Match Point Canada

Liam Draxl of Newmarket, Ontario makes his return to Match Point Canada this week. The 23 year-old is now the fourth highest ranked Canadian man, breaking inside the top 150. He speaks with Ben about experiences competing in Grand Slam qualifying at Wimbledon, gaining more experience on the circuit, making the jump from Challenger to ATP Tour level events, financial challenges, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The surface change from clay courts to grass is officially underway! Tennis content creator and host of the Tuned Into Tennis podcast, Myles David joins Ben Lewis this week to breakdown and cover some of the top storylines and players during the grass court swing! Meanwhile, Canadian Gabriel Diallo secures his first career ATP singles title and is inside the top 50, while three American men are now inside the top 10. We cover all of that and more on the latest episode of Match Point Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 French Open is in the books! Journalist and author Ben Rothenberg joins host Ben Lewis to recap the extraordinary title from Carlos Alcaraz as he overcame Jannik Sinner in one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time! They breakdown the ebbs and flows of the final and where it ranks. Meanwhile, they discuss a second career major title from Coco Gauff, why defence is a winning formula, and Aryna Sabalenka's disappointing press conference. All of that and more on the latest episode of Match Point Canada! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're over halfway through the second Grand Slam on the tennis calendar! Hosts Ben and Mike recap the opening week at Roland Garros and discuss their top moments and matches and favourites going into the final days of the tournament. They also break down the Canadian performances, including a big time run from Victoria Mboko. This episode brought to you by 10XTO and Hare Wine Co.! Use code: MATCHPOINTCANADA10 for 10% off your wine order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2025 Roland Garros is upon us! Commentator Nick Lester joins Ben to breakdown the Carlos Alcaraz/Jannik Sinner rivalry and his thoughts ahead of the French Open. Ben and Mike dissect both the men's and women's draws, highlighting popcorn matches, darkhorses, and the path ahead for all of the Canadians! This episode is brought to you by Hare Winery :) Visit their website and use the code: MATCHPOINT for 10% off your next order! Commentator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of Match Point Canada, we're happy to welcome New York Times best-selling author Christopher Clarey back to the show! Clarey has just released his latest book entitled 'The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and his Kingdom of Clay' and Mike speaks in depth with him on the novel and story arc. Meanwhile, Rome Open action continues! Ben and Mike break down a strong string of wins from Bianca Andreescu and Victoria Mboko, the struggles of Iga Swiatek, why Jannik Sinner could be a contender at the French Open, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Casper Ruud captured his first career Masters 1000 title in Madrid, overcoming Jack Draper in the finals! Ben welcomes Vansh Vermani of the TennisOne app to break down Ruud's big title, Draper's recent surge in form, other top players on clay, and what to expect from Jannik Sinner in Rome. Find us on YouTube and subscribe to our channel :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She's a US Open champion, WTA Finals winner, and reached the world No. 1 in the rankings in doubles! Erin Routliffe returns to Match Point Canada this week to discuss her rise to the top of the game, playing with a target on her back, her admiration of partner Gaby Dabrowski, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and goals for the season and beyond. Hosts Ben and Mike share big podcast news as they move independent for 2025 and ask for your support. We also break down all of the Madrid Open action on the ATP and WTA side. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francoise Abanda is set to make a comeback! After years away from the tour, the former world No. 117 is now preparing to return to the WTA circuit. The Montreal native talks with Mike about her time off, decision to get back in action, best tennis memories, and what she still hopes to achieve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tennis host and commentator Blair Henley joins Ben and Mike to chat all things clay court swing as we tackle the latest storylines around the tennis world, a big win from Carlos Alcaraz in Monte Carlo, and upcoming action at the WTA1000 in Stuttgart. We also look back at a tough exit for Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in Tokyo, Japan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canadian Ariana Arseneault is preparing for her Billie Jean King Cup debut! The 22-year-old catches up with host Mike McIntyre ahead of Canada's BJK Cup qualifiers this weekend in Tokyo, Japan.

Stephen of The Slice joins Ben and Mike for a recap of the Miami Open that featured big titles from Jakub Mensik and Aryna Sabalenka! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Canadian tennis player, commentator, and coach Sharon Fichman returns to Match Point Canada this week! The four-time WTA doubles titlist discusses her decision around retirement, passion for coaching, and also discusses some top Canadian prospects and what makes Victoria Mboko great. Hosts Ben and Mike also break down the latest action and surprises across the Miami Open! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2025 BNP Paribas Open has officially wrapped! Ben Robinson of the Game To Love podcast joins Ben to recap historic titles from Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva as the two look back at a fantastic two weeks from Indian Wells. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tennis Connected journalist and host Amy Lundy Dahl joins Ben on Match Point Canada to break down the latest storylines at Indian Wells and her experience over in Tennis Paradise! Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, we welcome Romanian tennis player and the enigmatic Andreea Prisacariu back to the podcast! The 25-year-old talks about her challenges and successes as she continues to navigate the sport, inspiration drawn from Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic, and her goals to continue to being her authentic self on and off the court. Meanwhile, the Canadians keep tearing it up! Felix Auger-Aliassime reached the finals in Dubai while Denis Shapovalov made a semifinal in Acapulco. We preview the action ahead at Indian Wells on both the men's and women's side and forecast how the Canadians might fare. All of that and more on our latest episode of MPC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back for another episode of Match Point Canada! Popular tennis journalist and commentator José Morgado joins us this week to discuss the hype around Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, Jannik Sinner's doping suspension and what the ATP will look like the next three months without the world No. 1. Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev claimed his first title of 2025 in Doha, Carlos Alcaraz suffered a surprising loss, Matteo Berrettini took down Novak Djokovic, and Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are trending up. On the women's side, teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva won the biggest title of her career in Dubai, while the top 5 stars are suddenly struggling. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

His Davis Cup career has officially come to an end! 2022 Davis Cup champion and former world no. 25 Vasek Pospisil announced his retirement from the international event, and will soon say goodbye to the sport of tennis later this year. Pospisil catches up with Ben and Mike on Match Point Canada to discuss the importance of Davis Cup to his career, the incredible 2022 title run and memorable ties prior, other career highlights, and why he's soon set to hang up the racquet. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a big week for Canadian tennis... Denis Shapovalov secured the biggest title of his career by winning the Dallas Open! Meanwhile, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko has started the year an incredible 17-0 with three ITF titles. On this week's episode of Match Point Canada, Mike catches up with Mboko to discuss her rise up the rankings and development as she closes in on the top 200. Ben and Mike break down Shapovalov's incredible run in Dallas as he toppled three top 10 players, Carlos Alcaraz's win in Rotterdam, and check in on the action in Doha. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They came up just short in Davis Cup! Hungary fought past Canada 3-2 in Davis Cup Qualifiers from Montreal to advance to the Group Stage. Hosts Ben and Mike breakdown the action from the weekend including Vasek Pospisil's retirement from Davis Cup. Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime won his second title of 2025, controversy erupted between Chile and Belgium, and Leylah Fernandez and Marina Stakusic take the court in the WTA this week. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first tennis major of the season is officially in the books! Jannik Sinner defended his crown in Melbourne, while Madison Keys captured a first ever Grand Slam at the 2025 Australian Open. Tennis commentator Abigail Johnson joins hosts Ben and Mike to break down and analyze the two weeks in Australia, what to make of Novak Djokovic and his future, how the Canadians fared and much more. We also take a couple questions in our new mailbag segment, and Canada prepares for a Davis Cup qualifier against Hungary in Montreal! All of that and more on our latest episode of MPC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're through one week of action now in Melbourne. This week on Match Point Canada, Tennis Channel commentator and host Monday Match analysis Gill Gross joins Ben to dissect all the action unfolding at the 2025 Australian Open! It's an upcoming showdown between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner has a clear path, and the emergence of youth was a key takeaway from the opening week. Meanwhile, is Aryna Sabalenka on track to three-peat, or could Iga Swiatek be playing her very best again? Gill and Ben also discuss the performances of the Canadians. All of that and more on latest episode of MPC! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She was a four-time Grand Slam champion in mixed doubles, a 7-time WTA singles winner, and reached a career high of No. 5 in the world. Daniela Hantuchova is back on Match Point Canada as the Happy Slam gets underway in Melbourne! She reflects on career moments in Australia and in doubles, gives her analysis on the field including why Aryna Sabalenka is the player to beat, and discusses Novak Djokovic's coaching partnership with Andy Murray. Hosts Ben and Mike break down the draw at large, look back at a recent title from Felix Auger-Aliassime, and make their picks to win it and underdogs to produce a deep run. Enjoy!

Happy New Year! Match Point Canada is officially back with our first episode of 2025, and thrilled to welcome returning guest Belinda Bencic to the podcast. The gold medallist and 8-time WTA singles winner officially returned to the circuit late last year and has quickly found her form and game as she gears up for the Australian Open. We discuss her return to action, a career spanning generations and facing the Williams sisters, goals for the year, and she also builds her perfect women's player! Meanwhile, Ben and Mike break down the opening week of the tennis calendar as Coco Gauff lit up the United Cup. They also give their names on the WTA and ATP of who is trending up for 2025. All of that and more on our first episode of the season.

While 2024 is winding down, the latest tennis season is already in full flight. Canadian tennis player Stacey Fung makes her first appearance on Match Point Canada this week as she joins host Ben Lewis to discuss competing for her nation at the upcoming United Cup in Australia. Fung also looks back at her performances this season including a title in Portugal, and talks about the challenges and goals ahead for 2025. Enjoy!

With the tennis season winding down, Mike catches up with another rising young Canadian! He speaks with Kayla Cross, who enjoyed a terrific 2024 campaign, winning the Saskatoon Challenger in singles, and two big doubles crowns at the Edmonton and Calgary National Bank Challengers. She also reached the singles final at the Tevlin Challenger and Granby National Bank Championships. Cross discusses her year, and what she looks to strive for in 2025. Enjoy!

She's back on Match Point Canada! Young Canadian Marina Stakusic returns to the podcast this week as she speaks with Mike for a feature interview to discuss her 2024 campaign. Stakusic looks at the positives of her season, elements she's focused on improving going forward, and goals for 2025. Enjoy!

The tennis season has officially come to a close! Hosts Ben and Mike reconvene this week to break down all the ATP and WTA award nominees for 2024, and debate their selections on Player of the Year, Most Improved, Comeback Player, Newcomer and much more. They also discuss Novak Djokovic's huge hire of Andy Murray as his next coach, a final farewell from Juan Martin del Potro, and Iga Swiatek's doping case. They also make their picks for the best men's and women's moments of the year. All of that and more on our latest episode of MPC!

Newmarket, Ontario's Liam Draxl returns to Match Point Canada! The 22-year-old Canadian catches up with Ben in a lengthy feature interview as he looks back on his first full season as an ATP pro, the rigours of the Challenger circuit, finding success in doubles and more. We also have signed tennis balls from Draxl for one lucky listener. Enjoy!

The ATP Finals have officially wrapped up! Tennis Channel host Steve Weissman stops by to speak with Ben about Jannik Sinner's title and massive 2024 campaign, takeaways from his rival Carlos Alcaraz, the consistency and improvement from Taylor Fritz and much more. They also discuss Rafael Nadal's final goodbye upcoming at the Davis Cup Finals and the resurgence of Denis Shapovalov. Meanwhile, there are signed tennis balls from Gabriel Diallo for one lucky listener! Ben also looks back on a tough loss for the Canadians at the BJK Cup Finals. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC!

Rebecca Marino joins Ben on Match Point Canada to discuss her team's squad heading into the Billie Jean King Cup Finals! Marino is joined by Leylah Fernandez, Gabriela Dabrowski, and Marina Stakusic, as the team gets set for action this week. The veteran also discusses her recent success on the WTA, including the biggest title of her career in Midland.

The WTA Finals have officially come and gone! Versatile host Blair Henley, who took in the action in Riyadh, joins Ben and Mike to recap the end-of-year championship which featured a first-time win from Coco Gauff, and an electric final against Qinwen Zheng. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike also look back on a huge week for Canadian tennis! Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe notched the doubles crown in Riyadh, while Denis Shapovalov won his second career title at the Belgrade Open, and Rebecca Marino triumphed in Midland. The hosts also preview ATP Finals action and look ahead to the BJK Cup Finals. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC!

He's a 12-time major champion and a former world No. 1 in doubles! Canadian tennis great Daniel Nestor returns to Match Point Canada, on the heels of his recent induction to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and receiving the Order of Sport. Nestor reflects on some of his top career highlights, why he feels he hasn't gotten a spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame yet, competing against the Bryan Brothers, his variety of doubles partners and more. Hosts Ben and Mike look back at the Paris Masters, preview the action now underway at the WTA Finals, and also breakdown the recent Tevlin Challenger in Toronto.

National Coach Kai Schrameyer returns to Match Point Canada to discuss the exciting new Wheelchair Tennis Player Development Pathway. He also covers recent results from Wheelchair tennis players in Canada, and the significant growth in the sport.

She's a 17-time WTA singles winner and two-time Grand Slam finalist! Karolina Pliskova returns to Match Point Canada, as she spoke with Mike from the National Bank Open about her signature weapon, the serve, challenges in staying healthy, tennis in Czech Republic, and future goals. Meanwhile, Canadian Gabriel Diallo enjoyed a breakthrough week, reaching his first career ATP final. Hosts Ben and Mike discuss his huge result, a coaching hire by Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka taking the new No. 1 ranking and much more. All of that on our latest episode of MPC!

A tennis legend is calling it a career. Rafael Nadal has officially announced his upcoming retirement from tennis at the end of the season, and author and regular guest Christopher Clarey joins Match Point Canada this week to reflect on his incredible career and legacy. Clarey chats with Mike and Ben about the timing of the decision, his meaning to tennis, and expectations for Davis Cup. Meanwhile, the hosts also cover Jannik Sinner's latest title in Shanghai, Aryna Sabalenka's win in Wuhan and her chase for world no. 1 and much more. All of that on the latest episode of MPC!

Referred to as the Barry White of tennis, Match Point Canada welcomes chair umpire Kader Nouni this week! The French tennis official joins the podcast to discuss his evolving role in the chair, the impact of technology in the sport, and how he's often spoken about for his baritone voice. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike break down action at the Asian events including titles from Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, the great rivalry between Carlos and Sinner, action in Shanghai and more. Enjoy!

She was the first Canadian player to ever reach a Grand Slam singles final! Genie Bouchard returns to Match Point Canada for the first time in a few years, and reflects on great memories including the 10 year anniversary of her run to the Wimbledon finals back in 2014. She also discusses working within the media landscape and what she still has left to give to the game. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike break down Carlos Alcaraz's debut at the Laver Cup, and get set for the indoor hard court season with action in Beijing. All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC!

They're heading back to Malaga! Team Canada enjoyed a big week in Manchester, winning Group D and booking their spot in the Davis Cup Finals this November. Tumaini Carayol, journalist from The Guardian, joins Ben and Mike to recap the action, including big performances from Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime. We also discuss a coaching change for Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic's priorities, and a big performance from Marina Stakusic in Guadalajara. All of that and more on our latest episode of MPC!

He broke through for a run to the third round of the US Open, and now returns to Team Canada's Davis Cup roster. Canadian Gabriel Diallo joins Match Point Canada this week, following his career best performance at Flushing Meadows. He reflects on his great success in New York, a big summer, and looks ahead to Canada's tie in Manchester. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are the US Open champions. Ben and Mike breakdown the last Grand Slam of the tennis calendar, and also preview what's to come this week at Davis Cup. This episode brought to you by Lobster Burger Bar and 10XTO.

We are through the first week of action at Flushing Meadows! Lukas Weese, Staff Editor at The Athletic, joins Match Point Canada to breakdown the storylines from the US Open which has included big time upsets of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. Weese discusses the impressive tennis of Zheng Qinwen, Daniil Medvedev flying under the radar, the struggles of Coco Gauff, and experiencing the atmosphere in New York. Meanwhile, hosts Ben and Mike also chat about the Canadians, a breakthrough week for Gabriel Diallo, and project some favourites moving forward in the second week. All of that and more on our latest episode of MPC.

The Paralympic Games are officially underway in Paris! Wheelchair tennis athlete Rob Shaw is set to represent Canada at the event in Quads, as he looks to build on what's been an outstanding 2024 season. Ben of Match Point Canada chats with Shaw about his year, evolving as a player later in his career, the Paralympic experience, and much more. Enjoy!

The breakthrough tennis continues for Canadians Mia Kupres and Ariana Arseneault, who captured the Saskatoon Challenger as a doubles tandem, their second title this summer! Mike spoke with the pair in Toronto for a special sit down interview, following their surprising run to the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open.

The final Grand Slam of the 2024 tennis calendar is officially upon us! The US Open from Flushing Meadows is now underway, and hosts Ben and Mike tackle the last major of the season with a full tournament preview. They cover a full breakdown of both the men's and women's draws, how things are shaping up for the Canadians, and offer their dark horse picks. The pair also discuss the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner, plus some big Canadian results at the Saskatoon Challenger. A special thank you to 10XTO for this latest episode.

She's been ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, won 17 titles on the WTA circuit, and has reached three singles semifinals at Grand Slams. Veteran Elina Svitolina is back on Match Point Canada, as she caught up with Mike at the National Bank Open the other week in Toronto! Meanwhile, Ben and Mike dive in on Cincinnati action and titles from Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, a controversial call that proved costly for Felix Auger-Aliassime, a solid run from Leylah Annie Fernandez and much more. All of that on our latest episode of Match Point Canada!

She's a former world no. 21, French Open semifinalist, and owns two career WTA titles. Amanda Anisimova is the latest guest on Match Point Canada! It comes at a time she's enjoying a breakthrough week in Toronto. She chats with Ben about time away from the sport, her goals, her clean ball striking, and takes on some rapid fire questions. Ben and Mike tackle the late stages of the event and preview the upcoming finals, look at the showcase of doubles, and check in on Montreal as well. All of that on our latest episode of MPC! Thanks to Hotel X and 10XTO for this episode.

Hosts Ben and Mike speak with sisters Leylah Annie and Bianca Jolie Fernandez following their surprise semifinals run in doubles at the National Bank Open!

She's inside the top 15, recently reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, and has one title already on tour! Emma Navarro makes her first ever appearance on Match Point Canada, as she's broken through for a run in Toronto, and recently represented the USA at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike tackle an upset win from Diana Shnaider, Canadian action in doubles, and our favourite to win the event. All of that and more on MPC. Thanks to 10XTO for this episoe.

She's an Australian Open quarterfinalist, has reached a career high ranking of 17, and has made finals in Berlin and Dubai this season. 25-year-old rising star Anna Kalinskaya joins Match Point Canada, her first time ever speaking on a podcast as she discusses her career success. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike cover early day action at the NBO including big wins from Marina Stakusic and Leylah Annie Fernandez, and a tough loss for Bianca Andreescu. They also circle big time popcorn matches ahead as the tournament progresses in Toronto, and check in on the action in Montreal. All of that and more on MPC!

She's a two-time Wimbledon finalist, former world No. 2, and is the highest ranked Arab player in tennis history! The charismatic and kind Ons Jabeur joins Match Point Canada for their second episode on site at the National Bank Open. Ons reflects on her love of Canada, memories competing here, and discusses an upcoming showdown with Naomi Osaka. Meanwhile, Ben and Mike recap qualifying and dive into some main draw storylines including anecdotes from press conferences over the last two days. They also discuss Novak Djokovic and his historic Olympic gold medal victory in Paris. A special thank you to 10XTO for this episode.

The biggest tennis event in Canada is officially back. The National Bank Open gets underway this weekend, with the world's best WTA players arriving in Toronto while the stars of the ATP take over Montreal. Hosts Ben and Mike dive into the action as they preview the Toronto draw, discuss the ceremony and share a short conversation with Bianca Andreescu, and look at some must watch matches on the horizon. Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gaby Dabrowski made history for Canada with a bronze medal in Paris, while Zheng Qinwen seized a gold in women's singles. All of that and more on our first episode from the NBO in Toronto! Episode brought to you by Hotel X