About this episode
Just past the midway point of the 2025 Australian Open, the big favorites are mostly still here; a few NextGenners made a big splash in week one, including Joao Fonseca and the episode namesake Learner Tien. We'll take you through the draw, the first week highlights, the upsets, and the reverse hex I put on Alejandro ;) As always, we spend a lot of time with all the extra stuff happening on top of the tennis: coaching pods, the Danielle Collins mini-controversy, Djokovic’s ‘boycott,’ Nick’s non-event, and a few notes on commentary. 1:55 The first week upsets (aka James was wrong about pretty much everything) 12:00 How the faves are doing? Monfils, Coco, Alejandro (you’re welcome) 24:15 The quarters and how we got here 30:15 He came for the nepo baby and that was the last straw 33:30 Coaching pods! (At least they’re not mic’d) 38:50 The Danielle Collins (and Colleen?!) Fund 46:05 WADA will not appeal Swiatek’s case 50:30 Tony Jones gave Novak a grievance. Thanks a lot, Tony 55:05 Erin Routliffe with the quote of the tournament 57:25 The kits: Coco’s is a hit, but the Nike spaghetti straps … please