Tennis Unfiltered

Before anything else, our thoughts this week are firmly with teh family of Damian Kust. Damian was a cherished and passionate member of the tennis community whom we lost at the age of just 26. His work covering the Challenger Tour set him apart, but his passion and knowledge was what really made him shine. RIP Damian. Details of his funeral and donations to the foundation his parents have chosen are here: https://x.com/damiankust/status/2009644081207709969 It always feels utterly empty to follow such profoundly sad news with the mundanity of the week's tennis news. Here is what else Calvin Betton, James Gray and George Bellshaw discussed this week... Novak Djokovic has pulled out of Adelaide, his only planned warm-up for the Australian Open, saying he is not physically ready for the challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have not played an ATP event yet this year either, but were busy playing an indoor practice match in front of 15,000 people in Seoul, South Korea. Poland FINALLY won the United Cup, Hubert Hurkacz gaining redemption for spurning two championship points against Alexander Zverev in 2024, beating the German en route to leading his nation to victory... ...but Iga Swiatek's form was far from impressive, and it was Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zielinski, Luke Johnson's new partner, who were instrumental in securing the title PLUS: No Australian Open wildcard for Nick Kyrgios; there is one for Stan Wawrinka; titles for Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Bublik, Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina; Emma Raducanu's return; and OF COURSE *that* wildcard in Nairobi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Calvin Betton is in Brisbane but that won't stop him getting on the podcast (even if it does stop him getting any sleep). He joins James Gray for the first half of this week's podcast before subbing out for George Bellshaw, who sleeps soundly in his childhood bedroom in the West Midlands. They discussed... - Emma Raducanu pulls out of her season debut (she eventually played Maria Sakkari)... ...and she's testing a new racket - Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals he considered retirement after battling a back injury last year - Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Calvin relaunch their defence of the 250 - Novak Djokovic pulls out of the PTPA - Venus Williams gets an Australian Open wildcard but Nick Kyrgios is made to wait for his - Katie Boulter links up with a new coach in Michael Joyce - Iga Swiatek questions why we needed another "Battle of the Sexes" And finally, could Lionel Messi really win 50 grand slams?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton are back round the microphones to discuss not one but TWO weeks of tennis news - because the gossip train does not take Christmas off. They discussed... - Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have ended their seven-year partnership - but no one quite knows why - Nick Kyrgios says “there's nothing but positives that can be taken away from this” after beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3 in the so-called Battle of the Sexes in Dubai - British number one Jack Draper will not play in next month's Australian Open because of an ongoing arm injury PLUS - Jennifer Brady is making a comeback (maybe?) - Holger Rune is rushing his comeback (maybe?) - Learner Tien is ready for a serious impact (maybe?) And the sandwich shop Calvin was talking about? All'Antico Vinaio on Liberty Street in FiDi. And finally, if you want to read what James wrote about the Battle of the Sexes, you can do so for FREE here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/battle-of-the-sexes-pixelated-mess-awful-4136957?utm_campaign=PNITUx1xSr1ai7e&ito=gifted_article&data-target=gifted_article&utm_source=XJPLeh5koSHChZEU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the three lads taking Christmas week off, we have a special interview with... James Gray. Two years ago, he interviewed George and Calvin for special episodes around Christmas, and this time the microphone has been turned around and it is James who will have to try and talk about himself. Do go back and listen to the two previous interviews for the perspectives on their lives, and even if you don't, have a happy, safe and peaceful Christmas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray get together for the last episode of the 2025 campaign proper. As well discussing the latest news about the Battle of the Sexes, the WTA's $500m (potentially) sponsorship deal and Piers Morgan (!), they picked out the highlights and lowlights of 2025. That includes: - Biggest letdown - Best improvement - Favourite moment - Least favourite moment And more! **** Oh and to watch Luke Johnson teach James a tennis lesson, watch here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSUv0nhidls/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices