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Open Era

434 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

Tennis analysis from beyond the baseline. Hosted by Simon Bushell and Devang Desai, Open Era covers the headlines and oddities from the ATP and WTA. Ranging from the 'Big Three' to Canada’s meteoric rise in the tennis world, Open Era keeps you informed and entertained.

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Episodes

Open Era Gold: The Marvelous Miss Swiatek

March 25, 2024 04:00 - 58 minutes - 80 MB

Iga Swiatek won over 11 thousand ranking points in 2022. That’s the most since Serena Williams in 2003. You know you’re in good company when you’re the “most since Serena.” This week, Devang and Simon look back at a season for the ages. The Polish phenom Iga Swiatek and her record breaking exploits through 2022.  Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server...

Indian Wells: Bees?

March 18, 2024 04:00 - 51 minutes - 70.2 MB

Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek win Indian Wells again. We really need better script writers in tennis sometimes. All joking aside, it was actually a really interesting tournament in Indian Wells. Jannik Sinner finally had his 2024 winning streak snapped and we had a Maria Sakkari sighting! Finally, Devang and Simon turn to Parting Shots and try to answer the question which is on everyone’s lips. Was Kate Middleton in Emma Raducanu’s players box? Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Sod...

Indian Wells: Hello, Halep

March 11, 2024 04:00 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MB

Some big news comes out of Switzerland and California this week. First, Simon and Devang tackle Simon Halep’s immediate return to tennis after the Romanian was ruled ‘not entirely at fault’ for her positive doping test. Elsewhere, the Rafael Nadal comeback at Indian Wells was over before it began, leading to more questions about the Spaniard's future. Plus on Parting Shots, Andy Murray on tour nice guys, Andrey Rublev apologizes and more! Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premi...

Indian Wells: F****** Moron!

March 04, 2024 05:00 - 53 minutes - 74 MB

Some drama just in time for the Sunshine Double. On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang discuss Andrey Rublev’s default and calls for VAR followed by some Ugo Humbert appreciation and the latest news from the tours. In parting shots: we get set for Indian Wells, the Demon doubles up, Andy Murray sees the finish line and we ask how important is March for Rafael Nadal? Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon fami...

Dubai: Rune Part Two

February 26, 2024 05:00 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MB

Iga Swiatek is good at tennis. Shocking we know, but the world number 1 won again at Tour level. We chat about the Pole’s season to date before turning our attention to Jannik Sinner and Jakub Mensik. Wait is that right? Yep, Jakub Mensik. Parting Shots is heavy this week. Strap in for discussion on Gaza, Ukraine, and Navalny. Tennis is weird with how it intersects with geo-politics sometimes. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Com...

Rotterdam: Is This Thing On?

February 19, 2024 05:00 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MB

The Open Era gang returns to a whole lot of news, results and general ‘stuff’ in the tennis world. On this week’s show, Simon and Devang recap the tournaments since the Australian Open and key in on Leylah Annie Fernandez’s resurgence and Naomi Osaka’s comeback before getting into parting shots, which includes tennis’ dealings with Saudi Arabia, good ATP ads(??) plus much more. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patre...

Open Era Gold: The Evolution of Racquet and String Technology

February 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 88.9 MB

The 1997 French Open is known for the breakout of one Gustavo Kuerten, but it also ushered in a change that we are still feeling today. The Tennisnerd’s Jonas Eriksson joins the guys this week to talk about racquets, strings, and Guga. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes. Follow @OpenEraPod on Twitter! While you're there say...

Open Era Gold: Just How Green Is Tennis?

February 05, 2024 05:00 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MB

In early November 2021, the ATP became a signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action. This announcement came off the back of the COP 26 summit which took place in Glasgow, wherein world leaders were challenged to accelerate sustainability and climate related actions on a global scale. The ATP produced a document which outlined the commitments it had made along with the key commitments within the United Nations agreements. Herein the ATP adopted the framework which committed to t...

Melbourne: Winner Winner Carrot Sinner

January 29, 2024 05:00 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MB

In a tale of two finals, Aryna Sabalenka made back to back Australian Opens look smooth sailing. Jannik Sinner definitely did not make easy work of it to win his first Grand Slam. All that being said, it was a jam packed second week at the first major of the year. Sin, Sabs, Bops and Hshieh headline both very much a changing of the guard and very much not a changing of the guard. Plus Parting Shots as Devang and Simon ask the age of question of whether this was actually a good tournament. S...

Melbourne: Centre Court Clown

January 22, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 93.8 MB

Hello good world, Open Era is back. Friend of the show Owen Lewis joins Simon and Devang to unpack an eventful week in Melbourne. The guys talk about Djokovic, Swiatek, Sabalenka, Tsitsipas and more before getting into Parting Shots and the Australian Open’s decision to have Alexander Zverev play on Rod Laver Arena. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord se...

Melbourne: Here We Go Again

January 13, 2024 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.2 MB

Can you believe the first Grand Slam of the season is here? That’s right! It’s Australian Open time! Devang and Simon preview the tournament by highlighting a few players ranked outside of the top 20. Then they turn their attention to Parting Shots and dig into the innuendo filled saga of ballgate. Osaka Athletic article: https://theathletic.com/5174377/2024/01/11/naomi-osaka-australian-open/ Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Com...

Open Era: 2024 Fireside Chat

January 08, 2024 05:00 - 46 minutes - 63.6 MB

Once every year Devang and Simon get to talk about some things which aren’t tennis related. It’s a very rare occasion where we get to veer off-script. If it isn’t your thing, we totally get it, we’re back talking tennis next week for the start of the 2024 campaign. If you do stick with it though you’ll get our personal reflections on the year, favourite moments or media along with our thoughts on the biggest stories of 2023. Plus some new year's resolutions, and who doesn’t love those! Sick...

Open Era Gold: Sabalenka v Rybakina (Australian Open 2023)

January 01, 2024 05:00 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MB

Was this the best match of 2023? Open Era certainly thinks so. For his final Open Era Gold pick of the season, Devang selected the Australian Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. Join us as Devang and Simon relive an encounter that set the stage for a sensational season of women’s tennis. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and a...

Open Era Gold: Djokovic v Alcaraz (Cincinnati 2023)

December 25, 2023 05:00 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MB

For Devang’s first Open Era Gold selection, let’s go back to beautiful Mason, Ohio for one of the best matches of the year. Following Carlos Alcaraz’s incredible triumph at Wimbledon, the Tennis world was ready to move on from stars of the past. But as he so often does, Novak Djokovic made time stand still on the court. On this week’s show, Simon and Devang relive an epic match between the top two men’s players of 2023. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcast...

Open Era Gold: Muchova v Swiatek (French Open 2023)

December 18, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MB

How good is Iga Swiatek? She's really good, and for much of the 2023 French Open nobody could come close to beating her. But in the final, Karolina Muchova gave Swiatek all she could handle. In Simon’s Favourite Women's match of the year, he and Devang look back at a memorable day in Paris. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes...

Open Era Gold: Murray v Tsitsipas (Wimbledon 2023)

December 11, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MB

Andy Murray is a two time Wimbledon Champion and is in stellar form going into the 2023 event. Stefanos Tsitsipas is not a two time Wimbledon Champion and is not in good form going into the 2023 event. In Simon’s Favourite Men’s match of the year, he and Devang explore a contest played over two days in a monumentally tight affair. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclu...

Off-Season: The Golden Rackets 2023

December 04, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.7 MB

Put on your finest dress, it’s time for the Golden Rackets! Yes, the Open Era award show is here. Simon and Devang hand out the trophies for Best Beef, the OE Story of the Year, and plenty more! Will your favourite make the cut? Probably not, but tune in anyways. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes. Follow @OpenEraPod on Twi...

Davis Cup: Super Tour

November 27, 2023 05:00 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

Episode 200! Simon and Devang return for their monumental 200th episode of Open Era. On this week’s show: Davis Cup reaction, Novak Djokovic yells at some Brits, Jannik Sinner makes some history, a new Saudi Super League in Tennis beckons as the WTA and ATP may change forever and we get into plenty more on Parting Shots. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive disco...

Turin: Since U Sin Gone

November 20, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.5 MB

The boys are finally back. After a prolonged hiatus, Simon and Devang return to unpack a whole lot of stuff that’s happened since they’ve been gone. ATP Finals, WTA Finals, BJK Cup, Paris Bercy, Basel, drama, intrigue..we can keep going. So join us for a mega episode to celebrate the almost end of the 2023 tennis season. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive disco...

Replay: Juan Martin del Potro Digs Deep in Rio

November 13, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 54.4 MB

Men’s tennis at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics was turned upside down by Juan Martin del Potro. The Tower of Tandil stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the first round. Del Potro, recovering from a wrist injury, would meet Rafael Nadal in the semifinal and remind us why the lanky Argentinian was such a unique talent. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord s...

Replay: The Canadian Arrival — Bianca, Shapo & FAA

November 06, 2023 05:00 - 59 minutes - 82.1 MB

Canadian tennis is in good hands thanks to a trio of young stars. One has already won a grand slam, but this week we’re taking a look back at the moment when Bianca Andreescu, Felix Auger Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov announced their arrival on the tennis scene. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad free episodes. Follow @OpenEraPod on Tw...

Replay: The Nick Kyrgios Episode

October 30, 2023 04:00 - 59 minutes - 82 MB

It’s never boring when it comes to Nick Kyrgios. The Australian taltenizes with his ability on the court and his penchant for keeping to extremely real off of it. Ask 10 tennis fans about Kyrgios you’re going to get 10 different answers about their personal feelings towards the ATP’s iconoclast. This week revisit his stunning run in Acapulco and a new appreciation for NK. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon fam...

Replay: Andy Murray — The Greatest British Tennis Player

October 23, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB

This week our hosts take a quick detour from their examination of the best matches through the years and instead turn their attention to the career of Andy Murray. Devang and Simon take a look back across the career of the Brit including two Olympic Golds and three Grand Slams. This episode of The Sport Chronicle originally aired on January 21, 2018. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content,...

Replay: Coco Gauff and the Weight of Expectations

October 16, 2023 04:00 - 54 minutes - 74.6 MB

"She has the ability to be the greatest player ever, even better than Serena and I never thought I'd say that.” The BBC’s Sue Barker isn’t alone. Coco Gauff is expected to take over the tennis world. This week Simon and Devang take a deep dive into Gauff’s career so far and reckon with the weight of expectations. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord serve...

Beijing: Sinnerman

October 09, 2023 04:00 - 39 minutes - 54.3 MB

Well how about that, Jannik Sinner. On this week’s episode, Simon and Devang marvel at what a sick Sinner could accomplish on his way to the title in Beijing, dispatching Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz along the way. Elsewhere, the guys touch on Tennis returning to China, more on Simona Halep’s suspension and trust in institutions, ‘Ball Gate’ gaining backers in Fritz, Wawrinka and Bergs plus plenty more! Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get ri...

Replay: Deep Dive — Carlos Alcaraz

October 02, 2023 04:00 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MB

Carlos Alcaraz keeps ticking things off the list. Youngest this, youngest that. First person since Nadal. First person since Djokovic. First person since Federer. Ever been curious how and where El Hurricane comes from? This week on Open Era we take a Deep Dive into the young life of the man from Murcia. What was his upbringing? What was his junior career like? How did he do at Challenger level? We’ll answer those questions and more! Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on...

Guadalajara: The Sakk is Back

September 25, 2023 04:00 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MB

More guys, more cups. On this week’s Open Era, Simon explains how he escaped from Vancouver before the Laver Cup started before we dig into the event sans ‘The Big 3’ and a whole lot of gloss. Then, they check-in with the ATP and WTA, where Aslan Karatsev and Andy Murray reminded us of simpler times while Elena Rybakina rightly is pissed off once again and Wang Xiyu won at home. And in Guadalajara, a wild Maria Sakkari remerged. In two challenges remaining, the guys cover books and the Spain ...

Davis Cup: ‘Thanks’ Pique

September 18, 2023 04:00 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MB

Alright, let’s try this again. On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang dish out their final thoughts on the U.S. Open, including what Coco Gauff’s win will mean for tennis coverage in the United States.They also discuss the alternate universe where Novak Djokovic decided to represent the U.K. Spooky. Then on Parting Shots, they dig into Simona Halep’s 4-year ban for doping, what other players are saying about it, including Serena Williams, and what happens next. Finally, the Davis Cup is ba...

US Open: Prophecy Fulfilled

September 11, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MB

Coco Gauff is her. The American teenager realized her potential by winning her very first singles Grand Slam title. And we can also confirm that the Men’s final was indeed a tennis match. For SEO purposes we’ll mention Novak Djokovic won his 24th major title on Sunday. Dev and Simon wrap up another action packed week before turning their attention to Parting Shots and a whole lot of strange stories. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them!...

US Open: Rinky, Gojo and Stricker

September 04, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MB

It’s the halfway point at the US Open! Simon and Devang return to breakdown the weirdness we’ve experienced so far and go in-depth on Coco Gauff, Daniil Medvedev and Maria Sakkari. In Parting Shots there’s a new ball-gate, this time featuring Vasek Pospisil. Have our predictions for the final changed after one week? And new discussions about a WTA/ATP merger has the guys discussing timing. Finally, there’s John Isner and some Arctic Monkeys. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Pr...

US Open: Universal Baseline Income

August 28, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 67.3 MB

Devang and Simon are back to chat about the Cinccinati Masters where Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz served up and all time classic. Coco Gauff also had herself a week and looks in fantastic form heading into the US Open. The boys dive into the draw before turning their attention to Parting Shots and unpacking Baseline, the ATP’s newest program. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, ac...

Cincinnati: Reunited

August 21, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

Unreal. Devang and Simon are in the same location and recording together. Strange strange times. They chat about Dev’s time covering the Canadian Open in Toronto before turning their attention to the next stage of the North American hardcourt swing in Cincinnati. As always, they wrap up with Parting Shots including the most important topic, which noise would you make to annoy Stefanos Tsitsipas? Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! C...

Toronto: A Spin-Off Show

August 14, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MB

On this week's Open Era, Devang recaps the events in Toronto and Montreal before introducing a series of interviews conducted on-site at York University on Sportsnet The FAN 590. Devang and co-host Jesse Rubinoff speak to Frédéric Fontang, coach of Félix Auger-Aliassime, Head of Performance for Tennis Canada, Guillaume Marx and Tennis host and writer, Blair Henley. Simon and Devang will return with a full Toronto and Montreal recap next week! Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda P...

Toronto: Homecoming

August 07, 2023 04:00 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MB

The tennis world is returning to Canada, bar a few notable exceptions, and Simon and Devang are quite excited. On this week’s Open Era, the guys preview the National Bank Open in Toronto and Montreal, and preview the chances of the various Canadians including FAA, Milos, Bianca and Leylah. Then they dig into parting shots, where the takes remain scalding and smart. We’re a humble podcast. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come joi...

Replay: 2009 Australian Open — Nadal Does It the Hard(court) Way w/ Giri Nathan

July 31, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 84.4 MB

Sure we remember the epic 2009 Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but that wasn’t the best match of the tournament. Fernando Verdasco gave Nadal everything he could for five hours and 14 minutes, but it wasn’t enough. Racquet Magazine’s Giri Nathan joins us this week to relive a RLA masterpiece. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive disc...

Budapest: Out of Competition

July 24, 2023 04:05 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MB

Open Era is back for a special ‘post-slam’ version of the show as Simon and Devang deliver their remaining thoughts and opinions on what we saw at the 2023 edition of Wimbledon. How good will Carlos Alcaraz be, is Novak Djokiovc more likable as a loser and did we really sing enough praise for Markéta Vondroušová? Then it’s onto parting shots, including news on Alexander Zverev, Zhang Shuai, and Leo Borg. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of ...

Wimbledon: Grass Fed Beef

July 17, 2023 04:05 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MB

A changing of the guard at Wimbledon? Simon and Devang wrap up this year’s Wimbledon, discussing Carlos Alcaraz’s monumental victory over Novak Djokovic in the men’s final. On the women’s side there was heartbreak for many, as Ons Jabeur was defeated by the terrific Markéta Vondroušová. The guys tackle other finals as well and news and notes from the third major of the year as we look towards North America for the hardcourt swing along with Parting Shots. Enjoy! Sick of hearing all the ads?...

Wimbledon: Peak Luncheon Brain

July 10, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 86.6 MB

That was a strange week. Simon and Devang revisit the opening, rain soaked days of Wimbledon this year before taking stock of the shocks that occurred and the contenders that remain. Djokovic, Swiatek, Rybakina, Sabalenka, Alcaraz...Shapo? We discuss them plus as always our Parting Shots, including potential curtains for Andy Murray and an appearance from Roger Federer. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon famil...

Wimbledon: A Real Grass Act

July 03, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 93.3 MB

Wozniacki returns and Kontaveit retires. Bet you didn’t have that on your bingo card for the past two weeks. Devang and Simon unpack those announcements before turning to the grass court season and discuss all of the winners and losers so far. We also ask some provocative questions as we arrive on the 3rd major of the year. That plus some Break Point chat in Parting Shots. And do you know the name of Jon Isner’s kids? Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts ...

Replay: Melbourne 2004 — Henin-Clijsters Rivalry

June 26, 2023 06:05 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MB

Simon and Devang revisit the Women’s 2004 Australian Open final and one of the more underrated rivalries in tennis. Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne were the top players in the women’s game and happened to hail from the same small nation: Belgium. Combined, they would win 11 Grand Slams. On this January day in Melbourne, they battled for hardcourt supremacy. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family fo...

Replay: Graf, Seles and the ‘95 US Open Final

June 19, 2023 06:05 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MB

The actions of Gunter Parche changed the sport of tennis for ever on April 30, 1993. Monica Seles was on track to smash the record books until Parche, a Steffi Graf superfan, stabbed Seles during a changeover at the Hamburg tournament. Graf and Seles were lodged in a rivalry that was on track to redefine the sport. Seles remarkably came all the way back, meeting her great rival once again in the 1995 US Open Final. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to ...

French Open: History Makers

June 12, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 83.5 MB

We saw history being made all across the courts at Roland Garros this week. Obviously you know about Iga; now a four-time Slam champion, her third at Roland Garros — all in a day’s work for the Pole. Djokovic did his thing as always, but can we talk about Hsieh, Kato, Korneeva, Kraijek, Oda and De Groot. That’s where the real action is at! Tennis gatekeeping asides, it’s been a great two weeks and we round it all up. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to...

French Open: Boo Everything!

June 05, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 87.3 MB

The French Open has arrived! And it wouldn’t be the French Open without lots of booing, high profile loses and geopolitical issues. With Dev away in London, Simon is joined by Priyanka Dobson to unpack a mammoth week in tennis. All of that plus we find out exactly what Denis Shapovalov eats during the course of the week! Enjoy! Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusiv...

French Open: The New Big Three?

May 29, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 93.5 MB

The French Open is here! On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang discuss Rafael Nadal’s absence, the events in Rome that shook up the WTA and ask what is making Daniil Medvedev so good on clay? Then they get into the big questions at Roland Garros, including who can contend with Swiatek, Rybakina and Sabalenka, is it Djokovic and Alcaraz or bust and who will break through from the Men’s bottom half. In parting shots, Simona Halep faces more doping charges and Roger Fededer has a good time ...

Replay: The Hand Match

May 22, 2023 06:05 - 52 minutes - 72.2 MB

The French Open may happen at some point this year but it must be said, we’re missing the Parisian clay right now. This week we head back to 2003 and the classic semifinal between Serena Williams and Justine Henin. Serena was on a 33-match winning streak at the slams but it was not meant to be on this day in what was an extraordinary contest. You don’t get a moniker like ‘The Hand Match’ for nothing. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them...

Rome: A Recipe For Disaster

May 15, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 86.1 MB

To be honest, the cake tastes bad in Madrid anyway… Devang and Simon tackle a huge crop of news over the past fortnight including a titanic battle between the world’s top two. Carlos Alcaraz retained his Madrid Open title and went back to World Number 1. Will he play Djokovic (finally) in Rome? Will we ever see Rafael Nadal play again? All that plus a whole lot of sexism coming out of Madrid. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come ...

Replay: Borg, McEnroe and a Final for the Ages

May 08, 2023 06:05 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MB

This week we continue on our journey through time to relive some of the best matchups that tennis has offered as we examine the 1980 Wimbledon final between Björn Borg of Sweden and John McEnroe of the United States. Simon Bushell and Devang Desai remember all of the drama, the outbursts and the tie-breaks. This episode originally aired on January 12, 2018 as part of The Sport Chronicle. Sick of hearing all the ads? Subscribe to Soda Premium on Apple Podcasts to get rid of them! Come join ...

Madrid: Mirra!

May 01, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 95.9 MB

Welcome to Madrid, where the days are long and the time between matches is even longer! While Simon and Devang do complain briefly about the lengthy events on the WTA and ATP, they actually do discuss tennis on this week’s Open Era. Teenager Mirra Andreeva is the talk of the town after ousting Haddad-Maia and Leylah Fernandez while Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas took match of the week honors home. The guys also recap Carlos Alcaraz’s latest triumph while tackling the topical question on...

Replay: David Nalbandian — Giant Slayer

April 24, 2023 06:05 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MB

This week we profile someone that never became world number one or captured a Grand Slam, but accomplished something no other player has . David Nalbandian defied explanation, until you saw what he could do on the court when everything was just ‘right.’ We saw that happen in 2007 at the Madrid Open when he became the first and only person to beat Nadal, Djokovic and Federer at the same tournament. Come join the Patreon family for bonus content, access to the exclusive discord server and ad ...

Monte Carlo: Andrey Rublev (2023)

April 17, 2023 06:05 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

Andrey Rublev is the champion of Monte Carlo. On this week’s Open Era, Simon and Devang tackle a brilliant week in the French Riviera which concluded the way ‘most’ of us wanted. The guys discuss Rublev’s breakthrough and what makes him likable among other things. Staying in Monaco, how did it go for Sinner, Medvedev, Djokovic, Rune and the lot? Mixed results but there’s plenty to talk about. The Billie Jean King Cup qualifying round is over and Canada is through to the finals thanks to Le...

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