dropshot

Sound issues abound in the press conference room while Jelena Ostapenko tells us about just what happens when your bags don’t come off the plane and Naomi Osaka talks all things grass and the mentality needed to cope with playing at the highest level. Ceri sits down with world number 1 doubles player, Su-Wei Hsieh for an often, hilarious discussion about tennis, relaxation time and the deer of Richmond Park! She quickly becomes one of our favourite interviewees and is the most engaging subject to talk to. Featured in this episode: Jelena Ostapenko, Su-Wei Hsieh and Naomi Osaka

The tour has divided and Ceri follows the women’s tour to Edgbaston in Birmingham for the Nature Valley Classic. The sun has come out and it may be time to put the shorts on. In the meantime Ceri is occupied by an array of top talent and manages to get a one to one interview with a young player who has only recently joined the WTA circuit. Her name is Iga Swiatek and she discusses what it’s like as a wide-eyed newcomer to the pro world. Little would we know just how much her life would change in the coming months. Featured in this episode: Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek, Elena Svitolina, Heather Watson and Jo Konta

Garry travels to Jay Clarke’s hotel to catch up with him and his brother Curt before the adventures begin at Queen’s Club. Jay talks through the pleasure of playing there and how much it means to him and his brother. They talk openly and honestly about how they prepare for tournaments and give real insight into the Clarke world and the journey they are making.  Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

Ceri talks to long-time tennis photographer, Anthony Aduhene, about his profession and hears from many players about their love of Nottingham as a venue and a tournament. Ash Barty reveals she has family that lives nearby and Naomi Osaka talks about her battle to conquer grass as a surface. Meanwhile Harriet Dart tells us of the increased attention that doing well at Wimbledon can bring. Something she had previously experienced with Jay Clarke in the mixed doubles. Dan Evans discusses the different ways forward for young British players in the modern game and the LTA’s work in this area. Featured in this episode: Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka, Cam Norrie, Jo Konta, Dan Evans, Donna Vekic, Alex de Minaur and Harriet Dart.

Garry manages to be incredibly late but just in time for the interviews to begin. Typical behaviour, while Ceri soldiers on in the vortex of matches being played indoors. No fans, no atmosphere but still serious tennis goes on. Curt Clarke has news on brother Jay’s injury from the previous evening and Garry disappears earlier than expected and Ceri is awash with interviews, chatting with Donna Vekic, Maria Sakkari, Harriet Dart and Caroline Garcia about porridge, killing time, music and films. Like the rain, the conversations flow. Featured in this episode: Donna Vekic, Maria Sakkari, Harriet Dart and Caroline Garcia.

Ceri’s journey into tennis reporting started at the Monte Carlo Masters and here he looks back at the first press conference he took part in from that tournament, which happened to be with Novak Djokovic. Ceri breaks down how press conferences work and how the media dig for information that suits their needs. This event took place after Djokovic had recovered from an injury and there were question marks over his ability to come back and reclaim a place at the top table. Cut to the present day and he’s won just about every tournament going! This is a fascinating look at the relationship between athlete and journalist. Featured in this episode: Novak Djokovic

A deluge of rain stops all play all day. The weather also keeps Garry away from Nottingham. Meanwhile Ceri takes the opportunity to chat with Curt Clarke, Jay Clarke’s brother and coach. He learns more about the supportive Clarke family unit and the power of acceptance of situations. When finally the difficult decision is taken to play matches indoors away from the fans,  Ceri gets the chance to chat again with Paul Jubb, watches Jay Clarke retire with an injury and late into the night witnesses Jack Draper win his first match at this level. Before turning the lights out at the venue, Ceri and Jack discuss this momentous occasion. Featured in this episode: Paul Jubb, Jack Draper

In Nottingham, rain yet again totals a day’s play but luckily Ceri and Garry have the opportunity to make the short trip to Derby to watch Jay Clarke being put through various routines with his coaching and fitness team. The effort put in is gruelling but this is what it takes to be a professional athlete. Simon Brundish, the fitness guy, talks through all things physical and Ceri is shocked to find that we have three hamstrings and Garry only wants to talk glutes and calves.  Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

Nottingham!  
Featured in this episode: Magdalena Rybarikova, Katy Dunne, Alison Riske, Nick Kyrgios.

Surbiton’s rain may have gone away but Garry has disappeared too! Ceri is all alone on a busy morning which saw the women’s tournament get under way. Conversations involved an encounter with Dropshot favourite, Alex de Minaur, and fellow Australian Matt Reid; Heather Watson chats engagingly with Ceri; Alison van Uytvanck talks from the gym; American Caty McNally, reveals the breakfast she shouldn’t have had and describes the mentality needed to cope with the tour and Dan Evans reveals his thoughts on young players. Phew!! It’s a busy old morning!
Featured in this episode: Alex de Minaur, Matt Reid, Heather Watson, Alison van Uytvanck, Caty McNally and Dan Evans.