Off The Frame

Tennis is not a contact sport so what happens when tempers flare? In this podcast, Buzz and Remo look at famous instances through tennis history when danger was decidedly in the air. Teddy Shingles recounts the story of the infamous 1981 US Open mens doubles semi final when an irate John Newcombe crossed the net to confront an unapologetic John McEnroe.

It's possibly the greatest tragedy that the world of tennis has seen. Maureen Connolly swept the tennis world, winning nine majors in less than three years... and then, at age 20, was never to play again. In this podcast, Buzz and Remo look at the brief, brilliant career of Little Mo, winner of the first womens Grand Slam. The inimitable Teddy Shingles recalls the curious strategies of her coach, provides insights from his time on the set of the 1970s telemovie of her life, and has something to say about John Newcombe's moustache.

In their epic two-part Grand Slam history, Buzz and Remo covered all the winners of the calendar Grand Slam as well as those that fell at the final hurdle. Or so they thought. In this short podcast, they apologise to Martina, one of the game's greatest ever players, for leaving out her incredible run in 1983-1984.

When the watchers are watched... Yes, it's the Players Box, where coaches, family and friends pen themselves in to show support for their player. Buzz and Remo look at its evolution and the famous and controversial moments that this small piece of real estate has provided. Teddy Shingles reveals Rafa Nadal's obsessive demands on his partner and how she finally put her foot down.

The evolution of the Grand Slam continues. In Part 2, Buzz and Remo begin with Margaret Court and the bravest of all the Grand Slams. The roller coaster of lean years that follow ends in redemption with Steffi Graf and perhaps the greatest Grand Slam of them all. Teddy Shingles remembers his trophy design and its less than stellar fate. 

(Original release date: 14 January 2020)

It's the greatest achievement in tennis but the Grand Slam is rarely discussed or analysed. In Part 1, Buzz and Remo delve into its origins, the first Grand Slam heroes and those who came tantalisingly close only to fall at the last hurdle. The first four calendar Grand Slams are covered with Don Budge, Maureen Connolly and or course Rod Laver and his famous double. And for the first time Teddy Shingles shares his unique and somewhat controversial memories.

(Original release date: 14 January 2020)