5 live Sport Specials

Katie Smith is joined by Wake Up to Money's Sean Farrington and sport finance expert Dr Tom Bason to discuss the rising cost of tickets for major sporting events and subscription costs and ask why this is all happening and what might happen next? A range of guests join the pod including Richard Flint, chairman at Seat Unique - he comes on to discuss how the demand for live events has changed and they speak to psychologist Dr Kayleigh Smith about how the connection between fans and live sport has changed since the pandemic. There’s an interview with Mark Darbon from the R&A - about what it costs to put on a major sporting event, and how they aim to make things affordable. And not only that - Pete Oliver, DAZN’s CEO of growth markets joins the pod - to focus on how a newer streaming service approaches the market, and they will hear the impact from sport fans too.

Reaction to Alexander Zverev beating Ben Shelton in four sets to become the US Open Champion for the first time, adding to his French Open title earlier in the year.  And the wait for an American male to win a Grand Slam continues with Ben Shelton's hopes coming to an end... Timecodes  00'34 - Reaction to Alexander Zverev winning his second Grand Slam title in 2026 01'41 - Did winning the French Open benefit this victory? 03'28 - Could Zverev go into 2027 as the world number one? 04'56 - How does he match up to a fully fit Janick Sinner/Carlos Alcaraz? 06'24 - How did Ben Shelton react to his fist Grand Slam final? 08'58 - How can Ben Shelton use this experience to go further?

Reaction to Elena Rybakina beating Aryna Sabalenka in 3 sets to become US Open champion for the first time with the number one world ranking to follow on Monday. With hopes of a three-peat in New York ended, Sabalenka goes into 2027 holding none of the sport's four major titles. TIMECODES: 00:36' Sabalenka's negative reaction in the third set 02'17' Was Rybakina just too good for Sabalenka to handle? 05'10' Is Sabalenka's attitude denying her Grand Slam titles? 07'07' Rybakina's composure helped secure the victory 09'00' Rybakina back with past suspended coach Stefano-Vukov, has this helped her success in 2026? 10'00' Will Rybakina take on being World Number One in her stride?

Today the city of New York marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks which saw two hijacked passenger jets flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre. The US Open of 2001 had finished two days prior to the attacks with Venus Williams and Leyton Hewitt winning the singles titles. There had been plans for a photoshoot for Hewitt and the trophy to take place at the World Trade Centre the day after the tournament - before being moved to Grand Central station. Russell Fuller has been speaking to James Blake - a former top 5 player - who was born in New York and played in the 2001 edition of the tournament about how sport played a role in America's healing process and how life changed for those who lived in the city in the wake of the atrocity.

Reaction to Elena Rybakina becoming world number one for the first time in her career and ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99 week reign at the top of the rankings. There's also reaction to another gripping victory for Coco Gauff meaning the top 4 women's seeds are all through the semis at the same Slam since Wimbledon 2009. Plus, after the latest finish in US Open history with Ben Shelton beating Carlos Alcaraz we discuss absurdly late finishes from a player welfare and fan experience point of view. Timecodes 00'07: Reaction to Elena Rybakina becoming the new World Number One  02'10: Can you compare Rybakina to Sharapova? 02'34: How will Rybakina compare to Sabalenka as World No.1? 04'29: Is this significant change in the Women's game? 05'49: Is there an obligation to become more extroverted in a top position?  07'08: Coco Gauff speaks to the court after fighting back from a set down to make the semi-finals. 09'05: Reaction to Coco Gauff making the last four. 13'52: Reaction to the last four in the Women's semi finals.  15'22: Elena Rybakina speaking to the media after her victory. 18'33: Reflections on the dramatic night session between Carlos Alcaraz & Ben Shelton.  21'50: Ben Shelton speaking to the media after the match.  22'57: Is Ben Shelton the man to take the title? 25'16: Who are late matches worse for? 26:31: How can you change the schedule?

Reaction to defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reaching the US Open semis after beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in a thriller that went to a match tie-break. Plus, after Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo suggested Grand Slams could cut back on best of 5 set matches to appeal to younger audiences we ask if shorter formats would be a progressive move. TIMECODES: 00'25 - Aryna Sabalenka speaking on court after her victory. 02'22 - Reaction to Aryna Sabalenka fighting back to reach her sixth successive semi-final at Flushing Meadows 04'55 - Tie-break mentality in Grand Slams - is it her biggest asset? 05'24 - Does she have a point to prove? 07'30 - Has she become the favourite to win this Grand Slam? 08'30 - The future of five set tennis...Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo suggested Slams could cut back to appeal to younger audiences 10'06 - Annabel Croft reacts to five set matches & five hour matches 11'35 - Pam Shriver on what's next to change in tennis 12'14 - Is it simplistic to suggest younger audiences are the reason for this potential change? 14'20 - Are three set matches more entertaining? 15'00 - Does the length of a match equal the value for money? 17'15 - Novack Djokovic suggesting it could be way forward.

Katie Smith, Russell Fuller and former world number 5 Daniela Hantuchova react to Iga Swiatek's straight sets defeat to Zheng Qinwen - which included Swiatek surrendering a 5-0 first set advantage. The result means that, for the first time since 2021, Swiatek will end a year without winning one of the sport's four majors. 00:38 - Reaction to Iga Swiatek missing out on the Quarter Finals 01:08 - Daniela Hantuchova reacts to Iga Swiatek's team mentality  03:41 - Iga Swiatek talking to the media after her defeat 07:08 - Is there pressure from the youth coming through? 09:23 - Is Iga struggling with her coaching team? 10:25 - Is it technical problems or is it anxiety? 12:01 - Spanish influence and ideology in tennis 14:01 - Iga's first year without a Grand Slam title since 2021 17:00 - Zheng Qinwen through to the Quarter Finals after coming into the US Open through qualifying.

After returning to Grand Slam doubles action for the first time in four years at this year's US Open, what better time to reflect on the three-decade long careers of Venus and Serena Williams? Earlier this year Russell Fuller sat down with his predecessors as BBC Tennis Correspondent, Jonathan Overend and Iain Carter, to reflect on the Williams sisters’ careers. The trio discuss everything from Venus' rapid rise before the arrival of her sister, to Serena's inevitable dominance & her sometimes spiky relationship with the media. Timecodes 07:21 Anti-climactic finals between them, & suspicion around pre-arranged matches 11:01 Their dominance in the doubles 13:28 Serena wins & holds all four grand-slams, beating Venus in every Final 15:41 Serena's will to win & was she a particularly bad loser? 18:35 Health problems for both sisters in 2011 19:25 Serena's partnership with Patrick Mouratoglou, & chasing the Margaret Court record 24:14 Russell's sole interview with Serena in 2018

Katie Smith, Abigail Johnson and Dan Kiernan react to Novak Djokovic crashing out the first round of the US Open losing in five sets to Argentina's Mario Navone. What does the future look like for Djokovic and is he able to win any more tournaments as he battles an underlying illness. 0:20: Djokovic loses to Navone and gives his reaction 02:36: Dan Kiernan reacts to Djokovic's shock first round loss 05:02: Abigail Johnson analyses how Djokovic's physical suffering caused him to lose 06:48: How has Novak Djokovic's underlying illness impacted his tennis this year? 08:52: Will we see Djokovic play again this year? 14:08: Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could be a farewell event from the sport for Djokovic 15:52: Which slam would Djokovic want to retire at, if any?

Ten years on from Team GB women's historic hockey gold medal at Rio 2016, Eleanor Oldroyd reunites key figures from the squad and coaching team, including Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh, Alex Danson-Bennett, Maddie Hinch and Lily Owsley, to relive one of Britain's greatest Olympic moments. The Duchess of Edinburgh also recalls watching the dramatic final with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Balmoral. TIMECODES: 00:30 - Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh on the legacy of Rio. 02:40 - Tribute to Craig Keegan. 04:10 - Alex Danson-Bennett joins the show. 12:45 - Danson-Bennett on her retirement from hockey. 14:30 - Kate and Helen on becoming the first same-sex married couple to win Olympic gold. 17:30 - "Helen just screamed at us!" 20:30 - 5 Live commentary of the penalty shoot-out. 22:55 - Interview with Maddie Hinch and Lily Owsley. 28:30 - Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh on the penalties. 29:50 - HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh joins the show. 30:15 - Where did HRH watch the penalties? 31:50 - "Oh for goodness' sake, just go!" 34:20 - The Duchess talks about how GB worked so hard to become Olympic champions. 35:10 - More on the celebrations. 36:15 - Lily Owsley on the party flight home. 38:25 - Where did Elly Oldroyd experience the shoot-out? 39:10 - Where did HRH's love of hockey come from? 41:26 - More on the legacy of that Olympic triumph.

Kat Downes and the 5 Live Golf team are on the course at Royal Birkdale to preview The 154th Open. 57 years have passed since an Englishman won The Open on English soil, who is best placed to change that? 2008 European Ryder Cup team member Oli Wilson, 2009 Women's Open Champion Catriona Matthew and European Tour winners Andrew Murray and Graeme Storm share their thoughts. It's a homecoming tournament for Tommy Fleetwood, how will he handle that pressure? Plus, hear from the newest English major winner, Aaron Rai, the Masters Champion Rory McIlroy and the defending Open champion Scottie Scheffler. TIMECODES: 4'43 Matt Baldwin 6'40 Tommy Fleetwood 13'50 Justin Rose 21'49 Aaron Rai 41'09 Rory McIlroy 47'28 Scottie Scheffler

Can Jannik Sinner repeat Novak Djokovic’s relentless success after a 5th Grand Slam title? The Italian beat Alexander Zverev in four sets at Wimbledon. Pat Cash, Marion Bartoli and tennis correspondent Russell Fuller react with Gigi Salmon from Centre Court. Timecodes: 00:00 Immediate reaction from Centre Court as Sinner celebrated 02:45 Reaction from Sascha Zverev  05:00 Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner reacts with Annabel Croft 08:30 Can Zverev challenge Sinner for the world number one? 11:15 How impressive is Sinner’s bounce-back ability? 17:45 How can Zverev reflect on his summer? 23:00 Everyone’s favourite moment of Wimbledon 2026

Tennis Correspondent Russell Fuller sits down with BBC TV's Lead Commentator for the past 23 years, Andrew Castle. Andrew reveals the Top 5 favourite men's singles finals that he's commentated on, listening back to his commentary from each one and reminiscing on his Wimbledon memories. He also discusses how this year's final between Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner will be his last working for the BBC.

Reaction from Wimbledon after Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova to the women's singles title. Pat Cash and correspondent Russell Fuller join Gigi Salmon to reflect on Linda Noskova's win. They also look ahead to Sunday's men's final as Jannik Sinner looks to defend his Wimbledon title against Alexander Zverev. Plus, there's British success in the doubles - hear from Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewett after their 7th Wimbledon doubles title and hear from Henry Patten and Finland's Harry Heliovaara after they defended their men's doubles title... Time Codes: 02:00 - Linda Noskova Interview 10:20 - Karolina Muchova Interview 17:30 - Men's Final Preview 26:02 - Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid Interview 29:00 - Henry Patten and Harry Heliovaara Interview

Gigi Salmon presents reaction to the Wimbledon men's singles semi-finals after Alexander Zverev ended Arthur Fery's incredible run to the final four and Jannik Sinner eased past Novak Djokovic. Leon Smith and Naomi Cavaday are with Gigi to reflect on the positives for Arthur Fery, Alexander Zverev growing as a grand slam champion and the manner of Novak Djokovic's defeat to Jannik Sinner. Timecodes: 00:35 - Positives for Arthur Fery 06:40 - Arthur Fery interview 12:13 - Zverev's growth as a grand slam champion 13:30 - Djokovic's struggles against Sinner

John McEnroe takes listeners' calls live from Wimbledon. He's joined by former British no.1 Tim Henman, former British no.3 Naomi Broady and commentator Kat Downes. There's guest appearances from 1983 finalist Chris Lewis and one of this year's finalists, Linda Noskova - as well as questions from Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Belinda Bencic. TIMECODES: 03:22 - 1983 finalist Chris Lewis relives his final with John 40:15 - 2026 finalist Linda Noskova joins the show

Gigi Salmon presents reaction to day's Wimbledon semi-finals in the women's singles, as Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova set up an all-Czech final. Correspondent Russell Fuller and four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters assess Karolina Muchova's game now she's played a semi-final at all four Slams.  And with Noskova making her first major final, the team look at her resilience as a player.  TIMECODES 00:40 Muchova interview 05:40 Coco Gauff falling short under pressure 07:45 Muchova's variety 11:25 Interview with Linda Noskova 16:30 Noskova's life experience and perspective 18:20 Kim's view on Arthur Fery: "You never see a second of doubt in his play"

John McEnroe takes listeners' calls live from Wimbledon. He's joined by fellow Champion Marion Bartolli, former British no.1 Tim Henman and commentator Kat Downes.There's a guest appearance from semi-finalist Arthur Fery and you'll also hear from Fery's coach at Stanford, Paul Goldstein as well as Taylor Fritz and Iva Jovic. Should Serena Williams have been given a wildcard over another British athlete? And what's the best match they've ever seen on Centre Court? John and the panel share their thoughts.  TIMECODES: 7'30 Arthur Fery 18'54 Iva Jovic 30'12 Arthur Fery's former coach at Stanford,  Paul Goldstein. 40'15 Aden Durde, Seattle Seahawks defensive co-ordinator.  49'16 Taylor Fritz. 6-love-6 is back on 5 Live from 7pm on Thursday evening. Call 08085 909693 to put your questions to John.

Gigi Salmon, Russell Fuller, Naomi Cavaday, Naomi Broady, Annabel Croft and former Wimbledon champions Pat Cash and Marion Bartoli react to Arthur Fery reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals. The British wildcard continued his extraordinary journey with a straight sets win over French Open finalist Flavio Cobolli – now the French Open champion Alexander Zverev stands in the way of him reaching the final. As well as hearing from both Fery and Zverev, the team look ahead to Thursday’s women’s semi-finals – with Coco Gauff facing Karolina Muchova and Marta Kostyuk taking on Linda Noskova. To listen to Wimbledon Daily, just search ‘Tennis’ on BBC Sounds. TIMECODES: 00:32 - Arthur Fery’s on-court interview 04:48 – How has Fery done this? 15:30 – Zverev speaks after beating Taylor Fritz 19:15 – Zverev’s level continues to rise 27:08 – Coco Gauff v Karolina Muchova preview 31:54 – Kostyuk and Noskova set up semi-final

Katie Smith, Russell Fuller, Leon Smith and Marion Bartoli break down Day 9 of Wimbledon. It was another late finish on Centre Court as 7-time champion Novak Djokovic won a 5th set tie-break to beat 3rd seed Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach yet another Wimbledon semi-final - but has he got enough in his legs to take down world number one Jannik Sinner? Katie speaks to Alexander Zverev who is through to his first Wimbledon quarter final - but he has a terrible record against his opponent, Taylor Fritz. In the women's draw, Naomi Osaka's run is over - ended by Karolina Muchova, could she become the 3rd Czech woman in 4 years to win the Wimbledon title? And for the 4th time this tournament, Coco Gauff won in 3 sets, this time against fellow American, Jessica Pegula To listen to Wimbledon Daily, just search ‘Tennis’ on BBC Sounds. TIMECODES: 01:05 - Djokovic outlasts Auger-Aliassime in 5 hour epic 10:12 - Sinner through, but yet to reach his best level 14:54 - Alexander Zverev speaks to Katie Smith after reaching first Wimbledon quarter final 17:08 - Can Zverev end Fritz hoodoo? 18:31 - Naomi Osaka speaks after losing to Muchova 19:40 - Muchova joins long list of Czech women to go deep at Wimbledon 22:25 - Gauff toughs it out again