The Service Game – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Service Game

Ivanna Zhang

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/9d. Total Eps: 27

Where serves start the story. The ATP and WTA tours never stop moving—and neither does The Service Game. Hosted by Ivy Zhang, the show breaks down professional tennis through fast weekly rundowns and deeper long-form episodes that explore the context behind the results. Whether you’re short on time or ready to dive deeper, The Service Game is where tennis’s biggest moments begin—with the serve.

theservicegame.substack.com

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Grand Slam Hall of Fame - End of the year recap

Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 22:29

Now that all four of the Grand Slams are done and dusted. What is there to do? Is something I would never say. This week, we saw Iva Jovic claim a WTA 500 title in Guadalajara in an all-American final. However, I figured that since all the majors are completed, I want to take this week’s episode as an opportunity to summarize the best matches on both the men’s singles and the women’s singles side from each major. So please enjoy me yapping for twenty minutes straight about some of the best tennis matches we witnessed this year!

Links mentioned:

FULL Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner:

Highlights Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner:

FULL Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina:

Highlights Aryna Sabalenka vs. Elena Rybakina:

Highlights Matteo Arnaldi vs. Frances Tiafoe:

Highlights Marta Kostyuk vs. Elina Svitolina:

FULL Novak Djokovic vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime:

Highlights Novak Djokovic vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime:

Novak Djokovic on Jay Shetty:

FULL Linda Noskova vs. Karolina Muchova:

Highlights Linda Noskova vs. Karolina Muchova:

FULL Naomi Osaka vs. Elise Mertens:

Highlights Naomi Osaka vs Elise Mertens:

FULL Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton:

Highlights Alexander Zverev vs. Ben Shelton:

Subscribe to ⁠The Service Game⁠ on your favourite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s ⁠Substack ⁠.

Subscribe wherever you’re listening, rate the show, and send in your ideas for Second Serve.

🎾 Thanks for listening—and let the serves begin!

Produced with assistance from Radio CKUT

CKUT Radio:

https://ckut.ca/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theservicegame.substack.com

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Pressure, puking & peak tennis: U.S. Open Part Three

Monday, September 14, 2026 • Duration 19:23

“Pressure is privilege.” This is the quote imprinted on the tunnel of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest tennis court in the world, when tennis players are about to play some of the most important matches of their careers. As the sports editor at The Tribune at McGill, I had the privilege of interviewing our first freshman starting quarterback in ten years. When I asked if he felt the pressure, he quoted Arthur Ashe. Although it is impossible to compare the pressure of too much schoolwork to the pressure Aryna Sabalenka, the former world number one, and Elena Rybakina, the current world number one, face when they walk out into the biggest stadium in the world, I think it is important to remember how privileged we are to witness and experience such meaningful moments.

Here is what happened in the last week of the last major of the year:

So much good tennis. Although we had some of the latest finishes the tournament has ever seen, and some of the best tennis is played at 3 a.m., I still must pause to acknowledge how high the quality has been this year. We saw a player ranked outside of the world’s top 300, Zheng Qinwen, come back twice from 0-5 down to beat Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek consecutively. We witnessed Rybakina show the world why she should be the world number one by beating Coco Gauff, the home favourite, and Sabalenka, the former world number one, in two incredible matches. And to think she couldn’t walk two weeks ago when she last stepped on the court… Athletes are incredible.

We also experienced the heartbreak of Learner Tien, who lost his first five-set match to Karen Khachanov, a semifinal battle of two Americans: Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelson. This match defined friendship in competitive sports. After the match, Tiafoe paused his celebration and lent his shoulder to Michelsen, as Michelsen collapsed into his arms. Man, Alcaraz is wonderful. Despite losing in a five-set epic against Shelton and puking on court, he walked off with the biggest smile on his face, reminding us he is so back. As I am writing this, the men’s final has yet to begin, but I just have one ask:

Dear Zverev,

Please stop bouncing the ball.

Love,

The Service Game

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

So far from New York - U.S. Open Part Two

Monday, September 7, 2026 • Duration 18:07

There is no better feeling than multitasking. And for me, that entails doing the first week of school reading while watching the U.S. Open tennis matches. Sometimes this means watching Iva Jovic defeat her friend Alex Eala in one of the best matches of this season; other times, it means watching Novak Djokovic lose in the first round and questioning the longevity of his career. Regardless, I enjoy the first-week slams because it means more tennis and more storylines.

Here is what happened in the Big Apple:

The week in New York featured a somewhat reversed situation on the men’s and women’s courts. Instead of having numerous upsets in the early rounds on the women’s side, like what we usually have, this time, it’s on the men’s side. Surprisingly, all the top seeds on the women’s side are making progress into the second round, even those with doubts going in, such as Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka.

The doubles match featuring the Williams sisters brought the Arthur Ashe Stadium back to life. After a renovation that expanded seating to include more “influencers” who don’t know the rules of tennis, the Williams sisters served as an anchor that grounded Arthur Ashe. Despite losing a 5-0 lead in the deciding set tie-break, I would have never imagined seeing Serena and Venus play under the New York sunset. And who knows, it might not even be the last time. Two of the hottest talents on the tour, Jovic and Eala, who happen to be close friends, also played under the lights, delivering one of the best matches of the tournament yet. Jovic’s next round opponent? Coco Gauff. Coco is four years older than Jovic. Where has the time gone? “Tennis just feels really hard right now,” Madison Keys said. She was up 5-0 in the deciding set against Qinwen, a former finalist, who had to come through qualifying after undergoing elbow surgery. A crucial surge in momentum for the Chinese; a heartbreak for the American.

Another American who lost was Taylor Fritz. Arguably, this year was Fritz’s best chance to win the title, with Jannik Sinner’s absence, Djokovic’s early loss, and Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback. However, despite leading 2-0 against Francisco Cerundolo, Fritz threw the match away by losing five points in a row in the third. The Americans needed someone to save the situation, and Learner Tien stepped up. Tien beat Jakub Mensik in a nail-biting five-set match. Tien kept his streak of going undefeated in five-setters and, despite having the weaker serve, covered less court than Mensik and won the match by taking fewer points. Finally, we must talk about Alcaraz. Two words come to mind: Comeback and nipple. The kit speaks for itself, and I will not be elaborating. However, his slower serves could be a potential problem against stronger opponents, but I am not worried. After all, he is Carlos Alcaraz.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

New York, new questions - U.S. Open

Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 14:45

The week before a Grand Slam tournament is paradoxically the calmest yet most chaotic. On the court, there are grueling matches; however, off the court, a handful of battles take place between the players, the media and the players, and undoubtedly between the players and their teams. And that’s why I love tennis. Read my Service Note on my thoughts about the mixed doubles event that took place over the last week. Now, as some might say, the “real” tennis is back.

Here is what is going to happen in New York this week:

Just last year, she was practicing her serves in the rain with her biomechanist Gavin MacMillan, hoping to lower her double fault counts into the single digits. This year, Coco Gauff is going into the U.S. Open the best she has ever looked. One of her rivals, however, is entering the U.S. Open with questionable form. As the two-time defending champion, Sabalenka hopes to complete a three-peat, but just last week, she lost to Sara Bejlek at Cincinnati in two straight sets. Other players to watch include Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek, and Alex Eala.

We are going to see Rafael Jodar face the New York crowd for the first time. Last year, he was playing a Challenger event in Ohio. Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton are entering the event as title contenders; we have seen both crumble under the pressure. Shelton, an overwhelming crowd favorite, will face Talion Griekspoor in his round one match. Fils’s hype has often been overshadowed by his injuries. Riding the high from his Cincinnati win, his round one opponent will be Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former world number three. Undoubtedly, the spotlight is on Carlos Alcaraz, who is coming back from his five-month break. There are so many unknown quantities , and I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds in New York!

Links mentioned:

Patten/Siniakova vs. Monfils/Svitolina:

Muchova/Mensik vs. Andreeva/Rublev:

Svitolina/Monfils vs. Bencic/Cobolli:

Cobolli/Bencic vs. Muchova/Mensik:

Subscribe to ⁠ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s .

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Rusty Serves & Big Outcomes- Cincinnati Open

Monday, August 24, 2026 • Duration 19:42

Tennis legend Arthur Ashe once said, “The doing is often more important than the outcome.” I often think of different aspects of my identity as relationships that I need to nurture. For example, I like to think of my hobby of journaling as a relationship that I need to nurture: the more I put in, the more I get to learn about myself; the same applies to my identity as a podcaster. After not recording for a few weeks, I am feeling the bumps of this relationship. So I try to use these quotes to remind myself that it is okay to feel rusty after a few weeks of not talking to myself for 20 minutes. As a certified yapper, I love to yap (especially about tennis), but putting my voice out into the world requires confidence in both my voice and my love for tennis.

Here is what happened on the tour this week:

Unlike me, Fils’s comeback journey from his back injury seems to have both the “doing” and the “outcome”. The final match was meaningful in itself– the first ATP Masters Final between two black players. Despite the match being somewhat of a snooze fest, a 90-minute three-set finale, Fils captured his first ATP Masters title, putting himself 5th in the race and achieving a career-high ranking of 11th in the world. In terms of the interesting matches, we witnessed Cobolli’s mental fortitude against a surprisingly energetic Jodar (he did eventually run out of gas), Nakashima and Fritz’s impressive long rallies, and Zverev’s lack of confidence that cost him the match against Paul despite having two match points.

The women’s side featured the players from two matches with four players from opposite sides of the spectrum: Pegula and Bejlek utilized their incredible defensive skills and mental fortitude to defeat power hitters Anisimova and Keys, respectively. Credit to Bejlek for following up her win against Sabalenka by beating Keys. At this point, are we really surprised that another Czech player is making waves on tour? The race for the world number one between Rybakina and Sabalenka was cut short by an unfortunate leg injury to Rybakina, which also puts her U.S. Open participation into question; however, Pegula, Swiatek, Gauff, and Anisimova all had impressive runs that are keeping my hopes up for the U.S. Open.

Flavio Cobolli vs. Rafael Jodar:

Taylor Fritz vs. Brandon Nakashima:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Czechs vs Italians at Wimbledon

Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 11:23

Welcome to The Service Game, where serves start the story.

The third grand slam of the year ended yesterday, and despite me missing last week’s episode, I hope that you guys have caught up on this year’s tennis because it’s worth watching for sure! On the women’s side, we have seen a new grand slam champion yet again—Linda Noskova. After an all-Czech final and two epic semifinals, 21-year-old Noskova beat her fellow countrywomen in the final to claim her debut grand slam title!

On the men’s side, we saw a familiar matchup with a predictable result. Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev in four sets to claim his Wimbledon title. Although the results may be predictable, I want to give credit to Zverev for putting up a fight and putting on a performance that some may argue to be his best!

That’s it, and I’ll come back with a recap for you guys next week!

Listen to find out more!

Links mentioned:

Naomi Osaka vs. Aryna Sabalenka:

Karolina Muchova vs. Naomi Osaka:

Marta Kostyuk vs. Linda Noskova:

Coco Gauff vs. Karolina Muchova:

Karolina Muchova vs. Linda Noskova:

Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic:

Arthur Fery vs. Alexander Zverev:

Alexander Zverev vs. Jannik Sinner:

Subscribe to ⁠The Service Game⁠ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s ⁠Substack⁠.

Subscribe wherever you’re listening, rate the show, and send in your ideas for .

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Wimbledon Season!

Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 16:07

Welcome to The Service Game, where serves start the story.

I can’t believe we are entering our third Grand Slam of the year. Wimbledon is here! However, before we get into the draw, I recapped the news surrounding the tennis court this week. Emma Raducanu announced that she will be withdrawing from the tournament after reaching the Queen’s Club Championships a few weeks ago and suffering a stress fracture in her lower leg. Marketa Vondrousouva also posted a heartbreaking statement after receiving a four-year ban for refusing a doping test. On a more positive note, Karolina Muchova won the Bad Homburg tournament after her opponent, Naomi Osaka, withdrew after reaching her first-ever career grass court final!

Listen to the episode to find out more star matchups in the first round of Wimbledon, such as who Serena Williams is playing in her singles comeback. I also talked about players who I anticipate making a splash at this year’s event. For example, despite Pegula’s unexpected loss at last year’s tournament, I think this will be her opportunity to shine. I also evaluated Djokovic’s chances and players like Arthur Fils and Jack Draper, who are hoping to make a successful comeback.

Listen to find out more!

Links mentioned:

The Athletic Player’s Boycott Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7254991/2026/05/05/tennis-grand-slam-boycott-prize-money-sabalenka/

Marketa Vondrousova Statement:

Wimbledon Draw: https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/draws/ladies-singles/1

Wimbledon Website:

https://www.wimbledon.com/

Subscribe to ⁠The Service Game⁠ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s .

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

Strawberries and cream season? - Berlin Open + Queens

Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 18:11

Welcome to The Service Game, where serves start the story.

Let’s recap one of the fastest turnarounds on the tennis tour. It feels like the chaotic Roland Garros has just ended, but we are merely a week away from Wimbledon. Despite being undoubtedly disappointed in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and the recent withdrawals of Lorenzo Musetti and Victoria Mboko, I believe we have to look for the positives—and there are a lot! Serena Williams is coming back! Listen to find out more about the news leading up to the first serve at Wimbledon!

On the women’s side, we have seen lucky loser Donna Vekic claim the title at Queens. Vekic and finalist Emma Raducanu both reunited with their respective former coaches, hoping to climb to the heights they once reached. This week, we have seen Jessica Pegula beat an increasingly fragile Sabalenka, as well as welcomed the top 10 debut of the talented Czech Linda Noskova. Listen to more of my thoughts on both ends.

On the men’s side, we saw Fritz’s continuous domination against Alexander Zverev. However, not all things on the tour are so consistent. Francisco Cerundolo has failed to win a single grass court match in two years since his title at Eastbourne in 2023. This week, however, he won a title at Queens, beating Tommy Paul in a thrilling three-hour final.

With Wimbledon less than a week away, I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you guys!

Links mentioned:

Francisco Cerundolo vs. Tommy Paul: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9trp1QUlXW8

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Frances Tiafoe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS_WGN4v30E

Taylor Fritz vs. Alexander Zverev: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kgnoDNlk0c

Jessica Pegula vs. Aryna Sabalenka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il6cKvP4qAw

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

The Chaotic Slam - Roland Garros 2026

Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 15:54

Welcome to The Service Game, where serves start the story.

Let’s recap one of the most chaotic Grand Slams I have ever witnessed. After the surprising exits of the top seeds on both the women’s and men’s sides, we welcomed new Grand Slam winners for both tours, as well as refreshing finalists that I will be looking out for in the future.

Off the court, we saw Serena Williams’s return to the tour. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will make her comeback in the doubles draw, with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club Championship tournament this week. Listen more to find out my thoughts on this!

On the court, I talked about what it means for Zverev to accomplish his dream of winning his first-ever Grand Slam, as well as her journey to get there. His finals opponent, Fabio Cobolli, also had an interesting and unique run leading up to his performance in the final. Listen to my breakdowns of both semifinals in this episode. On the women’s side, we saw 19-year-old Mirra Andreeva capture her first Grand Slam title after her meltdown here last year. Listen to find out how she has grown in just a few years, and also what this means for her finals opponent, qualifier Maja Chwalinska.

Links mentioned:

Serena Williams Return Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7339399/2026/06/07/serena-williams-tennis-comeback-queens-grass-wimbledon/

Alexander Zverev vs. Jakub Mensik:

Alexander Zverev vs. Flavio Cobolli:

Diana Shnaider vs. Maja Chwalinska:

Diana Shnaider vs. Aryna Sabalenka:

Mirra Andreeva vs. Marta Kostyuk:

Marta Kostyuk vs. Elina Svitolina:

Marta Kosyuk vs. Iga Swiatek:

Mirra Andreeva vs. Maja Chwalinska:

Subscribe to on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s .

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

So hot in Paris - Roland Garros Week Two

Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 14:10

Welcome to The Service Game, where serves start the story.

The first week of Roland Garros has definitely delivered in its own way. It is the hottest I have ever seen Paris so far at this time of the year, and clearly, all the players agree.

On the men’s side, we saw the world’s most predictable draw play out most unpredictably. Jannik Sinner, the world number one, is out, after leading two sets to love and five-one in the third. Novak Djokovic is out, after leading two sets to love against Brazilian youngster Joao Fonseca. Listen to learn more.

On the women’s side, things are equally interesting. Iga Swiatek has always made it past the fourth round here in Paris. However, this year, Swiatek, Rybakina, and Gauff are all out. Gauff faced her defeat today after only serving three double faults against Anastasia Potapova. Who is gonna shine now? Listen to find out!

Links mentioned:

The Athletic Heat Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7315282/2026/05/28/jannik-sinner-tennis-heat-impact/

Jannik Sinner vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo:

Novak Djokovic vs. Joao Fonseca:

Yuliia Starodubtseva vs Elena Rybakina:

Marta Kostyuk vs. Iga Swiatek:

Coco Gauff vs. Anastasia Potapova:

Naomi Osaka vs Iva Jovic:

Subscribe to ⁠The Service Game⁠ on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. For extended analysis and written Second Serve content, check out Ivy’s ⁠Substack⁠.

Subscribe wherever you’re listening, rate the show, and send in your ideas for .

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

The Service Game – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Service Game – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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