Carlos Alcaraz is playing his first matches on tour without the help of his only coach since childhood, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and we are all wondering how this will go. What we aren't wondering anymore is if Juan Carlos will be coming back. We don't usually talk about who is coaching which player (because it's insider-y and kind of boring), but this coaching relationship is unlike anything we've ever seen in tennis, and we have thoughts.

Also:

• The new "ESPN Unlimited" option/paywall is confusing and more expensive for many of us (but also good for some people?)
• The Australian Open is getting as crowded as the U.S. Open ☹️
• Naomi Osaka's crazy umbrella/veil/wedding dress outfit
• Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova calls out pro-Putin players as "dangerous"

It's Grand Slam time! Enjoy the AO!

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While the temperature plunges here in the Northeast US, it's high summer Down Under, and how we wish we were there. But due to the miracle of low-cost audio equipment and free podcast hosting, we can at least talk about the Australian Open on the internet. So, that's something!

• Roger Federer's return to tennis! (in an exhibition doubles match)
• ESPN gave Brad and Pammy the boot
• Heated Rivalry and our favorite (and only) out gay male player
• The "1 Point Slam"
• That weird Tennis Kenya match where one player had apparently never played tennis?
• and finally...play tennis, live forever!

Send us your hot takes at perfectmatchpodcast@gmail.com

As always tell your friends, rate this podcast in your app, and send us feedback at https://www.perfectmatchpodcast.com/

You can also follow us on Bluesky at @perfectmatchpodcast.com or @shellsteak and YouTube at @PerfectMatchPodcast

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Happy New Year! Wait, it's too late to say "Happy New Year", everyone stop saying "Happy New Year". But it's Tennis New Year here in the run-up to the Australian Open, and Michele has predictions for 2026:

• How long will Venus Williams play (and how long will the sun continue to shine)?
• Will Serena return to tennis?
• Nick Kyrgios' dumb podcast, Nadal's hair, Djokovic's final tournament, Carlitos' coach and more!

Plus: who will enter our respective tennis fandom polycules this year? Will they hold together?

Send us your hot takes at perfectmatchpodcast@gmail.com

As always tell your friends, rate this podcast in your app, and send us feedback at https://www.perfectmatchpodcast.com/

You can also follow us on Bluesky at @perfectmatchpodcast.com or @shellsteak and YouTube at @PerfectMatchPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.