dropshot

The news that Jay Clarke has won his first round match at Wimbledon and will now face the one and only Roger Federer in the second round has Ceri and Garry jumping with joy. Seasoned journo Garry is the man on the scene and paints the day for Jay and all that it entails. He talks to fans, friends and family and takes his place in the players box. Soak up the atmosphere of a warm summer day at the hallowed home of tennis and live each moment as Dropshot is drawn to a conclusion that none of us could ever have expected. Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke and Roger Federer.

It’s Ceri’s last day at Eastbourne and there’s still so much to do! All week he has been keen to get a one-to-one interview with Aryna Sabalenka, one of the most exciting players on the circuit. But time is running out and will he manage to be granted this last big wish? One of his last tasks is to sit through the live Wimbledon draw with good friend, Ros Satar from Britwatch Sports. Who will Paul Jubb or Jay Clarke end up facing? The excitement is palpable and no one could have expected the draw that would reveal itself. Taylor Fritz proves to be a good talker on a walkabout with Ceri. Featured in this episode: Dan Evans, Kiki Bertens, Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Katerina Pliskova, Sam Querrey, Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka.

At the business end of the week one can discern that the top players are fine-tuning their grass-court game for the imminent arrival of Wimbledon. But the competition is fierce and all want to win the top prize here at Eastbourne. Ceri talks with Ubitennis journalist, Michael Stafford-Jones about the wonder of the pre-Wimbledon tournaments and he gives a good tip as to how to make certain of getting a ticket for the show courts at Wimbledon on the early days. Ceri then has a walk and talk with one of the tallest players on the tour, the charming Sam Querrey. It’s a work out for Ceri’s legs and arms to keep up with him! Featured in this episode: Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Angie Kerber, Kiki Bertens, Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans and Sam Querrey.

Ceri has his work cut out trying to be everywhere at once as there is a never-ending stream of top players to talk to. Plus Kiki Bertens provides a tried and trusted method to pass the time away from the tennis court. The day hurries by as the crowds soak up the sun and enjoy the quality tennis on display. Ceri is keen to make up for the lost time with Kyle Edmund after his removal the other day from the round table with him and seeks to get some one to one time with the British player. Will he be successful in his search? Oh, the jeopardy! Featured in this episode: Angie Kerber, Karolina Pliskova, Ons Jabeur, Simona Halep, Kiki Bertens, Aryna Sabalenka, Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund.

Ceri breaks down two press conferences with Andy Murray and Jo Konta and looks at how they are treated by the press. Why does so much get left unreported when the players say so much and give so much of themselves? Ceri also whiles away the time chatting to the charming and softly-spoken Hubert Hurcacz, a friend of the show from series 1. Ceri arranges a sit-down with Cam Norrie and takes part in an entertaining talk as they swap musical notes and both men discover their love of Bonobo. If you don’t know them then go and find out! Featured in this episode: Andy Murray, Jo Konta, Hubert Hurcacz, Dan Evans and Cam Norrie.

Garry joins Ceri in Eastbourne but only after Ceri gets thrown out of a round table press conference with Kyle Edmund for upsetting the sensibilities of several journalists, concerned about the new interloper on the press block stealing their thunder. You couldn’t make this stuff up! Like true pros our dynamic duo get on with the task at hand and Garry gets to sit down with American coach, Paul Annacone and Taylor Fritz joins them. Meanwhile Ceri gets back on the horse and takes part in Paul Jubb’s very first large-scale press conference. Featured in this episode: Kiki Bertens, Taylor Fritz and Paul Jubb.

It’s time to pack the bucket and spade, dig out the sun cream and head for the seaside and the last event before Wimbledon, the Eastbourne International. For many of the players this is the last time to get some time on grass and the mood is changing. As summer evolves the intensity grows. Ceri spends time with the engaging Elise Mertens, and Ash Barty talks about being the current No 1 and Ceri discovers what it takes to become a world number 1 from a host of previous holders of the top spot. Featured in this episode: Jo Konta, Elise Mertens, Simona Halep, Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki.

This episode sees Venus Williams sharing her thoughts on playing at Edgbaston for the very first time and Ceri gets a sit-down with Jennifer Brady, who shares her thoughts on coming through the college system and changing her mental approach to become a better player. After that the press room is treated to a meeting with Jo Konta and her beautiful blue miniature dachshund, Bono. Let’s face it even in a podcast he steals the show! Featured in this episode: Venus Williams, Jennifer Brady and Jo Konta (and Bono)

Ceri catches up with old friend Ros Satar from Britwatch Sports and she shares her thoughts on the wonderful world of tennis. They also talk through a couple of wonderful surprises such as Venus Williams, on her first appearance at Edgbaston, pairing up with Harriet Dart for the doubles and the rare occurrence of the Pliskova twins playing against each other in a tournament. Who would win the present that has to be bought by the loser? All will be revealed in this particular family drama. Featured in this episode: Venus Williams, Katy Dunne, Jack Draper, Paul Jubb, Harriet Dart, Krystina Pliskova and Karolina Pliskova

Garry is at Queen’s Club waiting for the rain to stop so he can watch Jay Clarke in action. We follow Garry’s day and his search for the Player’s Lounge. Once found he unwisely takes on the king of table tennis, none other than Mr. Curt Clarke. Finally, the rain clears, and play is resumed. Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

Sound issues abound in the press conference room while Jelena Ostapenko tells us about just what happens when your bags don’t come off the plane and Naomi Osaka talks all things grass and the mentality needed to cope with playing at the highest level. Ceri sits down with world number 1 doubles player, Su-Wei Hsieh for an often, hilarious discussion about tennis, relaxation time and the deer of Richmond Park! She quickly becomes one of our favourite interviewees and is the most engaging subject to talk to. Featured in this episode: Jelena Ostapenko, Su-Wei Hsieh and Naomi Osaka

The tour has divided and Ceri follows the women’s tour to Edgbaston in Birmingham for the Nature Valley Classic. The sun has come out and it may be time to put the shorts on. In the meantime Ceri is occupied by an array of top talent and manages to get a one to one interview with a young player who has only recently joined the WTA circuit. Her name is Iga Swiatek and she discusses what it’s like as a wide-eyed newcomer to the pro world. Little would we know just how much her life would change in the coming months. Featured in this episode: Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek, Elena Svitolina, Heather Watson and Jo Konta

Garry travels to Jay Clarke’s hotel to catch up with him and his brother Curt before the adventures begin at Queen’s Club. Jay talks through the pleasure of playing there and how much it means to him and his brother. They talk openly and honestly about how they prepare for tournaments and give real insight into the Clarke world and the journey they are making. Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

Ceri talks to long-time tennis photographer, Anthony Aduhene, about his profession and hears from many players about their love of Nottingham as a venue and a tournament. Ash Barty reveals she has family that lives nearby and Naomi Osaka talks about her battle to conquer grass as a surface. Meanwhile Harriet Dart tells us of the increased attention that doing well at Wimbledon can bring. Something she had previously experienced with Jay Clarke in the mixed doubles. Dan Evans discusses the different ways forward for young British players in the modern game and the LTA’s work in this area. Featured in this episode: Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka, Cam Norrie, Jo Konta, Dan Evans, Donna Vekic, Alex de Minaur and Harriet Dart.

Garry manages to be incredibly late but just in time for the interviews to begin. Typical behaviour, while Ceri soldiers on in the vortex of matches being played indoors. No fans, no atmosphere but still serious tennis goes on. Curt Clarke has news on brother Jay’s injury from the previous evening and Garry disappears earlier than expected and Ceri is awash with interviews, chatting with Donna Vekic, Maria Sakkari, Harriet Dart and Caroline Garcia about porridge, killing time, music and films. Like the rain, the conversations flow. Featured in this episode: Donna Vekic, Maria Sakkari, Harriet Dart and Caroline Garcia.

Ceri’s journey into tennis reporting started at the Monte Carlo Masters and here he looks back at the first press conference he took part in from that tournament, which happened to be with Novak Djokovic. Ceri breaks down how press conferences work and how the media dig for information that suits their needs. This event took place after Djokovic had recovered from an injury and there were question marks over his ability to come back and reclaim a place at the top table. Cut to the present day and he’s won just about every tournament going! This is a fascinating look at the relationship between athlete and journalist. Featured in this episode: Novak Djokovic

A deluge of rain stops all play all day. The weather also keeps Garry away from Nottingham. Meanwhile Ceri takes the opportunity to chat with Curt Clarke, Jay Clarke’s brother and coach. He learns more about the supportive Clarke family unit and the power of acceptance of situations. When finally the difficult decision is taken to play matches indoors away from the fans, Ceri gets the chance to chat again with Paul Jubb, watches Jay Clarke retire with an injury and late into the night witnesses Jack Draper win his first match at this level. Before turning the lights out at the venue, Ceri and Jack discuss this momentous occasion. Featured in this episode: Paul Jubb, Jack Draper

In Nottingham, rain yet again totals a day’s play but luckily Ceri and Garry have the opportunity to make the short trip to Derby to watch Jay Clarke being put through various routines with his coaching and fitness team. The effort put in is gruelling but this is what it takes to be a professional athlete. Simon Brundish, the fitness guy, talks through all things physical and Ceri is shocked to find that we have three hamstrings and Garry only wants to talk glutes and calves. Featured in this episode: Jay Clarke

Nottingham! Featured in this episode: Magdalena Rybarikova, Katy Dunne, Alison Riske, Nick Kyrgios.

Surbiton’s rain may have gone away but Garry has disappeared too! Ceri is all alone on a busy morning which saw the women’s tournament get under way. Conversations involved an encounter with Dropshot favourite, Alex de Minaur, and fellow Australian Matt Reid; Heather Watson chats engagingly with Ceri; Alison van Uytvanck talks from the gym; American Caty McNally, reveals the breakfast she shouldn’t have had and describes the mentality needed to cope with the tour and Dan Evans reveals his thoughts on young players. Phew!! It’s a busy old morning! Featured in this episode: Alex de Minaur, Matt Reid, Heather Watson, Alison van Uytvanck, Caty McNally and Dan Evans.