Episode 22

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Published on:

24th Apr 2026

Ep 22 – Madrid Masters Preview: Sinner Dominance, Alcaraz & Djokovic Withdraw + Shelton & Fils Shine

The clay swing is heating up 🔥 and we’re diving straight into the Madrid Masters!

In Episode 22 of the Talkn Tennis Podcast, we break down a huge week across the tours. Rising stars continue to make waves with Arthur Fils claiming the Barcelona title and Ben Shelton storming to victory in Munich, while Elena Rybakina returns to winning ways in Stuttgart.

We then shift our focus to Madrid, where the draw has been shaken up with major withdrawals including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper. With Jannik Sinner chasing a fourth straight Masters 1000 title, the question is simple — can anyone stop him?

On the WTA side, Aryna Sabalenka headlines a stacked field as she looks to defend her crown, with plenty of contenders ready to challenge.

Plus, we run through ATP Fantasy updates, fan questions, and the return of your favourite segments: Battle of the Spuds and Who Am I?

🎾 Big results

🔥 Bold predictions

😂 Usual chaos

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and get involved with the show!

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About the Podcast

Talkn Tennis
Talkn Tennis is a weekly Australian tennis podcast with three mates breaking down ATP, WTA and Grand Slam drama over a drink or three
Talkn Tennis is an Australian tennis podcast recorded in Melbourne, hosted by Chris alongside Adam and Adrian, where they break down the biggest stories from the ATP and WTA tours, occasionally with a drink in hand.

Expect informed tennis discussion with more trash talk than Medvedev versus Tsitsipas.

There are no PR-approved answers or overly polite commentary here, just honest opinions, questionable predictions and the conversations tennis fans are already having in the deep dark corners of Reddit or X.

Each week, they unpack the latest results, tournament draws and major talking points from around the tour. From the Australian Open in Melbourne to Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open, plus the Masters 1000 events, the United Cup and the Davis Cup. Talkn Tennis covers every stop on the jam-packed tennis calendar.

The boys discuss who will dethrone Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and bandwagon the latest up-and-comers from Joao Fonseca to Arthur Fils.

Chris continues to try and convince the boys that Elena Rybakina is actually the best player on the WTA, not Aryna Sabalenka. Meanwhile, Adrian remains hopeful of an Iga Swiatek resurgence. They also keep close watch on the Australian contingent, from Alex de Minaur and Maya Joint to the party boy Nick Kyrgios and all his antics.

Each episode features:
• Honest reactions to the latest ATP and WTA action
• Grand Slam storylines, dark-horse selections and confident, sometimes correct predictions
• Discussion of players, rivalries and the moments everyone is talking about
• Tournament previews, recaps, listener questions and regular games
• Bad jokes, the occasional drink and debates that may permanently damage their friendship

From five-set classics and first-round disasters to coaching controversies, umpire blow-ups and unexpected breakout runs, Talkn Tennis covers the serious, strange and entertaining sides of professional tennis.

Talkn Tennis is not affiliated with the ATP or WTA and is almost certainly not approved by your local tennis club committee.

Subscribe and join the chaos each week. 🎾🍻

About your hosts

Adrian Purgaric

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Adrian "Gluten Free" Varjoss

Adam "The Animal" Blundetto

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Undefeated against his little brother in all-time matches
Took out Phils kid brother in one shot
Fils is a future World Number 1

Chris Anthony

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Adams brother