Sinner and Sabalenka win historic 'Sunshine Double' + CLAY season predictions!

Clay season is officially underway and we’re back at Tennis Weekly HQ to roundup week one as we start to look forward with Roland Garros on the horizon. This week, we ask ourselves is Jessica Pegula the best player on the WTA Tour currently not named Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka after she defended her Charleston title and speculate on what tips did Iga Swiatek receive from her idol Rafael Nadal as they were spotted linking up on the court in Spain. Joel and Kim also debate the anatomy of a coaching break up with the news that Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was only informed by his agent that Swiatek's new coach Francisco Roig had ditched him for the Polish former World No. 1.On the ATP side, there’s plenty to get stuck into as Tommy Paul grabs his first clay title, rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar making waves with his massive forehand in Marrakech, and we dive into the news that the WTA Tour Finals are set to leave Riyadh after 2026 with Gdansk and Charlotte in the United States on the shortlist. Plus, we announce the winner of our Babolat giveaway and of course take a look ahead to Monte Carlo where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner lead the charge which once again leads us to debate - are we *finally* going to get our first Sincaraz matchup this season??SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunshine Doubles all round! Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they break down a historic sweep from Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka—becoming the first duo since Djokovic and Azarenka to complete the Indian Wells–Miami double in the same season. We dig into Sinner’s ruthless run—three straight Masters titles without dropping a set—and what it means for the World No.1 race and the looming clay swing, with Alcaraz defending big points. On the women’s side, we explore Sabalenka’s relentless consistency, does she actually have any challengers, and whether she can finally turn dominance into Grand Slam glory at Roland Garros. Plus we make our own 2026 clay-court predictions - dark horses, French Open picks, and who claims the men’s World No. 1 spot by grass season - Sinner or Alcaraz? And finally at HQ, we argue over what we think is tougher - the Sunshine Double or a Slam - and tie up a loosed end from last week: Dominic Thiem’s mystery Monday announcement…BABOLAT COMPETITIONBabolat are giving one lucky listener the chance to win their new 9th generation Pure Aero 98 racket and brand new backpack with a combined worth of £340. To enter head to our Instagram page follow @babolatuk as well as @tennisweeklypod and tag a friend in our competition post.Entries close at Midnight on 5th April and competition is UK only. The winner will be announced on our next episode on 6th April and will be notified by Instagram direct message.To purchase the new 9th generation Pure Aero range go to the Babolat website or find your nearest tennis retailer.SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Miami Open has hit the midway stage—and it’s already delivered a wave of shock exits, with Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper and Iga Świątek all crashing out early. We break down Alcaraz’s surprise loss to Sebastian Korda and ask: should there be concern heading into the clay swing? Fresh off a strong Indian Wells run—including a win over Novak Djokovic—Draper’s momentum stalled as his struggles against big servers continued in defeat to Reilly Opelka. Meanwhile, Świątek’s early exit was quickly followed by a split from coach Wim Fissette, despite their Wimbledon Championships success last year. We dive into what went wrong and who could be next. Juan Carlos Ferrero, anyone? Plus, we react to Wimbledon’s introduction of video reviews, debate a potential WTA Next Gen Finals, and look ahead to week two in Miami. Is the Sunshine Double still on for Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka? We think so!SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indian Wells absolutely DELIVERED. In Tennis Paradise, both finals provided thrilling conclusions with Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka lifting their first-ever titles out in the desert after two blockbuster championship matches. Jannik Sinner continued his incredible hard-court dominance with another flawless, no sets dropped run after his triumph at the Paris Masters, defeating a resurgent Daniil Medvedev in a tense final decided by two tie-breaks. The victory makes Sinner the youngest player ever to complete the set of major hard-court titles — a huge milestone in his career. But while Sinner keeps raising the bar, Medvedev’s run back to the Top 10 has us asking: is he currently the best player outside of Sincaraz, and could he be a genuine Grand Slam contender again? And as the wait for a Sincaraz final this season continues, we also dive into the electric Djokovic vs Draper clash — a match we’re already calling a contender for match of the season — and debate whether that controversial hindrance call against Draper vs. Medvedev was really necessary. We’re still divided on it!On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka finally turned the tables on Elena Rybakina in a dramatic final, saving a championship point to snap her recent losing streak against the Kazakh and claim the Indian Wells crown. We discuss the Sabalenka-Rybakina rivalry and whether we think it will be the one to define women’s tour in 2026. Plus, Par for the Court returns and we look ahead to the Miami Open where Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu have dropped out with some bold predictions — Sunshine Double for Sinner and Sabalenka anyone?SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re hitting the halfway mark at Indian Wells in Palm Springs, and there’s already plenty of action to unpack as the tournament heads into a fascinating Round 4. At the top of the bill is a blockbuster first-ever meeting between Jannik Sinner and Brazil’s teenage sensation João Fonseca, who appears to have rediscovered his mojo out in the desert. We’ll also debate whether Learner Tien might be staking a claim as the top American right now after an eye-catching win over Ben Shelton. Elsewhere on the men’s side, Novak Djokovic unveiled a mysterious new sleeve — reportedly using infrared healing technology — while Carlos Alcaraz debuted some fresh kit.On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka are set to face off for the first time since the 2018 US Open in what Sabalenka has jokingly dubbed a potential “fashion show”. Emma Raducanu’s tough loss to Amanda Anisimova in just over fifty minutes also gives us plenty to dig into. And away from the court, there’s no shortage of talking points: eye-watering drink prices at Indian Wells (yes, we’re talking $43 Aperol spritzes), fan frustration over a controversial change to ground-pass ticket policies, and Sabalenka’s spicy claim that she might have even more Grand Slam titles if women played best-of-five sets.Kim on TV Mastermind - BBC iPlayer linkSOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic week on the ATP and WTA tours, with events in the Middle East casting a shadow over the tennis world and leaving players stranded across the region. From Tennis Weekly HQ, Joel, Kim and Chris unpack what it means for the sport (and the schedule) — and ask the bigger question: in the grand scheme of things, does tennis even matter? On court, it’s full steam ahead to Indian Wells as we dive into the men’s and women’s draws, lock in our champion predictions, tip our dark horses (yes, Marin Cilic gets a mention), and boldly flag the early exits — including a certain prediction involving Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari that may age horribly.We also debate Emma Raducanu’s reunion with Mark Petchey — smart reset or a backwards step, as Tim Henman suggests? — and analyse Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise mullet era, because no big tournament is complete without a bold new barnet. Plus, Laureus Awards chatter as Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline the nominations for tennis, but Joao Fonseca’s Breakthrough nod raises eyebrows at HQ. And we round up the week’s champions: Medvedev in Dubai, Cobolli in Acapulco, Bucsa’s double delight in Merida — and yes, Kim’s Mastermind appearance (spoiler alert: her specialist subject was not Rafael Nadal!).SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic week on the ATP and WTA tours, with events in the Middle East casting a shadow over the tennis world and leaving players stranded across the region. From Tennis Weekly HQ, Joel, Kim and Chris unpack what it means for the sport (and the schedule) — and ask the bigger question: in the grand scheme of things, does tennis even matter? On court, it’s full steam ahead to Indian Wells as we dive into the men’s and women’s draws, lock in our champion predictions, tip our dark horses (yes, Marin Cilic gets a mention), and boldly flag the early exits — including a certain prediction involving Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari that may age horribly.We also debate Emma Raducanu’s reunion with Mark Petchey — smart reset or a backwards step, as Tim Henman suggests? — and analyse Carlos Alcaraz’s surprise mullet era, because no big tournament is complete without a bold new barnet. Plus, Laureus Awards chatter as Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka headline the nominations for tennis, but Joao Fonseca’s Breakthrough nod raises eyebrows at HQ. And we round up the week’s champions: Medvedev in Dubai, Cobolli in Acapulco, Bucsa’s double delight in Merida — and yes, Kim’s Mastermind appearance (spoiler alert: her specialist subject was not Rafael Nadal!).SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unbeaten streak rolls on! It’s been another action-packed week across the ATP and WTA Tours, so join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they break down all the biggest stories from around the tennis world. Carlos Alcaraz continues his sensational start to the 2026 season, delivering a ruthless performance in yet another final to extend his undefeated run — leaving us all asking the same question: just how long can he stay unbeaten? And more importantly… is there anyone capable of stopping him?! It was a tougher week for Jannik Sinner, stunned by rising star and Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik. Joel asks whether Mensik could be the man ready to disrupt the emerging Sincaraz dominance — alongside the ever-present Novak Djokovic — at the very top of the men’s game. Elsewhere, there were title celebrations for Tomas Etcheverry in Rio and Sebi Korda at Del Ray Beach.Over on the WTA Tour, Jessica Pegula powered her way to a fourth WTA 1000 title in Dubai, spearheading an impressive American showing in the desert — despite the absence of several big names. We also dive into the growing speculation surrounding Emma Raducanu’s potential sponsorship switch from Nike to Uniqlo, and wonder whether tournaments in Acapulco and Mérida should proceed amid ongoing cartel violence in Mexico. Plus, we look ahead to the week’s action as Jack Draper makes his long-awaited return to the tour in Dubai, while Venus Williams steps back onto court in Austin fresh from receiving a pair of Indian Wells wildcards.SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Shelton saved championship points in a full-throttle all-American showdown against Taylor Fritz in Dallas whilst Alex de Minaur triumphed at the third time of asking in Rotterdam. The trio ask each other whether they are Team Fritz or Team Shelton and is de Minaur the tour’s most consistent player outside Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Elsewhere, we get excited about Jack Pinnington Jones’ breakthrough ATP run, Daniil Medvedev’s latest tirade saying the tennis balls aren’t round (classic!) and rumours of David Nalbandian joining Grigor Dimitrov’s coaching team. Just don’t talk to us about Jack Draper’s new haircut…On the WTA tour it was Karolina Muchova magic in the Middle East! It’s been a captivating week on the ATP and WTA Tours with epic finals, teenage sensations… and dodgy barnets. Join Joel, Kim and Chris at Tennis Weekly HQ as they dig into Doha where Karolina Muchova *finally* ended her seven-year title drought against teenage sensation Victoria Mboko who is now into the Top 10. The gang debate has she stolen the top teen title away from Mirra Andreeva? And can Karolina Muchova make good on her talent and win a Grand Slam title?SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moving on from Melbourne! Back on the circuit and it was a bumper week for British tennis as Jack Draper made his long-awaited return to help Great Britain dominate Norway in the Davis Cup Qualifiers. Chris exclusively spoke to Jack ahead of the tie on his comeback. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu reached her first WTA final since her historic US Open 2021 victory (have we really had to wait that long?!) and Katie Boulter lifted the Ostrava title with Joel wondering if she can reclaim her British No. 1 ranking this season.Elsewhere we discuss Felix Auger-Aliassime putting a shock Australian Open exit behind him to defend his Montpellier crown, Czech rising star Sara Bejlek shocking the field in Abu Dhabi, and look forward to the first WTA 1000 event of the season in Doha where defending champion Amanda Anisimova is already out. Plus, we talk about Jannik Sinner becoming a ticket inspector at the Winter Olympics, debate which tennis players would dominate what snow sports and how comfortable we feel with Serena Williams weight loss advert that aired at the Super Bowl.SOCIALSFollow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, plus email the show [email protected] Tennis Weekly Merch through our Etsy store including limited edition designs by Krippa Design where all proceeds go towards the podcast so we can keep doing what we do!REVIEWS***Please take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It really means a lot to us at HQ and helps make it easier for new listeners to discover us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.