With the end of Stuttgart, Monte Carlo and Barcelona, it's still difficult to say who's favourite for Roland Garros!

This week, Vansh and Andre have a chat about their thoughts on the current clay season progress. Notably, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud have reached the Monte Carlo and Barcelona finals back to back, with the Greek winning Monte Carlo and the Norwegian taking the Barcelona crown for his biggest title to date. On the women's side, Elena Rybakina fought hard to win the Stuttgart indoor clay title, with a win over two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in what was possibly the best match of the week. With Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawals due to injury, Novak Djokovic's current lack of proper form (and a title in 2024,) ths ATP side of things is looking rather intriguing ahead of Madrid, and, most of all, Rome, as it is the closest in conditions to Roland Garros. Who will emerge as the top contender? Can Rafael Nadal find yet another title on the Parisian clay? And though Iga Swiatek lost, it's still the same: Rome will define who is truly in the best form for the French Open - although so far we feel pretty confident in the 3-time Roland Garros champion to win the title. That is, if one of Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff don't step up to dethrone the World Number 1, or even a rising star in potentially Marta Kostyuk and a finally stable Emma Raducanu. We also have a quick look back into the achievements and career of Garbine Muguruza, who just announced her retirement from professional tennis in a press conference this past week. Happy retirement! Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Download the TennisONE APP for scores, stats, news, videos, player content, fan contests, and more https://t1.app.link/Vansh Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Clay Season: Alcaraz, Swiatek still leaders? Rybakina, Ruud, Tsitsipas rasing their game

A bit of tennis fatigue and other personal stuff had us MIA for a while. But we're back, and just in time for the Clay Season!

A bit of tennis fatigue and other personal stuff had us MIA for a while. But we're back, and just in time for the Clay Season! Looking back at the Sunshine Double results, including the Iga Swiatek - Carlos Alcaraz double, Maria Sakkari's and Daniil Medvedev's great runs to the finals in Indian Wells, and of course, the players of the moment and Miami champions: Danielle Collins and Jannik Sinner. With one just starting the best of his career and the other bidding farewell with a dream season, the contrast in their careers right now is just a sign that anything can happen in tennis. We also have a nice little chat with Vansh, as he talks about his experience covering tournaments on-site for the TennisOne app! Download below :) Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Download the TennisONE APP for scores, stats, news, videos, player content, fan contests, and more https://t1.app.link/Vansh Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Sunshine Double 2024 final thoughts - We're Back!

Pondering about what might be the key to Osaka reaching her best level in her comeback

Naomi Osaka reached the quarterfinals at the Qatar WTA 1000 event, winning her first match over a top 30 opponent in Caroline Garcia, also avenging the Australian Open loss. She also won back-to-back matches for the first time since Miami 2022. While her tennis truly has seen great improvement from Brisbane, and the rust is starting to fall off, what really is great to see in Osaka right now is that she seems to be enjoying the game - a great contrast from when she was suffering with depression back in 2021 and 2022. Then, she wanted to be anywhere but in front of a crowd and on a court. Now, she seems to truly be enjoying it. But can Naomi Osaka win a big title in 2024? Can she break into the Top 30? Who knows. What truly matters, though, is that she continues to enjoy her time on court. Then, the sky is the limit. Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Naomi Osaka 2.0 - What matters MOST for her comeback in 2024

ATP's content ace, Patrick Mouratoglou, Sunshine Double, Saudi Arabia, and other "normal" tennis topics

Netflix's Break Point cost millions, took months to be completed, several of the most talented people in the industry, and still can't hold a candle to the ATP Season, a comedic 5-minute parody of what the tennis season is like. Players pretending that everything we see is fake, and some of the best acting from your favourite players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Gael Monfils. What is missing to the multi-million dollar production by the entertainment giant? What did Netflix miss? For starters, we think that they should get rid of the F1: Drive to Survive thinking and find their own mission statement. We also talk about the most controversial coach in modern tennis, Patrick Mouratoglou. Who is he really? A great coach? A PR genius with a way to make people talk about himself? A... clown? We don't quite believe in this last option, but the true merits of Mouratoglou as an elite tennis coach are a good topic to be explored - one that might bring about an entire episode of its own. Touching briefly on some of the WTA matches this week, Andre recommended the Abu Dhabi semifinals, but obviously these are over by now. So if you can, go watch a replay of Rybakina vs Samsonova and Haddad Maia vs Kasatkina! Both of these were amazing. And don't forget to catch the final on Sunday! Finally, we ended up having to chat about Saudi Arabia's involvement in tennis. What to expect? What to do as fans? How can we still enjoy good tennis, and at the same time keep in mind that Saudi Arabia is far from being a role-model of a country, being a quite brutal dictatorship with many shortcomings when it comes to human rights? Ultimately, though, money talks for the big players. Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

ATP Season - the best tennis content EVER?

Steve Flink makes his first stop of the year at the Tennis and Bagels Podcast to review the AO2024

Join us in this captivating episode as tennis historian, writer, and hall-of-famer Steve Flink returns to dissect the thrilling moments of the Australian Open men's tournament. In an insightful conversation with our host Vansh, they delve into the triumphs and tribulations of the players who left their mark on the iconic tournament. The spotlight is on the phenomenal ascent of Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, who emerged victorious in a historic showdown against the formidable Novak Djokovic. The 10-time Australian Open champion faced his first-ever defeat in the semi-finals, leaving fans in awe of Sinner's prowess and determination as he valiantly came back from a two-sets-to-love deficit against Daniil Medvedev to win his maiden Grand Slam title. Djokovic's shocking performance also left Flink and Vansh intrigued, wondering if this will affect the rest of the season for the Serbian. Flink and Vansh navigate the twists and turns of Daniil Medvedev's journey, exploring his resurgence and reaching the final for the third time in Australia. The duo revisits Medvedev's past challenges, including a heartbreaking loss to Rafael Nadal at this same stage in 2022, and examines the improvements that have transformed him into a more promising and formidable player. From adjustments in his net game to strategic shifts in his return position, could Medvedev's evolution bring him back to being one of the most dangerous players on tour? As the episode unfolds, the hosts speculate on the future prospects of Sinner and Medvedev, pondering whether they will secure victories in the remaining Grand Slam events of 2024. The burning question lingers: Can either of them rise to the pinnacle and claim the coveted World No. 1 ranking? Tune in for a riveting discussion filled with expert analysis, tennis insights, and a glimpse into the potential future of these tennis titans. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the world of tennis. 🎙️🎾

Australian Open - men's tournament review with Steve Flink

Iga Swiatek might be the official World No. 1, but Aryna Sabalenka might be the best player in the world right now.

A deeper dive into the happenings of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, as it came to an end this Sunday, January 28! Owen makes a case for Aryna Sabalenka to be the true best player in the world. What are her weaknesses? If not for her own on-court frustrations and nerves kicking in, there are no real vulnerabilities to exploit in her game, no matter on which surface. The WTA's current Top 3 plus Elena Rybakina also seems consolidated and increasingly distancing themselves from the rest of the pack. Is a new domination era starting? How many Grand Slam titles will Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina win in the next 5-10 years? Exciting battles look very possible on the horizon. And we did not forget Qinwen Zheng, who finished runner-up at the Australian Open. How far does her potential go? Which areas can she improve on her game? After a hard fought final, though ending in a straight forward loss, Zheng now enters the Top 10, and has much material to look into as she seeks to follow on the footsteps of fellow Chinese player Li Na, the 2014 Australian Open champion. On the ATP side, more questions than answers. How high is Janni Sinner's ceiling? Is the World No.1 ranking in the cards for this year? Another major title? And what about Medvedev - now that he is happy and motivated, can he finally add another Grand Slam title to his trophy room? It will depend on how well he can implement the changes he needs in his game, and how long he can sustain his best level, though another 2-0 lead is blown at the Australian Open. Looking into Novak Djokovic, we were left puzzled by his performance. Although, while we do not consider his decline to be so sudden as to cause his level to drop so much in just two days, it seems something was not quite right. And he sure needed a much higher level to beat Sinner. Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

AO Review - High on Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka beat Zheng for the 2nd Australian Open title, and second major overall

Andre takes a quick look into Aryna Sabalenka's dominant performance in the Australian Open final, defeating China's Qinwen Zheng 6-3 6-2. Though Zheng showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn't to be for the Chinese rising star's first Grand Slam final, as she went up against a decisive, confident, and powerful Sabalenka, who looks well and truly like a player who wants to be the World No.1 again. Plus: Rohan Boppana's inspiring ascent to the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in his career at 43 years old, also winning his first men's doubles major title, teaming up with Australia's Matthew Ebden! And a major run by Netherlands para-athlete Diede de Groot, who is now on a 14-title winning streak in Grand Slams, with three calendar Grand Slams won during the run - and a strong possibility of a fourth one on the way! Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-87-ao-lets-go/id1547118856?i=1000641542823" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen to our predictions at the Murray Musings Podcast!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Aryna Sabalenka wins again: AO Women's final quick review and takeaways

Tennis and Bagels enters 2024! Looking into the major storylines of the AO first week

🎾🥯 Game, Set, Podcast! 🥯🎾 We're back in 2024 for more great tennis adventures, starting at the place Andre and Owen long to go back to: Australia! 🌟 Iga Swiatek's Epic Showdown: The illustrious World No.1, Iga Swiatek, encountered a formidable challenge in the form of Danielle Collins. Seemingly down and out, Swiatek pulled off a huge comeback in the third, though possibly with some help from the American. We look back at this match, and weigh in on Swiatek's still arduous journey to the title. 🎾 Rybakina's Rollercoaster Exit: Last year's finalist, Elena Rybakina, bid adieu in a second-round spectacle against Anna Blinkova. While still tough to say whether Rybakina is still learning how to navigate extremely tough matches, this one was special: several match points on both sides, the longest tie-break ever at Grand Slam level. A disappointing end for Rybakina, but a phenomenal showdown and a properly earned upset by Blinkova. 🔥 Sabalenka's Unstoppable Run: Aryna Sabalenka, the indomitable force, continues her ruthless march through the draw. Now with Anisimova up next, we shall see where her level is truly at - but no one can say she is not consistently putting herself in position to win the biggest titles. 🌈 Coco's Winning Streak: The prodigious Coco Gauff is now surfing on a long 10-match winning streak at Grand Slams. As the second week approaches, her challenges will only grow more difficult. We're particularly excited about the prospect of a teenager battle between Gauff and 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva! 🤔 Medvedev's Moment of Reflection: Doubt surrounds the prowess of Daniil Medvedev. Can he dispel the shadows of uncertainty and assert his dominance over the elite and find the extremely high level he displayed back in 2021 and at the Australian Open in 2022? 🎾 Sinner's Five-Set Odyssey: Jannik Sinner, a virtuoso in his own right, grapples with the challenge of the best-of-five sets format. Can he ascend to the summit and silence the skeptics, or will he face a symphony of setbacks? 👑 Djokovic's Australian Reign: Novak Djokovic, the perennial monarch of the Australian Open, faces a potential usurper in the form of Carlos Alcaraz. Is Djokovic's reign unassailable, or will Alcaraz be the architect of an epoch-defining upset? Coming closer to an 11th title in Australia, Djokovic still owns Rod Laver arena, but Alcaraz has already took over the throne at Wimbledon. Could he do it also down under? Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Owen's The Golden Rivalry: <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-87-ao-lets-go/id1547118856?i=1000641542823" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Listen to our predictions at the Murray Musings Podcast!</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Australian Open week 1 - Finally into 2024!

Spanning three decades and 59 matches, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic pushed each other to the limits on court. Owen wrote a book about it!

The greatest men's rivalry in the history of tennis? The most physical in the sport overall? Andre interviews co-host Owen about his recent project, a book about the Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Rivalry, appropriately called "The Golden Rivalry." They discuss motivation for writing the book, the challenges of putting it together, and several tangents about the great Novak Djokovic H2H Rafael Nadal matchup: what was their best match? Why is it so great? Is it really superior to the Federer vs Nadal rivalry? Contrary to popular belief, not all their matches are all that impressive. But which was the worst? And maybe the most important question of the rivalry: which match was most significant for their careers and the history of tennis overall? Follow along as they praise the two giants of the game and chat about Owen's exciting project, and <a href="https://thegoldenrivalry.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-golden-rivalry?r=318qc6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">follow all chapters as they are released on substack!</a> Talk to us on social media :) Follow Tennis and Bagels: Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TennisAndBAGELS</a>Andre Rolemberg <a href="https://twitter.com/RolembergAndre" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RolembergAndre</a>Vansh Vermani <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@vanshv2k</a>Owen Lewis <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@tennisnation</a> Check out Popcorn Tennis!Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Popcorn_Tennis1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Popcorn_Tennis1</a>Website: <a href="https://popcorntennis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">popcorntennis.com</a>

Novak Djokovic H2H Rafael Nadal: The Golden Rivalry - Owen talks about his book!

Watch tennis. Drink coffee. Eat bagels. Listen to this podcast. Repeat.

The <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAndBagels" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tennis and Bagels Podcast</a> aims to capture the best parts of tennis, from tactics to touching moments and many things in between. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrerolembergthoughts/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andre Rolemberg</a> started the show in 2019 and added <a href="https://twitter.com/vanshv2k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vansh Vermani</a> — a dynamo in all things tennis statistic related — and <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisnation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Owen Lewis</a>, a blogger, to the team. As the legendary Big Three head into the twilight of their careers and the WTA approaches a gleaming Golden Age with its plethora of young talent, change is afoot in the tennis world. Andre, Vansh, and Owen do their best to make sense of it through match recaps, often bad predictions, and general wondering.

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