Novak gets busy in Brissy, UC finals preview, Swiatek the Swiftie

Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open comeback has come to a halt at the hands of Jacob Fearnley, while Chris O’Connell has gone agonisingly close to beating Tommy Paul. It was an otherwise promising day for the home contingent with nine Australians progressing to the second round. Novak Djokovic has passed an early test against Nishesh Basavareddy to begin his tilt at an 11th Australian Open title. World No.1 Jannik Sinner has withstood a challenge from Nicolas Jarry to progress, as did women's fancy Coco Gauff, but seeds Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jelena Ostapenko have fallen at the first hurdle — Chanda Rubin and Simon Rea analyse what went wrong for the two biggest seeds to fall so far, and preview the Day 3 clash between Alex de Minaur and Botic Van de Zandschulp Plus, Ursin Caderas gets to know a different side of the men’s defending champion. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aryna Sabalenka has returned to the scene of her two previous AO titles with a statement win over Sloane Stephens, while Alex Zverev has blasted Lucas Pouille off the court on an electric first night of Australian Open 2025. No such luck for the Aussies, with Daria Saville, Adam Walton, Li Tu and Omar Jasika failing to progress beyond the first round. Casper Ruud has dodged a bullet from Jaume Munar who pushed the No.6 seed to five sets, while Kei Nishikori survived two match points against Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro to advance – experts Mark Hlawaty and Simon Rea join the show to analyse how both players managed to turn around their fortunes. Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva was the first player through to the second round among other Day 1 winners including Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa, Donna Vekic, Ugo Umbert, Arthur Fils and Tomas Machac. Plus, we preview Jannik Sinner’s clash with Nicolas Jarry on Day 2 as well as Naomi Osaka and Caroline Garcia’s 2024 rematch. And producer Ursin Caderas takes a ride in the KIA player car with Aryna Sabalenka. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The singles draws are locked and loaded, with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic on track for a quarterfinal showdown, while Coco Gauff has been delivered a tricky quarter containing unseeded AO champions Sofia Kenin and Naomi Osaka — commentator Nick McCarvel and GIG analyst Levi Huddleston join Jon and Brie to preview the women’s and men’s singles championships and reveal the GIG championship predictions. Zheng Qinwen is the beneficiary of a favourable draw — the 2024 finalist sits down with Jon to discuss how she plans to go one step further this year. Plus, Andrea Petkovic and Craig Tiley join Jon and Brie on the AO Live Stage at Grand Slam Oval to reveal the top 10 young stars to watch at AO 2025. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has made a bright start to his Brisbane campaign, lining up a 20th meeting with Gael Monfils to whom he’s never lost. Aryna Sabalenka remains the hot favourite for the women’s title following the eliminations of Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko from her quarter — AusOpen.com's Dan Imhoff joins Jon, Brie and Luke Saville to recap all the big news from an entertaining first week of competition including the show-stopping Djokovic-Kyrgios doubles pairing and the golden run of local favourite Kim Birrell. USA and Kazakhstan are the first two teams through to the United Cup semifinals, with the winners of Poland v Great Britain and Italy v Czechia to join them in the last four — Mark Petchey and Andrea Petkovic help preview the business end of the competition. Plus, Team Poland No.1 Iga Swiatek sits down with Pippa Horn to discuss everything from tennis to her undying love for Taylor Swift. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sit-Down is the latest podcast from AO Originals. Each week, you’ll hear a candid conversation with a notable tennis identity, delving into their achievements, challenges, and career-defining moments. From Grand Slam champions to coaches and tennis insiders, we go beyond forehands and backhands to learn more about some of the sport’s most interesting people. Whether you're a tennis nerd, a passionate fan, or you’re just discovering the sport, The Sit-Down has something for everyone. Check out the latest episode today! iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.