A BANANA FOR EALA

In this episode, Mike freely admits to dropping Alex Eala's name at a Filipino wedding to win people over and Lizzy sees the milky beauty in Morgan Riddle's perfume bottle. Andre Agassi reminds everyone why he is still the tennis world's favourite drunk uncle, Andrey Rublev turns on the charm for his Chinese fans, and André the Giant didn't play tennis, but if he did, I bet he'd be hard to pass at the net. This is Pod Laver Arena, and we hope you like it. Stay fresh. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lizzy is back and falls into line immediately. She and Mike discuss how Andy Murray has sewn up the lucrative shortbread market and reminisce about the time Alex Eala's dad came into the PLA studio just to have a 'sticky beak'. Against all odds, they hit on a winning formula for a new themed Australian Open cocktail, and they trial a bold new segment called Game, Set, Hats! It was actually passable! And you can't ask for anything more than that. Download it and shove it in your ears. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Alexander Zverev lifts high the US Open trophy, our hosts Mike and Sam call him out on a few things like: Why didn't he know he'd won? Why did he give away his gameplan secrets in the presser? And why did someone refer to him as 'Sausage'? They also lament the loss of oversized novelty cheques - remember those?! It's tennis chat, with several code violations. This is Pod Laver Arena. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grand Slam tennis has finally its toll on perennial hardman Mike Goldstein, as he admits that Frances Tiafoe and the US Open have reduced him to a blubbering mess. Today, he's joined by crooner and cocktail aficionado Oliver Clark, who's also on the verge of tears but for very different, very personal reasons. The pair talk about how this year's US Open is capturing hearts with a robust display of on-court play and how it's also raising eyebrows with an equally robust display of drinking and weed-smoking from rowdy but loveable fans. Sports, man! AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Open is underway, but that's nothing compared to the news that... MIKE IS IN THE NOVAK DJOKOVIC 'The Wolf in Winter' DOCUMENTARY (albeit for 3-4 seconds)! Which means he's now an Amazon Prime star, which means he's now in the running to be the next 007, obviously. Also, tennis chat includes but is not limited to subjects such as: gee it's great have Carlos Alcaraz back and to see his nipples, gee it's great to see Aryna Sabalenka getting salty at a journalist, and why oh why is the US Open selling six nuggets for $100 and CAN I HAVE SOME?! AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis tragic Mike and baseline brawler Sam rip into all the news and shocking moments from the tennis-sphere, with erotic results. Is global warming affecting Novak's current fitness? Rather than entering official tournaments, would a nice WhatsApp group chat between players be a better way to schedule matches? Also, we go where no other pod would go: a full analysis of Rafa Jodar's constantly-snapping shoelaces and his pathway to a full Velcro solution. This is what greatness looks like. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis-head Mike is joined by professional agitator, Sam Taunton as they break down Canada, and also break down emotionally. We celebrate Ben Shelton's win, and laud Brandon Nakashima's excellent ability to throw shade on entire cities. We also marvel at Iga Świątek because she just bossed the final in Toronto and called out the haters. We hope to find the courage to do the same one day. Hey, this is our 50th episode! So, if you missed us the first 49 times or just thought we sucked, you should definitely tune in now as we've finally gotten it right! Love you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Sam (now mad with power) delve into what makes great tennis trash talk and how a player apologising after hitting the net cord is dumb. They also chat about actual tennis stuff - which might appeal to you, if you're into that sort of thing. Mike also freely admits that he would play in a match against Alex Eala just for the bump he'd get in Insta followers. What a pathetic man. Anyway, it was Rod Laver's birthday recently and so we sang him a lovely song. He requested something from the Backstreet Boys, so we obliged. Onya Rod! AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Lizzy is off pursuing her dreams or something, Sam Taunton graces us with his presence and sassy mouth. He and Mike get lost in a labyrinth of cornrows, fedoras and tennis adjacent ramblings. We marvel at Alex Eala's recent victory and whet our whistles at the impending triumphant return of Bernie Tomic and some guy named Alcaraz. Oh, and Sam freely admits he violated the terms of his Tennis Australia contract by speaking directly to players (namely: Taylor Fritz) in the corridors after their AO matches. All his wages are henceforth garnished. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last show before Lizzy embarks on a stint at the Edinburgh Fringe, she and Mike share stories of fans in the wild, questionable opinions on Milo and Ibiza, plus plenty of laughs. They break down the latest on-court drama, where a match point is spoiled and then saved, discuss live results from DC,  US Open predictions and wander off on a few hilarious musical tangents along the way. With giant phones replacing novelty cheques and rumours swirling about Matteo Berrettini and Peggy Gou, this episode has it all. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.