Sideline Story

Chinese player Zheng Qinwen crashed out of the Australian Open early in the second round after a straight sets loss to German veteran Laura Siegemund. What did she do wrong in the shock defeat? What does it take to be a real Grand Slam contender? Also in this episode, we take a look at Novak Djokovic and his new coach Andy Murray, and how the new partnership is doing at Melbourne Park.

In this episode, we mark the countdown to the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin. What highlights can we expect from the Games? Why is the northeastern city a special host for the event? Also, we take a look at the winter sports trend in China after the successful Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

LeBron James is the only active player in the NBA to reach 40 years old. The veteran is averaging over 23 points per game and delivers consistent output this season. Is he the best 40-year-old player in league history? Who else did great in their 40s? Also in this episode, we take a look at other veteran players in the NBA and discuss how they are doing so far this season.

As we count down to 2025, Sideline Story reviews 2024 in international sports. We give our picks of the best sports stories of the year as well as the male and female athletes. We also take a look at back the most classic games of the past 12 months.

2024 was a banner year for Chinese athletes as they shone in traditionally strong sports for China and made breakthroughs in some other events, especially at the Paris Olympics. Sideline Story lists the biggest sporting achievements for China in the past year as well as the best male and female Chinese athletes of the year. Also in this episode, we reveal our expectations for Chinese sports in 2025.

NBA preseason games will make a return to China after a six-year hiatus. Macao will host two exhibition games in 2025 between the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. Why did organizers choose Macao as the host for the games? Also in this episode, we discuss Cui Yong’s recent performances in the NBA and G league as well as other highlights of the NBA so far this season.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the end of the 2024 Formula One season. In this episode, we review those classic races and memorable moments on and off the track in the past year. We also look ahead to the 2025 season and list our expectations for the next season.

Manchester City’s winless run has extended to six games after they squandered a 3-0 lead in the Champions League draw against Fenerbahçe. What led to City’s mid-season crisis apart from an injury plague? Does it indicate that Pep Guardiola’s possession intensive style has faced challenges? In this episode, we also analyze if City can retain the Premier League title this season.

Rafael Nadal has officially retired from professional tennis after his Davis Cup campaign. What do you remember the most about the Spanish legend in his 23-year career? Which moments stand out among his classic match-ups with his Big Three rivals? Also in this episode, we discuss if the current top competitors in men’s tennis have the potential to reach or even surpass Nadal’s heights.

FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup will unveil the draw of the participating teams in December after the final berth is taken. What level of excitement can it produce? Why has FIFA insisted on the project amid opposition from some players and clubs? Also in this episode, we give our expectations on the Club World Cup next summer and discuss what organizers can do to avoid too much fatigue for players.