Tripp’s Tennis Talk

I.W. Day 8 - Livin’ In Tennis Paradise

In today's episode, we start with live comments from Maria Sakkari immediately following her comeback win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 over Petra Kvitova. Earlier, the day session was relatively straightforward, with Tiafoe overpowering Norrie 6-4, 6-4, Sabalenka destroying Gauff 6-4, 6-0, and Medvedev holding off Davidovich Fokina 6-3, 7-5 for his eighteenth consecutive match win.
Also on today's episode, we hear from some of the victorious players and I read the statements from the Lesia Tsurenko situation.
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I.W. Day 4 - On The Fritz

ATP #5 and BNP Paribas Open reigning champion Taylor Fritz opened his title defense with a challenging 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Ben Shelton in which the serve and forehand figured prominently for both players. It was their first career meeting in what has the potential of becoming a long-running rivalry. Meanwhile, #1 seed Carlos Alcaraz returned to big-tournament tennis with a breezy 6-3, 6-3 stroll against Thanasi Kokkinakis. Elsewhere, WTA #1 Iga Swiatek continues to serve up bakery products and #4 seed Ons Jabeur got a win coming back from an injury layoff.
All that and more on today's episode.
Music - "Mettavolution" by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

I.W. Day 3 - Oasis

Oasis (n.) "a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found." There was enough water today to cause a rain delay!
Is Daniil Medvedev back? It certainly appears that way. First, he's back in terms of results; today he won his 15th consecutive match, beating Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 6-3 in a fun one with several long exciting rallies, one of which featured a Nakashima tweener. Second, it sounds like Meddy is back culturally. He is giving interesting answers in press again. He is being quirky and funny and honest again. I am back on the Meddy train! Let's go!
I'm inclined to not read too much into the Tsitsipas result, and not just because I didn't see the match (lol), but because he's had elbow trouble recently. Let's revisit come Monte Carlo, where he is the 2x defending champion.
Indian Wells was not an oasis for Tsitsipas. Will it be an oasis for Medvedev next weekend?
All that and more on today's episode.
Music - "Mettavolution" by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

I.W. Day 2 - Thiem Trough

In another kiboshed performance, 2020 US Open Champion and former ATP #3 Dominic Thiem squandered a set-and-break lead to Adrian Mannarino, falling 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 to the Frenchman. It was 5-5 in the final set tiebreak. Thiem's tantalizing failure punctuated a horrid start to his 2023 campaign (1-7 match record). Thiem's body language was visibly anguished throughout the match. The former Indian Wells champion is down to #102 in the rankings.
Dominic Thiem superfan Madeline sent me a quick voice memo in the aftermath of tonight's match.
On today's episode, we also hear from Andy Murray. I also do a score read and schedule preview.
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Music - "Mettavolution" by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

I.W. Day 1 - Gael Monfils is ”Blessed,” Nothing But Net, Wu to Wu

Gael Monfils returns to tennis after an injury layoff as a new dad. La Monf's comeback ended swiftly at the hands of Jordan Thompson but Gael feels "blessed" just the same.
Yibing Wu had an encounter with the net on match point. Jaume Munar noticed. Aurelie Tourte did not notice. Yibing Wu was awarded the victory. Two Wus won today: Yibing and Tung-Lin. That must be a first.
Plus - a journalist asks the White House Press Secretary about Novak Djokovic!
Music - "Mettavolution" by Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Indian Wells Preview

Shaking off the cobwebs for sure. It will take a few pods to get the rhythm back.
Music - Earthbound track arranged by Jorge Fuentes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBhyhRCYQvk

AO23 Championship Weekend MegaPod: Unspeakable Persecution ft Madeline

Novak Djokovic overcame the deportation saga and eight tennis players (seven opponents and himself) to win a record-tying twenty-second grand slam Sunday night in Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 in the Men's Singles Final. The day before, Aryna Sabalenka outslugged Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win the Women's Singles Championship. Let's talk about all that and more! Pour yourself a cup of coffee, maybe get some headphones, settle in, and enjoy.
 

AO23 Day 11 - Aces Up

On Thursday, Rybakina beat Azarenka 7-6, 6-3 and Sabalenka beat Linette 7-6, 6-2. Let's talk about it.

AO23 Quarterfinals - Biofeedback Machine

Novak Djokovic crushed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 Wednesday night in Melbourne. Earlier in the day, Tommy Paul ended Ben Shelton's run 7-6, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, Aryna Sabalenka crushed Donna Vekic and her serve 6-3, 6-2, and Magda Linette upset (30) Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 7-5 to reach her first career major semifinal.
 
Topic List:
What happened in the quarterfinal matches?
What do the results mean for each player? 
What are the semifinal draws?
What is the current ranking points situation?
What is the schedule for Thursday?
What is the TV schedule?
 
Quote - Djokovic. "I've tried any biofeedback machine there is on this planet."
Music - ESPN 
Clip - Paramount

AO23 Day 8 - Waiting for Djokovic

"It could get a little bit raucous."