5 Live Sport Specials

Gigi Salmon and Russell Fuller are joined by Annabel Croft and Pat Cash as they review the semi-finals of the women's singles at the Australian Open. Aryna Sabalenka beat Elina Svitolina to reach her fourth Australian Open final in a row, whilst Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets to end her three year long wait for a Grand Slam final and to set up a rematch of the 2023 final.They also discuss the odd incident where the umpire called hindrance on Sabalenka during the first set, whether Serena Williams is teasing a comeback and Neal Skupski keeping the flag waving for the Brits as he makes it to the men's doubles final in Melbourne.1:00 - Why so many straight sets matches? 3:00 - Elena Rybakina makes her first final in three years 7:00 - Sabalenka makes her seventh consecutive hard court Grand Slam final 9:00 - Sabalenka hindrance incident 12:30 - Sabalenka gives her thoughts on the hindrance call 15:50 - Will Serena Williams make a comeback? 19:45 - Neal Skupski into doubles final

Gigi Salmon is joined by Annabel Croft, Mark Woodforde and Abigail Johnson at Rod Laver Arena to reflect on a dramatic second day of Australian Open quarter-finals. Novak Djokovic reaches his 13th Australian Open semi-final after Lorenzo Musetti retires injured despite leading by two sets, raising questions about Djokovic's form and fitness.Defending champion Jannik Sinner books his place in the last four with a straight-sets win over Ben Shelton, while Elena Rybakina ends Iga Swiatek's career Grand Slam bid and Jessica Pegula continues her run with victory over Amanda Anisimova.Timecodes:02:01 – Djokovic progresses after Musetti injury 09:12 – Sinner into the semis despite some shaky moments 15:01 – Rybakina ends Swiatek's Grand Slam hopes 19:52 – Pegula books her semi-final spot

Gigi Salmon is joined by Russell Fuller and Pat Cash to react to Carlos Alcaraz reaching his first Australian Open semi-final with a straight-sets win over Alex De Minaur.They also discuss Coco Gauff's heavy defeat to Elina Svitolina, Aryna Sabalenka's relentless form, and the impact of extreme heat in Melbourne.Timecodes:00:31 – How the heat shaped the day 03:46 – Alcaraz reaches his first Australian Open semi-final 09:40 – Zverev sets up the last-four clash 11:13 – Coco Gauff's shock exit 13:16 – Gauff on smashing her racket 15:26 – Sabalenka marches into the semi-finals

Gigi Salmon, Russell Fuller and Mark Woodforde wrap up Day 9 at the Australian Open, where history is made with the top six seeds in both singles draws all reaching the quarter-finals.We run through a star-studded last eight, discuss the rise of the American women, hear from Jessica Pegula after her win over Madison Keys, and look ahead to brutal heat and a huge test for Alex De Minaur against Carlos Alcaraz.Timecodes: 01:11 – All top seeds reach the quarter-finals 05:55 – American women dominate the last eight 07:38 – Jessica Pegula speaks to Russell Fuller 13:10 – Extreme heat forecast for Tuesday 16:40 – Woodforde predicts De Minaur v Alcaraz

Gigi Salmon is joined by Russell Fuller and Annabel Croft to wrap up Day 8 at the Australian Open with Carlos Alcaraz's serve in the spotlight and whether it's been modelled on Novak Djokovic.Djokovic himself has a walkover into the last eight but what does Alex De Minaur's run means for the home fans?There's also chat on Aryna Sabalenka's record-breaking tie-break streak and the rapid rise of American teenager Iva Jovic.Timecodes:01:49 – Why Alcaraz is still Annabel's title favourite04:01 – Is Alcaraz modelling his serve on Djokovic?05:03 – Alcaraz reflects on his improved serve07:59 – Djokovic moves straight into the quarter-finals12:16 – Is Alex De Minaur ready for the next step?17:04 – Sabalenka thriving in the pressure moments18:15 – Teenager Iva Jovic reaches the last eight19:15 – Could Serena make a comeback?

Gigi Salmon and Russell Fuller are joined by 1987 Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash to review day seven of the action from the 2026 Australian Open. Naomi Osaka withdrew from the competition due to injury, whilst Jannik Sinner benefited from the extreme heat in Melbourne, which he admitted helped him beat American Eliot Spizzirri. Meanwhile Novak Djokovic added yet another record to the history books with his 400th win in Grand Slam competitions to advance to round four, whilst Stan Wawrinka, a former Australian Open Champion in 2014 waved goodbye as he exited the tournament for the final time.2:00 - Naomi Osaka withdraws due to injury 6:00 - Heat problems save struggling Sinner 11:45 - Jannik Sinner interview 14:00 - Novak Djokovic gets his 400th Grand Slam win 17:15 - Stan Wawrinka exits last Australian Open

Gigi Salmon, Russell Fuller and Grand Slam winning coach Dan Kiernan break down the sixth day of the Australian Open. Cameron Norrie exited at the hands of Alex Zverev, leaving no British players left in the singles competitions. Dan gives his response to if British tennis is punching below its weight. We also hear from Jamie Murray on the defeat of British doubles pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool.Yulia Putintseva aired her annoyance with the crowd after her win over Zeynep Sönmez, Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka make it through and how will the players deal with the extreme heat expected over the coming days.1:00 - Norrie loses to Zverev 4:00 - Cam Norrie Interview 5:00 - Assessing a disappointing Australian Open for the British singles players 6:30 - Dan Kiernan on whether British tennis punching below its weight 12:49 - Jamie Murray reacts to doubles loss 14:15 - Yulia Putintseva issues with the crowd 18:15 - Alcaraz and Sabalenka go through 19:20 - Getting prepared for the extreme heat

Gigi Salmon, Russell Fuller and wheelchair tennis Grand Slam champion Andy Lapthorne discuss day five of the 2026 Australian Open from Melbourne. Stan Wawrinka won a marathon five-set match over Arthur Gea to reach the third round in his final Australian Open at the age of 40, and there was shock in store too with qualifier Nikola Bartunkova beating tenth seed Belinda Bencic in the women's singles.The team also react to the post-match exchange between Sorana Cirstea and Naomi Osaka, and Gigi's look for a 5 Live tennis fashion correspondent continues.

Gigi Salmon is joined by Russell Fuller and and Grand Slam winning coach Dan Kiernan to analyse Emma Raducanu's Australian Open exit after a straight-sets defeat to Anastasia Potapova. We break down how the match unfolded, hear Raducanu's post-match reflections, and assess her comments about not feeling at her best. There's discussion around her rebuilt forehand, recent coaching changes, scheduling concerns and what comes next, alongside wider questions about expectations, progress and where her game currently stands.

Gigi Salmon is joined by Russell Fuller and former world number six Chanda Rubin on Rod Laver Arena to review day three at the Australian Open as the first round comes to an end. We discuss Naomi Osaka's dramatic win, her striking on-court outfit and what the performance tells us about her prospects this fortnight. There's also analysis of defending champion Madison Keys battling past Oleksandra Oliynykova, including the remarkable story behind the Ukrainian qualifier, plus a look at the early exits for Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal.Timecodes:00:50 – Naomi Osaka survives a thriller 02:48 – Osaka's striking on-court outfit 05:46 – Madison Keys progresses as defending champion 07:10 – The remarkable story of the Ukrainian qualifier 12:48 – A tough day for the British players

Gigi Salmon is joined by Russell Fuller, Abigail Johnson and Mark Woodforde to review day two of the Australian Open. We assess Novak Djokovic's efficient win, straight-set victories for the leading seeds, Stan Wawrinka's first Australian Open win in five years, and a difficult day for the British players, before asking whether Daniil Medvedev can work his way back towards his best.Timecodes: 01:57 – Novak Djokovic analysis 05:38 – Wawrinka rolls back the years 09:14 – A tough day for the Brits 10:46 – Fran Jones reflects with Russell Fuller 14:35 – Daniil Medvedev and the road back

Gigi Salmon is joined by tennis correspondent Russell Fuller and 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash to review a standout opening day at the Australian Open. They analyse a perfect start for the British players, with Emma Raducanu winning in straight sets, Cameron Norrie battling through a five-set match, and Arthur Fery claiming his first overseas Grand Slam victory.There's also discussion of commanding straight-set wins for world number ones Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka on Rod Laver Arena, and reflection on a dramatic near-miss for 45-year-old Venus Williams, who came agonisingly close to a first Grand Slam match win in over four years.Timecodes: 4:08 – Arthur Fery on his breakthrough win 5:59 – Emma Raducanu's disrupted preparation 8:40 – Raducanu analysed with Russell Fuller 11:43 – Cameron Norrie battles through in five sets 12:40 – Venus Williams comes agonisingly close 16:52 – Sabalenka's standout outfit on Rod Laver Arena 19:30 – The pressure facing Carlos Alcaraz

Gigi Salmon is joined by tennis correspondent Russell Fuller and 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli to reflect on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz meeting in three epic Grand Slam finals in 2025. We explore how the two best players in the world took their level and their rivalry to new heights - including delivering one of the greatest matches ever played to decide the French Open.

Steve Crossman is joined by; Naomi Broady, who spent 13 years on the WTA Tour, current British player Jodie Burrage, 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, 2017 French Open doubles champion Ryan Harrison and BBC Tennis correspondent Russell Fuller to preview the 2026 Australian Open. How will Carlos Alcaraz fair in his first Slam without coach Juan Carlos Ferrero? Will we finally see a Grand Slam final between the top two female players in the world: Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek? How optimistic can we be about British performances?And who do the panel think have the potential to overcome Sinner or Alcaraz to take the men's title? Timecodes: 2'05 Carlos Alcaraz 10'56 Sabalenka and Swiatek 16'16 British hopes 26'30 Ryan Harrison joins + American chat 39'20 Rise in prize money  42'08 Pat Cash joins 46'53 Who can beat Alcaraz or Sinner?  53'16 Djokovic

The tournament begins on Sunday January 18th and Tennis Breakfast will be live on Sports Extra and BBC Sounds every morning from 7am to bring you commentary of the best of the night session action as well as getting you up to date with everything that happened while you were sleeping.There will also be live text commentaries, features and previews each day via the BBC Sport website and app.Pre-tournament episodes: Friday 16th January: Australian Open preview Saturday 17th January: 'Sinner v Alcaraz: Thirteen Sets' - a look back at the three epic Grand Slam finals Sinner and Alcaraz contested in 2025.

Ryder cup legend Colin Montgomerie joins Alistair Bruce-Ball and Iain Carter to share his memories of playing in eight Ryder Cups, and captaining Team Europe in a ninth.Hear from Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood ahead of playing in New York, plus another Ryder Cup legend, Sir Nick Faldo, gives his Ryder Cup memories.Former American Ryder Cup player Steve Pate talks about his memories of playing against Team Europe.Plus, the team discuss just how difficult it's going to be with the pressure of the New York crowds.

With the rise of data and artificial intelligence, is sport becoming less human? Katie Smith looks at how key decisions and tactics are made in elite sport by speaking to medal-winning athletes and coaches who have to make big decisions.Go inside a British Athletics relay camp as they prepare for the World Championships in Tokyo this September. After years of dropping batons and disqualifications they were the most successful sprint relay squad at the Paris Olympics, so how have they turned things around?Hear from Olympic medallist Laviai Nielsen, British Athletics relay coach Martyn Rooney and Head of Sprints and Relays Darren Campbell including how they pick a relay team and try to find the winning formula.Also go behind-the-scenes at the Tour de France with Ineos Grenadiers to hear from the riders on how much say they have in team strategy. Geraint Thomas outlines whether he feels cyclists still have their destiny in their own hands and if anything has changed as he approaches retirement.The True Athlete Project discuss athlete welfare, while Open University academic Dr Alex Twitchen shares how the coach/athlete relationship has changed over the years.The Team behind the Team is produced in partnership with the Open University.Team Ineos Grenadiers staff member David Rozman does not feature in this series and he was never interviewed or offered for interview during the process of gathering material for the series. Our production team was unaware of historical doping allegations relating to David Rozman and the 2012 season, which they have since been made aware of following the recording of this series.

Katie Smith explores the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having on sport. It's part of a new four-part podcast series on what goes into helping athletes and teams perform at an elite level, made in partnership with The Open University.How are football clubs using AI when scouting players and for recruitment? Get the inside knowledge of Liverpool FC's former Director of Research, Ian Graham who explains how the technology is being used. Katie tries her hand at becoming a football manager by using an AI app – that is being used by professional football clubs – to get a scouting report on a player in the Bundesliga.Mehdi Khordi from Ineos Grenadiers outlines the possibilities for AI in cycling, while Steve Robinson, who is England Golf's national women's performance coach and advisor to 2022 US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick, shares how AI is being used in golf.Open University academic Dr Mark Antrobus, who has conducted research on AI and the future of sport science, discusses how AI is being used and its potential use in the future, with Dr Nichola Kentzer from the Open University outlining the pros and cons of AI, when it comes to athlete welfare.The Team behind the Team is produced in partnership with the Open University.Team Ineos Grenadiers staff member David Rozman does not feature in this series and he was never interviewed or offered for interview during the process of gathering material for the series. Our production team was unaware of historical doping allegations relating to David Rozman and the 2012 season, which they have since been made aware of following the recording of this series.

How is data used in sport? Katie Smith investigates the growing use of and reliance on data in sport, as part of a new four-part podcast series on what goes into helping athletes and teams perform at an elite level, made in partnership with The Open University.There's a visit to an England Golf training camp at their headquarters in Lincolnshire to hear from rising golf star Lottie Woad on how data has helped improve her game and from Steve Robinson, England Golf national women's performance coach, on how data can help with coaching.Dr Ben Langdown from the Open University explains what is measured as golfers look for an edge and the potential pitfalls of data, while Dr Nichola Kentzer explains some of the ethical dilemmas around the use of data.What role does data have in cycling? Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas explains why he still sees the sport as an art form and he doesn't rely on the data too much but rather the feelings in his legs. Ineos Head of Innovation and Performance Support Mehdi Kordi reveals how everything can be measured in cycling.Plus, Liverpool FC's former Director of Research, Ian Graham shares how football clubs can gain an edge through using data but cautions that football is the hardest sport to analyse data in. He also explains how he sold former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on the merits of data as the club built the team that ended their 30 year wait for a Premier League title.The Team behind the Team is produced in partnership with the Open University.Team Ineos Grenadiers staff member David Rozman does not feature in this series and he was never interviewed or offered for interview during the process of gathering material for the series. Our production team was unaware of historical doping allegations relating to David Rozman and the 2012 season, which they have since been made aware of following the recording of this series.

Go behind-the-scenes at the Tour de France – the biggest race in professional cycling – with Ineos Grenadiers. It's part of a new four-part podcast series, presented by Katie Smith, made in partnership with The Open University.Ineos Grenadiers have won the race six times but the last of those was in 2019, so how are they attempting to find the winning formula again?Listen in on their team talk on the bus ahead of the first stage and hear from 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas, who was competing in the race for the final time. The team's Performance Director – Dr Scott Drawer – outlines the key responsibilities of his role and how he believes in collaboration, while CEO John Allert explains why the team were so keen to appoint Scott, explaining there's a “war for talent” at the elite level.The Open University's Professor of Sports Performance Education, Ben Oakley tells us how performance directors have become prominent in Olympic sports, how they implement the teams shared values and how the role is different from being a national coach.Also hear about how the role of Performance Director works in other sports, with contributions from Head of Sprints and Relays at British Athletics, Darren Campbell and England Golf's Jenny Henderson.The Team behind the Team is produced in partnership with the Open University.Team Ineos Grenadiers staff member David Rozman does not feature in this series and he was never interviewed or offered for interview during the process of gathering material for the series. Our production team was unaware of historical doping allegations relating to David Rozman and the 2012 season, which they have since been made aware of following the recording of this series.

Steve Crossman looks ahead to Wimbledon 2025, alongside Naomi Broady, Dan Evans, Marion Bartoli, Ryan Harrison and correspondent Russell Fuller.Can Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic stop Carlos Alcaraz? How serious a contender is Jack Draper? Can Aryna Sabalenka finally win a slam in 2025? Will we see the Americans become even more competitive? And how do you get a wildcard?06:00 Alcaraz 18:30 Can Djokovic win one more Wimbledon? 25:00 Sabalenka and her near misses 29:00 Women's leading contenders 44:00 Jack Draper – will he thrive in the spotlight 58:30 How to get a wildcard? 1:07:00 Social media abuse

Clive Myrie marks 50 years since Arthur Ashe won Wimbledon and what life was like in 1970s Britain. Ashe became the first black man to win Wimbledon in 1975, beating favourite Jimmy Connors to the title. Hear from Chris Grant and Sir Keith Ajegbo as they share their memories of how Arthur Ashe had a significant impact on their lives and what it was like for black Britons at that time. Ashe's long-term friend and former girlfriend, Swedish tennis player Ingrid Löfdahl Bentzer gives us a unique insight into the man himself reminiscing about the day he won. Ingrid also tells us about the abuse she and Arthur received when they were together. We hear from AELTC chair and former player Debbie Jevans on the impact of that famous victory, but also what the landscape of tennis looks like today.This programme contains strong and discriminatory language.

Featuring interviews with footballers Lucy Bronze and Safia Middleton-Patel, tennis players Jenson Brooksby and Sam Smith, she learns about how many athletes are neurodivergent as well as adjustments and coaching.Katie is joined in the studio by neurodiversity sports journalist Nick Ransom, and speaks to founder of Neurodiverse Sport and former Olympic rower Caragh McMurtry as well as Jacob Kelly, the UK's first neurodiversity rugby coach.TIMECODES: 01:10 - Nick Ransom gives us a sense of what neurodiversity means. 08:00- Caragh McMurtry on her story and how Neurodiverse Sport started. 13:55 - England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze on her experience being autistic and living with ADHD. 21:45 - Wales and Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel opens up about being diagnosed as autistic and the adaptations that have helped her. 37:00 - Katie, Caragh and Nick reflect on Safia's interview at the adjustments that can help neurodivergent athletes. 40:26 - Tennis player Jenson Brooksby on his autism diagnosis and the impact it had on his career, on and off the court. 46:50 - Former British number one and tennis broadcaster Sam Smith on Jenson's story and how she found out she was autistic. 53:50 - Jacob Kelly, the UK's first neurodiversity rugby coach on tackling barriers and supporting neurodivergent players.

Reaction from Augusta as Rory McIlroy finally completes the career Grand Slam with his first Masters win. Mark Chapman presents reaction with Trish Johnson, Andrew Magee, Alistair Bruce-Ball, Katherine Downes and Iain Carter. They discuss a turbulent fourth day at the Masters Championship which ended with Rory McIlroy taking home his first green jacket. Hear from the man himself on what it means to him after beating Justin Rose in a play-off, and hear from his psychologist, Bob Rotella. Plus, BBC correspondent Mark Simpson is in his hometown of Holywood, Northern Ireland with reaction to what the victory meant to his former golf club back home.

Can Rory McIlroy win the elusive green jacket? Mark Chapman is joined by Ian Carter, Alistair Bruce-Ball and legendary caddie Billy Foster to preview the 89th Masters. Sports psychologist Stephen Smith answers how McIlroy overcomes the mental barrier of attempting to win the one major that has so far eluded him. Ian also speaks to locals to hear the impact hurricane Helene has had since devastating Augusta in September 2024 and tells us how the affects will still be felt at this year's tournament. Plus, the team discuss whether the out-of-form defending champion Scottie Scheffler is about to peak in time to reclaim his title and consider how they judge the form of LIV golfers in comparison to those on the PGA tour.TIME CODES: 1:32- Billy Foster joins the podcast 5:26- Joseph and Kasey Crosby on the impact of hurricane Helene 14:00- Is this Rory's year? 20:50- Sports psychologist Stephen Smith 36:09- Can Scottie Scheffler peak in time?Coverage of the Masters 2025: Thursday 10th April – Commentary of round one from 8pm – 1am on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. Friday 11th April – Commentary of round two from 8.30pm on 5 Live and then it switches from 10pm-1am on 5 Sports Extra.(On BBC Sounds throughout). Saturday 12th April – Commentary of round three from 9pm-1am on 5 Live and BBC Sounds. Sunday 13th April – Commentary of round four from 8pm-midnight on 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

The game on the pitch has never been better, yet rugby union's finances leave the game with an uncertain and precarious future. Rarely has the gap between how the sport would like to be perceived and the unvarnished reality felt wider. Nearly 30 years since the sport went professional, why is it struggling so badly to sustain itself and grow?The numbers involved are alarming. According to the last set of accounts (2023/24) for each of the home unions, they posted a combined loss in the last financial year of £72m.The financially picture is equally as bleak for the 10 Premiership clubs, who collectively lost £30.5m in the financial year 2022/23 and have net debts of over £300m.So how does rugby union put itself back on a more sustainable financial footing against a backdrop of spiralling player salaries, a downward trend in the cost of TV rights, and a crowded sporting marketplace when it comes to attracting new fans? Sonja McLaughlan, Sara Orchard and rugby union correspondent for the Times, Alex Lowe are joined by former Saracens and Harlequins CEO Mark Evans, RFU CEO Bill Sweeney and Gloucester owner Martin St Quinton to discuss what needs to change for rugby union to thrive.TIME CODES: 08:13 - Former Saracens and Harlequins CEO, Mark Evans 29:20 - CEO of the RFU, Bill Sweeney 48:35 - Gloucester owner Martin St Quinton

5 Live's golf correspondent Iain Carter and 2-time Solheim Cup winner Trish Johnson look ahead to the 2025 majors' season, all coming to a thrilling climax in September with the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, New York. Iain speaks to Team Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, 4-time major winner Rory McIlroy and 2023 Masters winner John Rahm. TIME CODES: 1:19 - Europe's prospects in the Ryder Cup 4:59 - Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald 13:21 - Rory McIlroy interview 21:58 - John Rahm interview

Sportspeople featured prominently in the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump's re-election on November 5th, with golfer Bryson DeChambeau and UFC president Dana White making appearances on stage during his victory speech in Florida.And Dana White was back again, alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, at Trump's inauguration.It was a reminder of Trump's sporting connections ahead of his second term in office, during which time, the United States will host this year's inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup, next year's FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, with Trump set to be a highly visible presence at them all.Mark Chapman is joined by Christine Brennan, sports columnist for USA Today, and Simon Evans, US sports correspondent for AFP, to discuss what impact Trump and some of his policies could have on the sporting landscape over the next four years, including hearing from the likes of two-time golf major champion Jon Rahm, and the president of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe, who could be the president of the International Olympic Committee when Trump's America hosts the LA games.TIME CODES:01:45 - President Trump's relationship with sport 10:45 - Golf 14:55 - Trump on LIV golf 21:05 - Jon Rahm 26:10 - Football 39:30 - American Sports 39:55 - Steve Kerr 47:00 - Lord Sebastian Coe 48:15 - Olympics

We look to answer the key questions regarding Saudi Arabia's ever-expanding and evolving sporting revolution.We discuss the origins of the Kingdom's involvement in global sport and look at its growing influence in football, tennis, boxing and golf, against a backdrop of criticism regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, as well as asking if there's any ceiling to the country's sporting ambitions.Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by BBC sports editor Dan Roan and BBC sports news correspondent Laura Scott, who have both witnessed, first hand, the development of sport in Saudi Arabia over the past 12 months.We hear at length from Saudi Arabia's sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal about the reasons behind his country's huge investment in sport, and from the president of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Arij Mutabagani - the first woman to be elected as the president of a Saudi Arabian sports federation - on how bringing the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia will aid the development of women's sport and women's sport in the country.We also hear from BBC boxing reporter Kal Sajad and BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter about Saudi Arabia's ever-increasing influence over boxing and golf.

22 Grand Slam titles, 92 Tour titles, 1080 Tour match wins, 4 Davis Cups and Olympic Gold medals in both singles and doubles - but now it's all over for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard retires from tennis as one of the greatest to have ever taken to the court.Steve Crossman is joined by the BBC's tennis correspondent Russell Fuller, former world number five Tommy Robredo and author Christopher Clarey(who's currently writing a Nadal biography ‘The Warrior') - they reflect on Nadal's extraordinary career, including the role of his family, his dominance at Roland Garros, his epic rivalry with Roger Federer and what might come next for Rafa. Plus we hear from Pat Cash, Billie-Jean King, Feliciano Lopez and Iga Swiatek, as well as Nadal himself.

The WTA Finals - the season-ending finale to the 2024 women's tennis season - are taking place in Saudi Arabia for the first time this week. The world's best eight singles players and eight doubles teams are competing for the titles in Riyadh, as well as a share of a record prize pot of $15.25 million. But the decision to hold the crown jewel of the women's game in the Kingdom has been mixed. The WTA has been criticised for holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia due to issues over women's rights and the treatment of the LGBT community, with world number three Coco Gauff saying she had “reservations” about travelling to the country. But the Saudi Tennis Federation says people should come to the Kingdom before passing judgement - with an ambition of getting one million Saudis engaged in tennis by 2030.Mark Chapman is joined by BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller, BBC sports news correspondent Laura Scott, and Egyptian tennis journalist Reem Abulleil to discuss how the finals have been received in Saudi Arabia. Plus, we hear from the key people involved in bringing the WTA Finals to Saudi Arabia, including the President of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Arij Mutabagani, and WTA Ambassador, Judy Murray.

A Gladiator, a trip around the world, a fight for funding & a Superbowl winner. Deaf athletes share stories of a parallel world that none of them want to leave.Watch the signed version of this podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jkqvq3And read a full transcript here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5jwd8CBFMY01X3xF0gDF2fM/the-quiet-place-full-transcript

Mark Chapman sits down with Britain's most successful female Olympic athlete Laura Kenny. Mark is joined by Julien Laurens and Kenny at our Paris base to chat about her sporting roots, her experiences with Team GB, and the current GB indoor cycling team.

Mark Chapman sits down with sprint legend Michael Johnson ahead of the athletics at Paris 2024.Michael joins Mark in Paris at our Olympic base to preview the track events coming up at the Games. They also chat about issues in the athletics calendar, changes that need to be made, and the highly anticipated 100m final.Also hear Michael's thoughts on Team GB's medal hopefuls in the track and field events.

Team GB Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty talks to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay about everything, from food to fame.In this in-depth interview, Peaty opens up about his difficult journey to the Games, his return to form and how he has found happiness away from the pool.

Sebastian Coe looks back on his days as an Olympian, including his rivalry with Steve Ovett and training on Christmas Day. He talks about his role at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the pleasure in awarding Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill her heptathlon gold medal. Also, as the current president of World Athletics, he discusses the biggest challenges ahead for the sport.

In this latest episode the spotlight falls on Dame Denise Lewis as she shares her experience of claiming Gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, seeing the Commonwealth games come home to Birmingham and her journey to the top of the sport. She also details how her life changed following global success.

Sam Harris is joined by basketball analyst Mo Mooncey and NBA journalist Grant Afseth to look ahead to Team USA at the Paris Olympics. The team chat about whether this is the 'Last Dance' for LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, and they also look at who of the younger generation could be passed the Team USA torch. And with the rest of the world improving in their standard of basketball, Sam, Mo and Grant look at who might pose the USA problems at the Paris Olympics, before hearing straight from newly-crowned NBA champion Jayson Tatum, as well as Tyrese Haliburton.Timecodes 01'17: Finals MVP Jaylen Brown's omission 02'55: The current state of the USA men's roster 04'33: The depth of the USA men's roster 05'18: Is there a lot to prove? Plus the recruitment of Embiid 08'07: Jayson Tatum interview 11'50: The passing of the Team USA torch 13'23: Tyrese Haliburton interview 18'31: Who might pose the USA problems? 22'20: Can Team USA women make history? 23'51: The omission of Caitlin Clark 26'04: Is Caitlin Clark ready?

Wheelchair racer Hannah Cockcroft speaks to Eleanor Oldroyd about her brilliant career. The winner of seven Paralympic golds and the holder of five world records in the T34 classification, Hannah discusses how she got into the sport, the people who inspire her as well as the importance of her wheelchair (and making sure the size is correct!) and why she is determined to just keep on winning.

After taking a two-year break from the sport, Tom Daley is back to compete in his fifth Olympics at Paris 2024. And, speaking to his former diving mentor Leon Taylor, he reflects on how it felt to finally end his wait for gold at Tokyo 2020.

Dame Sarah Storey discusses her remarkable Paralympics career with Ely Oldroyd explaining how she developed her love for swimming, but ended up switching to cycling, where she continued to win gold after gold.

The Olympic rowing great discusses his incredible career with Elly Oldroyd - one that saw him win five rowing gold medals across five consecutive Games.He also opens up on his health issues, his struggles during Covid and his regrets at not getting the opportunity to work in a coaching capacity with the GB team. He also explains how it feels when they build a statue of you in the town where you live.