Paris... Roland Garros... French Open... with the second Grand Slam of the season just around the corner, we bring you a special episode from Tennis Weekly HQ where we talk Spanish legend Rafael Nadal with renowned tennis journalist and author Christopher Clarey who gives us an honest and insightful portrayal of the King of Clay in his latest book: The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay.

With Joel and Kim, Chris takes us behind the scenes of Rafa's relentless rise to dominance on clay, the psyche that defines his greatness, where the biggest impact Uncle Toni made on his game, what he feels were his sweetest triumphs at the French Open in Paris and much more. We also discuss the legacy he has built off of the red dirt at Wimbledon and whether the Roger Federer rivalry could happen one more time on the court. Whether you're a lifelong Nadal fan or simply fascinated by greatness (or should that be GOATness?), join us for the story of Rafael Nadal like never before told as we reflect on one of the sport's most iconic champions.

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We're halfway through the Italian Open in Rome, and there’s been no shortage of drama in the final clay Masters event in the build up to the French Open in Paris. Joel and Chris are on hand at Tennis Weekly HQ to talk all about the return of the World Number 1 Jannik Sinner from suspension including the player and fan reaction. Carlos Alcaraz is also back, if a little under the radar after missing Madrid, but has got the pair pondering could we be in for another Sinner-Alcaraz ding dong? And if not, when?

On the WTA side, It’s been another bumpy ride though on the clay for Iga Swiatek who suffered a early loss to Danielle Collins which put the chance of defending her Roland Garros title further into doubt whilst Coco Gauff proved why she could be the biggest threat to Aryna Sabalenka in Paris with a classy win over Emma Raducanu to make the quarterfinals.

Outside of Rome, Novak Djokovic grabbed headlines with a wildcard entry into Geneva whilst his PTPA player union scored a legal win over the ATP. Plus, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals draw in Shenzhen is out as Great Britain were handed Japan - but who will be the British Number 1 leading the charge when September rolls around? We also break down what we’re looking forward as Week 2 in Rome gets underway and Joel is in the hot seat with nowhere to run in a solo edition of Par for The Courts.

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Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!

REVIEWS

***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!***

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So, SO close… this week at Tennis Weekly HQ, we unpack all the drama from a thrilling Week 2 at the Madrid Open! Jack Draper came agonizingly close to a second Masters title, but it was Casper Ruud who claimed the biggest win of his career in a gripping three-set final. On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance with a statement victory over Coco Gauff—could this be her year in Paris at the French Open? We also dive into Iga Swiatek’s struggles after a tough loss to Gauff, who now has won their last 3 encounters without dropping a set. With whispers of Swiatek potentially skipping Wimbledon and the grass court season entirely, we ask: what’s going on with the world No. 1, and is it time for a team shake-up?

Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka picked up her first title in four years at a WTA 125 event which got the gang thinking in the Mailbag—which other big names should consider dropping down to rebuild confidence? Plus, we react to the latest doping-related suspension, this time involving Australia’s Max Purcell. Looking ahead, we preview the Italian Open in Rome, with Jannik Sinner after his suspension and Carlos Alcaraz returning to action while Novak Djokovic opts to sit this one out. The draws are in, the predictions are bold (and occasionally unhinged), and fan-favourite quiz segment Par for the Courts is back!

Roland-Garros Hospitality with Sports, Travel and Hospitality Group

To guarantee the best seats in the house with ticket-inclusive official hospitality, visit https://bit.ly/4j6RYBz

SOCIALS

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show tennisweeklypod@gmail.com.

MERCH

Purchase Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!

REVIEWS

***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!***

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