Tennis & Bagels Podcast

(I said Svitolina beat four Top 20 players on route to the Rome title - this is wrong. She beat three Top 5 opponents, but the next higher ranking she beat was World no.25 Hailey Baptiste.)Elina Svitolina wins her first WTA 1000 since Rome 2018. Her third crown in the Italian capital, with hard-fought, well-earned wins over Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. What a tournament by the Ukrainian, who sits now as the WTA Race World No.3, and No.7 in the 52-week rankings.Will that be enough to earn her a first grand slam title at Roland Garros, starting next week??Time will tell - but, I think that would be really difficult. Not so much because Svitolina is not a great player, in fact, she's probably the best version of herself on a tennis court in her career. But the WTA is full of surprises, and the level is insanely high across the board. The Top 5 is playing amazing tennis, with Aryna Sabalenka being as consistent a World No.1 can be, reaching SF and Finals at almost every tournament she plays, only without the major title to show for it in 2026. Which in turn could make her even more dangerous an motivated to win her first Roland Garros trophy.Elena Rybakina the WTA Race World No.1, World No.2 in the 52-week rankings, and Australian Open champion, would be looking to transform her Race ranking into her real ranking, climbing to World No.1 for the first time in her career with a deep run in Paris - a title would all but guarantee it. And then, who knows: a Calendar Grand Slam in the making?Gauff, the defending champion at Roland Garros, lost to Svitolina in the Rome final in a tough three-setter. Doesn't matter how Gauff plays, it seems it's always impossible to beat her without massive effort. There are no true bad days for the American. She's coming for that title again, no matter who stands in her way - even if it's her own self.Finally, Iga Swiatek. The four-time Roland Garros champion started the year without playing well at all. All seemed completely out of control, with her game spiraling and losses stacking up. Until Francisco Roig joined her team as her new coach, and a couple days with Rafa Nadal himself, seemingly changed the course of her year overnight. Now playing a much more confident tennis, with her strengths emphasized and game plans set on more that just hit the ball very hard, Swiatek made us all look at her again as one of the top favourites. But you can't just erase months of struggle like that, and her loss to Svitolina in Rome showed that, despite the great progress over this clay season, Swiatek might still have some internal issues to work out before fully returning to her very best. Will it happen at Roland Garros 2026?We will have to wait and see how all this unfolds.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Alcaraz announced he'd miss the remainder of the clay season, it was obvious: Jannik Sinner would be utterly unchallenged to win Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros.It has gone pretty much as expected from him. Only surprise was losing a set to Medvedev. Other than that, it almost seems disingenuous to say there's any doubt Sinner will sweep the Clay Slam, just like Rafael Nadal did in 2010, the only player to do so.As we close the Masters events on clay, there are some interesting stories still to follow, including Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Jodar. But these will all be left as side quests to Sinner's iron fist domination over the ATP Tour.It seems only a miracle will stop him - and that has now extended itself until Wimbledon, now that Alcaraz has shocked the world one more time by announcing his withdrawal.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I love tennis. I love talking about tennis. I love having discussions with other fans about players who are great, players who could be better, things that I love about tennis, and things that annoy me.I love the GOAT debate. How fun is it to compare stats, types of shots and game style, and have the evening extend into the late hours as we let our outrageous opinions on the table, call our friends idiots, then laugh it out and go home in peace?But on social media...Everything has to be different.Fans love to throw insults at the first opportunity. Taking things we say out of context. Insulting our intelligence. Going as far as mocking our physical appearance, incessantly leaving mean comments in our replies.Harassing players has become normal. Fans thinking they know better, that they can give priceless advice from the comfort of their homes thousands of miles away, watching tennis from a set tv angle that simply can't give you all the information you need to properly assess the game, even if you were a real professional tennis expert - which in the vast majority of cases we are not.This podcast is not for players. They can get their information from highly trained personnel with years of experience and their inner circles of people they trust. My analysis and comments do not bring them any benefit.This podcast is for fans. But I would truly love it if we could just be in love with this insane sport, have loads of fun, trash talk at each other respectfully, and keep a cool head over our shoulders knowing that there are millions of people around the world who are just are crazy about tennis as we are.We can't all be friends and love each other. We have moments of anger and frustration. Sports is like that, I know it well. But we don't have to hate each other, or get aggressive online simply because someone has a different opinion than ourselves.It's just a game, y'all. A game we love and are worse of without, but still a game. Let's love it well and respect each other and the players who give us all those great moments.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joao Fonseca passes the eye test. He has passed the test a long time ago.Now what he needs is the support of his fans in the highs AND the lows. He needs people to known HOW to support him, too, both on social media and on court.Sure, the atmosphere can be great with lively fans. But tennis has a specific kind of behaviour that is expected of fans, and it's not at all similar to a soccer match. You just have to stay silent sometimes.In fact, trying mess with his opponents by being obnoxious is not only going to disrupt them, but also break the rhythm of the match, put pressure on Fonseca, and ultimately could hinder his performance in said match.So, we gotta chill.And we need to be patient also. He still needs to gain more experience, learn more about on-court tactics and decision making. He will lose tough matches. He will lose early. He probably won't win a big title this year, at least not a Grand Slam.And that's fine.All that hype needs to be translated into disciplined excitement, not emotional breakdowns on social media saying Fonseca is "just hype". He clearly is ridiculously talented.Oh, and by the way, let's be gentle with how we approach the careers of Rafa Jodar, Alexandre Blockx, Martin Landaluce, and any other talented teenager that will appear. They also need to learn and play, and, more often than they'd like, lose. Even if it looks like they won't be losing much right now.Cited Andy Roddick short: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XupeWCeY7xoSUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zverev once again reaches the later stages of a tournament, and is once again utterly incapable of making a match out it against Sinner.As Jannik Sinner continues to sweep every Masters 1000 of the year virtually unchallenged, the question is beginning to get loud online: is the ATP Tour boring? Some might even start saying that Sinner himself is the problem.Well, is he?Short answer is no. But it's probably more complicated if you're a neutral tennis fan. Sinner just isn't the same type of player or person that Federer was, or that Djokovic is. He is introverted, he is efficient, and all that he does is his job: winning. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.But, combining Sinner's ruthless tennis, his introverted demeanor, and the fact that the entirety of the ATP minus Carlos Alcaraz simply has no idea how to even begin to win sets against him, it turns the tour into something rather uneventful.If you are a Sinner fan, that's awesome. Your fave is winning and you're happy when you turn off the tv. If you aren't, you shouldn't blame Sinner. You should question: why the heck isn't anyone else standing up against him?I love seeing records getting broken. But I love a good tennis match with a lot of tension and high stakes tournaments even more. I hope we get that back soon.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aryna Sabalenka is a three-time Madrid champion, World No.1 by many points, and possible favourite for Roland Garros.Elena Rybakina is the Australian Open champion. World No.1 in the Race, an just won Stuttgart with only one tough match.Yet, in a turn of events, it was Marta Kostyuk who rose up to the challenge and took the opportunity in the final by defeating a struggling Mirra Andreeva to win her first WTA 1000 trophy in Madrid. Sabalenka lost in the Quarter-finals, Rybakina in the 4th round.Sadly, Kostyuk won't play in Rome next, but she remains an intriguing contender for the Roland Garros crown.But where does all that leave us in regards to Rome?In an exciting place where there's a crap ton at stake: dominance, Wolrd No.1 battles, and favouritism for the second major of the year.Rome could be one of the best tournaments of the year, on both tours.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stage was set in Madrid. The only teenagers in the ATP Top 100 faced each other for the first time. Both carrying the weight of some ever-distant "future of tennis". One loses, gets called overrated, unsubstantiated hype, flop. The other, the real deal, the next Rafa Nadal, the one who will disrupt the Sinner-Alcaraz dual dynasty.Of course, tennis is played over many tournaments, over many months, different conditions, different surfaces, and players ride momentum, get big wins, then fall back a little and struggle with tough losses.As such, Joao Fonseca and Rafa Jodar benefit most not of the hype trains departing the station of Tennis Twitter, with the insanely hyperbolical cries from Tennis TV social media coordinators at every winner. They benefit of the calm. The quiet. The time to think, to assess their mistakes and acknowledge the positive and negative from each match. They need our patience.Jodar is not Alcaraz. He is really freaking good, and I really am excited to see him develop into a Top 10 player threatening to win the biggest titles. But there's a lot of road ahead for him to get disappointed, to lose from match point up, to play a terrible match in windy conditions, serve under 50% first serves in a match. He'll have that, and he'll be alright.Fonseca has had his moment last year. He came, he played, he conquered. Now the other players know him. They work with their coaches to find strategies to exploit his weaknesses and neutralize his forehand. He is getting frustrated, probably, by not having another big win under his belt and a deep run in a big tournament. But it will come. Fonseca will work with his own team to hide his weaknesses, to improve his game, and to find a way to crack into the Top 10 and, along with Jodar, to also be a big threat to win the biggest trophies in tennis.All in due time. All in their own timeline.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos Alcaraz should not have played Barcelona. Now, dropping out of the remainder of the clay season, he's left with no Barcelona title, no Madrid title, no Roland Garros and a chance to hold all four majors at once, and probably no No.1 until 2027.It seems like it's never going to get easier for Sinner. He now has the chance to completely dominate the tour, win every tournament he enters, post what could probably be the best season of ALL TIME.That is, if he can handle the now immense pressure of being the heavy favourite to win every tournament he enters. As heavy a favourite as it can possibly get.And, a quick look into Arthur Fils, whom I believe has tremedous potential to be a huge challenge to the current Big 2 of Alcaraz and Sinner. Maybe just not this year yet, though.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elena Rybakina could have lost in the quarterfinals in Stuttgart. She didn't. And maybe that was the confidence boost she needed to know she could be one of the big favourites for Roland Garros and the World No.1 mantle, both for the first time.Losing to Fernandez could have thrown Rybakina's No.1 quest off course, and given Sabalenka almost free rein over Madrid and Rome, making only herself her biggest enemy. But now that Rybakina is playing amazing on clay, Madrid and Rome suddenly became the battle grounds for favouritism ahead of the clay-court major in Paris. The results from both, and possibly two mouth-watering clashes in the final of both tournaments, could be decisive factors for who will finish the clay season on top of the World.But the battle doesn't end on just the Top 2 players, unlike what we are seeing on the ATP. The entire WTA Top 10 is very strong, and upwards to the Top 30, every player can be extremely dangerous. Gauff, the Roland Garros defending champion, is a bit of a tough prediction, since she plays at her best infrequently, but always finds ways to win matches no matter against whom she plays. Pegula is not just going to sit there and hope for the best either, letting Sabalenka and Rybakina have all the fun.I am particularly curious about Karolina Muchova and Iga Swiatek. Muchova, former French Open finalist, is having a great season so far, and injury-free, too, which is a relief for her. Although she lost to Rybakina in the Stuttgart final convincignly, she got her first wins over Gauff (1-6) and Svitolina (1-3), both in three tough sets. Perhaps after that emotionally tiring run, she'll come out firing in the next WTA 1000 events.Swiatek is a huge question mark. She showed positive things in Stuttgart, but remains unconvincing as a favourite to any of the next tournaments, despite her impressive clay resume. Will she find her level in time for Roland Garros, where she is a four-time champion? Who knows.All rests on the results from Madrid and Rome.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a really important step for the Pod. I really believe in it, and I think we can do even better work and be dedicated to having a place where fans can talk about their wild tennis ideas, predictions, criticisms, and just geek about the sport in general.With the Patreon, we open up an avenue that could allow us to focus a lot more on this project.Join here: patreon.com/TennisBagelsPodcastCurrent benefits:Ads Free Episodes, video and audioThe Bagel Book Club (name wip lmao): a tennis book a month with a video review at the end of each month! Discussion encouraged in the Patreon comments :)We have a lot of cool ideas to put in place, but we need help to grow the pod to allow us to give more content and benefits!Your support is HIGHLY appreciated :DThank you!Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iga Swiatek doens't present the same aura as she did a couple years ago. She's lost her edge, and not only on rivalries she used to dominate. It feels like every player is now feeling more and more confident when they step on court against her.For her biggest rivals, this means that the sense of danger is no longer there. Gauff hasn't lost in their last five matches despite losing 11 straight, and Sabalenka probably feels like she can beat her no matter where they play, at every stage.The new coach, plus a time at the Rafa Nadal Academy, could prove to be a pivotal moment in her career to bring her back to winning ways. Stuttgart will be the first tournament where we will see the early works of this partnership, and if the results will follow ahead of Swiatek's favourite and most successful major, Roland Garros.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It wasn't the best match of their rivalry, but it might as well be one of the most important. Jannik Sinner was yet to win a big title on clay. He lost several really important finals to Alcaraz, including that mystical Roland Garros final in 2025 (last year).Now he unlocked new potential.What will happen next? Will Alcaraz play Barcelona and Madrid, maybe skip one or the other? Will Sinner play Madrid? We are bound to see the full meaning of this victory as the rest of the clay season unfolds - and this victory could be pivotal not only for Roland Garros, but also for the rest of the entire year. Perhaps even their whole careers.Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won all the big titles of 2026, but have yet to play a match this season. The first time they do, it could be for the World No.1 ranking.Since Alcaraz is defending his title at Monte Carlo and Sinner has not played there last year, Alcaraz needs to win the tournament to make sure he'll keep his title for at least another couple of weeks. If not, a Sinner title brings the top position back to the Italian.But also, we just NEED them to play each other. It's been just waaaay too long! They can't be trading the No.1 ranking by simply not playing tournaments or losing early to someone else. It's got to be decided on the court, as they trade blows in front of a massive crowd cheering for every point.On other news, João Fonseca is not in collision route against the Top 2 players this time, but he will have other challenges ahead. Maybe he can play Medvedev this time. If he makes it to the SF, he could face Zverev - who has reached the last four stage at every big tournament this season, and really only loses to Alcaraz and Sinner, though not particularly close to beating any one of them. But he's there, waiting. Anyway, Fonseca will need to get used to playing and beating any player in front of him, not just Sinner and Alcaraz, if he wants to realize the hype that's been following him for a couple years now.Over to the WTA side, where there are 10 1000 events and only two of these are on clay, I ask: why not a third one? And I think the perfect candidate for that is a tournament now far away from its glory days where players of the caliber of Graf, Hingis, Venus Williams, Nadal, and Federer competed for its trophy.Down to an ATP 500 tournament and a 250 event in the WTA calendar, this major city in Germany checks all the boxes to holding a 1000 event on its clay courts. And the calendar spot seems wide open, concurrent with Monte Carlo. Favourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka win the Sunshine Double, a feat harder than winning a Grand Slam title!Recency bias would have us believe Sinner is now the front-runner for the Year End No.1 battle. Not so fast: Alcaraz is still the champion of three of the last four majors, and clay is his best surface (maybe?)Sabalenka on the other hand, is the dominant factor in the WTA Tour. Rybakina has come close to three big final wins in a row, with a match point at Indian Wells, but Sabalenka took that win, and saw her off in straight sets in Miami. If the current World No.1 continues to win as consistently as she does, it will be hard for Rybakina, or anyone, to dethrone her - but it might get really interesting soon.Other players left their marks, either in a good or bad way: Fonseca, Zverev, Swiatek, Eala are all interesting players to follow during the clay court swing. And, of course, what will Novak Djokovic produce, now at almost 39 years old? Seems like we can't ever count him out - he was the World No.3 until recently, after all.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialFavourite this podcast if you like our work :)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like Djokovic in 2016, Carlos Alcaraz accomplished something massive this year in Australia.And this might have taken a bigger toll on him that maybe he would have liked to admit - and it might be time to admit it.Mentally, Alcaraz had to go through a very tough battle to achieve the Career Grand Slam. What if his performances at Indian Wells and, most importantly, Miami, mean that he's just lacking some motivation and energy to compete at the highest level? That, and the fact that it really does seem like he plays "Roger Federer" at every round, might be too much pressure, and he needs some time off to decompress.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scrambled to get this up as soon as I realized that the João Fonseca vs Carlos Alcaraz #1 match would be TODAY (Friday) not Saturday.Anyway, this match will likely be AMAZING. Incredible hot shots, cat-and-mouse points, Alcaraz testing Fonseca's forehand and movement, Fonseca drawing all the energy he can from the crowd.Wait and see, will also see if I'll make a video after all is said and done for this crazy instalment.Tell me what you think!SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear me out: Elena Rybakina could end the year as World No.1.Why? She has been playing the best tennis of her life in the past few months, has probably the best serve and forehand of the tour, can play well on all surfaces, and is capable of winning against Aryna Sabalanka anywhere, any day. And that's exactly what she's done lately.Up to World No. 2 from down to No.12 at the Canadian Open 2025, Rybakina's level has soared, and even Sabalenka has been struggling against her. The Indian Wells final may have turned against her favour, but she had a match point, and Sabalenka needed to produce some of the most clutch tennis shots she can to win that match.That being said, it's still an uphill battle. Sabalenka is so good so often that, to have a chance, Rybakina needs to match the intensity and win matches constantly. No first or second-round losses. Only quarter-finals and up.And she still needs to truly prove herself on clay.Can Elena Rybakina become the new WTA World No.1? I believe so.Tell me what you think!SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beating a dead horse? Maybe. But, personally, seeing Daniil Medvedev come through an extreme rough last two seasons, than come out in 2026 winning a title, beating Carlos Alcaraz (who was on a 16-0 winning streak to start the year) and pushing Jannik Sinner to play some of his best, most clutch tennis at the Indian Wells final, really made something clear to me:Alexander Zverev just doesn't possess a crucial trait of a Grand Slam champion - or, a trait that turns a good player into a history making player.SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Don't agree with me? That's fine! Reach out on Twitter/X and BlueSky Social :)Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre:Twitter/X - https://x.com/RolembergAndreBlueSky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexandra Eala, the Filipina phenomenon, is ridiculously fun to watch. And her fans know that, other players know that, and the tours know too.But why is that? She isn't the hardest hitter. She is a great player, but still has some way before she can enter the tennis elite of the Top 10 and 5. Well, the talent is surely not lacking - but it's not just that that Eala has in abundance.Her on-court attitude, fighting spirit, celebrations, and then great presence and insightful answers in every interview, and on top of all that, she seems like just a great, kind, genuine person.Plus, party time with the Filipinos hits differently (and South Americans know the value of a party no matter where you are.)SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Follow TENNIS AND BAGELS!Twitter/X: https://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSAndre: https://x.com/RolembergAndreVansh: https://x.com/vanshv2kOwen (BlueSky Social): https://bsky.app/profile/owensports.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big rambling time talking about why the spot where Indian Wells and Miami were in the PERFECT spot in the calendar for two-week 1000 events.In this episode:The season as a narrativeAwkward spots in the season where there's too much time between majors are great for two-week 1000 eventsShanghai as the only other Masters that could be in two weeksNo one can do this much tennis without getting tired. We need FOMO and build-up to care about the tournamentsPrestige isn't about how long a tournament isThanks for listening!Comments? Hmu on Twitter/X:https://x.com/RolembergAndrehttps://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSSUBSCRIBE to the YouTube channel!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tennis and Bagels solo time! My thoughts on how I see the season unfolding for the top players, especially those who made big at he Australian Open.A quick look into the overall progression of players from last year: who seems to be even better? Who has stagnated? Who's regressed?Alcaraz, Rybakina, Sabalenka are in my radar.I am starting to worry a little about Swiatek and Sinner.I personally continue to believe Zverev will never win a major title unless all the stars align - and he might even not be able to win it then.Comments? Hmu on Twitter/X:https://x.com/RolembergAndrehttps://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSTennis ONE apphttps://download.tennis.one/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Andre here, the podcast isn't dead. It's been definitely amazing to keep having Vansh and Steve Flink commenting on the biggest tournaments of the season, but I also got stuff I'd like to share with the world. Opinions, not so much commentary on match analysis (though there will be some of that.) It's not that I don't like it, but there's plenty of people doing a great job in it, so I want to look at the season through a narrative lens. What stories are being told? What will players do next? What key moments could define the year, even sometimes a whole career? THAT's what's interesting. And the tennis, of course. So many great matches to appreciated.Let's go, tennis.Follow me on Twitter (X, I guess.)https://x.com/RolembergAndreFollow Tennis and Bagelshttps://x.com/TennisAndBAGELSSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alcaraz beats cramps, inspired Djokovic, while Rybakina denies another big title from World no. 1 SabalenkaSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a special episode of Tennis and Bagels as we sit down with Hall of Fame tennis journalist Steve Flink to break down the 2025 US Open.We cover it all:The excitement of attending matches live at Arthur Ashe StadiumThe tournament's biggest storylines and dramatic upsetsHow champions rose to the occasion and secured their titlesBreakthrough performances from emerging playersThe electric New York atmosphere that makes the US Open unlike any other SlamThis conversation blends personal stories from Flushing Meadows with expert analysis, giving you both the fan's thrill and the journalist's perspective on tennis' final major of the year.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Flink comes back to chat with Vansh about the absolute madness that was the 2025 edition of Roland Garros, the French Open.Crazy things happened, including singles finals between World nos 1 and 2 in both WTA and ATP sides, a massive victory for Coco Gauff over Aryna Sabalenka, who herself dethroned three-time defending champ Iga Swiatek, the deceptively good results from 38-year-old Novak Djokovic, and what was possibly the best Grand Slam final we've seen in the men's side since 2012 Austrlian Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner - and a final without any of the Big 3 or 4.Still processing the tournamet? We are too.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Grand Slam can tell us many things. And the Australian Open results still mean a lot - if not more than the other three majors when it comes to clues to how the season will pan out.Owen and Andre talk about all the players that made their mark at the Australian Open, what they expect from these athletes, and what they believe needs to change. They also mention other players who seem to be stagnant, or even regressing, and, should nothing change for them, will fall out of the lime light and slip down the rankings.Oh, and also just how boring the men's tournament ended up being, in contrast especially with the dramatic and intense ending of the women's.Our social media:BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/tennisandbagels.bsky.socialAndre (me) @andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh @vanshv2k.bsky.socialOwen @owensports.bsky.socialYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@tennisandbagelspodcastTwitter/XTennis and Bagels https://x.com/tennisandbagelsAndre (Me) https://x.com/RolembergAndreVansh https://x.com/vanshv2kSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What were the key moments of the Australian Open 2025? Who were the players that truly made their mark, on top of the obvious champions Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner? Does Djokovic need to play more matches? Is Aryna Sabalenka still the player to beat, and even more improved than in previous seasons? What will happen to Elena Rybakina? What does Carlos Alcaraz need to do to challenge Sinner for the No.1 Spot?Steve Flink, renowned tennis writer and hall-of-famer gives his time in a deep conversation with Vansh to look for answers to all these questions and more in our post-Grand Slam review!Thanks to Flink for continuously offer his great tennis mind to our podcast for these episodes!Our social media:BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/tennisandbagels.bsky.socialAndre (me) @andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh @vanshv2k.bsky.socialOwen @owensports.bsky.socialYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@tennisandbagelspodcastTwitter/XTennis and Bagels https://x.com/tennisandbagelsAndre (Me) https://x.com/RolembergAndreVansh https://x.com/vanshv2kSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andre here!Giving my thoughts on the Australian Open 2025 and what I thought was most noteworthy, like:Madison Keys winning her first Grand Slam and whether this will impact the rest of the season (US Open title coming?)Aryna Sabalenka's upset, and how she will bounce back to assert her dominance on hard courts and as World No.1Iga Swiatek's quest to become a bigger factor on hard courts to be on equal footing with Sabalenka and other hard hitters.Coco Gauff and whether she is getting too comfortable winning matches from behind. Also some ATP notes:Jannik Sinner is No.1 and there's not much else to say about itNovak Djokovic is getting old, but he's the GOAT for a reason. Carlos Alcaraz: how to win when matches are boring? And he is the true second best player in the world, and will only get better.Daniil Medvedev's window is all but closed. Unless something major changes, he will start slipping in the rankings and will not be a factor in big tournaments anymore (sadly)Alexander Zverev is never going to win a Grand Slam, and is only winning because of luck. That's it! Got opinions about my opinions? Reach out on social media!BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/tennisandbagels.bsky.social Andre (me) @andrerolemberg.bsky.socialVansh @vanshv2k.bsky.socialOwen @owensports.bsky.socialYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@tennisandbagelspodcastTwitter/X Tennis and Bagels https://x.com/tennisandbagelsAndre (Me) https://x.com/RolembergAndreVansh https://x.com/vanshv2k Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024 was a year of new beginnings, and bittersweet ends. Andre, Vansh, and Owen discuss the careers of several incredible players who announced their retirement this year, reminiscing of fantastic matches they played, their game styles, and what value they brought to the tennis world.Rafael Nadal, the eternal Clay GOAT, but so much more.Garbiñe Muguruza, who did all that a tennis player could dream of, and leaves tennis enjoying full health and a well deserved rest.Angelique Kerber, an unorthodox player who probably overachieved, and will forever be one of the greatest defenders tennis has ever seen.Andy Murray, the only one who could possibly challenge the Big 3 consistently, and carved a space where he alone stands in history.Dominic Thiem, who had his career stolen by injuries, but reach such heights that will leave fans in awe of his on-court aggressive mindset forever.And dang, what the heck, Andy Murray is already back on the Tour coaching Novak Djokovic. What?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ATP Tour 2024 Season was defined in good and concerning ways by Jannik Sinner, the undisputed World No.1. The doping case still looms, but the Italian make the most of his opportunities to finish the year as the World No.1 and take home two Grand Slams, tied with his main rival, Carlos Alcaraz.Join Vansh and hall of famer Steve Flink in a back-and-forth conversation about the top players in the world, who's risen to the occasion in 2024, who might struggle and who might dominate in 2025! Lastly, stay for conversations on what Novak Djokovic still has in store (now with Andy Murray as his coach) and a look back on Rafael Nadal's legendary career, on clay and the other surfaces.Follow us on BlueSky! @tennisandbagels.bsky.socialSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Flink and Vansh for the recap of the US Open 2024!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Flink and Vansh for the recap of the US Open 2024!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 21 years old, Carlos Alcaraz adds a fourth Grand Slam title to his name, and a second Wimbledon no less. Though taking on a diminished, post-knee-surgery Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz still proved why he is at the top of the game, and even though Djokovic had enough in him to reach his first final of the year after a major scare at the French Open, it would take nothing but his best to beat the Spaniard.Join Steve Flink and Vansh for the recap of the tournament!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vansh sits down with his traditional post major chat with Hall of Famer Steve Flink to recap all things Roland Garros. They discuss Carlos Alcaraz's incredible achievement of winning a major on all surfaces at the age of 21 and dissect the 2 sets to 1 comebacks against Sinner and Zverev in the semifinals and finals. Other topics include a discussion on will Zverev ever win a major, Djokovic's uncertain future and his escapes against Musetti and Cerundolo, Jannik Sinner's tournament and his rivalry with Alcaraz, and thoughts on Rafael Nadal at the Olympics. They also discuss Iga Swiatek and where her 5th major title triumph puts her in tennis history, an analysis of the Osaka-Swiatek R2 epic, thoughts on Coco Gauff, and a look ahead to the grass season for the WTA. A plethora of topics jam packed into a great tennis discussion that you don't want to miss.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Madrid Open is known for being the clay court tournament where big hitters and big servers get a chance to beat the best clay court players. And it seems like Aryna Sabalenka was right on that path, beating Iga Swiatek in the 2023 final and clawing her way into the 2024 final again vs the World No.1 - but this time, the Pole had an answer.The epic women's tournament in Madrid held the entire thing together, to be honest. The men's side was hampered with many withdrawals and injuries, including champion Andrey Rublev's illness which almost cost him the title. In what was probably the match of the year (with still a good number of great tournaments to come) Iga Swiatek was able to overcome the powerful Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion and two-time defending champion in Madrid. Swiatek did not have it easy, though: three match points came and were erased by a clutch Siwatek before she finally was able to cross the finish line after three hours, 20 minutes of pure drama and tennis of the most exquisite quality. Now, Swiatek has completed her clay court set, winning the only big clay tournament that was left for her, having won Rome two times and Roland Garros three times.For the men's while things looked a little less exciting (and downright worrying) due to injuries and withdrawals, we still got to experience some good stories, matches and drama. Firstly, Rafael Nadal, who is likely in his farewell tour, reached the fourth round with majestic wins over Aelx De Minaur and Pedro Cachin before succumbing to a flawless Jiri Lehecka. Is there still something special in the King of Clay for 2024?Secondly, while Alcaraz was clearly hindered by some injury in his arm he still gave everything he had, beating Jan Lennard Struff in a rematch of last year's final, and pushing Rublev to three sets. maybe the effort was too much though, as he is not playing in Rome, and is still a question mark for Roland Garros.Finally, we cannot forget the heroics of Andrey Rublev, who overcame many an adversity to win his second ATP Masters 1000 title, arguably the greatest of all coming in the final match: a quite debilitating illness, and a healthy and fresh Felix Auger Aliassime, who himself enjoyed a particularly odd way to the final with two mid-match retirements and a withdrawal (Jannik Sinner, no less). While no match of the year, at least the fans were entertained by a good fight in a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 win from Rublev.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vansh and Andre have a chat about their thoughts on the current clay season progress. Notably, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud have reached the Monte Carlo and Barcelona finals back to back, with the Greek winning Monte Carlo and the Norwegian taking the Barcelona crown for his biggest title to date. On the women's side, Elena Rybakina fought hard to win the Stuttgart indoor clay title, with a win over two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in what was possibly the best match of the week.With Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawals due to injury, Novak Djokovic's current lack of proper form (and a title in 2024,) ths ATP side of things is looking rather intriguing ahead of Madrid, and, most of all, Rome, as it is the closest in conditions to Roland Garros. Who will emerge as the top contender? Can Rafael Nadal find yet another title on the Parisian clay?And though Iga Swiatek lost, it's still the same: Rome will define who is truly in the best form for the French Open - although so far we feel pretty confident in the 3-time Roland Garros champion to win the title. That is, if one of Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff don't step up to dethrone the World Number 1, or even a rising star in potentially Marta Kostyuk and a finally stable Emma Raducanu.We also have a quick look back into the achievements and career of Garbine Muguruza, who just announced her retirement from professional tennis in a press conference this past week. Happy retirement!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationDownload the TennisONE APP for scores, stats, news, videos, player content, fan contests, and more https://t1.app.link/VanshOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bit of tennis fatigue and other personal stuff had us MIA for a while. But we're back, and just in time for the Clay Season!Looking back at the Sunshine Double results, including the Iga Swiatek - Carlos Alcaraz double, Maria Sakkari's and Daniil Medvedev's great runs to the finals in Indian Wells, and of course, the players of the moment and Miami champions: Danielle Collins and Jannik Sinner. With one just starting the best of his career and the other bidding farewell with a dream season, the contrast in their careers right now is just a sign that anything can happen in tennis.We also have a nice little chat with Vansh, as he talks about his experience covering tournaments on-site for the TennisOne app! Download below :)Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationDownload the TennisONE APP for scores, stats, news, videos, player content, fan contests, and more https://t1.app.link/VanshOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Naomi Osaka reached the quarterfinals at the Qatar WTA 1000 event, winning her first match over a top 30 opponent in Caroline Garcia, also avenging the Australian Open loss. She also won back-to-back matches for the first time since Miami 2022.While her tennis truly has seen great improvement from Brisbane, and the rust is starting to fall off, what really is great to see in Osaka right now is that she seems to be enjoying the game - a great contrast from when she was suffering with depression back in 2021 and 2022. Then, she wanted to be anywhere but in front of a crowd and on a court. Now, she seems to truly be enjoying it.But can Naomi Osaka win a big title in 2024? Can she break into the Top 30? Who knows. What truly matters, though, is that she continues to enjoy her time on court. Then, the sky is the limit.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Netflix's Break Point cost millions, took months to be completed, several of the most talented people in the industry, and still can't hold a candle to the ATP Season, a comedic 5-minute parody of what the tennis season is like. Players pretending that everything we see is fake, and some of the best acting from your favourite players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Gael Monfils. What is missing to the multi-million dollar production by the entertainment giant? What did Netflix miss? For starters, we think that they should get rid of the F1: Drive to Survive thinking and find their own mission statement.We also talk about the most controversial coach in modern tennis, Patrick Mouratoglou. Who is he really? A great coach? A PR genius with a way to make people talk about himself? A... clown? We don't quite believe in this last option, but the true merits of Mouratoglou as an elite tennis coach are a good topic to be explored - one that might bring about an entire episode of its own.Touching briefly on some of the WTA matches this week, Andre recommended the Abu Dhabi semifinals, but obviously these are over by now. So if you can, go watch a replay of Rybakina vs Samsonova and Haddad Maia vs Kasatkina! Both of these were amazing. And don't forget to catch the final on Sunday!Finally, we ended up having to chat about Saudi Arabia's involvement in tennis. What to expect? What to do as fans? How can we still enjoy good tennis, and at the same time keep in mind that Saudi Arabia is far from being a role-model of a country, being a quite brutal dictatorship with many shortcomings when it comes to human rights? Ultimately, though, money talks for the big players.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in this captivating episode as tennis historian, writer, and hall-of-famer Steve Flink returns to dissect the thrilling moments of the Australian Open men's tournament. In an insightful conversation with our host Vansh, they delve into the triumphs and tribulations of the players who left their mark on the iconic tournament.The spotlight is on the phenomenal ascent of Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, who emerged victorious in a historic showdown against the formidable Novak Djokovic. The 10-time Australian Open champion faced his first-ever defeat in the semi-finals, leaving fans in awe of Sinner's prowess and determination as he valiantly came back from a two-sets-to-love deficit against Daniil Medvedev to win his maiden Grand Slam title. Djokovic's shocking performance also left Flink and Vansh intrigued, wondering if this will affect the rest of the season for the Serbian.Flink and Vansh navigate the twists and turns of Daniil Medvedev's journey, exploring his resurgence and reaching the final for the third time in Australia. The duo revisits Medvedev's past challenges, including a heartbreaking loss to Rafael Nadal at this same stage in 2022, and examines the improvements that have transformed him into a more promising and formidable player. From adjustments in his net game to strategic shifts in his return position, could Medvedev's evolution bring him back to being one of the most dangerous players on tour?As the episode unfolds, the hosts speculate on the future prospects of Sinner and Medvedev, pondering whether they will secure victories in the remaining Grand Slam events of 2024. The burning question lingers: Can either of them rise to the pinnacle and claim the coveted World No. 1 ranking?Tune in for a riveting discussion filled with expert analysis, tennis insights, and a glimpse into the potential future of these tennis titans. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the world of tennis.

A deeper dive into the happenings of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, as it came to an end this Sunday, January 28!Owen makes a case for Aryna Sabalenka to be the true best player in the world. What are her weaknesses? If not for her own on-court frustrations and nerves kicking in, there are no real vulnerabilities to exploit in her game, no matter on which surface.The WTA's current Top 3 plus Elena Rybakina also seems consolidated and increasingly distancing themselves from the rest of the pack. Is a new domination era starting? How many Grand Slam titles will Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina win in the next 5-10 years? Exciting battles look very possible on the horizon.And we did not forget Qinwen Zheng, who finished runner-up at the Australian Open. How far does her potential go? Which areas can she improve on her game? After a hard fought final, though ending in a straight forward loss, Zheng now enters the Top 10, and has much material to look into as she seeks to follow on the footsteps of fellow Chinese player Li Na, the 2014 Australian Open champion. On the ATP side, more questions than answers. How high is Janni Sinner's ceiling? Is the World No.1 ranking in the cards for this year? Another major title? And what about Medvedev - now that he is happy and motivated, can he finally add another Grand Slam title to his trophy room? It will depend on how well he can implement the changes he needs in his game, and how long he can sustain his best level, though another 2-0 lead is blown at the Australian Open. Looking into Novak Djokovic, we were left puzzled by his performance. Although, while we do not consider his decline to be so sudden as to cause his level to drop so much in just two days, it seems something was not quite right. And he sure needed a much higher level to beat Sinner.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andre takes a quick look into Aryna Sabalenka's dominant performance in the Australian Open final, defeating China's Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-2. Though Zheng showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn't to be for the Chinese rising star's first Grand Slam final, as she went up against a decisive, confident, and powerful Sabalenka, who looks well and truly like a player who wants to be the World No.1 again.Plus: Rohan Boppana's inspiring ascent to the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in his career at 43 years old, also winning his first men's doubles major title, teaming up with Australia's Matthew Ebden! And a major run by Netherlands para-athlete Diede de Groot, who is now on a 14-title winning streak in Grand Slams, with three calendar Grand Slams won during the run - and a strong possibility of a fourth one on the way!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationOwen's The Golden Rivalry: follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Listen to our predictions at the Murray Musings Podcast!Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The greatest men's rivalry in the history of tennis? The most physical in the sport overall? Andre interviews co-host Owen about his recent project, a book about the Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Rivalry, appropriately called "The Golden Rivalry."They discuss motivation for writing the book, the challenges of putting it together, and several tangents about the great Novak Djokovic H2H Rafael Nadal matchup: what was their best match? Why is it so great? Is it really superior to the Federer vs Nadal rivalry? Contrary to popular belief, not all their matches are all that impressive. But which was the worst? And maybe the most important question of the rivalry: which match was most significant for their careers and the history of tennis overall?Follow along as they praise the two giants of the game and chat about Owen's exciting project, and follow all chapters as they are released on substack!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vansh brings on returning guest and Hall of Famer Steve Flink to dissect the overall ATP Tour landscape as the 2023 comes to an end. We talk a lot about the ATP Finals & what we learned. Where does this season rank for Novak Djokovic in his career? Can Jannik Sinner take his strong 2nd half of the year, with the Davis Cup triumph, into 2024 and win a major? What do we make of Carlos Alcaraz since Wimbledon & Daniil Medvedev vs his best rivals? What about the rest of the players outside the top 4? So much covered in great detail!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jannik Sinner went from triple match point down to beating Novak Djokovic twice in the same day and leading Italy to it's first Davis Cup title since 1976. Not things you achieve everyday! After a supreme change in dynamics after reaching his first Grand Slam Semi-final at Wimbledon, Sinner went on to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Canada, and backed it up with a tremendous fall season, winning titles in Beijing and Vienna and reaching the final at the ATP Finals in Turin, in front of his home fans. Now ranked World No. 4, Jannik Sinner got two wins in three matches against the legendary Novak Djokovic, who finished the year as the World No. 1 for a record-breaking 8th year, and won three of the four Grand Slam titles of 2023. While glory at the ATP Finals was denied by the Serb, Sinner did not throw away his opportunity to make his country proud, lifting the Davis Cup trophy with his teammates, playing alongside Matteo Arnaldi, Lorenzo Sonego, Lorenzo Musetti, and cheered on by former Top 10 Matteo Berrettini on the team bench. What a year for Italy!Ben Lewis joins Andre in this week's podcast to talk about Canada's unlucky week at the Davis Cup, point out the silver lining of Milos Raonic's return to the team. With a tough loss in the quarter-finals to Finland, Team Canada goes back to the qualifying stage of the Davis Cup.Ben and Andre chat about this year's shortcomings, pointing that Gabriel Diallo's match was the coin toss, but he could not produce the tennis he managed during the group stage and that allowed him to win his second title on the challenger tour in the fall. To top the less than ideal week, Vasek Pospisil's woes were back, as he could not shake off what appeared to be a shoulder injury, and Canada bowed out 2-1 to Finland, as Felix Auger-Aliassime was unfit to play, with a lower-body injury. What will then be of the Canadians in 2024? Can Felix Auger-Aliassime get back into the Top 10? How far will Milos Raonic go before he calls it a career? Can the big-serving Canadian win another title (maybe the last edition of the Hall of Fame Open in Newport on grass?) And what awaits Denis Shapovalov, who decided to call it a season after a tough Round of 16 loss to Roman Safiullin at Wimbledon? Let us know what you think!Follow Ben Lewis!Twitter: @BenLewisMPCSubstack Match Point Canada: @MatchPointCanSUBSCRIBE TO TENNIS AND BAGELS ON YOUTUBE!Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crina Mustafa, basketball and tennis content creator, comes over to Tennis and Bagels Podcast to chat (and cheer) with Andre about Canada's history-making moment with the Billie Jean King Cup title in Seville.Leylah Annie Fernandez, the 21-year-old dynamo who's been making waves since her epic run to the 2021 US Open final, took on the role of leader of the Canadian team despite her young age, and did not disappoint. She went undefeated in 2023 in Billie Jean King Cup competition in both singles and double combined, making it a total of 8-0 for the year. After tough matches and near-misses, Fernandez fended off Ysaline Bonaventure in the Vancouver qualifiers in April after being a set and a break down to send Canada to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals stage. There, her way was no simpler, having to go down the trenches against Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in a three-hour, two-tiebreak battle, then getting her first top 10 win against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova of Czechia in three sets in the semi-finals. Against Italy, the title was sealed with a straight-forward win over Jasmine Paolini.Another young star seems to be being born in Canadian tennis, as Marina Stakusic left her mark in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The 18-year-old, who has done incredibly well in the ITF World Tennis Tour, coming off of a win at the Tevlin Challenger in Toronto, lost only one match the whole week, going down against former Roland Garros champion and former World No. 2 in two sets, but winning every other match against players much higher ranked than her. Her incredible performance gave Canada the courage and belief necessary to go all the way, as Stakusic also went relatively untroubled against former Roland Garros semifinalist Martina Trevisan in the first singles against Italy.Rounding up the team, US Open women's doubles champion Gaby Dabrowski partnered up with Fernandez in the critical match against Czechia to defeat multiple Grand Slam champions Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova to send Canada to the final.Rebecca Marino and Genie Bouchard also left their hearts on the court, with Bouchard taking on to the court in doubles.At the end of it all, Heidi El Tabakh also got her much awaited and deserved triumph with Team Canada as the team captain. The cheerful, but calm and focused captain's actions and critical decision making led Canada to be at its optimal state to finally lift the coveted trophy for the first time in the competition's history.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Crina Mustafa!Twitter: @crinammFollow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lot was on the line for Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals in Cancun. A win would bring her her second-biggest title of the year (behind all four majors), and her first at the year-end WTA tournament featuring the Top 8 performing players in the world in 2023. And last but not least: if all things aligned, she would also become the World No.1, overtaking Aryna Sabalenka and making sure she would finish her second consecutive year as the World No.1And Iga Siwatek did all that - in style. Under the hurricane-like conditions in Cancun, Swiatek took down every opponent in straight sets, and left the best for last: losing a total of six games in the semi-finals and final combined, she put her destiny in her hands when she beat Aryna Sabalenka in the semis, and completely dominated Jessica Pegula in windy conditions in the final for a final bakery shop demonstration of the year, winning 6-1, 6-0. What will 2024 be like for the generational talent from Poland?Andre and Vansh also chat about the incredible week in Paris on the ATP side, which saw Novak Djokovic lift and ATP Masters 1000 for the 40th time. Needless to say, a record, which he has been competing against himself in for a number of months now. Overcoming physical difficulties which prevented the legendary Serb from playing his best tennis, Djokovic still did what he does better than anyone in history: winning from any position. Clutch in decisive moments, patient in neutral ones. making sure no match ever went fully out of his control. Taking on inspiring performances from Tallon Griekspoor and Andrey Rublev, and closing the door on an impressive and uplifting week from Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the World No. 1 extended his records in Paris, in ATP wins, number of big titles, and is now only one win away from securing a hardly-comprehensible 400th week as the World No. 1. As a 36-year-old. We are running out of superlatives, or any descriptive words for that matter. for Novak Djokovic.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andre and Owen talk WTA match-ups and how the many permutations can greatly affect results at the WTA Finals in Cancun. Will Aryna Sabalenka continue to establish herself as No.1? Can Elena Rybakina prove herself as a fighter on top of being one of the best servers in today's women's tennis? Will Iga Swiatek be able to re-establish herself with her first WTA Finals title? Plus all the other great players who are looking to end the season on top after extremely tight competition all year. Coco Gauff will look to keep the momentum going after her US Open victory and prove it was not just a dream run; Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova, the Wimbledon finalist and champion, will look to find good form again and keep themselves close to the top 4. Jessica Pegula will try to lift her game and show that she's more than just a consistent player. And closing the field, Maria Sakkari will try her best to show she belongs among the WTA tennis elite with a strong performance, after coming in as an alternate with the withdrawal of Karolina Muchova due to injury.On the ATP Tour side, a couple more weeks are still left until all is said and done for 2023. But one of the most improved players of the year, Jannik Sinner, is looking very sharp and ever-so dangerous after his second consecutive win over Daniil Medvedev in the Vienna final. An extremely physical battle, where Sinner showed his improved physical endurance as well as patience to outplay one of the fittest players on tour, and one of the best defenders to step on a hard court in Daniil Medvedev. One thing is still left for Jannik: to prove himself in the Grand Slams and maybe even get a win over all-time great Novak Djokovic.Lastly, Andre gives a shoutout to compatriot Félix Auger-Aliassime for his inspiring run to his title defense in Basel (with some unbelievable serve stats on his side.)Let Paris-Bercy give us its best!Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all four Grand Slam tournaments behind us, there's only two things in mind for the top tennis players in the ATP and the WTA: the Year-End Finals and the World No.1 ranking.Important tournaments took place this past couple of weeks, with two WTA 1000 (Guadalajara and Beijing) and one ATP Masters 1000 (Shanghai). Iga Swiatek added much important points by winning the Beijing title, and keep herself in hot pursuit to take back the World No.1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka and finish the year in the top spot for the second consecutive season. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is going to have to work a lot harder, trailing 2023 three-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and going into one of the toughest parts of the season for the Spaniard in the indoor hard-courts in Europe - but never count Carlitos out, and Paris is still around the corner.Some other mentions on the WTA Elite Trophy, it's logistical difficulties and appeal, a potential WTA Next Gen, and this week's winners: Hubert Hurkacz taking his second ATP Masters 1000 title in Shanghai, Qinwen Zhang winning her biggest title at home in Zhengzhou, Jessica Pegula's emotional title in Seoul, and Leylah Annie Fernandez's first title in 19 months in Hong Kong after a difficult season.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grand Slam season is over. Steve Flink, tennis writer and hall-of-famer comes back to chat with Vansh about the US Open men's tournament, which saw virtually undisputed GOAT Novak Djokovic win his 24th Grand Slam title, an Open Era record and All-Time tie with controversial Margaret Court. They talk about how the draw played out, difficulties for Novak Djokovic, who managed to win only for the fourth time at the US Open despite making 10 finals. Daniil Medvedev sneaked through his side of the draw without much talk about him until the epic semi-final against defending champion and then World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, denying a second consecutive Grand Slam final showdown between the Spaniard and Novak Djokovic after their Wimbledon epic. Flink and Vansh also go into detail about the matches, including the final, how Medvedev could have played better, and how Djokovic proved his dominance even at 36 years old.Talk to us on social media :)Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter @TennisAndBAGELSAndre Rolemberg @RolembergAndreVansh Vermani @vanshv2kOwen Lewis @tennisnationCheck out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: @Popcorn_Tennis1Website: popcorntennis.comSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/tennis-and-bagels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.