The Sit-Down

At just 20 years of age and in only his second full year on tour, Learner Tien is striking a rare balance: keeping a level head while embracing the game’s biggest stages. Joining Viv and Matt on The Sit-Down during Australian Open 2026, Tien reflected on the qualities that have boosted his rapid rise into the world’s top 25. In just his second main-draw appearance in Melbourne, Tien strengthened his growing reputation against the game’s biggest names, stunning Daniil Medvedev for a second straight year to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. With plenty already achieved, the grounded young star remains firmly focused on what comes next, and with the support of high-profile coach Michael Chang, the bigger milestones still to come – perhaps in his home state of California, where he is competing as the 25th seed at the unofficial "fifth Grand Slam".
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@Viv_Christie
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Fresh from claiming her fourth WTA singles title in Ostrava, Katie Boulter joins The Sit-Down to reflect on her return to the world’s top 100, and the challenges—and rewards—that have shaped her journey. The popular Brit speaks to Matt Trollope about her time spent with Princess Catherine at Wimbledon, the current state of British tennis, her new coach, and why she is determined to speak out against online bullying. With her marriage to Alex de Minaur approaching, Boulter also reveals what she loves — and what she suspects she’ll never quite love — about Australia, and why she believes 2026 will be her best year yet.
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@Viv_Christie
@MattyAT
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In her first podcast interview, Alexandra Eala joins The Sit-Down as she continues a brilliant start to 2026. Fresh from her semifinal finish in Auckland, Eala sat down with Matt and Viv in Pod Laver Arena as she was preparing to make her Australian Open main-draw debut. The 20-year-old has gone on to win 10 of 16 matches this year and surged from outside the top 50 to a career-high No.31 since January. The rankings peak follows a memorable week in Dubai where she upset top-10 player Jasmine Paolini en route to the quarterfinals. It came less than a year after the breakthrough run that placed her firmly on the global radar. With upsets of AO 2025 champion Madison Keys and world No.2 Iga Swiatek, Eala stormed into the semifinals and cracked the world's top 100. She also electrified a passionate fanbase, and her matches are now famous for the atmospheric support she receives from the Philippine diaspora as she continues making history for her country. The success comes amid an upward trend for Asian tennis — particular for Southeast Asian women — as Eala brings fresh energy and new storylines to tennis.
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Host handles:
@Viv_Christie
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When Lorenzo Musetti joined Viv and Matt during AO 2026, he was flying. The Italian had entered the event as a new top-five star after his run to the final in Hong Kong to begin the season, and continued his vein of form through to the last eight in Melbourne. In his first Australian Open quarterfinal, he led Novak Djokovic two sets to love before injury intervened. Musetti has now reached the quarterfinals at all four majors, as his hardcourt game evolves to match the success he has already experienced on clay and grass courts. The 23-year-old discusses that evolution, the vintage quality of his game — anchored by a one-handed backhand that draws rave reviews — and the many highlights he has already enjoyed in his burgeoning career.
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Host handles:
@Viv_Christie
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For the first time in more than 20 years, Jennifer Capriati returned to the Australian Open, a tournament that produced some of her greatest career success. She was in Melbourne to present the women's singles trophy on the 25th anniversary of her maiden Australian Open title and first Grand Slam triumph. Capriati's AO 2001 came more than a decade after she emerged as a teen prodigy, only to suffer burnout and spend significant time away from the game. Also in 2001, she won Roland Garros and rose to world No.1, and in 2002, returned to Melbourne Park to defend her title in an unforgettable final during which she saved four championship points. Injuries forced her into an early retirement in 2004, yet the American icon remains closely connected to the game. During her long-awaited Australian return, she joined Viv and Matt in Pod Laver Arena for her very first podcast interview, reflecting on a remarkable and deeply compelling career journey.
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Host handles:
@Viv_Christie
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