Muchas Garcías

The WTA regular season comes to a close with comeback kid Caroline Garcia grabbing her biggest career title, dispatching Iga-vanquisher Aryna Sabalenka in a boom-boom final. We discuss the last-minute nature of the event and the tough financial and ethical positions the WTA continues to occupy in light of the China situation. On the men’s side, Holger Rune caps a momentous autumn swing that brings him from #33 to the brink of the ATP Finals, but not without a lecture from daddy. Elsewhere in bad behavior, the FFT disowns Moutet, Reilly earns lifelong haters, and Kyrgios settles a silly (disclaimer: this is James’ opinion; please don’t sue) defamation suit. 

0:45 Garcia’s Finals title and Sabalenka’s upset of #1 Swiatek add unexpected layers to this WTA season

8:35 Some props for Sakkari, Kasatkina, and doubles champ and singles-almost-made-it Kudermetova

17:30 Lots of commentary about attendance and the choice of venue – what the WTA has been up against vs. what is of their own making

28:55 Holger beats Djokovic, ends Felix’s win streak, and becomes first alternate for Torino

33:30 Magic potions and goofy huddles; it’s not actually a ‘thing’ but it’s no surprise that people think it’s a thing!

39:00 WTA CEO Steve Simon’s strange and conflict-heavy statements on the ongoing Halep doping situation

41:10 James’ tormentor Gilles Simon finally retires

47:45 Et ceteras: Moutet loses the bag; WTA institutes coaching program to attract and develop female coaches; safeguarding against abuse in tennis

57:00 Reilly thinks telling people to vote is cringe and that tennis used to be free of politics … ok hun

63:50 The biggest merch sale of the year: The Body Serve’s RedBubble Store