Episode 43

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Published on:

22nd Aug 2026

Sinner OUT of US Open, Alcaraz Returns | Cincinnati Semi-Finals: Tiafoe, Gauff, Swiatek, Fils & More

The US Open picture has shifted dramatically.

Jannik Sinner is officially out of New York, while Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his return after months away from the tour. We break down what that means for the men’s draw and whether Alcaraz can realistically contend straight away at a Grand Slam.

Then we head to Cincinnati, where the ATP and WTA fields are down to the final four.

On the men’s side, we look at the runs of Frances Tiafoe, Brandon Nakashima, Arthur Fils and Flavio Cobolli, and how each has navigated the last few rounds.

On the women’s side, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula and Sara Bejlek are still standing, with Bejlek continuing one of the surprise runs of the tournament.

Plenty of Cincinnati talk, US Open implications and the usual debate from the three of us.

Follow, subscribe and join us as the North American hard-court swing heads towards its biggest stage.

You gotta earn your serves.

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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