Catherine Whitaker, David Law and Matt Roberts convene at the end of women’s semi-final night as Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina booked a final showdown with contrasting wins.
Part one – We start by analysing Elena Rybakina’s comeback victory over Coco Gauff. How did she gradually take charge of the match? What happened to Gauff’s forehand? And how did Rybakina stay so calm and unaffected by the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd?
Part two (16:31) – We discuss Sabalenka’s incredible performance to defeat Jessica Pegula in straights. Is there anything Pegula could have done differently? How many more chances in Grand Slams will she have? And how is Sabalenka channelling her desperation to win this title into brilliant performances?
Part three (32:36) – Men’s semi-finals preview and predictions. Is Karen Khachanov the most dangerous opponent left in the draw for Alexander Zverev? Who will the crowd be cheering for and who will come through when American compatriots Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton face off in the night session?
Thank you to Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast, the Premium Hospitality and Experience provider for supporting our US Open coverage.
They can organise your dream tennis-watching experience at the biggest tournaments in the world, inducing the WTA Finals held this year at Indian Wells, 8th-15th November.
Just go to Tours4Tennis.com/Podcast and use the code DEUCE5 at checkout for 5% off.
- 5% off select WTA Finals packages with code DEUCE5 at tours4tennis.com/podcast. Valid 8/24/26 through 9/30/26. New bookings only; applies to base package price; subject to availability. Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to On Location’s Purchase Policy and Terms of Use.
For ad-free listening and bonus content, Become a Friend.
Check out our new merch shop! Cut The Faff t-shirts coming soon!
Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge!
Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt’s Stat, mascot photos, Fantasy League updates, and more)
Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
