Australian Open 2023 Preview

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Daniel Kiernan  00:09

Welcome to Episode 183 of Control the Controllables. And it's that time of year, when we get up in the middle of the night to watch our favorite tennis players. We pretend that we're working from home, and we find any possible way that we can to be watching the Australian Open. Last year's Australian Open brought us so much drama and that was before a tennis ball was even hit. Now this year's been a little bit quieter, but you can guarantee there's going to be some amazing stories. There's going to be some new stars born and I'm sure maybe some of those old dogs whether it's Nadal or Djokovic, they might have a thing or two to say about it as well. Now I am delighted to be joined by Freddie Nielsen who is always on our previews and reviews Freddie 2012 Wimbledon winner with British tennis player Johnny Marray had a fantastic play in career, and is now the Davis Cup captain and head of men's tennis in Denmark. And then we've got Emily Webley Smith, who has been on the podcast before she's currently top 200 in the world in doubles. She's an inspiration she's 37 years old. She's been on the tour for many years and is still going strong has played at Grand Slam level has many more grand slams to play and for her to bring her insight and inside knowledge of the game is fantastic. And then lastly the Piers Morgan of the tennis world. Kieran Vorster Kieran from South Africa has worked with many players at the top level from Tim Henman to win Ferreira and is now Liam Brody's fitness coach. And again, a brilliant insight for us to have. As always, I love these chats. I really hope that you guys do too. And then we want to hear from you who's your picks, share it on social media. And let us know if you get it right and you tag us in on social media, we will read your name out in lights in our review show in a couple of weeks time now enjoy the Australian Open. But first enjoy our first preview of a grand slam this year of Australian Open 2023 panelists. A big welcome to my Australian Open 2023 panel. How are you all doing?

Freddie Nielsen  02:42

Very, very good. Thanks.

Daniel Kiernan  02:43

It's great to have you on guys. And as a starting point as, as we sit here the day before the Australian Open starts and and the day after the Netflix show Break Point came out? Will Will it transform tennis, you know what, what is the Netflix show going to do to our industry? Is it going to open the doors? Is it going to open the sport to many that currently don't know about it are inspired by it. And Emily to bring you in here first. And I'm I'm sure that you've seen some of the footage. I'm sure you've seen the trailers that are out there. And what are your early thoughts on the show?

Emily Webley-Smith  03:22

I have seen some of the previews and the characters that they're they're kind of playing up to be in it. And I do think it's long overdue in terms of trying to make tennis a little cooler to the open world who maybe wouldn't normally watch tennis or know about the stories behind the players. And I do think there's some amazing stories and characters in it. But I think so often in interviews doesn't show that the life behind and the bits that people actually want to know. So yeah, it's gonna be interesting. I just hope that I hope it I hope it's it's based on a little bit of reality as well as as that. But yeah, it would be it would definitely be one to watch for for this year.

Daniel Kiernan  04:12

I've managed to watch the first couple of episodes and in episode two actually, it was it was quite nice to see the reality of a relationship. You know, it was Berrettini I think he'd actually just made the semi finals and it showed him walking into an extremely dirty room that was a very well looked after clothes everywhere with his girlfriend, Tomjanavic and just kind of getting that transaction between their relationship and and seeing that yes, you're a semi finalists, but now you're going to have to have have a conversation with your other half and she was trying to kick them out of bed early in the morning so she could do an interview with the Tennis Channel. And it is it's nice to see that you know, that's how We start to connect with people. So I've really enjoyed it and you but it has been interesting. Definitely they're setting the scene. They're setting the scene that it's aimed at people that aren't in the world of tennis, you know, the first episodes really talking about how you score, the scoring system at Grand Slams. And I'm sure as it goes in these, these types of shows, they'll get under the bonnet of the sport a little bit more. And I know us in the tennis world, that's what we want to see a little bit. But first and foremost, let's see if it opens up a new audience. And certainly, Nick Kyrgios, who is very heavily featured in episode one seems to be the man that they're using to try and open up that new audience. And I don't think any of us can argue with that. But what are your early thoughts? And what are you what are you thinking about it? Freddie?

Freddie Nielsen  05:50

I think it's a good initiative. I think, obviously, since it's, I can understand this, the creators of the Formula One one. I know for myself, I'm not a Formula One fan, but I really enjoyed the Netflix documentary there, and it got me a little more interested in it, I don't think you're gonna lose any of the current tennis fans by doing it. So I really think you have nothing to lose and a lot to win by doing it. It is an entertainment business people these days, they want to see what goes on behind the scenes. So I'm generally positive towards it. like Emily said, I'm also a little bit suspicious, whether it's gonna be a little, artificially created some of the drama, but if that's the case, then so be it. Without knowing anything about the quality of it, I'm pretty positive. I mean, what what's the worst that can happen, you get some new fans and people that are going to see a little bit of what's going on. So and they picked some good guys, Nick is, for better or for worse, one of the most interesting players, we have in tennis at the moment.

Daniel Kiernan  06:52

And there's a real opportunity for some of the players, the current players as well to emerge as superstars within the game. You know, it's not just the results on the court. It's also the entertainment off the court. And certainly the lead runner, from the first couple of episodes is Francis Tiafoe. It's gonna put him in a good light. And he seems like a very funny, fun guy, who I think a lot of people will love. And then Badosa and Jabeur, on the women's side having are going to come and out really strong in this, you know, showing showing off their personalities. But maybe it's the beard of Liam Broady that really stole the show in the first episode, but he must have known that those cameras were following him, you know, you had the he had the beard oil on, he had it perfectly trimmed. He got a lot of camera time, then I know, probably not what he wants, when he's on the end of a bit of a beating from Nick Kyrgios. But he certainly came across well. So how is the reaction been to that Vossie? Yeah, I mean, he was told by Nick, when they practiced in Canberra that he was he was going to be on the first episode. Yeah, but I mean, obviously, I think Liam loved the fact that, that he's got some screen time. And I put a tweet out this morning, he was like, you'd love love, love them to put a GoPro on one. In the futures event, maybe that's what it opens up Emily, though, you know, we start with the stars. And then maybe we get Control the Controllables Productions in a couple of years time, you know, because it's fascinating that that side of the game, you know, this is where the professionals come from, you know, they all pretty much start at the futures and go through the challengers, you know, and to be able to see that journey. And that reality of that journey. I think it will be an amazing watch. And Emily if I said, you're a producer of a Netflix show of the futures and challenger tour. What would the narratives be? What would the main storylines be that you would look to bring alive?

Emily Webley-Smith  08:59

I actually actually replied to Liam's tweet, and I said, pay me and I'll do it. Because I do think there's, there's just so many things that people just don't realize that go on. And obviously, there's the nitty gritty reality, which is also tough and sad, and difficult and ugly. But there's also so many underlying stories between the fun stuff, but also and the drama, and the chaos that goes on at Challenger and future level. But also, within that, I think there's some there's some pretty cool stories of people coming back from from injuries, like, for instance, this week in Thailand with Lloyd Harris coming back and actually from six months out with his wrist, actually doing pretty well in his first first couple back. And then the younger players coming through who once or twice you'll see somebody like a Noskova, or somebody like that, who this time last year was, you know, playing 25 k's and is now 70 in the world and she's 17. And I think those those kinds of things for the real tennis fan would be really interesting. But I think equally the behind the scenes nitty gritty of the Challenger tour is something that unless you've lived, it can't really be described.

Daniel Kiernan  10:27

We got a behind the scenes video of the hotel piano playing behind you. This hotel can't be that bad. You know what I mean? piano bars, working Wi Fi.

Emily Webley-Smith  10:41

40 euros is a is a pretty good level in Estonia. So yeah, I think the variation that you would get between futures in in China or India or somewhere like that comparison to Europe and France and those those tough tallies in the States, I think, I think people would be drawn in by I think they'd also be shocked by some of the conditions, but I think the prize money, but yeah, I definitely think it would be interesting.

Daniel Kiernan  11:12

A couple of messages I picked up from from the show, is, I'm a big believer in normalizing. You know, and I think sometimes when we look at the top end of the game, we think that these players are robots, you know, we think that they've got so much money, they can just compete with absolute freedom. But for us to see that they have the same fears, the same fears of failure, you know, whether that's for various different reasons, but wherever it's Ons Jabeur, who is playing with a whole continent behind and feeling as if she's, she's got the whole weight of Africa on her shoulders, whether it's parents agents, you know, the higher level they get, the more money's involved, the more people that it's harder to trust. It's it's not so easy to have these teams around you. And Freddie I was I was thinking of you when I was watching it, because I'll ever share a little story from from me when I was younger. And it certainly wasn't a Grand Slam. But what I'm going to ask you about is Wimbledon, but it was the under 14 nationals. And I'd made it through to the final and it was it was a big deal to make it through to the final. And you spend all the week there in Nottingham, in the UK, you're with your mates, you're hanging out, you're watching matches you're playing matches, it was back in the days before mobile phones. So you're chatting away, you're playing cards having a bit of banter. Maybe it's the first time you're at the age where you're starting to talk to the girls and who fancies who and, you know, it's there's a real buzz around it. And I remember walking in on finals day, and it was dead. It was absolutely dead. There was there was nobody around. And it was almost a bit of an empty feeling. And a little bit of a strange feeling. Now, granted, if you're playing a Grand Slam, of course, on the court itself, it's packed and there's a real buzz. And also the media intensifies as it goes. But that didn't happen at the under 14 nationals, believe it or not. So Friday, if I take you to 2012 where you've made it through to a Wimbledon final, is that something that you experienced?

Freddie Nielsen  13:24

Oh, clearly, it was very clear. And it wasn't necessarily a bad thing because you have a little more space physically everywhere you go because the thought of the slam is, as you all know, it's pretty intense. There's a lot of people everywhere. And it's a little easier to just go around and do your business. I didn't find it the same way as you did, I took it more as experience because I was pretty convinced that I was never going to be going this far in the slam again, so for me, it was just part of the experience of okay, this is just another thing. You know, you're on the you're in the players area, and there's absolutely nobody around. And you also this, this whole feeling of, I don't know 500 players, whatever it is trying to make it their tournament and all of a sudden, there's not that many left and it feels nice to be one of the ones that are left when everybody else are gone and I trying to prepare for other tournaments. So I didn't have the same feeling as you did in Wimbledon. I've had it in other tournaments I know exactly what you mean. That it's it's a little bit All right, what's what's going on here but but in a slam. I didn't feel it that way. I felt it on the opposite. I liked that. I liked it as a contrast to the beginning and it's also it was special. So for me it was definitely very, very clear and obvious that said it was different but I quite enjoyed it.

Daniel Kiernan  14:52

And to move us on now to the Australian Open, which is what we're here to talk about. This is I believe episode 183 have Control the Controllables. And most of the tennis players that come on, they always pick the Australian Open as as their favorite. You know, that's seems to be the players choice. It's it's an incredible event, they look after the players so well. It's very fan friendly. And if we go back one year looking at some of the stories that we had last year on this show, last year, we didn't pick Nadal, we didn't talk about Nadal. Now he's been injured for six months. And he went on and he won the final from two sets to love down against Daniil Medvedev, and became the 21 time Grand Slam winner. We picked Barty to win, I'm not sure any of us picked her to win, without dropping a set. And certainly we didn't see it coming, that she was going to walk away from the sport, and retire and move into write and children's books, you know, and so times can change, you know, lots, lots changes in a year, we think about what was going on with Novak Djokovic last year, you know, and I'm gonna bring you in at this point. Vossie because you were certainly very vocal upon this. And, you know, it showed that on the Netflix documentary as well, and it was like, no way that that happened. It was it was crazy, you know, Novak Djokovic, in the detention center. Everyone going mad people jumping on the police cars. You know, it was just hard to believe that it was really happening. But it was, it was such a massive story. He was he was banned from Australia for three years. And here we are one year later. I'm sure we're all going to be picking him to be winning the event, apart from maybe Vossie who likes to go against the grain. But yeah, what are your thoughts a year on Vossie? Well, I mean, if the fee Australian Government obviously made the decision to lift it which is which is obviously great great for for tennis and great for Novak. So you probably think a year on that having done a little bit of traveling you'd never thought COVID had existed. You know, like, like, you know, just even going on like America, there's they're saying that you won't be allowed into the states, you know, probably till the end of March if you're having a COVID vaccination. But when you go in there, they don't even ask you. So, you know, I think on that basis, I think it's gonna be unlucky for Novak but, you know, he respects rules, rules are rules now, you know, I think he could have handled 12 months ago, even if he reflected on himself, that whole situation a lot better. And in terms of what we what we saw and spoke about a couple of years ago, on this, Shawn, I certainly don't want to throw anyone under the bus. Although maybe it was Xavi, Emily's maybe we throw Xavi under the bus. But I think he was talking about how a soccer she was the big favorite for the Aussie Open back in 2021. And he was saying he just can't see anybody in the women's game, catching her, you know, she's gonna go on and she's gonna get close to Serena has record. And then only a year ago, we were all saying the same about Ash Barty. You know, she was head and shoulders above the rest of the field. You know, she was about to win a third. She was going to go on a rampage. And before you knew it, we'd already started dressing her up as the next Serena Williams. And here we are a year on. They're both pregnant, which is amazing news. A big congratulations to both of them, Ash Barty's no longer playing the sport. Naomi, Osaka, we hope well, but she certainly had a lot of troubles since then. So we don't know, to what level she's going to come back. And it just shows how hard it is to maintain that level and, and how things can change so quickly.

Emily Webley-Smith  18:49

Yeah, I think the dominance that Serena that Serena had, I think and that she achieved, I think it's very easy to say, oh, this person or it could be the next the next Serena. And then you actually look at the stats and you look at how how much arena won and how dominant she was. And I'm not sure that that can be repeated. Somebody like Osaka, I think, did struggle mentally. A lot in that year that followed. But even since then, it's been very, very up and down for her. And when she disappeared for a couple of months on tour. People are now no longer no longer shocked. Okay, this time is because she's pregnant. But I think that may be for her the way that she'll be able to maintain a longer career is by her taking some time out from that from that spotlight. Having said that, I do think she welcomes the spotlight in other ways. So I don't think you can always choose to have it. Choose to have it both ways. But somebody like Iga who went on that streak last year, I think is very much still somehow under the radar. Yeah, she was she was on an unbelievable winning streak in the middle, the middle Part of of last year that in the through the clay and everything. So I think it's, I think it's good because it shows the strength in depth in women's tennis, and that it's changing so much. But I do hope that there's someone that captures the attention of the world a little, a little more in terms of I don't think if you were walking down the street in the States, and you said to them who's Iga Swiatek I, I don't think the average person, it's somewhere like that would know. And that's a shame, because she's at the top of our sport,

Daniel Kiernan  20:39

I think that's a choice that Iga makes a little bit. You know, I remember when, when she was at the Academy a couple of years ago, and I went down, I think it was a Saturday afternoon, and I was playing the role of the estate agent and met them to give them the keys. And I have to admit, I didn't recognize Iga. I just, you know, she was just she was so normal. And, and she actually spoke quite candidly throughout that week, how she tries to avoid the limelight. Now, now granted, that was back in 2020, maybe 21. But it was, it was back after she'd won the French Open. You know, she's obviously a much bigger star now, you know, she's much more recognizable now. But she, she certainly made that decision to stay out of the limelight as much as you can. And I don't see, as an example, I don't see her showcase too much on the Netflix show, you know, I would imagine that will be something that she will avoid.

Emily Webley-Smith  21:41

Yeah, and it's about the tennis you know, it's and that's, that's great for her because I think it allows her to be able to exist at that age, with a very balanced mind in the same way that Ash really did. It, you know, she was always it was always about the tennis or the cricket when she stopped playing. But I think, although I understand at their age, and when with what they're trying to achieve in the sport, how important that is, perhaps for mental mental sanity, as well. I still think that we need something where the women's game is, is advertised and marketed a little better, because there are some great stories and some great personalities in there. And we need that going forwards in the next you know, in in the next era, this era and the next era.

Daniel Kiernan  22:31

I saw this morning, I always like to scroll through Twitter, the morning or the hour before I do one of these podcasts just to pick up the latest news and unfortunately, and I don't know the impact of this yet but but Badosa and Tomjanovic have both pulled out of the main draw of the Australian Open and they were both the big stars of the first couple of episodes of the Netflix show you know and that's going to be such a shame actually that you know, here we are the the two the two almost stars that people would go I want to I want to watch those I want to let's turn them on they're not actually playing in the event. So that's going to be the shame but Freddie what what are we looking at in terms of storylines you know, give us give us some storylines that maybe people aren't aren't looking for what what do you what do you see what's going to happen this year at the Aussie open?

Freddie Nielsen  23:28

Who What are the ones people are looking for, but you can go through the ones that you are looking for the comeback of Novak after the saga last year, the the Nick Kyrgios story of being maybe more expected to go go deep and can't really hide behind being the underdog anymore for having had a really good year. But apart from that, for me, the biggest one is, is the emergence of some of the young youngsters I mean, it's very difficult for me to go into the Australian Open without the Danish glasses on and see how Holger's gonna do so. So from my point of view, that's going to be be be be be the biggest thing for me to watch because there's gonna be a changing of the guard soon. Novak is obviously still the favorite and he's going to be the best I don't think Rafa is looking as strong as he is as Federer is gone. And he's obviously having his issue. So I don't think Medvedev has really cemented his spot at the top the way it looked like he was kinda so there's gonna be a lot of opportunities for the youngsters. So for me, I'm looking to see which one of the youngsters are going to grab the grab the top of the game now, especially on the men's side. And then on the women's side, I think it's a bit bit the same with the tennis shoes kind of cement their place at the top because they Emily made the point about different winners and strength and depth that you can also make the argument that that shows that there might be maybe not a great top I went when people keep beating each other. Throughout the time, there's always been a few select, that have been dominating the different years a little bit more and winning more. And I'm not certain I'm not sure that I have the answer, but not, in my opinion, it's not necessarily the case that it's because everybody is so good that we're that everybody feeds each other. I think maybe it's because there's not an outstanding group of players that have taken the top. So I feel like both men and women are in that state where you're kind of waiting to see who's gonna take over. Obviously, Iga has a great case, and she kind of keeps winning. But there's room for more in the top. And that's what I'm going to look forward to seeing who's who's who wants that.

Daniel Kiernan  25:41

And what about what about you? Varzi? What are we going to see this year, the Aussie Open? Yeah, I think I think the ones I think the ones like I think take none of it, as some practice in Dubai was was looking really good. Yes, I think some of the emergence of those of those of those younger ones who have had a breakthrough year I think Jack Draper's another outsider, I mean, obviously we can't go too hyped up on him, because it's going to be actually this is going to be his first full year on the main tour. So, you know, I think I think it'll be a lot of learning learning to do how well you do against Nadal. I don't know. I think is the up to the physical challenge of that again, you know, I think maybe, you know, he's obviously improving all the time, but I think he may be, you know, six, six to eight months short on that side, especially at Grand Slam level it's a shocking draw. It's a shocking draw for Nadal, Nadal doesn't want Jack Draper first round at Australian Open, Draper's the one floater for me. I think he's levels currently top 20 in the world. So it's going to be interesting because Nadal has last matches going into this Aussie Open, its not that he's not that he's coming in without many matches. He's actually lost. He's lost matches coming in. So Can Can Draper take him out? Fuzzy? Yeah, yes, yes. Yeah, he has the ability to win, whether whether whether he will or not on a day, I think it comes down to the occasion so to speak. Is he going to be overwhelmed by the occasion? Or will he be able will he be able to show the composure that he's shown obviously, in previous matches come through. And at this point, I think we as we've jumped into the men's event, that the story in Australia, yes is Novak Djokovic. But it's also the bromance that they're talking about. Now. The the Djokovic Kyrgios bromance, Obviously, Kyrgios is a superstar already. He's probably the most talked about tennis player in the world. And my first question, and I want to ask you this Freddie, and then I want to come to you, Emily, is what did you think of that? It was only the first time they've done such a thing, I believe selling tickets. A couple of days before the event. Tickets sold out on Rod Laver, I believe in 58 minutes to get me granted, it was five or 10 Australian dollars for people to come in and watch a match between Djokovic and Kyrgios. There was a little bit of negativity, we were gonna have Noah Rubin come on. Unfortunately, Noah has not made it. And that's a shame because he's been tweeting quite heavily about this and actually having back and forth with Nick on it. What was your thoughts on on that happening a couple of days ago.

Freddie Nielsen  28:35

I was flabbergasted to see Noah being negative towards something happening in tennis. Obviously not, he's very outspoken about that. I couldn't see the problem with it. I mean, the fact that it sells out in 15 minutes, shows that it's probably something that a lot of people thought was a good idea. I'm always intrigued by when I go to see other sporting events, I try to get in it before to see how people warm up and train and this kind of stuff. I like that if I have the chance. And and we've touched upon it a little bit before the people want to see a little more what happens outside and how they conduct themselves. And it's worth a shot. Why wouldn't you try it out? You can try it out and see Is it nice to people enjoy it, you can get to see the best players in the world for far less money. And if it turns out it's not a great thing, then you say okay, we tried it. I really don't see what's what's wrong apart. In fact, I think it's yeah, it's it. Tickets are also really expensive these days. So if you have the chance to go and see the best player in the world for less money and, and a lot of the times you can see them practice at the events, of course, but a lot of times they're just hitting balls up and down, which is nice, but it's not that that spectacular. I'm all for it. I think you've got nothing to lose and it's a good idea open up and show. Also, I think there's a little bit which is why this Netflix thing is good. Do you open up the doors and show more of the sport that you needed right now because for many years, the sport's been carried by very personality, heavy people that are slowly starting to retire and remove the sport. I mean, people need new faces and new things to be intrigued by. So I'm very positive.

Daniel Kiernan  30:19

I'd like to add on that, Dan, I think I think what the sport really needs, and I hope Netflix brings us which Drive to Survive Did by bringing in the American audience is that the average the average age viewing age or, or, or people watching tennis is like 61 years old, and the Tennis Channel. In the last quarter of last year, the average age was 55. And I hope, I hope that this the this Break Point, like brings a younger audience, having watched it, to gravitate towards watching our sport. And getting you know, getting good getting the views, the viewership age a little lower, and actually making the sport a little bit more cool. That people people come out and watch. And I think that there's a lot of things that the the TV channels need to do to also help with that audience. And Break Point may be the start of that.

Freddie Nielsen  31:15

And I would prefer to see a lot of these initiatives before we change the rules of the game, for example. So I would I would want to see the game explore all sorts of avenues in this area, because I believe a lot of it is creating hype about people that they want to say I don't believe that, that changing rules is going to make a big difference yet that's a lot of the talk of the town is what are we going to do to to make more TV friendly and all this and this and I personally hate to talk of rule change. So I would much rather see all these things before the rule changes.

Daniel Kiernan  31:47

But I was saying that accessibility inspires if you can get access, it does inspire and ultimately, you know, we had a one this week we word got out. Jude Bellingham, the England footballer, put on his social media heading to Marbella. And with a little bit of digging, people found out that Dortmund were training in Marbella. So I took my kids and a lot of my friends took their kids and we had literally complete access to Dortmund players. It was incredible. We sat there we watched them for an hour and a half. You know it all sorts of my nine year old never watches football says she hates football. she now thinks Jude Bellingham is her best friend, you know, and she's drawing and the picture she asked him his favorite color. She's drawing a picture for him, you know, like it's completely and he spent Jude Bellingham spent 75 minutes, not just taking the odd photo taking absolute, selfies, hugs, like conversation, like the accessibility that we had to Jude Bellingham. I'm telling you now everyone that was there that day, he is now their favorite footballer, they are now going to want to watch every time wherever he goes, that those kids will want to watch Jude Bellingham play. And that is ultimately what inspires the next generation.

Freddie Nielsen  33:17

And he's probably a genuinely nice guy. But at the end of the day, it's not rocket science, isn't it? No, it's not. I mean, like, like you said, he probably did have his own genuine feeling of wanting to be a nice guy. But at the end of the day, it doesn't take that much for for for tennis players to be outgoing and include people in their Twitter or even even if you just if they just reply once in a while to some comments, something people like it. It's not rocket science when it comes to this kind of stuff.

Daniel Kiernan  33:45

I just shifted a little bit. But still, I guess Kyrgios is my thought process here, Emily? mentality, you know, we've all been there in the sport of the weight of expectation. And it's really, it's really hit home to me. You know, Kyrgios has kind of played his whole career. letting everyone know he doesn't give a shit. I don't care. I don't care, like really underplaying his chances. I saw an interview with him the other day, and he said for the first time in his career, he feels like he's one of the favourites to win the Grand Slam. That's a massive mentality, shift, massive mindset shift, that that could add a weight of expectation, especially in his home country, you know, talk of talking personally from your experiences, and then linking that back into curiosity, and tennis players. What do you what do you think about that?

Emily Webley-Smith  34:36

I think it's interesting. more so because of the character that Nick is, I think, generally we would say, oh, yeah, it's tough because of the expectation and everything else. But I think having really exaggerated how under under played how he was, I think it will be, it'll be interesting to see if he actually grows into that role of being One of the stars because he kind of, although, although he underplayed it with his tennis he wanted to be, he wanted to show that he was different, and wanted to stand out when he was, you know, when his ranking wasn't standing out. And now that he is one of the favorites, I do think with someone like Kyrgios, there's also a chance that it could go in a good way that he will actually establish himself at the top and feel that even with everything that goes on around his tennis, and all the drama and everything else, that actually, perhaps that is where his talent level is meant to be. But in his own country, I do think we've seen it through the years with people that it's very, very difficult with that expectation to come out straight first, you know, first slam of the year for them with the same level that that we saw from him last summer. Yeah, but I think, I don't know, I kind of feel like Kyrgios is born for it. He's kind of born to be in the spotlight. And perhaps that the all the other things actually help him they wouldn't for a lot of players, like somebody like a Sam Stosur or somebody like that always performed better outside Australia that entered than she did in Aussie. But I think Kyrgios is a different kettle of fish. And I think he would embrace it. I actually think even, the Djokovic bromance thing that they're all playing up. And we don't know how, you know how close they actually are. But I think it makes Djokovic cooler, and I think it makes Kyrgios more credible. And I think that, that, that works for both of them in a marketing way, but actually also in a, you know, in an ego way. Really,

Daniel Kiernan  36:47

Made me soften to Djokovic.

Emily Webley-Smith  36:50

Me too, I've softened a little bit. And, and Kyrgios has grown on me. Which is exactly which is exactly what what we wanted, really, in terms of of the sport and how it's marketed. But as Freddie said, any access that you can get to these people when they're not in a Grand Slam final, which very few people can go and watch live, or when they're not in goodness knows where around the world is great for tennis. And I think at the moment also, we're seeing a huge change in all these other take offs from tennis, you know, like padel, and pickleball and all these other formats of the game coming through, which is great, but it's detracting from how cool tennis actually is. And if like Vossie said if we can bring that age down by even if it means creating expectation around Nick, if that gets another 50 Kids in Australia playing tennis, then that's awesome. And and that's what we want. Maybe not. Maybe not quite behaving like Nick all the time. But at least it gives them a chance to enjoy the sport and try and pick up a racket and literally be intrigued by somebody who when it when it comes down to it is a very good athlete.

Daniel Kiernan  38:06

And all eyes will be going to potential Kyrgios Rune third round match ready?

Freddie Nielsen  38:13

Definitely. I think it's Yeah, I think that's a great matchup. I think also what's what we've seen in the past years is that here is like the plan John Kane arena. He can't stay away from Rod Laver much longer. So I'm also intrigued to see how that's gonna play in because obviously, it's been an active choice appears to be in Kane. And it's a different kind of crowd there. Especially the last few years where you don't have seated tickets. So he's been able to get that kind of positively rowdy crowd for him that he likes. And I wonder how that's gonna play in. I mean, he was able to get a little bit going last year on on on Laver against Medvedev, but his record on labor compared to on cane is very different. Holger has been had an unbelievable finish to the season. And everybody now is obviously understanding what a good player he is. And it's just a matter of time because he gets into the, to the question about winning slams, and there's genuinely thought that these two players might be the ones that are going to be playing for, for the title at the end. So it's an early it's an early blockbuster, were they both to make third round, obviously, we got to give the other players they're playing to credit as well.

Daniel Kiernan  39:27

Absolutely. And before, I want us to come back and we'll have our picks as we always do, our dark horses our winners. But as we move to the to the women's side, Emily, what's the narrative this year? What's the where are the storylines? We've had certainly some nice first round matchups as a rank as a rancor against kenning. You know, both coming into a bit of form as well obviously previous previous champions, everyone will be talking about Coco Gauff potentially playing Emma Raducanu in round two, but where what are the some of the stories for us to look out for.

Emily Webley-Smith  40:02

I think, yeah, I had a quick look yesterday, but that Raducanu Korpatch first round match is not going to be easy. And I think it will, I think it's interesting that people just assume that it's going to be a second round. I know Korpatch pretty well. And she's, she's, she's a good tennis player. But obviously Emma has proved herself at slam level. But with all of the coaching changes that have happened, as always, but I think even more than ever in the women's game over the preseason time. We've already seen Bentic this week, I think she just won. She just won Adelaide final, who are loving the final and she's working with Emma's coach from last year and then everyone's switching again. I think Aussie always produces a few surprises and I think you find out who's ready for the year and, and who perhaps isn't who's a little bit rusty. Everything else. And there are some weird results. There's been some weird results over the last couple of tournaments as well. But I think I mentioned her before with with somebody like a Noskova I don't think she's ready to win a Grand Slam yet. But these girls have been pushing without anyone really noticing. And Czech tennis still is churning out young, good tennis players with great feet great technique, who love the game, and who will be part of the game at top 20 level probably for the next 510 years. And there's a whole there's a whole group of them. It's not just her. There's the sisters, the free vetova Sisters, and not just the Czech girls. But I think as we go as we started coming into Australia, I think the stories like Coco and everything kind of already been I think they've people realize that Coco is around, you know, they realize that Iga's around but it's a matter of who is actually going to be able to, you know, commit and go all the way through somebody like I think we forget someone like Kenin, won Australia a few years ago, and she's just disappeared off the face of the earth for a few tips. But then she's won a few matches, you know, the last couple of weeks. So I don't know it's wide open. It really is. But I do think there's room for someone, someone who we're not expecting like one of these young girls who if you look at their win loss ratio of the last year, and you look at how many matches they've won to establish themselves in the top 100. I could see going deep into like a quarters or a semis and creating a story.

Daniel Kiernan  42:34

Give us a couple of names to watch out for.

Emily Webley-Smith  42:37

I think Noskova I think she's played really, really well. In the last three months, you would be somebody it's over, maybe it's larly that fruit it's over. I could see winning a few rounds. Yeah,

Daniel Kiernan  42:53

it's even like people like Andreescu you know, who, who has won a slam in the last couple of years? You know, she comes in unseeded, she's actually. I mean, it's unbelievable. Some of the matchups I mean, she plays against Pliskova first round, unbelievably difficult first round, potentially plays against Iga. And the third round, you know, there's, there's all of these matchups, the one I want to ask you about Vossie linked in  to this, the United cup. First time I think I think we all probably quite enjoyed it. It felt it went on maybe a bit too long. Felt like a little bit of formatting changes, but the likes of someone like a Pegula who killed Swiatek in in that event, or on those that have played events like that, more likely to be having success that as you open is that going to be seemed as like the perfect the perfect warm up? Or is it someone that's maybe coming in that hasn't played haven't played so many matches? And is a little bit fresher physically? Yeah, it's a good question. I don't think you can take take anything out of those in terms of you know, they've won three or four matches, they're going to be the hot favorites going going into the Australian I think, you know, just a lot of them a lot of those players are looking at just putting you know, mileage on on their legs and you feel that they've had a few matches behind them. You know, the fact that Nadal didn't have a good United cup, I don't think that's going to have any reflection on how he's gonna play at the Aussie Open and and on that basis. You know, we're in Joker, which when it was going into Wimbledon, he was he was a multiple, you know, you pulled out of a couple EXO events before he just didn't feel good. And then you know, he went on and won Wimbledon. So I do think the United cup is it's great that they are it's a mixed event that I still think that the opportunities are too small. So it's very elitist in terms of you can only have two men, two women from from a country so you it's not it's not like playing in Adelaide, we you know where you've got, you know, whatever The 16,18,20 Direct acceptances into the events. And you know, you've got two players in there that potentially can come away with winning, you know, 500 points and a lot of money. So I think I think they need to look at the format, and see if there's opportunities further down the rankings that person that countries can play as well, not just top two, male and singles players.

Emily Webley-Smith  45:25

Can I just ask you on that with you with your background as of as a physical trainer? Do you think that the people who choose to play those run up and do well in those run up exhibition events? Do you think that the guy is the people who have committed to a longer preseason or perhaps needed more time to be ready physically, or wanted to put more work in physically rather than playing rather than sort of looking to pink and being ready for that first event? Do you think that makes a huge difference as you go into the year that perhaps those that aren't ready for the first couple of tour events like Auckland or Adelaide, but then who are ready by the by the first Monday of Ozzy or the second one, if Aussie Do you think those last few weeks are actually crucial in their physical prep? Or do you think it depends when they started?

Daniel Kiernan  46:21

It is crucial also, you know, players players that you know, you know, if you take it by the time, by the time they get to the Australian Open, they've been there 1314 days, and a lot of them have had a 1314 hour time change. And it's an hour, it's an hour every day. So by the time they get there, they're going to be climatized and ready for the Australian Open, whereas the bodies still aren't ready for it. Now we're playing those warm up events. So the physical side and just that that whole physiological preparation is, is still kicking in and is ready by the Australian Open. One one point I'd like to make on that and I thought this was interesting. And again, a couple of names I think we have to mention, because they're, they're repeatedly knocking on our door on the men's side is Cam Norrie and Taylor Fritz, you know, you almost look at any event and they do well. And what Cam was saying I know last year, he had quite a challenging, I think he picked up COVID During preseason. And this year, you almost chosen to just keep rolling over. So there were during the preseason, but He then played all our exhibitions in Saudi, in Dubai. And he said he feels so sharp because he's almost kept competing all the way through. And I can't help think but those that have done that will be better prepared for the Aussie Open. However, they'll probably be a crash at some time of the year.

Emily Webley-Smith  47:52

If that was really that was really my question, Dan, is that it's it's such a fine line. And I do think you'll see niggles and injuries coming again when players have done a six week physical block, but they haven't competed. And then other players who have kind of and I'm one who i i You know, I love my physical and everything but I do feel better when I'm still I'm still playing as as I don't feel like coming into it that I'm gonna hurt as much from from the matches, but then at the top level and especially for the guys with how long and have physical their five SEC slams are. I think that there's bound to be a takeoff for that at some point. But it's interesting with with Cameron because obviously he's so he's so fit that I think he's someone who would need to that it's fine for him to compete and get and keep going and still be mentally fresh and sharp.

Daniel Kiernan  48:47

Yeah, and he's a one I think he's the one we've got to mention. And that's the time it's come to you guys. So I'll start the ball No,

Freddie Nielsen  48:54

Can I add one more story I'd like to highlight we were talking about the women's and it kind of get back to the men there but I think one of the more interesting story for me personally is I mean it shouldn't be but the personal side of Kasatkina She's very much taking a stand up and especially being a Russian and and I really I feel really inspired by this to be honest, I think it's very it's really great thing that she's doing and she's standing up and she knows that it's not gonna be received well and in certain parts of her home country and she's done well to get her back herself back into to the top 10 And I hope that you know, Russia is not having the best of rep at the times but but it's you know, all the players are not under the same and she has she stood out positive and I think she can be a role model for for a lot of other people around the world and the way that she has been outspoken about her personal side for the last many many months.

Daniel Kiernan  49:54

But does it just shows the the connect doesn't it between feeling comfortable within your own skin and You know, living living life the way that you want to, and how you perform on the court, you know,

Freddie Nielsen  50:07

Absolutely. But at the same time, there are certain places where it's easier to be comfortable and comfortable. So I think she's great. And I think she deserves a mention.

Daniel Kiernan  50:19

And she's number eight in the world right now, you can rule her out. She's put herself in a great position. But I'm going to start and the reason I'm going to start is, I never get any credit for getting the picks correct because everyone always tells me I've just jumped on the back of everybody else.

Freddie Nielsen  50:37

You're gonna say Djokovic.

Daniel Kiernan  50:40

So no, I'm actually what I'm going to start with dark horses. And this one's a little bit of a some people could look at the criteria of what a dark horse is. But I've got to talk about Seb Korda you know, he, for me, and I know we've got your Sinners and obviously Alcaraz isn't isn't going to be there. We've got Holger Rune. For me, I think corder could almost be the one. Even out of all of them. You know, that goes on to be a multiple Slam champion. Is it too early for him now? Probably, you know, over five sets. But I can certainly see him having at least one big run is he seems to be prepared. So that would that would be my dark horse on the men's side.

Freddie Nielsen  51:28

Yeah, like I called.

Emily Webley-Smith  51:30

Yeah, I like that. Cool. I was gonna say I mean, did he add match point right last last week second

Daniel Kiernan  51:35

Yeah.

Emily Webley-Smith  51:38

And but if that is over three or not five and it was we know that it's a little tougher for for the guys to beat Djokovic over five but yeah, I think as it Kasatkina is a good shout out in terms of somebody who hasn't, hasn't won a slam before, but I would love to see, I would love to see Bencic. I think it would be cool for it's not the darkest of horses because she's been established there for a little while.

Daniel Kiernan  52:02

She's also not playing in the men's event Emily

Emily Webley-Smith  52:07

Realized that. But for ya know, I'm with you. I'm with you with Korda, I think. But I want to I want Andy to do well, too. It's not a pic but I would love Andy to do well.

Daniel Kiernan  52:23

voisey Where's your your often a bit kind of off off to the left or the right in your picks for the dark horse so I'm waiting in anticipation for this one.

Kieron Vorster  52:35

I'm gonna go Kecmanovic

Daniel Kiernan  52:37

Yep, good shout Was impressed with the way he was training out in Dubai made some huge physical gains he was out there. You got up there at the end of November. So you know, he's he's had a huge training block. And also my mates coaching him, which is Wayne Black. But in all fairness, he was looking very good. And Freddie, dark horse on the men's side.

Freddie Nielsen  53:04

For me, we already talked about him a little bit. But for me, I really like Jack Draper. I think I agree with you that he's playing better than his ranking and it's just a matter of time because before he's going to submit himself at the top of the players I don't think he's he's much worse than the other guys that are knocking on the door such as president chapeau and and Felix and Tiafoe I think he's he's pretty much their their level and tough draw of course, but but but he'll be my my pick.

Daniel Kiernan  53:35

And what about dark horse on we know who you're picking to win it. But what about dark horse on the women's side as Bencic absolutely isn't a dark horse. So we're not giving you that one as a dark horse. You gotta go more left field than that.

Emily Webley-Smith  53:50

Noskova.

Daniel Kiernan  53:52

You've mentioned so you've got to

Emily Webley-Smith  53:53

Yeah, I rate her. But I think, yeah, just new experiences for all of these girls. And I think you never know how they're going to react towards the end of a slam, which is why I think what Emma did is still so incredible. That she that no flinching? I think, Leyla Fernandez always produces that really good level at Grand Slams, which we see her a little up and down in the other tournaments. But they Leylah Fernandez is also someone who I think gradually could could sneak through without anyone realizing

Daniel Kiernan  54:28

I'm on the women's side. It just hasn't happened. The boys will know who I'm about to say because I said but she just isn't doing it. So I'm not I'm not going. This is maybe the time she doesn't she actually I thought she had a really interesting first round actually, because that's another costume. It's another one that I've been watching almost waiting to come through and they play each other first round. So I'm not going to say either of those two, even though I'll edit it so that I did say that If they do do well, in terms of the one that jumps to mind, I want to mention a couple. I know it's not a dark horse, but I watched the United cup and I watched Katie Swan play against Madison Keys. I couldn't believe how hard she was hitting the ball. Like it was just like, Oh my goodness. So she connects for a couple of weeks. It's she's gonna be seriously hard to beat. But the one that just I see I see the name all the time and I haven't watched a lot of her but she just seems to be chipping away chipping away and she's the sort of player that could go go far and possibly win a slam and that's Haddad Maia the Brazilian girl and she you know, if you watch her results have been incredibly consistent. I think she's actually top 15 in the world now. So she I don't think many people will know her that aren't avid followers of tennis. So that for me is a name a name to watch out for to go for the women's draw. And Vossie already on the on the women's side. I like Leila. Leila Fernandez, that'll be my pick. I'm just looking at the draw. I looked at her and I thought for sure tough draw. I mean, tough daw. Not tough, draw. You got to you've got to play them at some stage in the draw. So you'd rather pay to have those tough opponents early on than deep in. Yeah, she played potentially plays when she plays Cornet first round, which is not easy at all. And to potentially play the game. We don't presume it but if Caroline Garcia who who was obviously the superstar at the end of last year in the second round, so that that'll be that'll be interesting. What about yourself Freddie?

Freddie Nielsen  56:49

I think it's very difficult to pick the women because there's a lot of dark horses and there's a lot of dark horses that are top 10 as well because they have some of them haven't really made a big push and slams yet there's there's only one previous winner in the top 10 the women's side and we know we've talked about before how many one time winners there are on the women's side. So I think it's I think it's it's up for grabs. I'm gonna give it one more time for my girl McNally. And then maybe I'll follow your footsteps then and trying to find someone else but I'm just waiting for her to have that breakthrough and if it's Australia,

Emily Webley-Smith  57:26

Friday she's playing with she's playing with Louise de Stefani and the doubles this year cap McNally and I think they they're in with a very good shout Louise has just won Adelaide and I think and Kat obviously made final of US Open I think this year against the Czech girls so I think you might be there for a doubles slam

Freddie Nielsen  57:46

but I'd Well she's obviously proven herself as a good doubles player but I think it's also maybe because I really wanted to do well because I think she stands out from the other girls a little bit more and she plays an attractive kind of tennis. But yeah, I'm gonna stick with her for one more time before I'll have to accept defeat

Daniel Kiernan  58:04

She was due to play a top 16 seed in the first round who has withdrawn so I have a feeling it might be Badosa So okay, so she now not that we again we know that lucky loser look at Quan this week in Adelaide. He was in as a lucky loser and I don't know if he won the final today but he was he was in the final lucky losers a difficult but she all of a sudden becomes the number eight seed potentially so the draw's opened up Freddie this could be it this could be the year

Freddie Nielsen  58:37

Exactly.

Daniel Kiernan  58:42

Persistence works and and Emily your your pick is Bencic that she'll pick to win it. If you have this is your reputation is on the line. One name?

Emily Webley-Smith  58:54

Iga

Daniel Kiernan  58:55

Iga

Emily Webley-Smith  58:56

Yeah, I think so. I I would actually love I want Bencic to win it. But I think I think in in the big moment. Iga with her, Just, I mean, mentally I think she's the strongest of all the girl's

Daniel Kiernan  59:14

Vossie, Will her serve hold up for seven grand slam? Yeah, thank you. Well, I mean, again, I saw closely in Dubai. And she was obviously spending a lot of time on the serve. It was lucky. I mean, obviously you can't take much from that because it's no pressure. But yeah, she if she holds it all together. She's got a big game. Freddie should I sign you up to Coco Gauff now or you want

Freddie Nielsen  59:38

I want her I will want her to win but I'm gonna go with Pegula.

Daniel Kiernan  59:38

This is why I go first because that's my pick.

Freddie Nielsen  59:41

She had a strong United Cup and yeah, she's she's also one of those. She's kind of under the radar but I think she can do it. So that's my take

Daniel Kiernan  1:00:00

She's under the radar as well. Number three in the world number three, and two or three, two or three, which is just do I think she's three? I think there is there's two, but it's incredible. She's under the radar. That's the same one that we never mentioned. He is another he's a name on the men's side we never mentioned and I had a little look and I went right who were who were the favorites. I like to see what the bookies say. And the world number two men's player is the ninth favorite to win the Australian Open. And I just don't know when we're going to start putting some respect on the name of Casper Ruud Freddie

Freddie Nielsen  1:00:37

but I don't think there's no respect. I just think that if you see also the Tournament of Australia that is notoriously a little bit faster playing I don't think it's a What would you pick him would you put them higher than ninth favorite? I mean, I would love him to be better but but you would just he lost last week I believe in Auckland and I don't know I don't think that's unfair. I think he's very very good and he's very consistent and I like him a lot but for winning a slam at the moment, but I don't think that's way

Daniel Kiernan  1:01:12

So Holger Rune was ahead of him?

Freddie Nielsen  1:01:16

That's where I would put him. Yeah, because I think they've they're both haven't won a slam but I think that's Casper is for better or for worse. He's very solid and he's very kind of predictable and you know what you're gonna get and you're gonna get top performance all the time and he's gonna He's gonna deliver great quality. But if another guy has today he's he's he's there for the taking and I feel that Holger has that X factor for example I would if I'll replace Jocko I think he has a bigger chance better chance of beating Djoko than Casper has

Daniel Kiernan  1:01:59

He made two grand slam finals last year

Freddie Nielsen  1:02:01

yeah and one of them he was I mean not even close and the other one was a little bit closer but it still I didn't do to think that he kind of looked like when and of course like I said I don't think that to be the number nines favorite in the place disrespectful I think he's really good and doesn't mean much but at the same time I think to win it then I think he for me personally I think he needs to show a little bit more X Factor and and he still has a few holes around the game compared to the other guys but I think with what if Novak is gone all of a sudden I think that changes a lot because I think even though he's ninth I still think he might beat the other guys that are 8,7,6,5,4 has a bigger chance but we're talking about winning and that means beating Novak for example and I think that he has a worse chance of beating Novak than some of the other guys which is why he must be lower but if you only made made a round robin with the guys from three to nine, I think he would be high

Daniel Kiernan  1:03:07

when we've talked tennis Freddie over the years. I don't remember myself ever really disagreeing with you? You know I always think our philosophies are very similar I think you know I always think you talk sense. There was a moment there where I was disagreeing with you but you've just saved yourself there at the end.

Freddie Nielsen  1:03:25

Well, isn't that the beauty of it? You gotta disagree time and I stand by it because it's it's like yeah, slow and steady wins the race is kind of the the argument with Casper isn't it? But do you need slow and steady you need you need somebody who can? Who can? Who can travel the waters a little bit I feel yes it is now.

Daniel Kiernan  1:03:51

Well, well part I can't I can't argue with the with the last point. So Emily, anybody going against Novak Djokovic

Emily Webley-Smith  1:04:01

Be interesting to see how Thiem playsI think he's back. I think he's I don't know who he plays first round.

Daniel Kiernan  1:04:07

We play he plays like it's a big like in terms of names. I'm sure it's a big name match. It's like it's just you play as you play. He's kind

Emily Webley-Smith  1:04:20

He obviously disappeared with a horrific injury but I think he's been forgotten about as someone who has proved himself at that towards the end of slams whether he's ready or not. Yeah, to do that again. But I think he can challenge that at his best I think Thiem can challenge

Daniel Kiernan  1:04:38

Rublev.

Emily Webley-Smith  1:04:38

Oh, okay. Yeah. Straight in Rublev. We never mentioned Rublev either. Yeah, I think berrettini with how quick it is.

Daniel Kiernan  1:04:52

I think oh, he's gonna lose to Andy first round.

Emily Webley-Smith  1:04:56

Yeah, but it's tough. I mean, I think I think Djokovic in Australia is is different to Djokovic somewhere else. But I think if you get through the first couple of rounds, without some Maverick having a swing, then which he's proven to do on a regular on a regular basis, obviously then I think yeah, I think it's tough to say anyone else but Djokovic, but I would like someone else to win it and amend

Kieron Vorster  1:05:23

Vossie

Daniel Kiernan  1:05:25

Medvedev. What What makes you say that because he he's kind of gone off the boil a little bit? Yeah, it has. Yeah, I mean, I think he's got a good engine on him. You know, he prepared to stay out there for as long as it takes. Yeah, and I think the conditions in Australia will certainly suit his game. You know, breaking down wearing down players. That will be my guy. Freddie

Freddie Nielsen  1:05:55

Novak every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Daniel Kiernan  1:05:59

It's hard to see isn't anyone past him? I mean, you know, the one I actually at best of five is the one that the thing that just stumps this Taylor, Fritz, people has got the game. But does he have the game over five sets in a quarterfinal semifinal? Not sure not. Sure he does. So I hate to say it. But I'm with you. Freddie we're obviously we're on this. We're on the same boat. Again, it's almost impossible to go against document number 21. Potentially. We've also not mentioned Nadal again, at some point. At some point, we're going to be right on Nadal he just doesn't fill us with confidence for some reason. I don't know why, because he keeps on keeps on producing. But that moves me in our last thing, guys. It's the narratives of 2023. You know that I'll start us off. I don't think Rafael Nadal will be playing tennis. In 2024. I think 2023 will be Rafael Nadal last year on tour, we'll have more tears at the Laver cup. Federer will come come out of retirement to play one last doubles match with Nadal we will all sit there with the Kleenexes just crying our eyes out in our own lounges. Because they've impacted us so much more than we've ever realized over the last 20 years. So that's that's my storyline of 2023. What about yourself, Emily?

Emily Webley-Smith  1:07:29

Yeah, I think I think with Nadal, I think every time we get to see him play, it's it's a privilege. And we want that as much as we possibly can and him to keep playing as long as possible. But don't you think he's gonna retire at Roland Garros? At some point? Possibly. Yeah, maybe I think having having a baby has also changed his whole lifestyle more than he would expect perhaps. So yeah, I think you could be right there. In terms of a story. I don't think you can predict it at the moment. And I think that's the fun of it. I think with what you said about last year, I don't think we ever would have thought the stories that happened last year would have happened. Wouldn't it be cool? If if Kiryas wanna slam? That would be cool.

Daniel Kiernan  1:08:16

I can ICU as well. Emily? Do we see Serena back in 2023? She's left the door open.

Emily Webley-Smith  1:08:24

She I don't think she's done. I don't think she's done. I think the way that she went out is not satisfactory. If it's Serena and I think she'll I think she there's a chance that she that she's gonna play somewhere. Probably kick some ass and then retire.

Daniel Kiernan  1:08:39

Freddie, What what's the storyline? You know, make it out there. Come on, let's let's get the let's get the imagination flowing.

Freddie Nielsen  1:08:52

Some of them are a little bit contradicting, but I have Novak to be the winningest slam. male player of all time. I have a new one to win a slam as well. Holger, Nick those guys. Definitely first time winner for the women.

Daniel Kiernan  1:09:11

Coco's year, this year.

Freddie Nielsen  1:09:14

Yeah, Coco, Pegula Caroline Garcia. And changing of the guard. As I alluded to earlier, new generation new players time for time for the new generation to step up and really take solid control at the top of the game, both the women and the men store.

Daniel Kiernan  1:09:34

And vaulty. What's the what's the impact going to be in 2023 of the PTPA. They've they've come out again, in the last week just before Australia. They've seemed to have got a bit of a committee together now. They seem to be putting a little bit of a manifesto together. So it seems like it's a little bit more organized than when it came on our screens in 2020. Is that going to impact as well as Netflix, you know, are we going to see in 2023? The game changing, you know, the, the big dogs, the big seven that are running tennis right now with the ITF, ATP WTA. And all of the grand slams? Are we going to see the PTPA open some doors and make it a little bit more player led? Yeah, so I think that the moment, the PTPA, it's too nice. And I think they need to be a little bit more aggressive on, on how they are looking after the players in the best interest of the sport and individuals, you know, and challenge some of the decisions made by say, the ATP, or the WTA. In this instance, you know, based on the numbers, it's nice that they've got an executive committee with, you know,

Freddie Nielsen  1:10:49

if I can add to that, it's gonna be a breakaway tour of my absolutely wild prediction, kind of like they didn't go as a result of the PGA.

Daniel Kiernan  1:10:57

And there we go. Let's see. Let's see what 2023 brings, guys. You guys absolute stars. As always, thank you for coming on, wherever you are in the world. Enjoy. Thank you. And thanks a lot. We'll, we'll have to get back in a couple of weeks to report whether any of us know what we're talking about. Cheers, guys, have a great day. Thank you. Thank you. Bye. Now, hopefully, by the time you're listening to this, it's not too far into the Australian Open. But also, I hope that you've watched Break Point by now, on Netflix. The first five episodes have been out now for a few days. And I must say I think it's brilliant for tennis, I really do think it's going to open up the doors to the new generation. And as we heard there, I think it was clear in that said, the average age watching Grand Slam 61 years old, the average age watching the Tennis Channel 55 years old, you know if we can get a documentary like that, that showcases our sport with the glitz, the glam. The challenges, you know, seeing the seeing the other side of it. Yes, we can go into more detail of course. But as a starting point to get the tennis industry out there, I think it's a it's a great platform for it to be happening. Make sure you watch it make sure you're sharing with your with your kids, you know, with your players, if you're a coach with your friends who don't like tennis yet, you know, all it takes sometimes is to watch 20 minutes of a show like that. And we can open up the sport to some new people. And a big thanks to the panelists. Yeah, I love the chat. Always excited to see you know, it's amazing how often myself and Freddy go for the same players. And let's see Djokovic Since we've spoke I've heard maybe hamstring is hurting a little bit. He actually canceled his practice two days before his first round match. You know that doesn't sound too good. But let's see he's he's the master at coming back and finding a way to get his body back on the line. And then who knows on the women's side it's wide open. I think Iga deserves that favorite tag. I certainly am excited to see my Pegula and see how she is playing and obviously Coco golf is absolutely right up there as well but we're going to see this then obviously the men's doubles which I will naturally have a close strong eye on so please support Harri and Lloyd and also the other British pairs out there, and the same with a women's doubles. You know is it going to be the Czech pair that has won three out of four grand slams. Last year we're going to start to see some new winners and and then the wheelchair events you know they are getting higher and higher profile. Rightly so it's incredible what they are doing. You know, one of my coaches actually Bruno Argudo is out there with Gordon Reid so I wish them the very best of luck I wish Carl Maes and Tamara Zidansek who plays Ons Jabeur In the first round, Carl Maes is the performance director at Sato Tennis Academy. And then I have to also mention my other coach. We've got three coaches out there. Mike Digby, who has been on the podcast before he's working with one of our young players, Rashid Gil Hani who was playing in the juniors as well so for us that we have some real interest at the Academy in how the players are doing but more than that, it is just a fantastic time to be in Australia. But it's also a fantastic time to be watching tennis in Australia. It really is a month of sport over there in their summer and we get to enjoy it here in Europe or wherever you are going to be watching watching it from. So enjoy that. We will be back. We have Tamara Zidansek is coming to you in the next few days, we've also got a conversation with Pat Cash later on this week which will all is always fascinating. Pat's always got something to say and and many more will have the review coming in a couple of weeks and I just can't wait to see what stories we're going to be talking about. So enjoy the Australian Open. Enjoy the Netflix show. All the best to you all in 2023 But until next time, I'm Dan Kiernan and we are Control the Controllables