The Sit-Down with Paul McNamee (Part 2)

We’re back with a new season and a new name! Grand Slam champions Sam Stosur and Todd Woodbridge join Jon Hoevenaars and Brie Stewart to preview the season and reveal their break-out player predictions (Mirra Andreeva, Holger Rune, Flavio Cobolli and Joao Fonseca), their dream Australian Open final match-ups (Aryna Sabalenka v Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner v Carlos Alcaraz, Gauff v Iga Swiatek, and Nick Kyrgios v Carlos Alcaraz), and what they'd like to see more of in 2025. Vic Rudnikov checks in with USA No.1 Gauff about teaming up with Olympic mixed doubles partner Taylor Fritz for the United Cup, while tournament director Stephen Farrow joins us from Perth on the eve of the group stage. Plus, Brie reveals her “contentious” top 5 Christmas songs, with something for (nearly) everyone…AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From qualifying to an equal-best Grand Slam performance, Sumit Nagal provided a feel-good story of Australian Open 2024. His broader journey to become India’s top-ranked singles player is equally compelling, with Nagal transitioning to tennis from his first sporting love of cricket. The 27-year-old joins Viv and Matt from Mumbai to discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and inspirational figures who have shaped his career – and why he can’t wait to combine his sporting passions in his highly anticipated return to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our final episode of the season, Jon, Brie, Pratty and Pete reveal their choices for most eye-catching player, most surprising Grand Slam result, favourite tennis moment, and rising star of season 2024. Matteo Arnaldi is the first international player to arrive for the Australian Summer of Tennis — the Italian young gun joins the show to discuss his ‘honorary Australian’ status after recently buying a home in Melbourne with his girlfriend Mia Savio. Plus we discuss the wildcards for AO 2025 and unveil the charity match schedule for Opening Week, featuring the likes of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin and Zheng Qinwen. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American youngster Alex Michelsen sits at a career-high world No.41 as he heads to Jeddah to compete in the Next Gen ATP Finals. The 20-year-old recently sat down with Viv and Matt during a rare break at home in California to discuss his meteoric rise. Michelsen began season 2024 ranked 97th and soared thanks to reaching two ATP finals — Newport and Winston-Salem — and winning more than 30 singles matches, including against top-10 opponent Alex de Minaur in Los Cabos. Michelsen, now coached by 2005 US Open semifinalist Robby Ginepri, attributes his vast improvement to strengthening his varied game and taking advantage of his 6’4” frame. He hopes to finish the year strong at the Next Gen event (as the No.2 seed) before turning his attention to the Australian Summer of Tennis. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify  Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian tennis has lost one of its most celebrated champions, Neale Fraser. Known for his unmatched left-handed serve, unwavering sportsmanship, and remarkable achievements on and off the court, 'Frase' left an indelible mark on the sport. A dominant force in the 1950s and early 1960s, he won 19 Grand Slam titles—including the US triple crown twice—captained Australia's Davis Cup team to four historic victories, and remained a steadfast ambassador for tennis throughout the latter years of his life. Four of his protégés John Fitzgerald, John Newcombe, Darren Cahill and Todd Woodbridge reflect on Fraser's influence on their lives and on the sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex de Minaur and Matt Ebden have capped career-best seasons by taking home the Newcombe Medal at the 2024 Australian Tennis Awards, while Darren Cahill has been recognised for his ongoing work with world No.1 Jannik Sinner with the award for Coaching Excellence – Performance. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley and Storm Hunter share their highlights of the evening and preview the upcoming Australian Summer of Tennis. Victoria Rudnikov hits the Blue Carpet to quiz the stars about the first thing they do when they get home from an overseas trip, with which other player they would like to trade places for a day, and what they want more of in 2025. Plus, Daria and Luke Saville join the show to reflect on 2024 and share some big news for next season! AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Viv and Matt sat down with Paul McNamee in April, the conversation naturally shifted to his time as tournament director of the Australian Open. McNamee held the role from 1995 till 2006, a period of extraordinary growth for the tournament. During this time, the AO's status rose to match the other Grand Slams, its brand identity was refreshed, and it attracted new audiences. This peaked during AO 2005, the tournament's centenary year, with the men's final between Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin attracting some of the biggest domestic TV numbers in ratings history. With Australian Open 2025 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to relive McNamee’s memories of his time in charge. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify  Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iga Swiatek has returned to the court after completing her mandatory one-month anti-doping ban — Casey Dellacqua discusses the impact on the five-time Grand Slam champion. Novak Djokovic has been unveiled as the star attraction for the Brisbane International, which he hasn’t played since 2009, opening the possibility of a 2022 Wimbledon final rematch with Nick Kyrgios. With just over a month till AO 2025, GIG analysts Simon Rea and Levi Huddleston put forward their best cases for first-time Australian Open title winners: Carlos Alcaraz v Alexander Zverev and Coco Gauff v Emma Navarro. Plus, Brie reveals the top 5 rankings risers inside the top 60 for 2024. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been almost a year since John Millman retired from professional tennis at AO 2024, drawing the curtains on an impressive 15-year playing career. The former world No.33 sits down with Todd Woodbridge to discuss his enjoyment of rediscovering a stable lifestyle and reconnecting with family and friends — two things he seldom experienced during his decade-and-a-half on the tour. Yet the Queenslander also reveals how the rhythm of international travel was baked into his DNA, which he has since countered by keeping himself busy with a return to study. Millman also shares his career highlights, including his famous 2018 win over Roger Federer to reach the US Open last eight, and his pride at representing Australia —particularly his Davis Cup debut against Belgium in 2017 and as Aussie No.1 during the team’s win over Brazil in 2020. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify  Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyAT@toddwoodbridgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has steered Italy to its second successive Davis Cup title in Malaga, ending Australia’s hopes in the semifinals — Aussie Billie Jean King Cup coach Nicole Pratt and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald analyse why the Italians have proved so successful over the past two years. In an announcement that’s shocked the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has unveiled Andy Murray as one of his new coaches for the Australian summer — the team unpacks how Murray can help his rival’s quest for major title 25 at AO 2025. Plus The Sit-Down’s Matt Trollope reveals his top five performers of 2024. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.