The Sit-Down

Ahead of this week’s International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction — where Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers join the sport’s elite — president Patrick McEnroe joined The Sit-Down to discuss the power of tennis history. A former Australian Open semifinalist, Roland Garros doubles champion and record-breaking Davis Cup captain, McEnroe is passionate about the game’s rich past and reminding fans that greatness isn’t measured by Grand Slams alone. He shares his vision for the Hall of Fame, reflects on his role in the creation of the Laver Cup, explains why players feel “inspired” by it, and why fulfilling one particular dream remains his “proudest moment”. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a coaching career spanning several decades, Brad Stine has guided Jim Courier to multiple Grand Slam titles and the world No.1 ranking, while also enjoying fruitful partnerships with the likes of Mardy Fish, Sebastian Grosjean and Kevin Anderson. Now, during a vibrant era for American tennis, Stine is the long-time coach of Tommy Paul, who has reached multiple career milestones under his mentorship. In this edition of The Sit-Down, the highly respected coach reflects on his beginnings in the sport, his award-winning career, and shares some core principles of his highly successful coaching philosophy. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_ChristieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yannick Noah, inspired by Arthur Ashe who recognised his talent and nurtured his potential, went on to craft an inspirational career of his own. In 1983, the 23-year-old became the first Frenchman in 37 years to lift the Roland Garros men’s trophy. He became world No.1 in doubles, an Australian Open semifinalist, and peaking at world No.5 in singles, became the highest ranked Frenchman in history. Yet it was team tennis that he cherished most: as Davis Cup captain, he guided France to three titles. Now preparing for the next chapter in his iconic tennis story – leading Team Europe as captain at Laver Cup San Francisco – Noah joined The Sit-Down to reflect on the highs and lows of his own career and the many life lessons it has provided. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_ChristieSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Hall's wheelchair tennis CV makes for heady reading, and at the US Open he sat down with Matt to reflect on a career delivering him Paralympic singles gold, nine AO and eight US titles, six year-end No.1 finishes and induction into multiple Halls of Fame. He was in New York for the 20th anniversary of the US Open wheelchair tournament's inaugural edition at Flushing Meadows, the first time he'd returned to the city since that 2005 US Open – his last Slam campaign in a professional career spanning more than 15 years. Although he initially struggled in the early stages of retirement, Hall eventually made his way back into the sport as a coach, consultant, advisor, ambassador, and instructor, and continues to profoundly impact the sport that brought him incredible joy. All this, plus many more fascinating stories throughout his journey, are detailed in his recently-released autobiography, Superbeast, which is available to purchase via Amazon. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLink Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rennae Stubbs is an icon of tennis, both in Australia and the US. Now a commentator for ESPN, Stubbs earned her credentials through a No.1 doubles ranking, Olympic representation in four consecutive Games and six Grand Slam titles in the early 2000s. The last major final of her distinguished career was a loss to Venus and Serena Williams - the latter of whom she went on to coach. Stubbs has also worked with Karolina Pliskova, Sam Stosur and Eugenie Bouchard, consistently delivering ranking rises if not major titles. In this conversation during the 2025 American swing, the Sydney-born champion reflects on her friendship with Steffi Graf, the Australian "enclave" that bred a generation of stars and the range of parenting styles she's encountered through her eventful tennis life. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Chang stepped into the ATP Tour in 1988 - an era in which US tennis wasn't short of headliner prospects. By 1989 though, at 17 years old, he'd roared past the likes of Jim Courier, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras to become the first American of his generation to claim a Grand Slam title. The Roland Garros champion remains the youngest man to win any major but, as he reveals in this Sit-Down, the Californian performed best on the North American hard courts. Chang won two and reached four consecutive finals in Cincinnati, as well as lifting trophies in Toronto, Indian Wells and Miami, among other American tournaments. Following his playing career, the former world No.2 guided Kei Nishikori to the 2014 US Open Final and, since Wimbledon 2025, has worked with teenage sensation Learner Tien.  Originally published on 19/08/2024 and 07/10/2024 AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify  Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christian and Casper Ruud are among the most successful father-son duos in professional tennis history. Christian put Norwegian tennis on the map in the 1990s, becoming the first player from his country to crack the top 40 and reach the second week of a Grand Slam in the Open era. These were milestones Casper matched in the early 2020s, then surpassed by appearing in three Grand Slam finals and peaking at world No.2. Christian and Casper joined Viv and Matt on this week's episode to discuss their respective journeys, and how the lessons Christian learned during his time on tour, and in the commentary booth, helped shape Casper's path to the top -- with Christian guiding as coach. They were speaking from Cincinnati as Casper builds up to the US Open, where three years ago he came within one match win of the No.1 ranking. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Jelena Dokic stunned Martina Hingis in the first round of Wimbledon 1999, the Australian qualifier became a global superstar, ultimately peaking at world No.4 in one of the strongest eras of women’s tennis. Dokic has since gone on to become a highly-respected broadcaster and this week won a Logie -- an Australian television award -- for her documenary Unbreakable. Dokic sat down with Matt and Viv to relive her careers highs, recounting her upset of Swiss superstar Hingis in vivid detail, her experience of competing against so many WTA icons, and how her run to the medal rounds of the Sydney 2000 Olympics remains one of her proudest achievements. Originally published on 24/06/2024See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an episode originally published in 2024, Alexei Popyrin was riding a sweet wave after his ATP Masters 1000 triumph in Montreal, a result meaning he entered the US Open with a career-high ranking and seeded at a major for the first time. The rising Australian star sat down with Viv Christie and Jon Hoevenaars to talk milestone breakthroughs, Aussie inspiration, and the sacrifices that helped to turn his long-held tennis dreams into reality.  Originally published on 26/08/2024 iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie @MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a coaching career spanning four decades, Greg Crump has guided a trio of Australians to the world No.1 wheelchair tennis ranking and provided a multitude of players to a life-changing start in the sport. With an enduring passion for creating opportunities through wheelchair tennis, Crump is now guiding a new generation of competitive players and was recently named ITF Wheelchair Tennis Coach of the Year. Crump caught up with Viv and Matt to discuss his long career in wheelchair tennis, and some bold ideas for its future growth.  iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian legends Ken Rosewall and Mal Anderson are two players whose tennis careers overlapped in both the amateur and professional eras, and who continue to remain connected today. Rosewall, then 37, beat 36-year-old Anderson to win the ‘golden oldies’ final at Australian Open 1972, and 53 years later he remains the oldest Grand Slam singles champion in the Open era. Rosewall’s longevity has been revisited given the achievements of Novak Djokovic, who last week became the oldest Wimbledon men’s semifinalist behind Rosewall in the Open era and who has received multiple Australian Open trophies from Rosewall at Rod Laver Arena. Matt sat down with both Rosewall and Anderson in Brisbane during an Australian Billie Jean King Cup tie, after Rosewall had presented Anderson with his recently-recovered International Tennis Hall of Fame ring – 25 years after his induction ceremony in Newport. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handle:@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian coach Craig Tyzzer sat down with Viv and Matt in the days ahead of Wimbledon, a tournament where he helped guide Ash Barty to the 2021 title. The victory, which saw Barty achieve a life-long dream, came amid a challenging season with COVID-19 protocols and quarantine requirements forcing Tyzzer, Barty and their team to remain on the road for nine straight months. He reflects on that experience and how his career focus shifted when Barty retired in March 2022, just six weeks after her iconic Australian Open singles triumph. Tyzzer, who has coached at the elite level since the 1990s, is now working with the next generation of young Aussie female players in the development pathway while keenly following the action on the WTA Tour, where Barty once ruled for more than 100 weeks at world No.1. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of Wimbledon, Tim Henman sits down with AusOpen.com's Jackson Mansell to discuss his memories of his most storied Grand Slam. From watching his idol, Bjorn Borg, on Centre Court as a six-year-old to reaching the semifinals on four occasions, the All England Club has become a second home for the former world No.4. Years after Henman carried the hopes of a nation at his home Grand Slam, new British No.1 Jack Draper leads a strong British contingent. Henman speaks about Draper’s chances at Wimbledon 2025, his memories of playing in Australia and his upcoming involvement with the Laver Cup.iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@jackson_mansell@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost exactly a year ago, Storm Hunter appeared as a guest on The Sit-Down in the midst of rehabbing a ruptured Achilles. While the tennis tours were in the throes of the grasscourt season, Hunter was watching from afar, in the middle of Melbourne's winter. After nine months out of the game the Aussie star is back on tour, and within a short period has boosted her doubles ranking back inside the world's top 100 after falling as low as No.1482 in March. Viv and Matt wanted to check back in with her, and Hunter joined the podcast during her week in Berlin as The Sit-Down's first returning guest. During the chat she shares the highs and lows of her comeback so far, including how she's navigated the psychological aspects of returning to elite-level competition plus her experience of the WTA's historic return to the Queen's Club tournament after more than 50 years. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd Woodbridge jumps into the hosting chair to chat to doubles-rival-turned-partner — and long-time friend — Jonas Bjorkman. The Swede was a star in both singles and doubles, rising as high as No.4 in singles shortly after reaching the 1997 US Open semifinals, and peaking at No.1 in the tandem game, winning a total of nine Grand Slam doubles titles. Five of those came with Woodbridge in a fruitful period from 2001-2004, during which the pair claimed three consecutive Wimbledon trophies as well as the Australian Open 2001 crown in just their second tournament together. Bjorkman has since transitioned to a successful post-tennis career, something Woodbridge revealed has inspired and shaped his own journey after retiring from playing. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli always thrived during the claycourt season. He is a two-time Roland Garros champion from his four finals appearances, and a two-time Italian Open champion, winning his 1961 final against Aussie legend Rod Laver. In fact, his name is forever associated with the Rome Masters given one of the show courts there is named in his honour. Frequently lauded as the world's most beautiful tennis court thanks to its sunken position, marble terraces and surrounding statues, it was where producer Ursin Caderas caught up with Pietrangeli during the prestigious tournament. One of the game’s great players and personalities, Pietrangeli touches on his start in pro tennis as a linesman, the contrast between generations, this golden era of Italian tennis and why champions are born and not built. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The timing couldn't be better to feature Garbine Muguruza, who sat down with Viv and Matt before she was due to fly to Paris for the closing stages of Roland Garros -- a tournament she won in 2016 to cement her status as a tennis superstar. Not long after that is Wimbledon, where the Spaniard also won in 2017 to hoist her second major singles trophy. Muguruza reflected on those peaks, as well as how it felt to reach world No.1, something she achieved a month after her Wimbledon victory. After some challenging years on tour Muguruza rebounded to reach the Australian Open 2020 final, where she suffered what she described as the most painful defeat of her career. Another high point came in 2021 when she triumphed at the WTA Finals -- the elite eight-player event where she became tournament director after retiring from the sport last year.    iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanasi Kokkinakis joins Viv and Matt in Pod Laver Arena as he continues his rehab from pectoral attachment surgery. It’s the perfect time to talk to the Australian star coinciding with the start of Roland Garros — the site of his best Grand Slam results and a thrilling succession of five-set epics in 2024. This time around, he's making his commentary debut, joining Nine’s Wide World of Sports team to cover the Roland Garros action from Australia. Kokkinakis also opens up about his enduring Australian Open memories, connections with fellow Aussies on tour, and the lessons he's learned throughout a see-sawing career. He also takes an entertaining trip down memory lane thanks to some exclusive archive footage from his junior career. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's guest is Patrick McEnroe, who joined Viv and Matt in the studio during AO 2025 for a wide-ranging chat about his unique tennis career. The Australian Open is his favourite event, the tournament where he broke through for his first Slam singles semifinal in 1991 and also reached that year's doubles final. He also upset Boris Becker en route to the fourth round in 1995, making Melbourne Park the happiest of hunting grounds. Since his playing days McEnroe became the longest-serving US Davis Cup captain, remains a veteran tennis broadcaster and is now president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, giving him an incredible perspective on the sport. McEnroe also describes his experience of coming up behind older brother John, a legend of the sport with whom Patrick combined to win his first ATP doubles final, and also encountered across the net in his first singles final. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian star Destanee Aiava is this week's guest on The Sit-Down, just days before she flies to Europe ahead of her main-draw debut at Roland Garros, where she has been awarded a wildcard. Aiava, 25, has enjoyed a brilliant nine-month span, starting when she qualified at the US Open last August. She replicated that feat at Australian Open 2025, an unforgettable run where her match-point-saving exploits, iconic outfits and ultimate loss to Danielle Collins created global headlines. Her results have helped her return to the brink of the world's top 150 and just a few spots shy of her career-high ranking of world No.147 -- a mark she set eight years ago as a 17-year-old phenom. A lot has changed in the years since for the Melburnian, who takes Viv and Matt through her tennis journey, her deep appreciation for the sport, and what she's targeting beyond 2025. iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.