Episode 116: Very Demure, Very Dopey

Doping drama has overtaken the tennis world, just in time for the best and most chaotic Grand Slam of the year – the US Open. We unpack Jannik Sinner's drug test scandal and explain why we stand by his appeal and explanation, in addition to the exciting tennis awaiting us in the Big Apple. From scenes at US Open fan week visit to our picks to win (Aryna, we're looking at you), tune in to our annual US Open preview episode.

The Olympics did not disappoint, and we’re here to tell you how and why. This week we are covering everything from Andy Murray’s final points to Coco’s flag-bearing prowess to Rafael Nadal’s baby being the cutest ever…and of course the medalists, as well. Tune in for a full rundown of everything that went down this past week in Paris and special coverage of a certain mixed doubles partnership reconciliation.

Soccer wasn’t the only championship played on grass this weekend! From Carlos’ clean victory over Nole to Barb’s impressive and emotional tribute to her late mentor, we’re back from our (not so) brief hiatus to celebrate another memorable Wimbledon. Tune in to enjoy some tennis and laughs as you get ready to impress the lunchtime conversation with your athletic acumen.

This week the Hold On to Your Racket duo is talking the ATP Finals in Turin. We break down both groups, Red and Green, from Jannik Sinner’s steady rise and Daniil Medvedev’s incognito success this season to Novak's continued historic glory and Rune's fresh appearance. Before we break down the year-ending men’s tournament, however, HOTYR discusses Hot Headlines. This includes Turin contestant Alexander Zverev’s recent court-issued fine in response to the abuse of his ex-girlfriend, a farewell to golden Aussie John Millman from the tour, and a lighthearted quip about the sport’s sexiest men, as appointed by People Magazine. Tune in to Episode 113 for the latest news and a preview of the 2023 ATP Finals.

Hold On to Your Racket is back! …And with an exciting WTA Finals preview. Set in Cancun, this exciting event celebrates an entire season of phenomenal women’s tennis. We cover everything from the controversy over the tournament’s stadium construction to breaking down each participant’s 2023 season. Tune in for a glittering in-depth preview!

After yet another hiatus, HOTYR has an episode for you… and jeez was it a good time to make one. So… NAOMI OSAKA IS HAVING A BABY?? Yes, so just by that you should tune in to this episode and hear our thoughts on her bun in the oven, as well as her newfound drive for tennis. In addition to that massive piece of news, we are counting down the days until the release of Break Point, Netflix’s tennis docuseries. January 13! Save the date! P.S. We have some BTS content of the Netflix series from Morgan Riddle’s episode with us (Ep. 93). Also, watch Morgan’s vlogs on Youtube – so insightful and entertaining, true inside look into the tennis world. We close out the episode with regularly scheduled Tennis Talk, discussing last week’s AO warm up tournament results (Sebi with the final!) and who to look out for going into the Australian Open from Taylor Fritz to Aryna Sabalenka (yes, you heard that right). Tune in for some insight and a great start to the new year. Happy 2023!

It has been way too long!! Do not worry, the Hotties are back with some WTA Final action and Hot Headline catch-up. We just took an intermission to settle into our very demanding academic lives, but we promise the podcast is not going anywhere. Very eager to get back into the groove, we start by discussing some Halep drama regarding her not being aware of taking an illegal enhancing substance (??), then the three babies born to former #1 players, and the other baby born in October belonging to Gael and Elena…very, very busy season. Then we jump straight into Tennis Talk with the tournaments we’ve missed: Iga avenging her loss to the dreaded Barbie K. in San Diego and FELIX ABSOLUTELY KILLING IT with three consecutive titles. All that’s left for us is waiting for Paris Masters and enjoying some Fort Worth magic. Tune in for a revival like no other!

There has only been one headline on everyone’s minds this week. Roger. Federer’s. Retirement. As GenZ’ers, Roger’s career has meant something different to us, but he has had an undeniable cross-generation impact on tennis. In this episode of Hold On to Your Racket, we’re paying homage to not only an absolute legend, but the era of tennis he and Serena are taking with them. There’s no saying what’ll be in the future, but one thing is for sure: Josefina is still very much in denial about this ordeal. This one’s for the history books, so tune in and enjoy our emotional babbling.

It’s a magical weekend at the US Open as we’ve got two exciting finals upon us. We discuss what to expect with Carlos’ electrifying game, Iga’s continued dominance, Casper’s solid play and admirable humility, and Ons’ impressive consistency on the big stage. With a new era of ATP tennis peaking through and 2022's top two in form WTA players facing off in the last grand slam of the year, the US Open once again does not disappoint! Be sure to also tune in for Hot Headlines, where we bid a final farewell to Serena and discuss Fiona Ferro’s brave words about being sexually assaulted by her former coach. Last few nights of tennis in the Big Apple; show us what you got.

HOTYR’s favorite slam is finally here and we couldn’t be more excited. My dear co-host, Josefina, is away on a well deserved vacation this week so instead I, Shravya, am joined by a HOTYR local, dear friend and loyal Nolefam member Miller. We begin our lively conversation with a rundown of some of the latest headlines, namely Djokovic confirming his absence from the US Open (a tough pill to swallow for my crocfam guest cohost) and Victoria Azarenka being booted from the Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition. As is HOTYR tradition, Tennis Talk this episode is dedicated to unpacking the men's and women's singles US Open draws; Daniil and Emma’s title defense, pressure on Iga and Carlos, and exciting potential for the likes of Pegula, Coric, Fritz, Garcia, and more are all topics we discuss in this segment. And of course, fingers crossed for a promising Serena run; it’s the GOAT’s last dance.