Episode 20: Elina Svitolina joins the show; the players' contention over revenue; Roger vs. Rafa in Rome revisited

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 5, 2026 – Tennis Channel kicks off 2026 with the launch of The Big T Podcast as well as a return on-site to the Australian Open for the first time since 2019, expanding Tennis Channel’s direct access and coverage of the pro tours.

Debuting January 7, The Big T Podcast will air every Wednesday with a rotating roster of the sport’s most respected insiders, analysts and former competitors: Brad Gilbert (former World No. 4 and coach to Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Coco Gauff), Coco Vandeweghe (former World No. 9 and Grand Slam doubles champion), Andrea Petkovic (former World No. 9 and seven-time WTA singles champion), and Mark Petchey (former ATP pro and coach to champions Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu). The premiere episode kicks off with an interview featuring world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

🎧 Listen to Episode 1 on TheBigT.com, or on your favorite audio platform

🎥 Watch Episode 1 on the Tennis Channel app

So often on the move, Carlos Alcaraz sat down with Andrea Petkovic on our first episode for an exclusive conversation.

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Backed by Tennis Channel’s decades-long authority in tennis, The Big T breaks every broadcast rule, with real conversations, behind the scenes, and off-script. No desk. No safe takes. Just unprecedented access to what’s actually happening on and off the court, from the personalities and pressure, to the moments that never make it to air. Guests span players and coaches, celebrity fans, industry insiders, and surprise guests.

For full episodes, fans can listen and watch free on the Tennis Channel App and TennisChannel.com, as well as YouTube.com/TennisChannel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more. Special bonus content will also be available on the Tennis Channel App.

“This is about widening the lens for tennis fans,” said Bob Whyley, SVP of Production at Tennis Channel. “For decades, Tennis Channel has delivered unparalleled access on-air. The Big T Podcast invites fans inside the greenroom — where conversations are candid, debates are honest, opinions are unfiltered, and the sport is talked about the way it actually is when the cameras aren’t rolling.”

👉 Access the Inner Circle: Learn more about the show at TENNIS.com/TheBigT

Coco Vandeweghe brings her pro-tour insight and unfiltered opinion to The Big T.

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The Big T podcast will be on location at some of the year’s biggest events, including the BNP Paribas Open, Wimbledon, Cincinnati Open—and beginning with the 2026 Australian Open in Melbourne. Hosts Andrea Petkovic and Mark Petchey will record back-to-back episodes on-site against the Australian Open backdrop on January 20 and January 27, delivering courtside perspective from the celebrated tournament.

The Australian Open also marks Tennis Channel’s return with an on-site presence for the first time since 2019, bringing fans closer to the action from one of the sport’s most iconic stages. Beginning January 17 through January 31, Tennis Channel will air special daily live editions of TC Live at the Australian Open from 5-7 p.m. ET, featuring first-hand reporting, expert analysis, and match highlights, capturing both the competition and the atmosphere from the heart of Melbourne Park.

🚨 Bonus Interview: Andrea Petkovic and Amanda Anisimova

🚨 Bonus Interview: Andrea Petkovic and Joao Fonseca

Mark Petchey and Brad Gilbert, both on The Big T's roster of insiders, have coached some of the game's greats—Andy Murray, Coco Gauff, Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, to name a few.

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Australian Open desk coverage will be anchored by Hall of Famers Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport and Martina Navratilova, alongside renowned Tennis Channel hosts Prakash Amritraj, Steve Weissman and Jon Wertheim. Post-match recaps and encore coverage will be led by Brett Haber, one of Tennis Channel’s lead voices and Paul Annacone, one of the sport’s most respected Grand Slam coaches (Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Sloane Stephens and currently world No. 6 Taylor Fritz).

Tennis Channel’s expanded coverage this year comes on the heels of delivering record engagement across the 2025 tournament season, highlighted by the Indian Wells women’s final between Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka — the most-watched women’s final in network history.

Fans can also follow Tennis Channel’s action on Instagram (Instagram.com/Tennischannel), TikTok (tiktok.com/@tennischannel), X (X.com/TennisChannel) and Facebook (Facebook.com/TennisChannel).

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