Tennis Unfiltered

Tennis Unfiltered

By: Tennis Unfiltered

Language: en

Categories: Sports, Tennis

Tennis Unfiltered delivers honest, in-depth analysis of professional tennis. Get expert commentary on ATP and WTA tours, Grand Slam tournaments, player rankings, and the biggest stories in tennis. From Wimbledon to the US Open, we break down matches, strategies, and tennis news without the corporate filter. Perfect for tennis fans who want real talk about their favorite sport.

Episodes

The Medvedev-back, Six Kings revelations and the coaching roundabout continues
Oct 21, 2025

Calvin Betton in Vienna joins James Gray and George Bellshaw in London to look back at a week of 250s and exhibitions, plus another one falls off the coaching roundabout.

They discussed...

- Daniil Medvedev ended an 882-day title drought and triumphed for the first time since Rome 2023 by winning the Almaty Open. He now has 21 career titles in 21 different cities.

- Felix Auger-Aliassime beats Jiri Lehecka to win Brussels - FAA landed 83 per cent of his first serves in the final, and registering a 9.4 serve rating on Tennis Insights - and Casper Ru...

Duration: 01:30:51
Vacherot's shock in Shanghai, the Djokovic soap opera and Gauff waltzes in Wuhan
Oct 14, 2025

As the Beatles almost sang, we’re BACK… in the UK! Remember, if you want a question answered, you can DM us @tennisunfilteredpod on Instagram or email us on tennisunfiltered at gmail dot com

****

This week, he's jet-lagged and jaded, but Calvin Betton is back from his sojourn in the Far East, George Bellshaw is bang up for his head to head and James Gray is just trying to keep everyone calm.

Here are the stories they discussed…

00:00 Welcome back to Tennis Unfiltered

01:27 Your questions answered

23:43 Valentin Vachero...

Duration: 01:32:46
Sweating Shanghai, Anisimova's golden year goes on, plus H&H are champions again
Oct 07, 2025

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray are all back to discuss the last week of action in tennis, as the Far East swing continues apace and the weather really starts to bite...

Jannik Sinner wins the title in Beijing, incredibly his first non-slam title of the year, but then limps out of the Shanghai Masters with severe cramps At least he didn't get coded for lack of effort, like Daniil Medvedev did in Beijing the week before... Gael Monfils is to retire at the end of next season, bringing to an end the golden generation of French...

Duration: 01:22:15
The exhausted swing? Latest from Tokyo, Beijing and what remains of the Shanghai draw
Sep 30, 2025

George Bellshaw (from London) and Calvin Betton (from Shanghai) call in to have their say on all things tennis from the last seven days, with James Gray trying to marshal the troops.

They discussed...

Carlos Alcaraz wins the title in Tokyo, himself taped up from an earlier injury, against Taylor Fritz who was also carrying a leg problem. They both join Daniil Medvedev, Lorenzo Musetti and Jakub Mensik in the physio room, as the last stretch of the season starts to bite. Novak Djokovic is fit though, and has signed up to play Emma Raducanu blows...

Duration: 01:31:13
Laver Cup, BJK and Taylor Townsend's major U-turn
Sep 23, 2025

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw, Molly McElwee and James Gray all have their say on the last week of tennis including...

Italy win the Billie Jean King Cup for the second year in a row, led by Jasmine Paolini and powered by "good vibes" Great Britain reach another semi-final without No 1 Emma Raducanu and, despite winning the first set of both singles matches, are beaten 2-0 by the United States Taylor Townsend gets in trouble over her criticism of Chinese cuisine in Shenzhen https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2025/09/17/tennis-player-involved-in-us-open-racism-row-mocks-chinese/ The other American Taylor - Fritz - and Alex...

Duration: 01:44:45
Davis Cup review, Laver Cup dropouts - and what was life like before podcasting?
Sep 16, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray answer your questions from the Instagram mailbag, before being joined by Calvin Betton from Chengdu to look back at a dramatic week of Davis Cup play-offs in Poland, Spain and beyond.

Great Britain are back in the elite of the Davis Cup for next year, but can they actually win it? How many "hairs" does Holger Rune REALLY have on his chest? The USA are out, but was that much of a shock? Belgium have been doing a madness in Australia... ...while Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has been doing a madness in Malaga <...

Duration: 01:15:09
US Open final review: Alcaraz dominates Sinner, Sabalenka gets a 2025 slam at last
Sep 09, 2025

The US Open 2025 is in the history books and all we can do now is talk about it. George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton join James Gray to do exactly that, focusing on finals weekend after Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both won their second titles at Flushing Meadows.

Was Sinner vs Alcaraz inevitable? And what does that say about men's tennis right now if it was? (James also wrote about this for The i Paper, read it for FREE at the bottom of these notes.) Did George approve of Aryna Sabalenka's celebration? And how did the USTA get...

Duration: 01:27:00
US Open, Semi-finals: Djokovic smoked out of contention
Sep 07, 2025

Calvin Betton is back in the UK and joins George Bellshaw and James Gray to review the US Open semi-finals and look ahead to a weekend of finals.


They discussed...

Novak Djokovic says he can't beat Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner at a grand slam any more Jannik Sinner beats Felix Auger-Aliassime, but are we going to see the Canadian follow up on his strong run? Can Amanda Anisimova get under Aryna Sabalenka's skin again? Should Naomi Osaka have made it back to the final? And who will win the men's doubles?

...

Duration: 00:59:12
US Open, Quarter-finals: One step closer to Alcaraz vs Sinner
Sep 04, 2025

The usual suspects look back at the US Open quarter-finals...

Novak Djokovic takes down Taylor Fritz for the 11th time in a row, becoming the oldest man ever (Open era) to reach the semi-finals of all four grand slams in a single year. He says he was ‘lucky’ to win and did at one point complain to the umpire about spectator noise, but nevertheless set up a blockbuster semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz, after the Spaniard eased past Jiri Lehecka. Can he beat Alcaraz 3 times in a row and extend his 5-3 head-to-head? In the top half, Jannk Sinner batt...

Duration: 00:57:19
US Open, Round Four: Townsend run is over, Felix shock and Medvedev splits with coach
Sep 02, 2025

James Gray and George Bellshaw are back as the US Open locks in its quarter-finalists.

Naomi Osaka hammers Coco Gauff but was it closer than the scoreline suggested? Taylor Townsend's run is over - in the singles at least - after failing to convert eight match points in the second-set tie-break against Barbora Krejcikova Felix Auger-Aliassime is back in the US Open last eight for the first time since 2021 Sinner vs Alcaraz is still on and looks inevitable

Follow your fantasy team here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZeTX3XeWLVICU_sSsf9Z-KOkNsE6ne6BGInPGmfbm1g

<...

Duration: 00:48:37
US Open, Round Three: What next for Raducanu, sad Shelton exit, the Townsend 'job' goes on
Aug 31, 2025

'Chunky'


George Bellshaw and James Gray go through the last 32 of the US Open with only 22 of 64 seeds now remaining.

Emma Raducanu was thrashed by Elena Rybakina, her third such chastening grand slam exit of the year. Where does she go from here? Ben Shelton retired in tears after injuring his left shoulder in a fall against Adrian Mannarino Taylor Townsend 'has a job to do' and keeps on doing it, while Jelena Ostapenko scrambles to save her reputation

PLUS: Djokovic injury concern; Shapovalov draws quality out of Sinner; Gauff vs Osaka...

Duration: 01:02:43
US Open, Round Two: Ostapenko race row erupts, Draper out injured, Gauff in tears
Aug 29, 2025

George Bellshaw is back off his cruise and relishing dry land - and US Open drama! He joins James Gray to look back at a controversial second round of action.

Jelena Ostapenko is forced to deny allegations of racism after calling Taylor Townsend "not educated" and "no class" after a fractious second-round match Jack Draper pulls out of the second round with an arm injury (just a week after playing in the mixed doubles exhibition) Coco Gauff beats Donna Vekic having been sobbing into her towel during the first set - and says it was a vulnerable moment...

Duration: 01:08:07
US Open, Round One: Medvemeltdown, Alcaraz buzzing and a mixed reception
Aug 28, 2025

George Bellshaw is all at sea - literally - while Calvin Betton is in NYC (that rhymes!) and James Gray is trying to wrangle them together from London.

In a unique "voicenote" format, the Tennis Unfiltered crew unpick...

Daniil Medvedev's Bonzi-infused meltdown earned him a massive fine, a first-round defeat and a fair bit of flak - but did he deserve it? Carlos Alcaraz has got a buzz cut and a new vibe, but he still had hair when he was trying to win the mixed doubles (and failing) Venus Williams is a 45-year-old wildcard, but...

Duration: 00:40:22
Alcaraz takes Cincy over stricken Sinner before Swiatek hammers Paolini
Aug 19, 2025

Calvin Betton calls in from North Carolina before Molly McElwee joins from Barcelona as James Gray holds the good ship Tennis Unfiltered together from home in London.

They discuss...

Carlos Alcaraz wins all five games of the Cincinnati Masters final before Jannik Sinner is forced to retire due to illness. Sinner was in tears afterwards and was clearly hampered before shaking hands with Alcaraz. He said: “I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more.” The Alejandro Davidovich Fokina verdict we've all been waiting for? “A Monday f...

Duration: 01:25:16
Mboko breaks out, Osaka's faux pas, Cincinnati's £193m makeover and Federer is back
Aug 12, 2025

James Gray joins George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton for another episode of Tennis Unfiltered, picking their way through the big topics and issues from the last week of tennis

Cincinnati Reflections: Calvin shares his experiences and observations from the Cincinnati tournament, discussing the revamped site and player feedback. Another new star is born: Is Vicky Mboko, the 18-year-old Montreal champion, about to "do an Andreescu"? Vukov is back: A candid discussion on the WTA's handling of Stefano Vukov's ban and subsequent return to the sport. (More here: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6542878/2025/08/08/elena-rybakina-coach-suspension-lifted-stefano-vukov-wta/) US Open Prize Money confirmed: Cal...

Duration: 01:20:56
Alexander Zverev's Nadal plea and another new coach for Emma Raducanu
Aug 05, 2025

In this episode of Tennis Unfiltered, James Gray, Calvin Betton, and George Bellshaw answer your questions on court speeds, the current state of tennis, the Masters events, player celebrations, and the ethics of interviewing controversial figures.

The conversation also touches on...

- Emma Raducanu's new coaching decision, bringing on board Francisco Roig

- Alexander Zverev begs Toni Nadal to come and coach him after a productive week at his academy, even on court with Rafa

- Dan Evans starts a fight with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina while Ben Shelton starts a fight...

Duration: 01:12:55
Sinner rehires tainted fitness trainer, why Tsitsipas sacked 'dictator' Ivanisevic and Osaka's pointed Raducanu barb
Jul 29, 2025

Support the podcast by subscribing to NordVPN. Make sure you use this link to get our special offer and so they know you came from here!


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In this episode of Tennis Unfiltered, host James Gray and guests George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton discuss the latest happenings in the tennis world.


They delve into Jannik Sinner's controversial decision to rehire his fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, Cam Norrie's impressive comeback, and Stefanos...

Duration: 01:07:31
Unfiltered Q & A and a chat with Wimbledon champion Lloyd Glasspool
Jul 22, 2025

Join James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw as they welcome Wimbledon doubles champion Lloyd Glasspool to Tennis Unfiltered.

As well as a lengthy question and answer session, Lloyd shares insights into his recent Wimbledon triumph (and 3am celebrations), the unique dynamics of playing against former partners Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten, and the challenges faced by doubles players in gaining recognition. The conversation also touches on the broader issues within the tennis world, including the marketing of doubles and the ongoing debate about its value.

Guest: Lloyd Glasspool, Wimbledon doubles champion; Ben Rothenberg, Bounces Hosts...

Duration: 01:51:26
Wimbledon 2025, Day 14: Sinner makes it revenge not repeat against Alcaraz
Jul 14, 2025

Calvin Betton is back! He dials in from Barnsley to join James Gray and George Bellshaw at Wimbledon for one last daily podcast.

- Jannik Sinner avenges French Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz with a four-set victory on Centre Court

- Alcaraz said he was "just better than me" from the baseline and looked short of answers as his serving fell apart

- Sinner said it had been emotionally challenging to turn around the Roland Garros result but that he had been pushing every day in practice, even when he didn't feel...

Duration: 01:08:11
Wimbledon 2025, Day 13: Anisimova lays two eggs to gift Swiatek title
Jul 12, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray spend almost as long talking about the women's final as Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova spent playing it...

- Swiatek becomes only the eighth woman ever to win the career "Surface Slam"

- Anisimova is the first woman since 1911 to be handed a 6-0, 6-0 defeat in a Wimbledon, and first in any slam since 1988

- Swiatek moves clear of Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova with her sixth grand slam title and back up to No 3 in the world

- Nick Kyrgios predicts Carlos Alcaraz will...

Duration: 00:42:26
Wimbledon 2025, Day 12: Can Novak Djokovic ever win another slam?
Jul 11, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray look back at men's semi-final day at Wimbledon, in which Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner booked a rerun of the French Open final.

Novak Djokovic admitted afterwards that age has caught up with him and that he keeps turning up to matches against Sinner and Alcaraz with the tank half-empty... ...but the Serb says it is not his last Wimbledon Meanwhile Jannik Sinner is a fourth-round lucky loser into the SW19 final for the first time... ...but what would have happened if Grigor Dimitrov HAD beaten him in the last 16? Carlos Alcaraz produces...

Duration: 01:03:49
Wimbledon 2025, Day 11: Angry Sabalenka beaten by emotional Anisimova, Swiatek one win from history
Jul 10, 2025

Molly McElwee subs in for George Bellshaw and joins James Gray to talk about the aftermath of women's semi-final day at Wimbledon.

- Amanda Anisimova booked her place in a first ever grand slam final in front of her family and friends, coming full circle from her eight-month break from tennis in 2023 (Read James's piece here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/artist-psychologist-wimbledon-final-amanda-anisimova-3799855)

- Aryna Sabalenka once again lost at Wimbledon at the semi-final stage and insisted she was not going to "do a Roland Garros" again (but sort of did)

- Belinda...

Duration: 00:46:05
Wimbledon 2025, Day 10: Djokovic and Sinner book showdown despite double injury scare
Jul 09, 2025

James Gray and George Bellshaw are back on the microphones at a pleasantly early hour after four relatively straightforward quarter-finals on the second Wednesday of Wimbledon.

- Novak Djokovic "played with his food" by dropping the first set to Flavio Cobolli but came through in four sets, despite a nasty looking fall behind the baseline

- Iga Swiatek is doing her best to grow her reputation in Britain with five straight match wins at Wimbledon, into her first SW19 semi-final

- Jannik Sinner's elbow seems to be fine, judging by the smacking he...

Duration: 00:42:02
Wimbledon 2025, Day 9: Alcaraz wipes out Brits, Sinner's serious scare and Sabalenka avoids an upset
Jul 09, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray are at Wimbledon at the end of the first half of the quarter-finals and enjoying an (alcohol-free) lager to celebrate.

Here are the top stories from the second Tuesday at SW19

- Carlos Alcaraz thrashed Cam Norrie and ending British interests at Wimbledon

- Aryna Sabalenka came within a few games of a serious upset at the hands of 37-year-old world No 107 Laura Siegemund

- Jannik Sinner barely practised after an MRI scan on his right elbow is an injury doubt to face Ben Shelton

<...

Duration: 00:55:17
Wimbledon 2025, Day 8: Dimitrov's tears, a Djokovic scare and George piques Iga's interest
Jul 08, 2025

George Bellshaw is back, baby - and James Gray is just here as always. On "Not So Magic Monday" they discussed...

- Grigor Dimitrov was two sets up on Jannik Sinner but then tore a pectoral muscle serving and had to retire in tears

- Novak Djokovic lost the opening set and was a break down in the fourth against Alex de Minaur before putting the afterburners on to reach the quarter-finals

- Iga Swiatek got an interesting question from George

- Mirra Andreeva keeps hope in the women's draw alive<...

Duration: 01:02:47
Wimbledon 2025, Day 7: Bring back line judges! Hawk-Eye fail causes controversy
Jul 07, 2025

Ben Rothenberg subs in once again for George Bellshaw, who returns on Monday.

James Gray is here as always and they discussed...

- The electronic line-calling farce that marred Sonay Kartal's defeat to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

- How Wimbledon responded to Hawk-Eye Live's failure

- The threat of AI in journalism

- Laura Siegemund's surprise run to the quarter-finals

- Cam Norrie's win over Nico Jarry and his chances of upsetting Carlos Alcaraz

And SO much more...

As ever, do read Ben Rothenberg's Substack...

Duration: 00:42:44
Wimbledon 2025, Day 5: Raducanu almost produces an upset and Norrie gets a baffling question
Jul 05, 2025

James Gray runs down all the stories from the first half of the third round at Wimbledon.

- Naomi Osaka misses out on her best-ever Wimbledon performance

- Sonay Kartal is lost for words after an uber-clean win over Diane Parry

- Emma Raducanu produces a creditable effort but is eventually out-blasted by Aryna Sabalenka on Centre Court

- Cam Norrie is bafflingly asked if he is dating Emma Raducanu

- Carlos Alcaraz almost trips over Jan-Lennard Struff

Molly's piece on THAT Norrie questions: https://inews.co...

Duration: 00:22:44
Wimbledon 2025, Day 4: Draper's bid prematurely ended as Djokovic monsters Evans
Jul 04, 2025

George Bellshaw is back, a year older and wiser, to join James Gray on the podcast and look back at a bloodbath for the Brits. Four of the five remaining British men were taken out on the fourth day of play at Wimbledon.

Dan Evans won just five games against Novak Djokovic and admitted he "doesn't know" if that was his last ever match at Wimbledon Jack Draper is out after a four-set defeat to an inspired Marin Cilic Zeynep Sonmez is still going!

And more from the last embers of the second round at Wimbledon.

<...

Duration: 00:51:22
Wimbledon 2025, Day 3: Fritz hangs on and Keys makes a move - feat. Ben Rothenberg
Jul 02, 2025

Ben Rothenberg (Bounces and No Challenges Remaining) subs in for George, joining James Gray to discuss all things Day 3 with an American slant.

They talked about...

- Taylor Fritz making it through two gruelling five-setters to then earn a reward of a cushy draw going forward

- Madison Keys being, by default, the "Other Guy" of the women's draw

- Oliver Tarvet's struggles to make any money

- Emma Raducanu romping past Marketa Vondrousova

- Naomi Osaka's best Wimbledon in seven years

Please do take...

Duration: 00:35:00
Wimbledon 2025, Day 2: Gauff and Zverev lead string of shock exits
Jul 01, 2025

George Bellshaw has survived his bike ride and James Gray has survived the first round, so they've got their microphones together to discuss it all.

Shock Exit for Coco Gauff: The biggest upset of the tournament saw French Open champion and No 2 seed Coco Gauff knocked out in the first round by Dayana Yastremska. Gauff struggled with her serve, recording nine double faults in a straight-sets defeat, making her only the third woman in the Open Era to lose in the first round of Wimbledon after winning Roland Garros.

Top Seeds Continue to Tumble in...

Duration: 00:51:20
Wimbledon 2025, Day 1: Raducanu vs her younger self and The Forgotten Generation's final humiliation
Jun 30, 2025

Live from SW19, it's James Gray (The i Paper) and George Bellshaw (anyone who asks).

They discuss...

Emma Raducanu's straight sets victory over fellow Brit Mimi Xu, with whom there appears to be no love lost Daniil Medvedev's defeat to Benjamin Bonzi, who shocked the Russian with his level The retirement of Stefanos Tsitsipas, whose coach Goran Ivanisevic had some choice words to say about his fitness levels Carlos Alcaraz's shaky five-set win over Fabio Fognini

And a bit more to boot!

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Duration: 00:42:50
Wimbledon media day: Power rankings, Djokovic 'clashes' with Sabalenka and Evans gets emotional
Jun 28, 2025

James Gray and George Bellshaw inspect a rudimentary way of ranking the Wimbledon contenders, before James looks back at media day after Novak Djokovic interrupted Aryna Sabalenka's press conference and Dan Evans got emotional talking about his efforts to get back to the top of the game.

MEDIA DAY HIGHLIGHTS

Jack Draper: "Andy has done an unbelievable job of that and has been incredibly successful and has become adored by the nation. It's obviously big shoes to fill. I'm aware of that. At the same time I'm confident in myself that hopefully I can inspire...

Duration: 00:28:17
Wimbledon draw: Perfect for Alcaraz and a Draper nightmare
Jun 28, 2025

Join George Bellshaw and James Gray for an in-depth analysis of the 2025 Wimbledon draw.

In this comprehensive 75-minute breakdown, we dissect every section of the men's and women's singles draws, examining why this year looks like a dream scenario for Carlos Alcaraz and a potential nightmare for British hopeful Jack Draper.

We also give you our tips for our bespoke Fantasy Wimbledon game, which you can enter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14u_zTiSph5KWffJE2iC0SZG24h-fC1fRtEarTPfftls


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Duration: 01:20:30
Alcaraz crushes Queen's again, Sinner beaten by Bublik and Wimbledon wildcards revealed
Jun 24, 2025

James Gray and Calvin Betton are in Eastbourne while George Bellshaw dials in from an early-morning gym session in London.


They discussed...

Carlos Alcaraz beats Jiri Lehecka to claim the title at Queen's once again and reinforce his status as favourite for the Wimbledon title Dan Evans got first top 20 win since 2023 and only his second ever on grass at Queen's to upset Frances Tiafoe and gets a wildcard for Wimbledon Jannik Sinner loses to Alexander Bublik, his worst lost by ranking since 2023, first time he has lost to not Alcaraz since August 2024 ...

Duration: 01:07:32
Queen's injury woes, Maria flummoxes the field and Wimbledon on the horizon
Jun 17, 2025

Calvin Betton's latest glamorous venue is the Premier Inn Putney, joining George Bellshaw and James Gray for another week of news from the tennis world.

First of all, we wish Luke Johnson all the best after a nasty fall and wrist injury at Queen's on Sunday. Listen on for more details...

00:00 - Reaction to our French Open final debate

03:27 - Concerns over court safety at Queen's Club

10:30 - The return of women's tennis to Queen's

14:06 - Tatiana Maria's historic win

19:37 - The state of British women's tennis<...

Duration: 01:33:15
French Open review: Sinner-Alcaraz final for the ages and Sabalenka's salty shade
Jun 10, 2025

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray are back together again for a review of the French Open at Roland Garros, culminating in two memorable singles finals for quite different reasons.


01:10 - Alcaraz's Historic Victory: Breaking down Carlos Alcaraz victory over Jannik Sinner in five sets.

04:53 - Debating the Match's Greatness: Where George and Calvin clash on where this final ranks in tennis history

12:15 - Men's final analysis: A deeper dive into tactical approaches and execution under pressure

20:11 - The Impact of Crowd Dynamics: Did the Philippe Chatrier...

Duration: 01:28:42
French Open, semi-finals: Alcaraz and Sinner set up the perfect final
Jun 06, 2025

Calvin Betton is back! The double French Open quarter-finalist is back in the UK after a two-week jaunt at Roland Garros, gutted but pleased at the same time.


He and James Gray (The i Paper) break down the French Open semi-finals in which Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka set up a high-calibre final, before Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner fulfilled their destiny by reaching a grand slam final against each other for the very first time.


This episode is brought to you by Tide. If you're interested in one...

Duration: 00:38:28
French Open, quarter-finals: Djokovic ends Zverev's dream, Boisson's miracle goes on
Jun 04, 2025

Down to one court, and the singles at Roland Garros becomes a rarefied atmosphere, to say the least. Just ask Mirra Andreeva, who melted under the pressure of playing a home favourite in Lois Boisson.


Same could be said of Alexander Zverev, beaten by Novak Djokovic, while Alexander Bublik or Tommy Paul were never expected to stop Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz's inexorable march to the final.


All that and more with James Gray and George Bellshaw


This episode is brought to you by...

Duration: 00:50:47
French Open, Round Four: British bid dies but Roland Garros is ready to come alive
Jun 02, 2025

11 of 16 top-eight seeds in the quarter-finals! George Bellshaw and James Gray sit down to discuss a loaded second week of the French Open in the men's and the women's draw, the end of the British bid for Roland Garros glory and the return (or is it?) of Iga Swiatek.


(Calvin Betton is also winning matches, but what's new?)


This episode is brought to you by Tide. If you're interested in one of their savings accounts for businesses - and supporting the podcast at the same time, please follow the...

Duration: 00:52:11
French Open, Round Three: The most predictable Roland Garros ever?
Jun 01, 2025

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For the first time since 2003 in Paris all top eight women's seeds have reached the last 16, and in the men's draw seven of the top 10 have done so as well as all the major threats for the title.


R4 ones to watch: Swiatek vs Rybakina, Sabalenka vs Anisimova, Paolini vs Svitolina, Andreeva vs Kasatki...

Duration: 00:59:29
French Open, Round Two: Raducanu out, Gasquet retires and the game of the tournament
May 29, 2025

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Seeds out: (ATP) Ruud, De Minaur, Mensik, Tsitsipas, Humbert, Davidovich Fokina, Shapovalov, Mpetshi Perricard; (WTA) Shnaider, Krejcikova, Vekic, Frech


R3 ones to watch: Draper vs Fonseca, Fearnley vs Norrie, Rublev vs Fils; Ostapenko vs Rybakina, Gauff vs Bouzkova, Andreeva vs Putintseva


Save more, earn more—up to 4.48% AER (var...

Duration: 00:51:19
French Open, Round One: Norrie produces upset and Sinner wears worst outfit ever
May 27, 2025

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ATP seeds out: Medvedev, Fritz, Dimitrov, Cerundolo, Machac, Nakashima, Auger-Aliassime, Hurkacz, Michelsen


WTA seeds out: Navarro, Muchova, Haddad Maia, Mertens, Kostyuk, Fernandez, Stearns, Noskova, Kalinskaya


Round Two match-up picks: Fearnley vs Humbert, Moutet vs Djokovic, Raducanu vs Swiatek⁠⁠⁠, Paolini vs Tomljanovic


Save more, earn m...

Duration: 00:23:34
Rome review: Alcaraz and Sinner's 'friendly' rivalry renewed
May 20, 2025

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Calvin Betton drags himself out of a karaoke bar in Hamburg to join James Gray for a look back at the Italian Open, before Myles David of Tuned Into Tennis dials in from Houston, TX to discuss Jasmine Paolini's victory over Coco Gauff. They talked about the following...


Carlos Alcaraz ended Jannik Sinner’s 26-match unb...

Duration: 01:00:03
Jannik Sinner is back - and everyone is (mostly) delighted
May 13, 2025

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Calvin Betton joins live from Rome, where he has been busy celebrating the new pope (not), George Bellshaw is at home in north London and James Gray is hanging on to reality after 1000 miles of driving in one weekend.


Nevertheless, they got themselves together to talk about...

Jannik Sinner's return to tour ten...

Duration: 00:57:35
Madrid review: Ruud edges out Draper, Sabalenka dominates and Swiatek spirals
May 06, 2025

This episode is brought to you by Tide. If you're interested in one of their savings accounts for businesses - and supporting the podcast at the same time, please follow the link: ⁠http://tide.co/offers/tennisunfiltered⁠


The lads are back together! For the first time in a couple of weeks, James Gray (The i Paper), Calvin Betton (ATP coach) and George Bellshaw (gun for hire) are all in the same (virtual) place at the same time - and it took some time to catch up. They discussed...

Jack Draper came within a set...

Duration: 01:42:37
Inside the Madrid blackout + Purcell ban reaction
Apr 30, 2025

This episode is brought to you by Tide. If you're interested in one of their savings accounts for businesses - and supporting the podcast at the same time, please follow the link: http://tide.co/offers/tennisunfiltered


We got him! Calvin Betton finally has power again so can tell us all about why players were walking nearly two hours back to their hotels - and what he read to pass the time.


Plus, James and Calvin discuss the 18-month ban settled by Max Purcell after taking two 500ml intravenous...

Duration: 00:44:32
Djokovic, Raducanu and the lights are all going out in Madrid
Apr 29, 2025

This episode is sponsored by Tide. Visit tide.co/savings, and use the bonus code "tennisunfiltered" to support the podcast and get a great deal


Calvin Betton is stranded! The power cut in Spain means we are unable to contact our resident coach, so James Gray and George Bellshaw are taking up the mantle (or trying) in his absence.


They discussed...

Novak Djokovic was beaten in the second round of the Madrid Open 6-3, 6-4 by world No 44 Matteo Arnaldi, continuing a pattern that's becoming hard to ignore...

Duration: 01:16:29
Rune stuns Alcaraz, Zverev overcomes adversity, Iga's nemesis - and Calvin's a champion again
Apr 21, 2025

This episode is brought to you by Tide. If you're interested in one of their savings accounts for businesses - and supporting the podcast at the same time, please follow the link: http://tide.co/offers/tennisunfiltered


This week, Calvin is fresh off a Barcelona title, George is prepping for a big vegan night out and James has promised not to entertain any more soft drink chat... Instead, they talked about TENNIS. (Mostly.)


Luke Johnson and Sander Arends are the Barcelona champs after beating Britain's top pair in the doubles...

Duration: 01:32:03
Alcaraz returns to the top, Djokovic loses the fire and the struggle to sell the BJK Cup
Apr 15, 2025

James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw are back together again - but you might wish they weren't...


Here is an extended episode featuring:


Carlos Alcaraz's Monte Carlo win The struggle to sell the Billie Jean King Cup Why Novak Djokovic has lost the hunger Ben Shelton's doubles beef A home win in Monaco


PLUS


Some absolute first-rate nonsense about soft drinks, a terrible quiz performance and your emails answered as well.

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Duration: 01:43:38
The clay is back - and so is the nonsense
Apr 07, 2025

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray are in particularly nonsensical mood, discussing...


The return of the clay-court season Emma Raducanu's decision to skip Billie Jean King Cup duty An epic head-to-head battle between Calvin and George The best tennis court in the world The rise of the super-coach


And more!

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Duration: 01:13:33
Mensik's breakout, Djokovic's demise, Sabalenka's statement and the coaching roundabout turns again
Apr 01, 2025

In this episode of Tennis Unfiltered, James Gray, George Bellshaw, and Calvin Betton discuss everything that has been going on in the world of tennis and more from coaching techniques and the Wimbledon dress code to scheduling and the recent Miami Open.


Jakub Mensik defeated Novak Djokovic, even though the Czech teenager almost withdrew from the tournament before his first-round match. Djokovic did not appear to be 100 per cent with a swelling under his right eye and trouble moving behind the baseline, but said Mensik deserved the win. In the women's final, Aryna Sabalenka snapped...

Duration: 01:27:51
Tennis civil war finally breaks out, Kyrgios is 'back' and a coachless Raducanu is on the charge
Mar 25, 2025

Calvin Betton calls in from Miami and Molly McElwee subs in for Barcelona with George Bellshaw on holiday.


The PTPA has finally broken cover on a legal battle with the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA across three different territories. The men's tour says it will not be cowed by the players union, but over the weekend the PTPA filed a motion with US judge asking “to prohibit all illegal contact with players by the ATP or any defendant or co-conspirator”. The ATP said it "refutes their assertions". Nick Kyrgios wins his first match on tour sinc...

Duration: 01:30:07
Indian Wells review: Draper breaks through, Andreeva dominates the desert and Iga's sad slump
Mar 18, 2025

Presented by Calvin Betton, James Gray and George Bellshaw

Produced and edited by James Gray



At 23, Jack Draper secured his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, defeating four top-15 players, including Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. This victory propelled him to a career-high world ranking of No 7. Mirra Andreeva matched fellow Russian Maria Sharapova's record by achieving ten consecutive WTA match wins before turning 21, and actually made it 12 to secure her second consecutive 1000 title. Her Indian Wells triumph included a historic comeback against world No1 Aryna Sabalenka, elevating her to...

Duration: 01:18:48
Another Raducanu trial, Kyrgios is injured and Botic spoils the party again
Mar 11, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray are stuck on this side of the Atlantic while Calvin Betton is sunning himself in Tennis Paradise: Indian Wells.


We delve into the mailbag for your emails on weird dreams, George's long-term hatred of Indian Wells, the let rule, and comments on coaching by Janko Tipsarevic Emma Raducanu has another coach on trial Nick Kyrgios managed just 1.5 sets on his comeback from injury, beaten by Botic van de Zandschulp... ...who then ruins the party for Novak Djokovic in tough conditions that he said were totally different And there's a great...

Duration: 01:14:44
Feud with Roddick continues, VAR controversy and Pique's wild ideas
Mar 04, 2025

Calvin Betton (ATP tennis coach), George Bellshaw (writer and broadcaster) and James Gray (journalist) all gather round the microphone once again to discuss the biggest issues in tennis.


On the eve of "the fifth slam", there has been plenty of off-court controversy...


Calvin reacts to Andy Roddick's claim that Rohan Bopanna being a good person and helping other people "doesn't necessarily make doubles a use case" as well as insisting that "a singles player might have done the same or even more" George breaks down the VAR controversy in Dubai...

Duration: 01:15:28
Raducanu's Dubai ordeal, Andreeva's biggest title and clapping back at Reilly Opelka
Feb 25, 2025

Molly McElwee (Substack here: https://mollymcelwee.substack.com/) joins James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw to talk about a busy and often fraught week of tennis.


Emma Raducanu was approached by a stalker in Dubai, who allegedly followed her across four tournaments, and burst into tears on court, triggering widespread discussion of women's safety in tennis On the court, Mirra Andreeva won the title, beating Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek back to back Andrey Rublev won the men's title in Doha, beating Jack Draper in the final - but it was Stefanos Tsitsipas's remarkable...

Duration: 01:36:53
Jannik Sinner banned, Rybakina coach suspended and Fonseca makes his move
Feb 18, 2025

Quiet week in tennis? It will never happen.


ATP coach Calvin Betton, The i Paper journalist James Gray and former tennis reporter George Bellshaw sit down to discuss a couple of weighty issues in tennis this week.


Jannik Sinner has agreed a three-month ban with Wada after two positive test for clostebol last March. Wada re-stated their acceptance of his excuse, that a member of staff had used it, but would have claimed on appeal that he bore some responsibility for the actions of his team members. Stefano Vukov, somehow...

Duration: 01:37:20
A Raducanu losing streak, Murray-Djokovic latest and Simona Halep retires
Feb 11, 2025

Grand-slam winning tennis coach Calvin Betton, tennis writer George Bellshaw and The i Paper's sports news correspondent James Gray are all back for another episode of the award-winning Tennis Unfiltered podcast.


They discussed...


Emma Raducanu is on a four-match losing streak after another defeat in the first round, this time to Ekaterina Alexandrova in Abu Dhabi - but what next for her in the coaching corner? Two-time grand slam champion and former world No 1 Simona Halep is retiring at the age of 33 Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic remain in talks...

Duration: 01:28:16
Davis Cup drama, 15-day tournaments and award-winning content
Feb 04, 2025

Thank you SO MUCH for voting for us in the Sports Podcast Awards. After two years of disappointment, we the WINNERS of the Best Tennis and Racket Podcast for 2024. We literally could not have done it without you, so thank you to each and every one of you who voted.


James, George and Calvin triumphantly returned to the microphones this week to discuss your questions in the mailbag and...


Jacob Fearnley made his debut for Great Britain in a Davis Cup tie against Japan, beating Kei Nishikori but ultimately unable...

Duration: 01:27:07
Australian Open review: Q+A, Djokovic injury latest, Keys's 'greatest ever' run and Discovery+ price hike
Jan 30, 2025

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray are reunited in the wake of a furiously busy grand slam. They discussed


Calvin helping Henry and Harri to their second grand slam title and refusing to fly economy class ever again Jannik Sinner wins his third hard-court slam in 13 months and Alexander Zverev vows not to be the best player ever not to win a grand slam Madison Keys denies Aryna Sabalenka an Australian Open hat-trick after beating Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Danielle Collins and Elina Svitolina in one of the great grand slam runs Novak Djokovic...

Duration: 01:19:48
Australian Open, Day 15: Sinner's unmatched brilliance
Jan 27, 2025

The pod is still coming down from the highs of Saturday night (and early Sunday morning) but there is the small matter of a men's final to discuss as Jannik Sinner dismantled Alexander Zverev to claim his third straight hard-court grad slam title. He becomes the most successful Italian player, male or female, of all time.


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Duration: 00:14:50
Australian Open, Day 14: Two. Time. Slam. Champs.
Jan 25, 2025

Henry Patten. Harri Heliovaara.


What a team. Two of the last three slams.


There is so much work by so many other people that went into that win, but they were the two men standing - or more correctly lying - on court at the end.

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Duration: 00:13:03
Australian Open, Day 13: Djokovic booed off and Calvin reveals final preparations
Jan 24, 2025

How doubles champions prepare for a late-night final Did Novak Djokovic deserve to be booed off? Does Alexander Zverev have a chance against Jannik Sinner? Has Ben Shelton got any better?

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Duration: 00:21:07
Australian Open, Day 12: No offence, Madison...
Jan 23, 2025

...but we wanted a Sabalenka vs Swiatek final.


Aryna Sabalenka did her part, beating best friend Paula Badosa with ease But then Madison Keys upset the apple-cart, brilliantly hitting Iga Swiatek off the court to reach her second grand slam final, eight years after her first

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Duration: 00:20:41
Australian Open, Day 11: Double-bounce gate erupts as the semis are set
Jan 23, 2025

Iga Swiatek wins her Australian Open semi-final with ease but not before a controversial double bounce incident (https://inews.co.uk/sport/iga-swiatek-double-bounce-australian-open-emma-navarro-3494688) Jannik Sinner batts Alex de Minaur, guaranteeing 50 years since the last Australian male winner here Ben Shelton books his place in a second grand slam semi-final Madison Keys outlasts Elina Svitolina


SEMI-FINAL PREVIEWS


Iga Swiatek vs Madison Keys Aryna Sabalenka vs Paula Badosa Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton

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Duration: 00:21:24
Australian Open, Day 10: Djokovic and Alcaraz light up the night sky
Jan 21, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray look back at a thrilling day - or specifically, night - of tennis at Melbourne Park


Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz in an instant classic across four sets Djokovic had treatment for a left leg injury, thought to be groin or hamstring, but rallied from losing the first set to triumph just before 1am in Melbourne How will he pull up to face Alexander Zverev, who beat Tommy Paul, in Friday's semi-final? Aryna Sabalenka outlasted Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in a wind-swept semi Coco Gauff produced 41 unforced errors in just two sets...

Duration: 00:27:24
Australian Open, Day 8: It's Novak vs the world
Jan 19, 2025

Novak Djokovic boycotted Channel 9 interviews after beating Jiri Lehecka, claiming he had been offended by comments made by anchor Tony Jones. Jones appeared to have already apologised on Saturday, but Djokovic said he would not talk to the broadcaster until an official apology had been issued Jack Draper was forced to retire after two sets of his fourth-round clash with Carlos Alcaraz (More on that here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/carlos-alcaraz-message-jack-draper-3489163) Coco Gauff nearly comes a cropper against Belinda Bencic Tommy Paul ghosts his way into the quarter-finals Aryna Sabalenka shrugs off Pam Shriver's scheduling complaints: https://x...

Duration: 00:24:29
Australian Open, Day 7: End of the road for Emma Raducanu and a great day for the Monfilses
Jan 18, 2025

Emma Raducanu is thrashed 6-1, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek to end her Australian Open run Gael Monfils shocks Taylor Fritz to reach the fourth round - and then watches his wife do the same thing by beating Jasmine Paolini on the very same court Eva Lys, the lucky loser, continues her dream fortnight by reaching the last 16 and setting up the biggest match of her life against Swiatek Ben Shelton is doing his best to cash in on a soft section of the draw too, beating Lorenzo Musetti in a hard-fought four-setter.


LINKS


<...

Duration: 00:16:02
Australian Open, Day 6: Jack Draper, you've done it again
Jan 17, 2025

NO. SLEEP. TIL. BROOKLYN.


James Gray is delirious, Jack Draper is through to round three and it's going off in Melbourne Park.

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Duration: 00:13:38
Australian Open, Day 5: Catch up with Calvin as the Brits go for history
Jan 16, 2025

It's the fifth day of the tournament and I've finally tracked down Calvin Betton, our resident tennis coach, to chat through the biggest issues of the day - including why the Brits are on the verge of history.

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Duration: 00:31:44
Australian Open, Day 4: Why oh why is Jack Draper doing this to us?
Jan 15, 2025

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Duration: 00:11:56
Australian Open, Day 3: Raducanu leads Brits on a charge and Fonseca delivers upset
Jan 14, 2025

Tuesday at the Australian Open wraps up the first round of the year's opening major


Emma Raducanu beat Ekaterina Alexandrova despite hitting 15 double-faults in an error-strewn performance - but she did win her 7th and 8th tie-breaks in a row A win for Katie Boulter over Rebecca Marino made it six Brits into the second round, a new record But Cam Norrie could not join them, beaten by Matteo Berrettini There was a shock win for Joao Fonseca, the teenage qualifier, over No 9 seed Andrey Rublev And Daniil Medvedev needed five set to see of...

Duration: 00:18:49
Australian Open, Day 2: Fearnley retires Kyrgios and the curious tale of Sonny Bill Williams
Jan 14, 2025

Jacob Fearnley beat Nick Kyrgios in straight sets on Monday, leaving the Australian questioning whether he would ever play singles at the Australian Open ever again. In his first-round match, Novak Djokovic, now coached by former rival Andy Murray, overcame a challenging start to defeat 19-year-old American Nishesh Basavareddy. After losing the first set, Djokovic rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, marking the beginning of his pursuit for an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th major title. Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded 11th, was eliminated in the first round by American Alex Michelsen. Michelsen secured the victory with a 7...

Duration: 00:17:50
Australian Open, Day 1: Doping updates, Sabalenka wobble and some dark horses emerge
Jan 12, 2025

George Bellshaw and James Gray look back a rain-affected first day of the Australian Open, talking about Kei Nishikori, Emma Raducanu, Jiri Lehecka and more!


An interview with Andrey Rublev: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jan/12/andrey-rublev-i-dont-feel-any-more-that-crazy-anxiety-and-stress

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Duration: 00:40:27
Australian Open draw analysis + fantasy tennis launch
Jan 09, 2025

Play FTU, AO 2025 edition sponsored by Raquex NOW: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19oQbG9pcnYnX0oXLGFgDkta5ugKcs5MEizCPmXLC3A8/ [Closes 12 January]


James and George go line by line through both draws to suss out the new fantasy tennis format.


Don't forget to vote for us in the Sports Podcast Awards either! https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-tennis-podcast/ [Closes 13 January]

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Duration: 01:15:33
The Kyrgios comeback, Gauff vs Swiatek vs Rybakina and praise for the United Cup
Jan 07, 2025

VOTE FOR US: It’s your last chance to get a vote in for us in the Sports Podcast Awards, which we would dearly like to win this time after narrowly missing out two years in a row.


The deadline is THIS WEEKEND: www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-tennis-podcast/


George Bellshaw (from convalescence after surgery) and James Gray (preparing for a flight to Australia) get together to discuss a genuinely exciting week of pre-grand slam tennis. The off-season is well and truly over!


FTU is...

Duration: 01:11:43
Purcell faces anti-doping ban, Draper and Raducanu's new year and the return of Kyrgios
Dec 29, 2024

VOTE FOR US! We are desperately trying to beat Dan Kiernan to an award and *really* need your help in doing so. It takes about 20 seconds to vote for us, just head to this link: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-tennis-podcast/


This week, George Bellshaw is a late withdrawal after being called in for surgery on a torn meniscus, Calvin Betton tunes in from Hong Kong (sorry about the satellite delay!) and James Gray is at home for the last time before heading to Australia.


They discussed...

<...

Duration: 01:09:52
Tennis Insights special: Tom Corrie breaks down the tennis by numbers
Dec 25, 2024

Merry Christmas! (Or just happy Wednesday if you don't celebrate.)


VOTE FOR US: It's the Sports Podcast Awards next month and Tennis Unfiltered is up for best tennis show. We came third two years ago and second last year, so would mean a lot if you added your vote and helped us complete the set!


https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-tennis-podcast/


While the lads take a well-earned week off over Christmas, we pre-recorded an episode with Tom Corrie of the excellent Tennis Insights...

Duration: 01:10:02
Djokovic and Kyrgios team up and end of season awards revealed
Dec 18, 2024

Thanks to Chris, Deb and Colum for their questions and comments which we read out this week. You can get in touch by emailing us on tennisunfiltered at gmail dot com - and James does read them all even if they don't all make the pod!


If you want to sign up for our newsletter, Substack is the place to do it: https://tennisunfiltered.substack.com/


And finally, have a very Merry Christmas when it comes!


As well as our awards this week, we...

Duration: 01:25:41
BONUS: Rune, Kokkinakis and Humbert join James and George at UTS
Dec 12, 2024

A special BONUS episode from James Gray and George Bellshaw from the UTS Grand Final in east London, held at a sold-out Copper Box Arena.


NB: James apologises for the edit and audio quality. An amateur sound engineer at best, this is as good as he can do with the equipment in hand!


VOTE in our Tennis Unfiltered 2025 awards: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aUUOiYvsuDQpALWPEQpJj1v873OP-vk_-7gpQDRZCBg/

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Duration: 00:50:14
What's the most boring era of tennis ever?
Dec 09, 2024

Calvin Betton, James Gray and George Bellshaw are in full off-season mode - and spending as much time talking nonsense as possible. No Peaky Blinders chat, this time, although our Spotify Wrapped does get a mention


We answered questions from Taz, Jeff, Ben and Nicolas about boring tennis matches, the 2009 US Open and tennis analytics.


Plus...


Emma Raducanu reveals her pre-season plans (More here: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/emma-raducanu-australian-open-plans-glory-3419042) And we preview our awards for 2025


George's newsletter: https://tennisunfiltered...

Duration: 01:11:56
Iga Swiatek's secret ban
Dec 03, 2024

Tennis never takes a week off, does it? And neither (sort of) do James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw, who are back to discuss all the latest goings on in a busy week of breaking tennis news.


Iga Swiatek is serving a one-month ban after testing positive for trimetazidine or TMZ, a banned metabolic modulator Simona Halep, Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have plenty to say about it, as does everyone else Novak Djokovic explains more about his coaching link-up with Andy Murray Hubert Hurkacz has replaced long-time coach Craig Boynton with an unusual c...

Duration: 01:21:47
Will Andy Murray be a decent coach for Novak Djokovic?
Nov 26, 2024

James Gray, George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton get round the microphones again and wonder if there is anything to talk about this week...


Andy Murray has agreed to join Novak Djokovic's coaching team for pre-season the Australian Open at least, just three months after retiring from playing (James wrote this piece for the i paper if you're interested: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/andy-murray-coaching-novak-djokovic-storyline-netflix-3397499) Oh, also Rafael Nadal retired this week as Spain crashed out of the Davis Cup to the Netherlands Italy retained their title thanks to Jannik Sinner, who ends the year...

Duration: 01:22:50
Why 2024 was the year of Jannik Sinner (+ unpicking the Fritz-Zverev H2H, BJK Cup madness and Tiafoe's $120k fine)
Nov 19, 2024

Uh oh, Calvin is not a happy man... but why?


Listen on to find out as George Bellshaw and James Gray do their best to keep him in hand while discussing...


Jannik Sinner dominates ATP World Tour Finals, not even dropping a set en route to the title in Turin Taylor Fritz moves to a career-high ranking after reaching the final, and continuing his dominance of Alexander Zverev Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter lead Britain into the semi-finals of the Billie Jean King Cup Frances Tiafoe avoids a ban for...

Duration: 01:09:12
A tale of two Tour Finals
Nov 12, 2024

Calvin Betton calls in from the ATP World Tour Finals in Turin to help James Gray (inews.co.uk) and George Bellshaw (his flat in north London) discuss the latest in tennis


Coco Gauff wins the WTA Finals in a dramatic - but not necessarily high-quality - final victory over Zheng Qinwen John Wertheim is forced to apologise for comments about Barbora Krejcikova's "eight-head" Denis Shapovalov wins a first title in five years, but isn't in the mix for ATP Comeback of the Year Daniil Medvedev "loses his head"


And finally...<...

Duration: 01:15:07
The last dance in Paris, Rybakina hires Goran and WTA's Saudi debut
Nov 05, 2024

Calvin Betton is in Helsinki but that doesn't stop him dialing in to Tennis Unfiltered; George Bellshaw is in north London but that doesn't stop him struggling with tech; and James Gray is now married and didn't get into a scrape with Elena Rybakina.


We answer your questions on LTA funding and doubles end-of-year tournaments, plus...


Alexander Zverev wins the Paris Masters title and returns to No 2 in the world Giovanni Mpetshi-Pericard's huge serve keeps on entertaining on the French capital's lightning-fast courts Richard Gasquet says a tearful goodbye to...

Duration: 01:22:37
Draper wins in Vienna, Djokovic is done for 2024 and Kyrgios's pyramid conspiracies
Oct 29, 2024

Calvin Betton, George Bellshaw and James Gray are all in England at the same time, a genuine rarity this year, but are still all sitting in their respective living rooms refusing to actually spend time together.


Instead, they talked about...


Jack Draper's second career title, beating Karen Khachanov in Vienna to move up to No 15 in the world Novak Djokovic pulling out of the Paris Masters and perhaps calling time on his whole season Nick Kyrgios raising his head above the parapet on Louis Theroux's podcast, positing all kinds of...

Duration: 01:14:40
Swiatek's new coach, the 'Six Kings' of Saudi Arabia and James's wedding reviewed
Oct 22, 2024

Calvin Betton calls in from Vienna, James Gray from honeymoon and George Bellshaw... is here also.


We started by answering a listener email from Blair, who asked: “I'm taking a few too many long haul flights in the next couple of months, and am looking for distraction recommendations. Which matches from the past 30 years would you recommend I download to watch? Any documentaries? I particularly enjoyed the Vilas one, so anything like that'd be great.”


Here are some links to the docs mentioned.


Agassi vs Samp...

Duration: 01:11:08
Rafael Nadal's legacy and why Frances Tiafoe deserves a ban
Oct 16, 2024

Calvin Betton dials in from Antwerp to join James Gray. George Bellshaw is, unforgivably, on holiday.


Rafael Nadal announced his retirement this week, causing Calvin to ask whether he is actually the most underrated or perhaps most influential player of all-time ...and whether he will sign off on a high by winning the Davis Cup The full decision from CAS that reduced Simona Halep's ban for testing positive to just nine months has been published Frances Tiafoe, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev have all been mouthing off at umpires


PLUS

<...

Duration: 01:23:12
Sinner vs Alcaraz or Federer vs Nadal?
Oct 08, 2024

It's the clash of the eras this week as Mats Wilander's comments on Eurosport spark an intense debate about whether Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have already eradicated the legacy of the Big Four.


Carlos Alcaraz beats Jannik Sinner, who had chances of his own, to win the China Open and wrestle control of their head-to-head in an increasingly storied rivalry Arthur Fils wins a title in Tokyo and beats Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini, Ben Shelton, Holger Rune and Ugo Humbert en route - but then crashes out in the first round a week later ...

Duration: 01:22:18
Sinner doping case comes back to life, doubles gossip and the "Mount Rushmore" of tennis
Oct 01, 2024

Calvin Betton is still in China, George Bellshaw is still in London and James Gray is still complaining.


They discuss...


WADA has announced it is to appeal the decision to absolve Jannik Sinner of blame for his two positive tests for banned substance clostebol earlier this year. The case will be heard before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the World Anti-Doping Agency will seek a ban of between one and two years Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram have broken up their long-standing, multiple grand slam-winning partnership. Salisbury...

Duration: 01:27:51
Gauff splits with Gilbert, Raducanu's latest injury setback and Laver Cup fallout
Sep 25, 2024

Calvin Betton tunes in from Beijing and George Bellshaw from north London to tell James Gray exactly what's wrong with the tennis world.


Emma Raducanu told a reporter she was prioritising the Asian swing after a stripped-back schedule in the first half of the year, but after two wins in Seoul she suffered yet another injury, pulling out of the quarter-final with a foot injury and then withdraws from Beijing too. Coco Gauff has ended her partnership with coach Brad Gilbert just two weeks after her "disappointing" US Open title defence. Gilbert said: ”Coco, at ju...

Duration: 01:20:38
Osaka hires Mouratoglou, Djokovic shrugs off ATP Finals and GB's Davis Cup flop
Sep 17, 2024

James Gray is joined by George Bellshaw and Calvin Betton to discuss all the latest tennis news (and an injury update from our resident coach).


Naomi Osaka splits with Wim Fisette and hires Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach Novak Djokovic is on course to miss out on ATP World Tour Finals but says he isn't bothered by it Jack Draper jumps off a plane and into the Great Britain Davis Cup team, but to no great effect as they are drummed out by Canada and Argentina Dan Evans hints this could be his last...

Duration: 01:20:49
US Open review: Why Sinner won it, if Sabalenka can be stopped and more
Sep 10, 2024

James Gray, Calvin Betton and George Bellshaw waited for the dust to settle... and then promptly started kicking it up again.


Jannik Sinner wins the title in New York to become the king of hard courts Aryna Sabalenka is the queen too, or is she? Jack Draper gives a fine account of himself but hasn't impressed Martin Keown Have Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz both hit their ceiling

PLUS

Nick Kyrgios shows his true colours Vasek Pospisil defends the PTPA Calvin ducks the Davis Cup The final results of FTU: https://docs.google...

Duration: 01:19:38
US Open, Day 10+11: Predicted the finals as fate awaits Jack Draper
Sep 06, 2024

Calvin Betton wakes up from jet lag to predict the men's and women's final with James Gray ahead of Draper vs Sinner and Tiafoe vs Fritz in the semi-finals.


They also looked back at Emma Navarro's defeat to Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula's win over Karolina Muchova, as well as a few thoughts on Iga Swiatek's absence from the latter stages.

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Duration: 00:41:16
US Open, Day 8+9 w/Calvin back from New York City
Sep 04, 2024

Calvin Betton is fresh off a flight from New York and talks to James Gray about...


Third-round defeat for Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara Why Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Caroline Wozniacki was a great example of how styles make fights… The secrets to Jack Draper's run at the US Open Why there have been so many double-faults at this year's tournament Is this the real reason everyone seems to hate Zheng Qinwen? What got Alexander Zverev's goat? Grigor Dimitrov limps out of perhaps *his* best chance to finally win a slam but allows Frances Tiafoe to...

Duration: 00:46:29
US Open, Day 6+7: Gauff is latest champion to fall as the men's draw goes all WTA
Sep 02, 2024

George Bellshaw and James Gray catch up on a busy weekend of US Open action, including...


Sky Sports apologise for problems with US Open coverage, raised by Tennis Unfiltered listeners: https://inews.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-viewers-frustrated-sky-tennis-coverage-3256452 Video review goes so badly wrong as Beatriz Haddad Maia gets away with one against Anna Kalinskaya: https://x.com/LoveGame_Tennis/status/1830181747281055879 Dan Evans is finally beaten in the US Open, handed two bagels by Alex De Minaur Yulia Putintseva is beaten but more importantly apologises for this behaviour towards a ball girl: https://x.com/MerThomp...

Duration: 00:48:35
US Open, Day 5: Now Djokovic is out too!
Aug 31, 2024

George Bellshaw looks back on a day of US Open action where there really was only one place to start as Novak Djokovic was stunned by Alexei Popyrin as the men's draw continues to disintegrate

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Duration: 00:21:28
US Open, Day 4: Alcaraz is OUT - but how?!
Aug 30, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz is handed a shock US Open defeat by Botic van de Zandschulp Alcaraz said afterwards he is "not strong enough mentally" and has taken steps back in that regard. Van de Zandschulp meanwhile was proud of his "emotionally stable" approach to the match, impressive for a man who nearly decided to retire just a few months ago at the age of 28. The Dutchman came to the net 35 times in the match, winning all bar seven points when he did so, perhaps revealing a blueprint for beating Alcaraz in the future. It leaves a wide open section of the...

Duration: 00:16:39
US Open, Day 3: Emma Raducanu admits she got it wrong, Djokovic through in the heat
Aug 29, 2024

Emma Raducanu says she will manage her schedule differently going forward after "learning a lesson" in defeat to Sofia Kenin Raducanu had played just one tournament since Wimbledon and flew back to the UK instead of playing qualifying in Canada or Cincinnati, traditional warm-ups for the US Open. She said: "I know when I have a lot of matches, just like every player, you feel really good, you feel like everything's automatic. So yeah, I think I can learn from it and manage my schedule slightly differently." Here is something James wrote about Emma Raducanu in the wake of her...

Duration: 00:21:58