French Open Live Breakdown! Talking about the 1st few days of action in Paris. W/ Calvin Betton.

Our CTC Live series is back for Roland Garros 2026, bringing you first-hand updates from the courts of Paris!

Sponsored by Novellus Finance: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

In this episode, Dan is joined by Calvin Betton, a 2 time Grand Slam-winning coach, live from the tournament, to break down the action from the first three days. They cover the extraordinary heat gripping Paris, the big seeds falling, integrity questions around the doubles draw, and some brilliant stories from inside the locker room and beyond.

This is the place to go for a quick round-up of Roland Garros action from a coach's perspective.

Key talking points:

1. Temperatures hitting 37 degrees Celsius in Paris and how the courts are staying surprisingly slow despite the heat, thanks to Roland Garros's unique watering and salting process.
2. Big names out early, including Taylor Fritz, Medvedev and Bublik, plus Jessica Pegula going out to Kim Birrell on day three.
3. The doubles draw integrity debate, with six first-round withdrawals and singles players pocketing prize money without hitting a ball.
4. The Serena Williams comeback rumours, with Calvin giving a frank take on wildcards, integrity and whether the sport should be rolling out the red carpet.
5. A brilliant exclusive Gael Monfils story from a five-a-side football game at the National Tennis Centre.
6. French youngster Kwame, born in 2009, is impressing on his Roland Garros debut and drawing comparisons to a young Wayne Rooney.

Each CTC Live episode streams on YouTube during the fortnight. Search Control the Controllables Podcast and follow our Instagram and Twitter for the latest live times!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome, the Paris heat and court conditions

06:30 Integrity in the doubles draw and prize money controversy

15:00 Serena Williams comeback rumours and the wildcard debate

22:00 Bublik's behaviour and a Medvedev tribute

30:00 Monfils, Wawrinka and the end of an era

36:00 French youngster Kwame and the next generation 40:00 Can anyone stop Sinner? The men's and women's draws were reviewed

Follow @ctc.podcast on Instagram to be the first to know when we are going live from Paris throughout the fortnight!

Watch the full video version over here: https://www.youtube.com/@ctc.podcast.

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.c...

Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com