Episode 29

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Published on:

18th Jun 2026

Ep 29 - Name all ATP number 1 ranked players in the open era?

In this special edition of the Talkin' Tennis Podcast, hosts Chris and Adrian dive into a fun challenge: naming all 29 male tennis players who have held the title of world number one since the rankings began in August 1973. This engaging battle, dubbed the "Battle of the Spuds," is not only entertaining but also a great way for tennis fans to test their knowledge of the sport's history.

To kick off, each contestant has three strikes, and the first one to hit three strikes loses the game. The pressure is on as Adrian leads the current season of the Battle of the Spuds with a score of 11 to 8 against Chris, creating a competitive atmosphere. This format adds a layer of excitement as they must recall names under pressure.

Adam discusses their strategies for the game, with Adrian feeling quietly confident despite limited preparation, while Chris hopes for a chance to catch up. As they begin to name players, they highlight the historical significance of each player mentioned, discussing their achievements and contributions to tennis. For example, they mention Roger Federer, who has been world number one for a remarkable 310 weeks, and Rafael Nadal, who held the title for 209 weeks.

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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