Episode 20 - Game, Set… Achoo + US Open Predictions

SummaryIn this conversation, the hosts discuss the recent Cincinnati final where Jannick Sinner faced off against Carlos Alcaraz but had to retire due to illness, humorously dubbed 'man flu.' They explore the implications of Sinner's performance on his confidence heading into the US Open, the rising stars in women's tennis, and the new mixed doubles format introduced at the US Open. The discussion also touches on the legitimacy of the mixed doubles event, predictions for the US Open, and the overall state of tennis, including the controversies surrounding player invitations and sponsorships. In this episode, the hosts delve into the upcoming US Open, analyzing player rankings, matchups, and making predictions for both the men's and women's draws. They discuss the potential outcomes for top players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek, while also engaging in a fun segment where one host competes against an AI to guess tennis players. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted mailbag segment and final thoughts on what to expect from the tournament.Chapters00:00 The Man Flu: A Serious Threat02:49 Jannick Sinner's Disappointing Performance05:39 Mental Fortitude in Tennis08:31 The Rise of Women's Tennis11:22 Mixed Doubles: A New Format14:23 Exhibition or Grand Slam?17:05 The Future of Tennis Events23:45 Cocktail Prices and Event Costs28:32 Lacoste's Controversial Marketing Move30:21 US Open Preview and Player Form37:49 Predictions for the US Open Finals43:34 Predictions and Favorites for the Tournament48:15 Lewis vs. The Machine: A Fun Game54:12 Mailbag: If Tennis Balls Could Talk57:39 Final Thoughts and Tournament Expectations