Shows
The Sit-DownPopyrin’s Canadian breakthrough, one year onIn an episode originally published in 2024, Alexei Popyrin was riding a sweet wave after his ATP Masters 1000 triumph in Montreal, a result meaning he entered the US Open with a career-high ranking and seeded at a major for the first time. The rising Australian star sat down with Viv Christie and Jon Hoevenaars to talk milestone breakthroughs, Aussie inspiration, and the sacrifices that helped to turn his long-held tennis dreams into reality. Originally published on 26/08/2024 iHeartSpotifyApple PodcastsPodLinkHost handles:@Viv_Christie @MattyATS...
2025-08-0416 min
The TennisDoubles trouble? Andreeva the giant-slayer, Aussies fire in ‘Tex-Mex double’Outspoken American Reilly Opelka has taken aim at doubles tennis questioning its place in the game — former player-now-coach Luke Saville joins Jon Hoevenaars, Viv Christie, and Dan Imhoff to react to Opelka’s comments and make the case for doubles remaining a mainstay on the tennis calendar. Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva is the youngest WTA 1000 titlist after defeating three major winners en route to the title — the panel discusses her iconic champion's speech and what’s next for the 17-year-old. Andrey Rublev has captured his second title in Doha defeating Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, while Demon is holding...
2025-02-2743 min
The TennisAO25 Rewind: teenage dreams and big-stage queensAustralian Open 2025 may have drawn to a close, but we won't be forgetting it any time soon! With the first Grand Slam of the year wrapped up, we look back on a spectacular fortnight of action. From the fairytale runs of Eva Lys and Learner Tien to the championship moments of Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner, join Jon Hoevenaars as he hits rewind on some of our favourite moments of AO 2025. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-02-0632 min
The TennisAO25 Awards: Best Performance, Best Interview, Best Fashion and more!As the dust settles on Australian Open 2025, Jon Hoevenaars, Brie Stewart and Viv Christie from The Sit-Down reassemble at Pod Laver Arena to crown the award winners for Best Performance, Most Impressive Newcomer, Best Match, Best Interview and Best Fashion Statement of the first Grand Slam of the year. Did the panel get it right? Who did they miss? AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2025-01-3035 minThe TennisDay 15: Sensational Sinner goes back-to-back, Keys basks in Grand Slam gloryJannik Sinner has retained his Australian Open crown with a commanding straight-sets win over Alex Zverev, confirming him as the undisputed hardcourt king — experts Simon Rea and Peter Marcato join Jon to analyse the championship match and discuss the implications for both players. Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend have added the Australian Open trophy to their Grand Slam collection after upstaging Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko in the women’s doubles final. Madison Keys is acclimatising to her new identity as Grand Slam champion the day after her major breakthrough with a photo shoot at Melbourne’s iconic Brighton Beach...
2025-01-2628 minThe TennisDay 14: Madison’s maiden major! Zverev to battle Sinner for AO crownMadison Keys has dethroned Aryna Sabalenka to win her first Grand Slam title, denying the world No.1 a rare ‘three-peat’ in Melbourne — experts Jill Craybas and Levi Huddleston join Jon to dissect the women’s final, and preview the men’s championship match between Jannik Sinner and Alex Zverev on Day 15. Harry Heliovaara and Henry Patten have come from behind against Italian pair Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori to seize the men’s doubles trophy in an all-time epic final. Hear from the talented craftsmen responsible for spinning the Australian Open trophies ‘Norm’ and ‘Daphne’. And Alexia Mitchell goes backstage at AO Live...
2025-01-2534 minThe TennisDay 12: Keys to Sabalenka final, Djokovic-Zverev & Sinner-Shelton previewsMadison Keys is the final hurdle in Aryna Sabalenka’s quest for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title after the American 19th seed edged out Iga Swiatek in a gripping super tiebreak. The world No.1 earlier booked her spot in the championship decider with a straight-sets win over Paula Badosa — experts Jill Craybas and Simon Rea join Jon and Blair to analyse the result, and preview the blockbuster men’s semifinals on Day 13: Novak Djokovic v Alex Zverev and Jannik Sinner v Ben Shelton. Alexia Mitchell helps preview the historic all-Australian mixed doubles final between Olivia Gadecki & John Peers a...
2025-01-2335 minThe TennisDay 11: Merciless Sinner! Keys sets up Swiatek SF, Novak can win 25: GoranJannik Sinner is one step closer to retaining his AO crown after putting Alex de Minaur to the sword in a straight-sets masterclass. The world No.1’s next opponent is Ben Shelton who's withstood a spirited fightback from Lorenzo Sonego to win through to his first Australian Open semifinal. American compatriot Madison Keys progressed to the last four in Melbourne for the third time with a three-set win over Elina Svitolina — experts Simon Rea and Ryan Harrison join Jon and Blair to analyse the results and preview the women’s semifinals on Day 12: Aryna Sabalenka v Paula Badosa and Madiso...
2025-01-2235 minThe TennisDay 10: Djoker escapes Alcaraz, Badosa sees off Gauff—Sabalenka nextNovak Djokovic has rolled in to his 50th major semifinal with a spectacular come-from-behind victory over Carlos Alcaraz to extend his quest for a historic 11th Australian Open title. Paula Badosa has prevented a 2024 SF rematch between Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff by dispatching the world No.3 in straight sets to progress to the last four, while Alex Zverev is into his third semifinal in six years after outgunning Tommy Paul earlier on Day 10 — experts Simon Rea and Abigail Johnson join Jon and Blair to analyse the results, and preview Day 11 action: Emma Navarro v Iga Swiatek and Jannik Si...
2025-01-2133 minThe TennisDay 9: Demon on fire—Sinner awaits, Keys locks in QF berth, The Gauff-FatherAlex de Minaur has reached the last eight of his home Slam for the first time with a straight-sets defeat of Alex Michelsen, whose career-best major run came to an end on the same day as compatriot Learner Tien's. The teenager’s vanquisher Lorenzo Sonego has advanced to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal where he’ll play Ben Shelton, the beneficiary of Gael Monfils’ retirement. Madison Keys has upset 2023 finalist Elena Rybakina to return to the last eight where she’ll face Elina Svitolina, while an out-of-sorts Jannik Sinner has prevailed in a tough four-setter against Holger Rune — experts John Fitzg...
2025-01-2037 minThe TennisDay 8: Novak locks in Carlos blockbuster, Aryna smashes Mirra to join Coco in QFNovak Djokovic’s quest for an 11th Australian Open title is about to face its biggest hurdle yet—Carlos Alcaraz—after the 24-time major champion dismantled Jiri Lehecka on Night 8 of competition. Alex Zverev has dropped his first set of the tournament against Ugo Humbert but is through to a quarterfinal against Tommy Paul who enjoyed a Sunday stroll against an injured Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is quietly continuing her campaign with Donna Vekic the latest seed sent scattering. Coco Gauff has fended off a Belinda Bencic challenge to progress to a QF clash with Spanish 11th seed Paula...
2025-01-1933 minThe TennisDay 5: Tien snares Bear in epic! Danimal defies Destanee, Demon delightBoth 2024 runners-up are out in the second round after Daniil Medvedev was stunned by American teenager Learner Tien in a Grand Slam marathon for the ages. Danielle Collins has emerged victorious from a tense battle with Destanee Aiava and the Kia Arena crowd, while Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini both progressed into the Round of 32 on another great day for the Italians, despite the loss of Matteo Berrettini to Holger Rune. Emma Raducanu has eliminated Amanda Anisimova to set up a third-round clash with world No.2 Iga Swiatek, while men's 18th seed Hubi Hurkacz has met his demise in...
2025-01-1635 minThe TennisCarlos & Novak on QF collision course, Qinwen’s quest, 10 stars to watchThe 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 B...
2025-01-0956 minThe TennisNovak gets busy in Brissy, UC finals preview, Swiatek the SwiftieNovak 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 semifi...
2025-01-0252 minThe TennisThe Tennis is here! Gauff & Fritz 'unite' in Perth, 2025 season previewWe’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 Un...
2024-12-2557 min
The TennisSeason wrap: 2024 in review, Arnaldi checks in, countdown to AO 2025For 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...
2024-12-1949 min
The TennisUS Open week 2: Sinner and Sabalenka still on top, four Americans in semis!Australian Open champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka have won their AO final rematches against Daniil Medvedev and Zheng Qinwen to book their spots in the US Open semifinals. Jess Pegula has joined fellow American Emma Navarro in the last four and the pair could meet in the championship decider, while Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe will battle it out for a spot in the men's final, ending an 18-year drought for Americans. Nicole Pratt and Simon Rea join Jon and Viv to analyse the big stories from week 2 including Alexei Popyrin’s historic win over Novak Djokovic and Al...
2024-09-0540 min
The TennisUS Open week 1: Pop and Djok to lock horns, Osaka back in styleAlexei Popyrin has lined up a third-round clash with Novak Djokovic in a testing first week that’s also seen Thanasi Kokkinakis upstage Stefanos Tsitsipas and Chris O’Connell outclass Nicolas Jarry. Storm Hunter and John Fitzgerald join the show to discuss the big stories, including two-time champion Naomi Osaka who’s scored her first top-10 win since 2020 against Jelena Ostapenko. Top seeds Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek have battled through the early stages, but some big battles loom on the horizon. Brie Stewart reveals her top 5 observations from her time in New York, and Jon shares a major develo...
2024-08-2945 min
The TennisThe Sit-Down with Alexei PopyrinAlexei Popyrin is riding a sweet wave after his recent ATP Masters 1000 triumph in Montreal. He enters the US Open with a career-high ranking and is seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time. The 25-year-old sat down with Viv and Jon to talk milestone breakthroughs, Aussie inspiration, and the sacrifices that are helping to turn his long-held tennis dreams into reality. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-08-2616 min
The TennisWimbledon week 2: Demon ‘devastated’, star-studded men’s semis, title on Rybakina’s racquetAlex de Minaur’s run has come to a grinding halt, and his Olympic hopes under threat, following a freak hip injury that’s gifted Novak Djokovic a spot in the semifinals against last four debutant Lorenzo Musetti — Viv Christie and Pete Marcato discuss the fallout to the news from the All England Club. Jannik Sinner’s conqueror Daniil Medvedev must battle defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for a spot in the final. AusOpen.com’s Dan Imhoff joins Jon and Brie to discuss all of the big stories from the second week. Duncan McKenzie-McHarg catches up with All-Australian men’s doubles se...
2024-07-1141 min
On CourageEp12 | Speaking Of Faith with Jon HoevenaarsIn this thought-provoking episode, we engage in fruitful conversation with media presenter and producer Jon Hoevenaars.Not only do we explore Jon's unique career in broadcast television and podcasting but we also delve into the pivotal role his Christian faith has played in the shaping of his journey and outlook on life.Considering the pressures of a public-facing career, Jon candidly shares personal experiences and the impacts of self-doubt, whilst highlighting how the support of colleagues, family, and friends helped him navigate the challenges, develop resilience and rebuild his...
2024-04-301h 10
The TennisNick Kyrgios: the most misunderstood ‘villain’ in tennis?Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios joins Jon and Brie for a candid conversation about his career, public perception, mental wellbeing, the state of the game, and his plans to get back on the court. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-04-0431 min
The TennisDesert delights, Halep to return in Miami, Sinner's super-coachesWe're down to the last eight at Indian Wells with some surprise packets including mum-of-two Caroline Wozniacki — Todd and Casey join Jon and Brie to preview the bumper quarterfinals and discuss some of the biggest results including lucky loser Luca Nardi's upset of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka's shock loss to Emma Navarro, Simona Halep is set to return from an 18-month hiatus with a wildcard for Miami, while Ursin Caderas gets the low-down on Jannik Sinner from his coaches Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill.iHeartApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAusOpen.com...
2024-03-1433 min
The TennisWe’re back! United Cup preview, Sascha and Angie in cruise controlThe Australian Summer of Tennis has finally arrived! Todd Woodbridge and Jelena Dokic preview the second edition of the United Cup from Perth, Jon Hoevenaars catches up with top Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia in Sydney, Alex Zverev and Angelique Kerber take some time out of preparations to go cruising on Sydney Harbour with Team Germany, and former Top 10 player Daria Kasatkina reveals her unique new mindset ahead of the Brisbane International.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-12-2821 min
The TennisBonus: Adam Hills, '80s ballkid, TV star and Para-Standing Tennis playerAdam Hills is a household name across the English-speaking world — an Australian comedy legend, satirist, radio host and TV personality (Spicks and Specks, Adam Hills Tonight and The Last Leg). But as a lifelong tennis player and fan, Adam is advocating for a little-known format of the sport called Para Standing Tennis. He joined Jon Hoevenaars on The AO Show to discuss how it all came about. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-11-1019 min
The TennisEurope v World at Laver Cup, Aussie summer schedule unveiledTeam Europe prepares for Laver Cup Vancouver without any of the ‘Big Four’ for the first time — can Bjorn Borg lead his men to victory or will John McEnroe’s Team World defend its title from London? Todd Woodbridge is joined by commentators Mark Petchey and Sam Smith for a full preview of the event, plus Casey Dellacqua and Matt Trollope join Jon on the Round Table to discuss the latest from the WTA, and a take a long-range look at the Australian summer of tennis, which will see the return of a number of high-profile players.See omny...
2023-09-2133 min
The TennisCan't stop Pop! Back on the blue stuff, can anyone catch Iga?Australia's Alexei Popyrin captures his second career title in Umag against former AO 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka to set up a big US hardcourt campaign — the Australian joined Jon a month ago in Wimbledon, Iga Swiatek reaches 70 consecutive weeks at World No.1 — can Aryna Sabalenka catch her by season's end? Our Round Table experts discuss the latest tennis news from Washington and Los Cabos, speculate over the early contenders for the US Open, and revisit some of their 'crystal ball' predictions from February.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...
2023-08-0332 min
The TennisWhere we're at with a wet WimbledonWith persistent rain wreaking havoc on the Wimbledon schedule, a handful of players are through to the third round while some are yet to clear the first. Nicole Pratt and Simon Rea join the roundtable to make sense of it all; they discuss Novak Djokovic’s imperious form, the progress of top seeds Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, and a resurgent Andy Murray, who faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in a second-round blockbuster. Meanwhile, Jon Hoevenaars is on the ground in London, catching up with Aleksandar Vukic, who made a memorable Wimbledon debut, and Storm Hunter, who is targeting a first Gr...
2023-07-0633 min
The TennisBonus: Demon, Dasha and draw dissectionAussie stars Alex de Minaur and Daria Saville join The AO Show on the eve of The Championships, plus Todd Woodbridge joins Jon Hoevenaars to dissect the men's and women's singles draws.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-07-0134 min
The TennisRoland Garros week 2: Can Alcaraz upstage Djokovic? Another Sabalenka-Swiatek showdown?Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have set up a mouthwatering Roland Garros semifinal – their first meeting at a Slam – while Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are headed for a final showdown that will determine the world No.1 ranking. It’s been a resurgent fortnight for semifinalists Karolina Muchova, Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, and a dream tournament for Beatriz Haddad Maia, who has made history for Brazil. Jon Hoevenaars chats to the legends in Paris and is joined by Duncan McKenzie-McHarg to review what's happened so far and what's to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
2023-06-0833 min