S2 Ep13: King Pong

The news that Jay Clarke has won his first round match at Wimbledon and will now face the one and only Roger Federer in the second round has Ceri and Garry jumping with joy. Seasoned journo Garry is the man on the scene and paints the day for Jay and all that it entails. He talks to fans, friends and family and takes his place in the players box. Soak up the atmosphere of a warm summer day at the hallowed home of tennis and live each moment as Dropshot is drawn to a conclusion that none of us could ever have expected.    Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke and Roger Federer.

It’s Ceri’s last day at Eastbourne and there’s still so much to do! All week he has been keen to get a one-to-one interview with Aryna Sabalenka, one of the most exciting players on the circuit. But time is running out and will he manage to be granted this last big wish? One of his last tasks is to sit through the live Wimbledon draw with good friend, Ros Satar from Britwatch Sports. Who will Paul Jubb or Jay Clarke end up facing? The excitement is palpable and no one could have expected the draw that would reveal itself. Taylor Fritz proves to be a good talker on a walkabout with Ceri.   Featured in this episode: Dan Evans, Kiki Bertens, Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Katerina Pliskova, Sam Querrey, Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka.

At the business end of the week one can discern that the top players are fine-tuning their grass-court game for the imminent arrival of Wimbledon. But the competition is fierce and all want to win the top prize here at Eastbourne. Ceri talks with Ubitennis journalist, Michael Stafford-Jones about the wonder of the pre-Wimbledon tournaments and he gives a good tip as to how to make certain of getting a ticket for the show courts at Wimbledon on the early days. Ceri then has a walk and talk with one of the tallest players on the tour, the charming Sam Querrey. It’s a work out for Ceri’s legs and arms to keep up with him!   Featured in this episode: Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Angie Kerber, Kiki Bertens, Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans and Sam Querrey.

Ceri has his work cut out trying to be everywhere at once as there is a never-ending stream of top players to talk to. Plus Kiki Bertens provides a tried and trusted method to pass the time away from the tennis court. The day hurries by as the crowds soak up the sun and enjoy the quality tennis on display. Ceri is keen to make up for the lost time with Kyle Edmund after his removal the other day from the round table with him and seeks to get some one to one time with the British player. Will he be successful in his search? Oh, the jeopardy! Featured in this episode: Angie Kerber, Karolina Pliskova, Ons Jabeur, Simona Halep, Kiki Bertens, Aryna Sabalenka, Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund.

Ceri breaks down two press conferences with Andy Murray and Jo Konta and looks at how they are treated by the press. Why does so much get left unreported when the players say so much and give so much of themselves? Ceri also whiles away the time chatting to the charming and softly-spoken Hubert Hurcacz, a friend of the show from series 1. Ceri arranges a sit-down with Cam Norrie and takes part in an entertaining talk as they swap musical notes and both men discover their love of Bonobo. If you don’t know them then go and find out!   Featured in this episode: Andy Murray, Jo Konta, Hubert Hurcacz, Dan Evans and Cam Norrie.

Garry joins Ceri in Eastbourne but only after Ceri gets thrown out of a round table press conference with Kyle Edmund for upsetting the sensibilities of several journalists, concerned about the new interloper on the press block stealing their thunder. You couldn’t make this stuff up! Like true pros our dynamic duo get on with the task at hand and Garry gets to sit down with American coach, Paul Annacone and Taylor Fritz joins them. Meanwhile Ceri gets back on the horse and takes part in Paul Jubb’s very first large-scale press conference.     Featured in this episode: Kiki Bertens, Taylor Fritz and Paul Jubb.

It’s time to pack the bucket and spade, dig out the sun cream and head for the seaside and the last event before Wimbledon, the Eastbourne International. For many of the players this is the last time to get some time on grass and the mood is changing. As summer evolves the intensity grows. Ceri spends time with the engaging Elise Mertens, and Ash Barty talks about being the current No 1 and Ceri discovers what it takes to become a world number 1 from a host of previous holders of the top spot.    Featured in this episode: Jo Konta, Elise Mertens, Simona Halep, Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki.

This episode sees Venus Williams sharing her thoughts on playing at Edgbaston for the very first time and Ceri gets a sit-down with Jennifer Brady, who shares her thoughts on coming through the college system and changing her mental approach to become a better player. After that the press room is treated to a meeting with Jo Konta and her beautiful blue miniature dachshund, Bono. Let’s face it even in a podcast he steals the show!   Featured in this episode: Venus Williams, Jennifer Brady and Jo Konta (and Bono)

Ceri catches up with old friend Ros Satar from Britwatch Sports and she shares her thoughts on the wonderful world of tennis. They also talk through a couple of wonderful surprises such as Venus Williams, on her first appearance at Edgbaston, pairing up with Harriet Dart for the doubles and the rare occurrence of the Pliskova twins playing against each other in a tournament. Who would win the present that has to be bought by the loser? All will be revealed in this particular family drama.   Featured in this episode: Venus Williams, Katy Dunne, Jack Draper, Paul Jubb, Harriet Dart, Krystina Pliskova and Karolina Pliskova

Garry is at Queen’s Club waiting for the rain to stop so he can watch Jay Clarke in action. We follow Garry’s day and his search for the Player’s Lounge. Once found he unwisely takes on the king of table tennis, none other than Mr. Curt Clarke. Finally, the rain clears, and play is resumed.   Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke