The Tennis

In our final episode of The Sit-Down for 2025, Viv and Matt are joined by Daria Kasatkina, who in March made the switch to representing Australia. It was a big decision in an emotionally intense season that the 28-year-old ended early due to burnout. Now more refreshed, Kasatkina chatted from her base in Spain, where she is preparing for her first Summer of Tennis representing the green and gold. She takes listeners right back to the beginning: how her parents, both professional athletes themselves, set her up for success, and how she developed her crafty, nuanced style of play. She reflects on her junior Slam success, memories of watching idol Rafael Nadal, and career milestones which include cracking the top 10 in 2018 and reaching the 2022 Roland Garros semifinals. Plus, there’s some hot tennis takes in there too. This is a candid conversation with one of the sport’s more thoughtful stars, and one who is excited to continue representing her adopted nation – where she loves the nature, coffee and people – in 2026. Listen to the full episode here. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam ceiling in 2026? Daria and Luke Saville join Brie and Xave to debate this week’s Big Question. The panel reacts to Carlos Alcaraz's shock split from long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Djokovic returning to the Adelaide International, the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, and the WTA’s new partnership with Mercedes-Benz. Plus, more exciting player updates for the Australian Summer of Tennis, including the Grand Slam champions joining Alcaraz and Nick Kyrgios in the AO 1 Point Slam, and Emma Raducanu and Barbora Krejcikova headlining the Hobart International. And the Aussie stars reveal which tennis legends they would invite over for dinner and what they would cook. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Carolyn Broderick joins Viv and Matt in Pod Laver Arena to give listeners an insight into her role as Chief Medical Officer at Tennis Australia and for the Australian Open. Hundreds of tennis players are soon to arrive in Australia in January, the majority from a Northern Hemisphere winter. It means they face a huge adjustment—after traversing multiple time zones—when they begin preparing and competing in the Australian summer. We learn about the “self-sufficient medical centre” that operates for four weeks at the AO, staffed by a multi-disciplinary team that offers physical and mental health services, plus annual scans and checks for players who might not be able to easily access these given their constant travel schedule. We also hear about Broderick’s roles with the Australian Olympic and Billie Jean King Cup teams, her work in academic and children’s health spheres, and how she juggles it all while pursuing her many passions outside of work. Listen to the full episode here. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner aside, which two players have the best rivalry in tennis? Todd Woodbridge and Rhys de Deugd join Brie and Xave to tackle this week's Big Question. The panel also share their highlights from this week's Australian Tennis Awards where Alex de Minaur secured his fourth Newcombe Medal, and discuss the upcoming WTA Awards, including whether Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova or Ekaterina Alexandrova is the Most Improved Player. Plus, tournament director Craig Tiley stops by to preview Australian Open 2026, including Opening Week, where Carlos Alcaraz and Nick Kyrgios will battle it out in the 1 Point Slam and Matteo Berrettini will headline the Red Bull BassLine event.AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a brief off-season, 2026 preparations are already underway for Alex de Minaur, who joined Viv and Matt on this week’s episode from his base in Monte Carlo. The Aussie No.1 enjoyed the chance to reflect on his 2025 season, during which he reached his first AO quarterfinal and won his 10th career ATP title in Washington DC – while also overcoming burnout and shifting perspective – to achieve his highest year-end ranking. Those performances saw him nominated once again for the prestigious Newcombe Medal, awarded to Australia’s most outstanding player and ambassador for the sport. ‘Demon’, as he is affectionately known, also dived into his passion for collecting vintage cars, his wedding plans, how he switches between English and Spanish, plans for his foundation, and how he’d love nothing more than a deep run at Australian Open 2026. Listen to the full episode here. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.