Best Spanish Loops Podcasts (2025)

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S3, Ep : 6. Barcelona for sweet toothers. 26:46

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1h ago26:46

26:46

Hey there, amigos, and welcome back to Spanish Loops! If you joined us last week, you know we took a delicious walk through Madrid’s sweet tooth, pastries, churros, and more. Well, this week, we’re heading east to the Mediterranean breeze and Gothic vibes of Barcelona, where sugar meets tradition in the most irresistible way. Barcelona’s sweets are…

1
The Penal Laws: An Irish Apartheid? 47:19

27m ago47:19

47:19

This podcast opens a broader series on the 1798 Rebellion, but also works as a stand alone episode. For over a century, Irish Catholics and Presbyterians were subjected to the Penal Laws. Although the vast majority of the population, they were banned from voting, sitting in parliament, bearing weapons, and entering many professions—the list goes on…

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Sandra Zaniewska On Working With Marta Kostyuk, Mic'd Up Coaches and Why There's No Predicting Life On Tour 39:25

19h ago39:25

39:25

WTA coach Sandra Zaniewska joins the podcast for a great conversation about life on tour, as she has guided Marta Kostyuk to another successful season. Zaniewska reveals how the pair have handled the ups and downs of a grueling tennis season, and why having continuity is a valuable tool at the pro level. The coach also gives her thoughts on coaches…

1
Molly McElwee on Her Book, "Building Champions: Paths to Success In Women's Tennis" 50:07

5d ago50:07

50:07

Journalist Molly McElwee is the guest on this episode, and she discusses the book she wrote that highlights the different champions that the WTA has produced in the 21st century, and just how unique and different each story is. In "Building Champions: Paths to Success in Women's Tennis," McElwee highlights how there is not one set method to produce…

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Recapping Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka's US Open Glory With Jimmy Arias 44:36

7d ago44:36

44:36

Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka claimed the trophies at The US Open, and former Top-5 player Jimmy Arias joins the podcast to explain how the major champions achieved their dreams in New York. Arias dives into Alcaraz's serving success, how he's improved his consistency and why he is the only person on the planet that is giving Jannik Sinner ser…

1
S3, Ep : 5. Madrid for sweet toothers. 40:10

5d ago40:10

40:10

Ladies and gentlemen, travelers and food lovers, welcome back to another irresistible episode of Spanish Loops! This week, Fran and I drive you through the sugary world of Madrid’s sweet tooth. That’s right, this city isn’t just about art, nightlife, and tapas. It’s also about centuries of tradition baked into every pastry that graces its cafés, ba…

1
1798: The Year Ireland Changed Forever 6:00

20m ago6:00

6:00

The 1790s remain one of the most important decades in modern Irish history. After years of rising tensions, the island was rocked by the 1798 Rebellion—the largest uprising in Irish history. In just a few months, more people perished than in all the conflicts of the 20th century combined. These events continue to cast a long shadow over life in Ire…

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Osaka and Anisimova Shine, Djokovic Gets Alcaraz and More From The US Open With Chris Oddo 44:20

13d ago44:20

44:20

We've reached the semifinal round at the US Open, and journalist Chris Oddo joins the podcast to break down all the drama in New York. The TennisNow and USOpen.org writer recaps Novak Djokovic's quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz, and explains how the Serbian legend continues to reach the business end of slams at age 38. Oddo dives into the brillia…

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S3, Ep : 4. Spain’s Secret Hero of the American Revolution: Bernardo de Gálvez. 31:19

8d ago31:19

31:19

Hey Chicos,It’s Jorge and Fran from Spanish Loops, and today we are rolling out a blockbuster: The life, grit, and legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez. The Spanish powerhouse who helped to shape the early United States. If you’ve heard the Revolution told only through Boston and Philadelphia, buckle up. We’re headingsouth to New Orleans, the Mississippi, …

1
The Irish Immigrants Who Built Britain's NHS 45:32

6d ago45:32

45:32

In the 1960s, over 30,000 Irish immigrants were working in Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). While the NHS is often celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest achievements, the vital contributions of these Irish nurses are frequently overlooked. In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Louise Ryan, co-author of Irish Nurses in the NHS: An Oral …

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Osaka Emerges, Sinner Is Unconscious and Novak vs. Fritz at The US Open with Barstool Hubbs 43:12

15d ago43:12

43:12

Barstool Hubbs joins the podcast to discuss Week 2 at The US Open, where the action has heated up and the matches have featured some serious firepower. Hubbs reacts to Jannik Sinner's brilliance in the 4th Round, and assesses Carlos Alcaraz's chances to stop his Italian rival. The Barstool Sports contributor also discusses Taylor Fritz's role as th…

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US Open Heats Up: Townsend/Ostapenko Drama, Coco Gauff Battles On and More With Lukas Weese 38:37

19d ago38:37

38:37

The US Open rages on, and journalist Lukas Weese joins the show to recap all the action from New York. The Athletic Live Reporter discusses the tense exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko, Tommy Paul's late night victory, and Coco Gauff's ability to fight through her service woes. Weese also explains why knocking off Jannik Sinner a…

1
S3, Ep : 3. ETA. Bullets, Ballots, and the Basque Conflict. 44:25

18d ago44:25

44:25

Hola Amigos and welcome back to the show. We are Fran and Jorge and today we are opening a chapter that Spain still feels in its bones: ETA. How a clandestine group turned terror into a political gambit, shaking streets from San Sebastián to Madrid and beyond. We will rewind to the last breath of Franco’s dictatorship, when the country was brittle,…

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Celebrating Conquest? Ireland’s Culture War over William the Conqueror 30:13

13d ago30:13

30:13

William the Conqueror has been dead for nearly a thousand years, and he never set foot in Ireland—so how did he end up at the centre of a modern Irish culture war? With Normandy gearing up for “The Year of the Norman” in 2027, a celebration of William’s legacy has sparked fierce debate on this side of the Irish Sea. Should Ireland join in commemora…

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US Open Round 1 Reactions with Anastasia Folorunso: Eala Roars, Medvedev Crashes Out and Djokovic Returns 57:05

22d ago57:05

57:05

The 2025 US Open is underway, and Mitch is joined by Anastasia Folorunso to break down all of the early action. The host of the "Ground Pass" podcast reacts to the Alexandra Eala's comeback win, Renata Zarazua pulling off a stunning upset over Madison Keys, and Daniil Medvedev's antics in a losing effort vs Benjamin Bonzi. Folorounso also dives int…

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Alcaraz and Swiatek Take Cincinnati, Sinner Feels The Heat and The US Open Lurks With Leif Shiras 47:42

28d ago47:42

47:42

Leif Shiras returns to the show to recap the Cincinnati Open, which saw Carlos Alcaraz outlast the heat as Jannik Sinner retired in the final. Shiras weighs on the brutal Midwest conditions, what it means for Sinner as he heads to the year's final major, and how this title can give Alcaraz the boost he needs. The broadcaster also explains what make…

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S3, Ep : 2. From Selfies to Spray Guns: Spain’s Tourism Backlash. 32:01

27d ago32:01

32:01

Hola! It’s Jorge and Fran from Spanish Loops, sneaking again into your earbuds like a surprise tapas plate at midnight: witty, chilled, and absolutely unmissable. We’ve got a killer episode lined up. This global anti tourism wave that is crossing Europe. And about Spain, especially in the sunny but mad Catalonia and the Canary Islands. Think less o…

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The Secret Life of May O’Callaghan: The Kremlin’s Irish Insider 44:57

20d ago44:57

44:57

In 1973, just two people attended the lonely funeral of May O’Callaghan, an Irish emigrant in North London. Few could have imagined that this quiet woman from Wexford had once stood at the very heart of Soviet power. In the 1920s, May O’Callaghan worked in the Kremlin as the Soviet Union emerged, working alongside figures like Stalin, Trotsky, and …

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S3, Ep : 1. Organs in Spain. Their origins, curves, and soul. 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

Hola, amigos Loopers!Welcome back to Spanish Loops, where we roll through the sounds of Spanish music and culture. This week, we are informing about some spectacular, soul stirring world of musical organs in Spain. Majestic pipe organ marvels that have been singing with centuries of history, artistry, and regional flair. Across the country, these i…

1
USTA Coaching: The Groundbreaking Platform's CEO Craig Morris and Managing Director Megan Rose 31:58

1M ago31:58

31:58

We have a special interview on the podcast, on the launch day of a brand new tennis initiative that will elevate the game at all levels. USTA Coaching is the groundbreaking platform invests, educates, supports and rewards coaches at all levels, and we are delighted to be joined by CEO Craig Morris and Managing Director/Head of Business Development …

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Jason Goodall on Mboko and Shelton's Canadian Open Titles + The Returns of Sinner, Alcaraz and Sabalenka in Cincinnati 45:20

1M ago45:20

45:20

Tennis commentator Jason Goodall joins the podcast to discuss all the action from the North American Hard Court Swing, fresh off the heels of Victoria Mboko and Ben Shelton winning their first Masters 1000 Titles in Canada. Goodall recaps how the teenager Mboko was able to go all the way on home soil, and looks at where finalist Naomi Osaka heads f…

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One-on-One With Asia Muhammad: Finding Tennis, Doubles Success and Playing Her Best Later In Her Career 35:29

1M ago35:29

35:29

Pro player Asia Muhammad joins the podcast to discuss her journey on the tennis court, and how she has become one of the premier doubles players in the world. Muhammad explains why she gravitated towards tennis in an extremely athletic family, and why growing up in Las Vegas helped propel her towards a career in the sport. Muhammad goes into detail…

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S 2, Ep : 100. TV Evolution in Spain. Nostalgia, then and now. 37:50

1M ago37:50

37:50

Hello friends, and welcome back to Spanish Loops, your go to podcast for cultural lessons into Spain’s rich history and how it shapes our modern life. In today’s episode, we rewind to the early days of Spanish television. A time when TV meant black and white screens, rabbit ear antennas, and a strong dose of hope.Under Franco’s dictatorship, televi…

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Vicky Duval on Mboko's Moment, Keys' Fighting Spirit and The Fritz/Shelton American Push In Canada 46:58

1M ago46:58

46:58

Former pro and current commentator Vicky Duval joins the podcast for a lengthy chat about the Canadian Open, where local prodigy Victoria Mboko is arriving on the big-time after a win over Coco Gauff. Duval discusses Mboko's impressive game, and dives into Clara Tauson's performance in an upset victory over Iga Swiatek. The broadcaster also weighs …

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Ireland's Liberator - The Life of Daniel O'Connell 43:30

1M ago43:30

43:30

This special episode of the Irish History Podcast, in partnership with An Post, marks the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth. In this podcast, I explore the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential figures. Known as 'The Liberator' O’Connell’s campaign for Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and his role in shaping modern Ireland a…

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S2, Ep : 99. It all started with a leather bag… 22:55

2M ago22:55

22:55

Hola! Welcome back to Spanish Loops, your weekly dose of Spain with a twist and today, we're diving c*j*nes first into the spicy world of Spanish expressions! Yes, you heard right. This week’s episode is all about that one bold, magical, untranslatable word: c*j*nes. It’s not just anatomy, my friends: it’s attitude, emotion, frustration, pride… eve…

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De Minaur and Fernandez Rise In D.C., Clay-Dog Bublik and A Look At The Canadian Open With Bradley Klahn 47:25

2M ago47:25

47:25

Former ATP pro Bradley Klahn joins the podcast to recap an action-filled Citi Open, as Alex De Minaur and Leylah Fernandez took home the hardware in Washington D.C.. Klahn examines De Minaur's ability to stay in the fight, and analyzes how Alejandro Davidovich Fokina can overcome another tough loss as he pursues his first career title. The broadcas…

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Nick Lester on Who Can Challenge Sinner and Alcaraz, The Hard Court Swing and Agassi Working With Rune 48:21

2M ago48:21

48:21

Nick Lester makes his debut on the podcast to discuss his journey from player to elite broadcaster. Lester examines some of his favorite matches and moments on the call, and lists off the players that might be able to contend with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the near future. The commentator also analyzes Holger Rune turning to Andre Agassi …

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S2, Ep : 98. National Archaeological Museum. The MAN. 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

Hola! And welcome back to another episode of Spanish Loops where we get deep into the heart of Spanish culture, history, and the untold stories behind the landmarks youthought you knew. This week, we are heading off the beaten path (again), and it’s worth it. Right in the heart of Madrid, just a stone’s throw from the Prado and the Reina Sofía Muse…

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Who Will History Remember? 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

How do we decide who the most significant people in our history are? Whose story is worth telling? In this episode, I’m joined by Eoin Kinsella, managing editor of the Dictionary of Irish Biography, to explore how he and the team behind this remarkable resource tell the story of our island through biography. The DIB, a free to access to website has…

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Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek Capture The Titles At Wimbledon: A Thorough Review of The Fortnight With Chanda Rubin 42:49

2M ago42:49

42:49

Chanda Rubin joins the podcast to recap the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, which saw Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek reign supreme over the competition on the grass. Rubin explains how Swiatek performed flawlessly against Amanda Anisimova in the final, and how the Polish superstar was able to breakthrough on the surface tha…

1
S2, Ep : 97. Castellers, human castles in Catalonia. 22:29

2M ago22:29

22:29

Hello, hello, and welcome back to Spanish Loops! Your weekly journey into the heart of Spain’s living culture! And this week we’re going high… literally! Today, we are heading to Catalonia to explore one of the most breath taking, gravity defying traditions in all of Spain: Los Castellers. These human towers, real people climbing on top of each oth…

1
Yola: A History of Ireland’s Lost Language 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

When we think of Ireland’s past, we usually envisage an island shaped by two languages: Irish and English. But hidden in the history of South Wexford is Yola, a unique dialect that survived for centuries after the Norman invasion, only to vanish almost without a trace. In this episode, I am joined by Sascha Santschi-Cooney to explore the fascinatin…

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Irish Americans & The Troubles: Unwelcome Outsiders or Allies? 33:13

2M ago33:13

33:13

This episode continues the story of NORAID - the Irish American organisation who were the voice of the IRA in the US. Jamie Goldrick and I delve into the complicated history of wider Irish American involvement in the Troubles. It's a history full of contradictions on both sides of the Atlantic. In the Republic, many criticised NORAID’s actions, yet…

1
Anisimova and Swiatek Reach The Wimbledon Final, + A Look At The Men's Semifinals With Yasmin Syed 37:52

2M ago37:52

37:52

Daily Express tennis writer Yasmin Syed joins the podcast to discuss the final stages of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, with an unlikely women's final set for Saturday. Syed recaps how Amanda Anisimova was able to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka, and how the American has built to this brilliant run in London. The journalist also anlayzes Iga Swi…

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S2, Ep : 96. Four must read book to understand Spain. (And Spaniards.) 51:20

2M ago51:20

51:20

Hola Chicos and welcome back to Spanish Loops! You’re tuning in to a brand new episode that will take you straight into the heart of Spanish culture by exploring four “must read” books that reveal the soul of Spain. From street smarts to epic ideals, and its wounds through history and memory. Stick around as we are unpacking everything. -Lazarillo …

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NORAID: Did Irish Americans Fund the Provisional IRA? 44:32

2M ago44:32

44:32

In this episode, we explore the fascinating and controversial story of NORAID, the Irish American organisation at the heart of the new documentary NORAID: Irish America & the IRA. Joined by the film’s producer, Jamie Goldrick, we unravel the history that made NORAID so influential, examining its activities, its impact on the Troubles, and its lasti…

1
Wimbledon Upsets! Gauff, Pegula and Zverev Fall, Alcaraz and Djokovic Advance and More With Barstool Hubbs 48:14

2M ago48:14

48:14

Barstool Hubbs is back on the podcast to recap a wild first round at Wimbledon, where seeds fell left and right in both the men's and women's draws. Hubbs reacts to the shocking upsets that sent Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula packing, and explains what's wrong with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev as they crash out as well. The guys dive into Ca…

1
Fritz and Shelton Lead The American Charge, Sinner Lurks and An Open Women's Draw At Wimbledon With Zachary Cohen 41:41

2M ago41:41

41:41

Tennis.com and VSIN Gambling Writer Zachary Cohen joins the show for a Wimbledon update, where the seeds continue to fall. Cohen analyzes how Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have been able to have success, and he looks at the form of Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as they advance in the draw. The writer also weighs in on Joao Fonseca…

1
Wimbledon Storylines With Brett Connors: Who Will Take The Crown In London? 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

Brett Connors returns to the podcast to dive into all the drama at Wimbledon, where the chase for the titles is on at The All England Club. Connors recaps the unfortunate events that led to Grigor Dimitrov retiring and Jannik Sinner advancing to the quarterfinals, and explains what to expect from the Italian as he prepares to battle rising American…

1
S2, Ep : 95. El Rastro of Madrid. One of the oldest street markets in Spain. 26:36

3M ago26:36

26:36

Hola Spanish Loops family! Welcome back to another fresh chapter of your favourite culture packed podcast. This week, we touch something that’s as authentically Madrileño as churros con chocolate. El Rastro! If you’ve ever been to Madrid on a Sunday morning, chances are you have wandered into this colourful, chaotic, and absolutely magical street m…

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Irish Asylums: A Dark History We Don’t Talk About. Why? 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

In the 1950s, more than 20,000 people—over one percent of the adult population of Ireland—were locked away in mental asylums. This was the highest rate in the world, with more people confined in asylums than in all other institutions, including prisons, combined. Yet, despite these staggering numbers, the story of Ireland’s asylums remains largely …

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Chris Fowler on Calling Classic Tennis Matches, His Journey As A Broadcaster and Thoughts On Wimbledon 2025 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

ESPN's leading tennis broadcaster Chris Fowler joins the show to discuss his passion for the game, and his admiration for the athletes that compete on the highest level. Fowler explains his love connection with the sport, and how he jumped at the chance to be a part of his network's tennis coverage, learning along the way from some of the best and …

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S2, Ep : 94. The future Queen of Spain, Leonor I. 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

Hola Loopers, and welcome back to another exciting chapter of Spanish Loops! Today we bring you a special episode that blends royalty, history, and the future of Spain. All in one powerful loop! Today, we shift our spotlight to none other than Her Royal Highness Princess Leonor of Spain, the next in line to the Spanish throne, and what a journey sh…

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Banned: The Hidden History of Contraception in Ireland (Listener Favourite) 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

While we’re on the last week of our summer break, we’re bringing you one of our most popular episodes from the back catalogue. For over four decades, contraception was not just taboo in Ireland—it was illegal. From 1935 to 1979, selling contraceptives and even accessing information about family planning was strictly banned by the Irish government. …

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Sportscaster Adnan Virk on The Big 3, The Sinner/Alcaraz Era, and Why Tennis Has His Heart 38:26

3M ago38:26

38:26

Sportscaster Adnan Virk is the guest on this episode of the podcast, and the Canadian has a lot to say about the past, present and future of tennis. Virk laments on the loss of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and contemplates Novak Djokovic's motivation as he pursues a 25th major title. The MLB Network and Amazon Prime NHL host also explains why Ja…

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S2, Ep : 93. Spices, Battles and Sails: Columbus, Isabel la Catolica and Toribio de la Vega. 33:16

3M ago33:16

33:16

Hello Loopers, welcome back to the Spanish Loops podcast! This week we touch a piece of story that smells like cinnamon, sounds like conquest and feels like the turning of an empire. In this week's episode, we are blending a heady mix of spices, power and destiny. We'll explore how the obsession with exotic spices fired up massive changes across th…

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Grass Court Action With Jan-Michael Gambill - Fritz, Maria, Diallo and Mertens Claim Trophies 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

Former Top 15 player and current tennis broadcaster Jan-Michael Gambill joins the podcast to discuss the beginning of grass season, which featured several exciting matches and storylines in its opening week. Gambill recaps Taylor Fritz's title in Stuttgart, and explains why he holds such a commanding edge over Alexander Zverev, who he defeated in t…

1
S2, Ep : 92. The Royal Tapestry Factory. History, Heritage and much more. 32:56

3M ago32:56

32:56

Hello and welcome back to Spanish Loops! Today, we discover to you one of Madrid’s best kept cultural treasures: The Royal Tapestry Factory (Real Fábrica de Tapices). Founded in 1721 under the reign of King Philip V, this iconic institution has stood the test of time for over 300 years. What began as a royal initiative to enrich Royal Palaces with …

1
Alcaraz Beats Sinner In An Instant Classic To Win Roland Garros + Coco Gauff Triumphs in Paris With Greg Rusedski 37:40

3M ago37:40

37:40

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a match for the ages to defend his Roland Garros title, and prominent tennis broadcaster Greg Rusedski recaps that thrilling encounter on the podcast. Rusedski analyzes the ins and outs of the match, how Alcaraz battled from the brink of defeat to triumph in a five hour and twenty-nine minute marathon battle…