The Daily · Podcast summary
Who Will Rule the 2026 U.S. Open?
Matthew Futterman, who covers tennis for The Athletic, discusses the new stars of professional tennis, the rivalries, and the human drama that makes the sport so compelling. He also shares his predictions for who will rule the 2026 U.S. Open.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 🏆The greatest rivalry in tennis history is between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who played each other 80 times, with 60 of those matches in finals.3:09
- 🗽The U.S. Open is known for its unique, noisy, chaotic, and intense atmosphere, making it a distinct experience from other Grand Slams.9:42
- 💪Serena Williams' comeback after having her second child, and her use of GLP-1 drugs, has allowed her to regain her body and continue playing at a high level at 44 years old.14:18
- 🌟Coco Gauff is considered the "great American hope" in tennis, having already won a Grand Slam title and possessing incredible athleticism and speed.16:36
- 🔥Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, is a powerful player with an "incredible fire" that can sometimes lead to a loss of control on the court.19:48
- 🧘Novak Djokovic's longevity in tennis at 39 years old is attributed to his monk-like dedication to wellness, treating his body like a Formula 1 race car.29:57
Chapters
- 0:45Introduction to the U.S. Open and Tennis Drama
- 5:08The Greatest Rivalry: Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova
- 8:50The Human Element and Transition in Tennis
- 21:40Serena Williams' Comeback and Impact
- 27:04Coco Gauff: The American Hope
- 31:39Women's Competition: Sabalenka, Świątek, and Rising Stars
- 42:22Men's Competition: Alcaraz, Djokovic, and American Contenders
- 1:02:05The Philosophy of Success in Tennis
The digest
Natalie Kitroeff, host of The Daily, sits down with Matthew Futterman, who covers tennis for The Athletic, to discuss the new stars of professional tennis, the rivalries, and the human drama that makes the sport so compelling. They delve into the excitement surrounding the U.S. Open, the challenges faced by top players, and the potential for new champions to emerge.
The Greatest Rivalry in Tennis History
Kitroeff kicks off the conversation by asking Futterman about the greatest rivalry in tennis history. Without hesitation, Futterman names Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. He highlights their incredible record, having played each other 80 times, with 60 of those matches being in finals. Futterman emphasizes the stark contrast in their styles: Navratilova, the Eastern European powerhouse, and Evert, the "all-American girl next door." Beyond their on-court battles, they shared a complex personal relationship, starting as doubles partners and close friends. However, the intensity of their rivalry eventually made it too difficult for Evert to continue their friendship, leading to a personal hurt for Navratilova, who had recently defected to America and felt isolated. This rivalry, with its blend of personal connection and fierce competition, had everything, according to Futterman.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 6-minute article, 8 more sections, and every new episode from The Daily and the creators you follow.
- The Human Drama of Tennis
- The End of an Era: Lions and Lionesses Exit the Stage
- The Unpredictable U.S. Open: A New York Spectacle
- Serena Williams: The Enduring Legend
- Coco Gauff: The Great American Hope
- The Women's Competition: Sabalenka, Świątek, and Rising Stars
- The Men's Competition: Alcaraz, Djokovic, and American Hopes
- The Key to Enduring Success
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