Ready Play Tennis Podcast

From Madrid to Rome with Love

Why not celebrate one year of the Ready Play Tennis Podcast with the funniest episode of the season!

After reminiscing on the first year of the pod, the guys discuss their differences in how they consume tennis. With one more 'the purist' and the other willing to learn results and watch the highlights, who knew it would be Raonic who comes out the big loser.

Reflecting on the results of a great event in Madrid, Aldwin issues a 'formal apology' to Aryna Sabalenka for saying she's a one-dimensional player. While recognizing the triumph of now two-time Madrid 'campeón' Sascha Zverev, Dominic Thiem makes a rare podcast appearance and shares a shocking revelation... hilarity ensues. 

The guys tease the upcoming Rome event, highlighting some recent lack-lustre results of Felix and Shapo. After Aldwin suggests Denis might be focused on his next rap track... well, someone grabs that mic. Sony Records... the guys await your call!

COMING SOON
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One year in, we want to say
'Thank You for all the 'Love'
you give to the podcast!

All Eyes on Madrid

The clay court season is in full swing and a return to normalcy seems to be taking hold as fans engage in great tennis at the returning Madrid Open.

As the woman take centre stage, and the guys reflect on Madrid's mini-grand slam vibe. While Barty, Brady, Halep and Kvitova are in form, Osaka still can't find her footing on the clay. 

On the men's side, will the returning Medvedev finally leave his mark at a clay court event? What about the flailing Dominic Thiem? Or will all eyes be on a Tsitsipas and Nadal rematch after their epic in Barcelona?

Results from ATP 250 events in Munich and Portugal, and the guys discuss when they might get back on a tennis court again as Ontario remains in its 'stay-at-home' order.

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When Your Boyfriend Tsitsipas Rules on Clay

Exciting storylines continue into the clay court swing and the guys cover all the results thus far.

Aldwin's boyfriend Stefanos Tsitsipas captures his maiden Master's title in Monte Carlo. After some sweet nothings and a little massage, Tsitsi's winning ways continued until his epic three and a half hour encounter with king of clay Rafa Nadal, now 12 time Barcelona champ.

Karatsev continues his winning ways by defeating Djokovic at his home event in Serbia, the second longest ATP match of the season (behind Nadal and Tsitsipas in Barcelona). But it was Berretini who would take the Serbia title.

Barty rules the roost in the transition to clay, showing that her serve and variety can outlast the power game of Sabalenka. Aldwin also gives props to Sorana Cirstea who captured her first title in 13 years in Istanbul.

The guys kick-off the show reminiscing about the days when they could actually play tennis. With weather getting nicer and nets going up, a spike in COVID cases across the province leads to another lengthy lockdown that bans even outdoor sporting activities like tennis. 

Oh... and Benoit Paire is out of the Olympics. Surprised?

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Q1 Wrap with Jonathan Scott (Part 2)

In the second half of their chat with Tennis.com and Tennis Magazine journalist and friend Jonathan Scott, the three share their Top 3 stories of 2021 thus far.

Some stories may be obvious, while others may surprise. See how they jive with yours as Aldwin, Jason and Jonathan recap and exciting start to the 2021 pro tennis season.

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Q1 Wrap with Jonathan Scott (Part 1)

The guys come together with 'the oracle of tennis' himself, Jonathan Scott.

Friend and tennis journalist with Tennis Magazine and Tennis.com, in Part 1 of this episode Jonathan dishes with Aldwin and Jason on the results of the Miami Open.

We're starting to see what a post 'Big Three' era could look like as new talent continue to build their own exciting storylines on the men's side.

For the women, the guys talk about the talents of Barty (who clearly loves Miami), the real return of Andreescu, and early exit of big match Osaka. Can these ladies grow and build the consistent tournament wins to become this generation's Graf, Seles or Navratilova?

Tune in next week for Part 2 and the guys review with Jonathan their Top 3 stories in the tennis world in 2021 thus far!

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Real Tennis T with Leylah Annie Fernandez

It's safe to say that Leylah Annie Fernandez has transitioned from rising Canadian tennis star to international tennis star and boy is her star as bold and bright as ever!  With her win in Monterrey a couple of weeks ago, not only did she win her first WTA tour singles title but she became the first Canadian in 18 months, on both tours, to clinch one.  For this reason, Jason and Aldwin were excited to welcome and have some friendly girl chat with this homegrown heroine!

From her mental mind-frame in Monterrey to those quirky on-court "Leylah-isms" this mature 18 year old phenom shares all that it took to get to her maiden trophy and let's the boys in on a couple of insider strategies that might help improve their rec games (wannabe net-rushers and lefties, it's a must listen!)

Finally, Leylah let's those gorgeous curls loose with the duo's fun and fast question game "The Changover."  So, if you've ever wondered what her fave Filipino food is or what her weirdest thought on-court has been, hit that download button now!

Thank you Leylah!  See you in the Top 10 and can't wait to see you at the CGO!

 

 

 

Pospisil's Meltdown in Miami

Everyone has their mental limit and our Canadian boy, Vasek Pospisil's was pushed over the edge in his expletive laden meltdown against Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of Miami.  

Known typically for his calm and cool demeanor, Vasek's emotional rant on the changeover exposed more about the tensions that exist between himself, the fledgling PTPA (Professional Tennis Player's Association) and the board of ATP Executives.  

Jason and Aldwin cover the entire story including the myriad of player and fan reaction and believe us when we say: "THE PEOPLE SPOKE ON IT!"

Throw in a discussion about whether Benoit Paire's "laissez-faire," attitude toward match play should be reprimanded and a review of the early round results in Miami and you've got yourself one hot tamale of a show!  

Sunshine Double REPRESENT!

 

 

 

 

Leylah Annie Fernandez and More Rising Stars Arrive

The season of fresh faces continues with 18 year old Canadian star on the rise Leylah Annie Fernandez taking her first WTA title in Monterrey, becoming the first Canadian to take a title in 18 months... and Jason tries to take some credit.

Rising stars leave the guys thirsting for more as cool cat Aslan Karatsev takes his fine form (and fine calves) from his AO semi-final to his first title at the Dubai Duty Free (and Crowd Free) Open. Honourable mention to emerging South African star Lloyd Harris, taking out the likes of Dominic Thiem (who?) and Shapo.

Even more stars emerged in Acapulco as the guys check out (for more than just their tennis) new semi finalists Dominik Koepfer (Germany) and Lorenzo Musetti (Italy). The guys rise up for current stars Zverev and Tsitsipas (boyfriend to Aldwin) for what was one of the best matches of 2021 so far. Zverev would outshine Tsitsi to extend the latter's ATP 500 losing streak in finals to six.

The guys end with discussing the draws at the Miami Open and the tweets and musings of Reilly Opelka and Benoit Paire respectively on the current state of the sport during the pandemic.

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The Federer Refresh: Can Tennis Thrive Without the King?

We all love a good Roger Federer comeback moment but are we going a little too far when we proclaim that his return to the tour has "revived the ATP?"  A rusty second round exit in Doha and his announcement that he is pulling out of Dubai next week and has "decided to go back to training as a result" leaves Fed fans longing and the tennis world wondering "what the Fed is going on?"

Insert the incredible stories of Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, and Jason's fave, the yet unfinished chapter of Juan Martin Del Potro into this conversation.  Are you Fed fans saying that tennis can't thrive and survive without Fed in it?  Many would disagree, and the boys get into ALL. OF. IT.

Add to this the duo's coverage of Garbine Muguruza and their bestest Genie Bouchard in their respective WTA tournament's and you have yourself a jam packed, sensation of an episode.  

Roger Federer fans, come at us, we're ready for you!  

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Naomi & Novak on that Next Level

Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic have just come off impressive Slam wins Down Under and Jason and Aldwin take a closer look at the big game and the mental mind-frame that sets them apart from their peers.  

With 4 Slams now under her belt, can Naomi translate her hardcourt success to the grass at Wimbledon or the terre-battue of the French Open?  Does she have the drive, determination, and longevity to dominate the women's tour like her idol Serena Williams?

Love him or hate him, Novak recently surpassing Roger Federer's record of most weeks at #1 nudges him further ahead in the GOAT conversation.  Are we now at a point where we can comfortably pass that much contested title to him?

The boys delve into all this juicy conversation and cover the latest tennis results on this week's episode.  

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