who's dealing with a mystery illness An event took place in Istanbul with Potpova taking it. Check out the merch at the Ready Play Shopify store. Wanna place an order? Email us at readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com. You can also connect and share your thoughts on the show with us there! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
After rumblings 4-5 weeks ago, the All England Lawn & Tennis Club, which hosts Wimbledon confirmed on Wednesday its decision to ban all Russian and Belarusian players from this year's Championships as a response to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Most seem to denounce the move, while some, including Ukraine tennis players welcome the response. The guys share their takes. Others Items on the show this week: Jason's birthday and shout outs from listeners (and ATP player Christian Harrison... shirtless!). Aldwin & Jason's first match of 2022. Run down of Monte Carlo and Tsitsipas' title defence. The three name game featuring Spanish Players Barcelona begins and what's up with Felix Domi Thiem returns on Serbia as Djokovic performs magic to outlast Djere in his opener Andreescu makes her return in Stuttgart 100th episode in the books. Like, share and write a review of the show to help us out! Check out the merch at the Ready Play Shopify store. Wanna place an order? Email us at readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com. You can also connect and share your thoughts on the show with us there! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
As tennis transitions to the clay, some big stories emerged this week. Of the 'Big Four' stories, which would you rank among the top: Bianca's return with a wildcard in Stuttgart? Simona snatches up Patrick Mouratoglou from Serena as she eyes more grand slam glory? Federer shows fitness photos as he eyes his return at 40? Clijsters retires for good after her second return to tennis? Check the title for your answer. The guys cover the results in Charleston and the play of its champ Bencic. Is she petulant as some listeners think? Are you happy for her? One player Aldwin is living for is Amanda Anisimova, making another deep run into the semis. Houston happened and Opelka proves things are bigger in Texas, taking his second title this year in the state. Jason challenges Aldwin to guess who won in Morocco. The guys conclude by covering the myriad of stories taking shape in Monte Carlo, including: Djokovic's early exit; does the Nole hate really need to continue? Wawrinka's return What up with those Adidas kits on Tsonga and Korda, and did Zverev ask for another cut off? Check out the merch at the Ready Play Shopify store. Wanna place an order? Email us at readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com. You can also connect and share your thoughts on the show with us there! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
While the name of this episode could have been recycled from last week, it was more important to give props to the dominance of the new WTA World #1. Once thought to have been 'gifted' the mantle after Ashleigh Barty's shock retirement, Iga took to reins and reigned supreme in Miami, dropping just 26 games in six matches as she marched to her third straight WTA 1,000 title and completing the 'Sunshine Double'. That's not to knock Carlos Alcaraz one bit, who fought through a QF scare to take the title, defeating Casper Ruud, both of whom were contesting their first Masters 1,000 title. At just 18, Carlos becomes the first Spanish player to win the Miami Open... that's right, even Rafa hasn't won it, being five times denied in the Final. Other items the guys discuss as Jason returns from vacation in Italy: Osaka brings out them positive vibes as she returns to the finals of a tourney for the first time since her AO 2021 title. Will Venus and Serena ever return? Why aren't Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev snatching the opportunity? Reflections on Barty's retirement from tennis. Check out the merch at the Ready Play Shopify store. Wanna place an order? Email us at readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com. You can also connect and share your thoughts on the show with us there! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
Your fave tennis girl, Aldwin, is flying solo this week as his partner in crime in enjoying a hard earned vacation in Italy. Not to worry though because Aldwin gets into the nitty gritty discussing the draw development in Miami, Emma Raducanu's less than stellar play, Jenson Brooksby's 2nd round outburst, and the legacies that are Venus and Serena Williams at this year's Oscars. Oh, and there's a little reveal at the end. Miami, it's getting hot in here!
What a week it was in the desert. Who knew Taylor would take out Rafa and end his 20 match winning streak? And who knew Iga would continue her dominance in the desert. The guys break down all the action at Indian Wells, including Taylor's first Master's title and the injury which almost kept him out of that final, what's next for Rafa, Kyrgios makes a run. On the ladies side, aside from Iga's dominance, Sakkari continues her strides, and Halep's got some edge. Aldwin gives Jason an Indian Wells quiz, they recount their first 'domestic' related to a topic to cover (or not to cover) on the episode, and the guys discuss the joint announcement from the four slams that sees them all implement the 10-point super tiebreak in the final set. We shall never see a 70-68 final set again... and will only have one, perhaps perfect 12 All final set tiebreak at Wimbledon (Federer vs. Djokovic 2019). Get merch at the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
After a week break, the guys return and there's a shit ton to talk about. The biggest story of the week was the fan heckling of Naomi Osaka during her 2nd round loss to Kudermetova 6-0, 6-4. The female fan yelled out 'you suck' multiple times before Kudermetova's service game, leading to a discussion between Naomi and the umpire. The incident clearly shook her and impacted the result. The guys reflect on her journey with mental health, the inappropriate behaviour of fans, and how the 2018 US Open Final might have impacted her reaction in the match Other Items on the Desert Dish Menu: Amanda Anisimova's moment -- she got sick Leylah the fighter and three-set lover Mugu's mid-match breakdown Iga on fire Sakkari continues her roll... can she break through? Halep's surge Ostapenko... is she a Nike girl Nadal keeps winning... matches and with his kit the 'New' Big 3 of Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev go out early The guys weigh in on news that Wimbledon may ban Russian players like Daniil Medvedev is they don't offer some assurance that they denounce Vladimir Putin's regime... is that fair? And Serena says she would go to jail for doing what Zverev did... would Serena receive more punishment and backlash for similar behaviour? Get merch at the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
REGISTER and VOTE and help us win Best Tennis Podcast for the Sports Podcast Awards. VOTING CLOSES on Sunday, March 6th! Under the fog of war -- a shocking invasion of sovereign Ukraine by an aggressor in Russia, the ATP's 27th #1 player in the world is Russia's Daniil Medvedev. While his childhood dream comes true, it's bittersweet when many are not happy with the actions of his homeland. The guys cover this history of the ATP #1 and how monumental Daniil's achievement is after 18 years of 'Big 3' (plus Andy Murray) dominance. Should Russian players like Medvedev, winner in two consecutive weeks Andrey Rublev and other Russian players be forced to speak out on the war launched by their home country? Should their be sanctions to ban Russian tennis players like those imposed in team sports like Fifa has done by banning Russia from competing in the World Cup? The guys cover some of the week's other stories, including Nadal's continued dominance, Cam Norris, the thickness and success of Jiri Vesely this week (downing a returning Novak Djokovic to reach the final). For the ladies, Iga takes her fourth title and Sloane returns to the winner's circle. The guys start the show with some updates as they begin to hit the courts again, including the start of Jason's doubles league with a new lefty partner! Get merch at the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
REGISTER and VOTE and help us win Best Tennis Podcast for the Sports Podcast Awards. After an incredible night of tennis where he would win a hard fought battle and the latest ATP match ever at 4:55 AM, Sascha Zverev would soon have that history forgotten with aggressive 'acting out' behaviour directed at a chair umpire in a first round doubles match. After a what he perceived to be a bad missed call and subsequent loss of the match, the umpire experienced Zverev's expletive laden rant and smashing of the racquet against the umpire's chair, close enough to risk harm. The jury of public opinion is out, and history is likely not to view this behaviour well. It will be perhaps more interesting to see how it impacts what has been a stumbling start to Zverev's 2022 campaign. The guys a myriad of stories from the week. Felix returns to the finals for a 2nd straight tourney. A new sexy Russian emerges in Saffiulin... and he's got some game too. Alcaraz takes the title in Rio, becoming the youngest ATP 500 winner in the process. Norris and RBA are winners too... and Djokovic returns in Dubai. Aldwin has his own therapy session on Jelena Ostapenko. Still time to get a discount off our merch at the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
REGISTER and VOTE and help us win Best Tennis Podcast for the Sports Podcast Awards. After falling in eight finals attempts, Felix finally pulls through in a big way, winning his first title in Rotterdam, taking out the likes of Rublev and Tsitsipas in the process. Building on his solid QF showing in Australia, will Aldwin's prediction for FAA of making his first slam final in 2022 come true? The guys cover all the news of the week: Djokovic's big BBC interview, DelPo's likely final match in Buenos Aires (damn you Delbonis for them drop shots!), tennis (and George W.) come to Dallas, Opelka's hat code violation, Canada's brings its B-squad to Davis Cup, and Sakkari may need a sports psychologist. Still time to get a discount off our merch at the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
After a week of excitement in anticipation of the return of tennis' 'Gentle Giant', Juan Martin Del Potro brought us all back down to earth. "...I think this is one of the most difficult messages I will ever deliver." he said. That news... his body, in particular his knee, has been a nightmare and his much anticipated return as a wildcard at the Argentina Open is actually more of a 'farewell'. The guys talk about the impact DelPo has had on the sport, his many accomplishments, and Jason talks the opportunity to share some of his favourite Del Potro stories. Peng Shuai is back in the news... Aldwin's bad impression leads to a discussion of the control she seems to be under as the guys give further kudos to the continued firm messaging of the WTA Tour calling to meet and speak with Shuai privately. This story will continue. Stories missed last week include: Sam Stosur retires from singles; King Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis win the doubles title; Kyrgios rips fellow Australian and one of the duo he defeated Max Purcell a new one. Winners from last week and the Canadian Gay Open (CGO) returns in May, as Aldwin and Jason eye their first doubles trophy! Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
Aldwin is back as the guys break down a monumental Australian Open. Ash Barty becomes the first Australian woman in 44 years to win her home slam (the third of her grand slam trophy of her career), winning it in dominate fashion. She becomes one of two active players to have won grand slams on all surfaces... the other is named Serena. On the men's side, Rafael Nadal achieves what no one saw coming ... returning from a foot injury, and with Novak out of the tournament, Rafa capitalizes to become the first of the "Big 3" to reach 21 grand slam titles, coming back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev. In a career filled with countless achievements, is this Rafa's greatest? The guys break down both the men's and women's events, including the continued rise of Danielle Collins, the success of players who took extended breaks in Keys and Anisimova, and reflect on the trials and crushed dreams of Daniil... thanks a lot AO fans! Oh... and DelPo is making his return! Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
Jason recaps what has been a tremendous AO2022 and avoids watching the ladies semis early Thursday to give you a true semi-finals preview. Canadian's were gutted by the loss of Felix Auger-Aliassime. After being in control to win the first two sets and having a match point in the fourth, Daniil would go on to do all the 'Daniil' things to take out FAA in an epic five setter. Despite the loss, we can certainly agree that a 'Felix' is rising and great things are in store for him in 2022. Jason covers all the stories and great matches from the tournament thus far, including Shapo's run to the quarterfinals, his match with Nadal and the controversy surrounding it. For the ladies there's so many stories of note, including the growing dominance of Barty, surprise runs from Keys and Collins and the great play of Swiatek. Jason also covers what's might be in store next for Osaka, Fernandez and Raducanu. Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG: @readyplaytennispodcast
After the court room drama of the last two weeks, it's time to officially get ready for the season's first grand slam. Jason gives you his picks for AO 2022. Who's in form, who's gonna make the moves, and who he thinks will take home the trophy. Who's in your QF brackets and who do you think has the best chance to take the title down under? Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
Novak is official out of the AO2022, as the judge upheld the revocation of his visa. He was whisked to the airport and boarded a flight back to Dubai. While certainly the right decision for many, including the public in Australia, it no doubt leaves a hole in the draw and the tournament. The saga has no doubt overshadowed some great action already underway in the Australia in the lead up to AO2022. Jason breaks down the action on both the men's and women's side, including the wonderful story of Thanasi Kokkinakis taking his maiden title in his home town of Adelaide. He recaps wins from Monfils, Karatsev, and the continued resurgence of Andy Murray. For the women, Halep and Anisimova take titles in Melbourne, Barty reminds us why she's world #1, and Keys and Badosa capture titles in week two of warm up events. Finally Jason shares his thoughts on what's going on with Emma Raducanu. Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
Jason flies solo this episode as he recaps the latest in the ongoing saga with Novak Djokovic. It remains to be seen whether Novak will actually compete for his 21st Grand Slam. What is clear is that the whole situation is a shit show that has drawn more eyes to tennis, but for the wrong reasons. Jason reviews the timeline since Novak's visa revocation, the cringeworthy presser from his family in Serbia, the lukewarm apology for select transgressions from Novak, and questions how the vaccine regulations for countries that host ATP and WTA events might impact players like Novak who will stand firm in their refusal to be vaccinated. And the larger issue... how this might impact Novak's season and the rest of his career. Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
Season Three kicks off with a recap of one of the biggest stories in the world. By now even non-tennis fans are aware of what's going on 'Down Under' with Novak Djokovic. After months of speculation, the world #1 shared with his social media followers his impending departure to Melbourne to compete for his 21st grand slam title at the Australian Open with a medical exemption. Simply translated -- he would not be required to show proof of vaccination status. But drama has since ensued upon his arrival. His visa denied, Novak currently sits in an 'Immigration Detention Hotel' while he waits adjudication of his appeal on his visa denial set for Monday morning -- exactly one week from when he would commence his quest for slam #21. The guys recap the full timelines, the process for his medical exemption, the reaction of his detractors and fans, Novak's parents (who could both benefit from a muzzle). Will Novak get in to Australia to compete at the AO? If so, will he extend grace to the people of Melbourne who have gone through a lot during COVID and explain what his medical exemption is all about? Aldwin and Jason give their takes on all that drama! Kicking off Season 3 with sales on select merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Share your thoughts! Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
2021 is coming to a close and the guys let loose for almost two hours to bring you their picks for the best (and worst) of an unforgettable tennis season. Category Is... some funny sh#%! Get merch from the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
Merch drops Friday, November 26th on the Ready Play Shopify store! Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Things are more strange by the day in world of #WhereIsPengShuai. Aldwin and Jason try to help distill the concerning developments. The guys recap the tour finals for the WTA and ATP and Garbine Muguruza and Sascha Zverev take home the year ending championships. Prep for the Australian swing is underway, and soon tennis fans will know the players who are fully vaccinated, as the government of Victoria, host of the Australian Open will require all who partake, including players, to be fully vaccinated. Will Djoko via for his 10th AO and 21st grand slam title, or bow out due because he's unvaccinated? Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast
What feels like a story from straight out of a TV drama, tennis fans and activists of the #MeToo movement across China are asking. #WhereIsPengShuai. Little is known of her whereabouts after her social post from November 2nd (deleted within 30 minutes from the Weibo social platform in China), publicly accusing a former Chinese vice-premier of forcing her to have sex several years ago. The WTA has asked China to investigate this, and while the Chinese Tennis Association has told WTA CEO Steve Simon that she's safe in Beijing, no one has seen her since this post. The tennis community hopes for a swift resolution and acknowledgment of the whereabouts of Peng, and a full investigation into the allegations made against this Chinese government official. The guys cover other tennis news stories including results from Linz (WTA) and Stockholm (ATP), another Andy Murray Moment, FAA and Denis' withdrawal from Davis Cup, the WTA Finals, ATP Next Gen Finals and the start of the ATP World Tour Finals in Torino. Love the show? Write a review, give five stars and share your love on social. Help get the word out about our organic, orgasmic tennis podcast. Support The Ready Play Tennis Podcast on Patreon: www.patreon.com/readyplaytennis. Connect with us! E: readyplaytennispodcast@gmail.com IG & TikTok: @readyplaytennispodcast