
Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
Listen here, open the show page, or watch the linked video version without starting over in search.
This week, the party gets a world-class tennis upgrade as Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss join Julie and Abby for a Coffee with Kinger all about the state of the game.
The crew reacts to Serena Williams’ rumored return, Venus still being very much in the mix, and the chaos of a French Open where a new generation is breaking through. Then, they dive into the major player protest at Roland Garros, why top tennis stars are pushing for a bigger share of Grand Slam revenue, and how Billie and Ilana see this fight as part of a much bigger battle for player power, pensions, health care, and a seat at the table.
Plus: why college tennis programs are being cut, what tennis needs to do to survive in the new era of college sports, Naomi Osaka’s fashion moment, and Julie introduces the More Than Four Challenge in support of pediatric cancer research.
Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:
YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow
Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow
TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow
Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com
Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com
Keep the Party Going:
Participate in Zoe’s Challenge: https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal
Serena’s Nike Ad announcing her return: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZC5f9ZRAuL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
John Wertheim article about French Open: https://www.si.com/tennis/tennis-mailbag-breaking-down-players-media-protest-roland-garros
Thank you to our sponsors:
-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Next listen
All from Welcome to the Party →
Next listen
Why 90% of New College Sports Revenue is Planned for Male Athletes
Listen guide
"Tennis Stars Revolt at the French Open" is an episode of Welcome to the Party. Runtime 51 min. Published June 4, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.