Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the French Open opening round for the first time in his career after a straight sets defeat to Alexander Zverev. Does it mean the end of his era as the King of Clay? Will we see his return at Grand Slams? Also in this week’s Sideline Story, we touch on Novak Djokovic's French Open title hopes as well as Chinese star Zheng Qinwen's prospects at Grand Slams.

Manchester City has won a historic fourth consecutive English Premier League title, setting a new record. But does it mean they have become the most dominant Premier League team ever, even in comparison with Manchester United in the 1990s and early 2000s? Also in this episode, we analyze how Leverkusen managed to complete an unbeaten season in the German Bundesliga, and touch on the managerial changes across different European powerhouses, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

With the early postseason exit for superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and more big names, the NBA Playoffs seems to have switched to a new era with more up-and-coming stars in spotlight. Is the dominance of the old guns truly over? Also in this episode, we touch on the surprising performances by some of the teams seldom mentioned in the playoffs. We also discuss the title hopes of the mighty Denver Nuggets and the top team in the regular season, the Boston Celtics.

Real Madrid knocked out Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a dramatic comeback victory at home. What happened to Bayern in the final minutes? Who should shoulder the blame for the German giants’ loss --- Manuel Neuer, Thomas Tuchel or the referee? Also this week, we discuss Borussia Dortmund’s road to the Champions League final, as well as PSG’s future with Kylian Mbappe’s potential departure.

Arsenal is again trying to catch Manchester City in the final stages of this season's English Premier League title. Will the Gunners learn lessons after coming up short in last season’s duel? Is Man City truly unshakable in the remaining fixtures? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we look into the reasons why Liverpool dropped out of the three-way race, and at Manchester United’s potential next season.

Inter Milan has secured its 20th Serie A title after a dominant season in Italian football. How did the club build the championship winning team amid financial struggles? What role has Chinese boss Zhang Kangyang played in rebuilding the Inter squad? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we analyze the unexpected fall of Napoli this season and the status of Italian Serie A among the top European leagues.

The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix has returned after a three-year hiatus. The meaning of the race is two-fold, as it also features the first ever Chinese F1 driver - Zhou Guanyu – competing on home soil. How significant is Zhou’s appearance for China’s motorsport? What are the most classic moments from past Shanghai races? Listen to Sideline Story discussions for more.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are back at the starting line after an eye-catching draw at Bernabeu in the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. How are things looking for Real? Will they falter like they did in last year's 4-0 semifinal return leg? Is Bayern Munich a different team at the Champions League? And did Arsenal show nerves in its long waited return to the last eight? Follow Sideline Story for our latest analysis.

Novak Djokovic is in a search of a new coach after a shocking decision to part ways with his title winning partner Goran Ivanisevic. Is it a wise move in his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles? Has Jannik Sinner replaced him as the best men’s tennis player as things stand? Is it time for Andy Murray to hang up his racquet after suffering another major injury? Follow Sideline Story as we try to unpack these questions.

Toni Kroos has emerged from retirement from international football and rejoined “Die Mannschaft.” He wasted no time in proving his worth in the team’s two most recent friendly wins. What is the significance of his return as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024? Is it a light at the end of the tunnel for Germany after a period of struggles?