Trump Drags Out Iran War as Hormuz Blockade Pokes Holes in the Condom Industry | Maria Sharapova

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition – Episode Summary

Trump Drags Out Iran War as Hormuz Blockade Pokes Holes in the Condom Industry | Maria Sharapova

Date: April 23, 2026
Host: Michael Kosta
Guest: Maria Sharapova

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Episode Overview

This episode blends The Daily Show’s trademark satirical news delivery with insightfully absurd commentary on American politics, global conflict, celebrity culture, and an in-depth chat with tennis legend Maria Sharapova. Michael Kosta leads the news team through a chaotic rundown of the ongoing Iran war, its bizarre economic fallout (including a global condom shortage), and the current crop of influencers and celebrities entering American politics. The episode’s highlight is an authentic and disarming interview with Maria Sharapova, discussing resilience, competition, and her new podcast, "Pretty Tough."

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Key Segments & Highlights

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War in Iran: Confusion, Chaos & the Strait of Hormuz (02:33–10:52)

Trump’s Waffling on the Iran War

• Michael Kosta lampoons President Trump’s shifting narratives on the war, highlighting his contradictory statements and indecisive timelines:
  • “Trump just started this war on us like a dog bringing us a dead bird. We don't even want this. Now we have to clean this up.” (04:00)
  • Trump falsely claims VP J.D. Vance is en route to Pakistan for peace talks, which is promptly disproved the same day.
• The so-called “indefinite” ceasefire is mocked for being immediately broken:
  • “That’s the shortest indefinite ceasefire I’ve ever seen.” (06:23)

Real-World Impact & Economic Satire

• The war’s effect on oil prices and the bizarre fallout in everyday life is emphasized with sharp comedic timing:
  • “AAA reports the price of a gallon of regular spiked 40% since the day before the war.” (07:57)
  • Memorable Moment: The global condom shortage due to Hormuz’s blockade draws particularly sharp humor:
    • “Looks like that Trojan I’ve had in my wallet since 2002 is finally gonna see some action... when I sell it on eBay.” (08:53)

Accidental Win for Earth Day

• Kosta draws a tongue-in-cheek link between the crisis and a push for renewables:
  • “Thanks to your war, switching to renewable energy has never been clearer... You’re basically Captain Planet, except if there are any records of you spending time with younger women they've probably been redacted by the DOJ.” (09:37–10:44)
• Notable Quote/Award: “Allow me to present to you Donald Trump with the first ever Earth Day Award for being a reckless idiot who accidentally did something good.” (10:52)

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Midterm Madness: Celebrities, Influencers & Absurdity (12:00–20:53)

America’s New Candidates

• Correspondent Ronny Chieng investigates the parade of unqualified, fame-driven candidates:
  • “America has gotten used to rich, unqualified people from TV and social media running the country... a whole new crop of shitheads to throw their shithats in the ring.” (12:32)
• Highlights include campaigns from:
  • Mark Teixeira (MLB star)
  • Bobby Pulido (Tejano singer)
  • Uncle Luke (2 Live Crew) – campaign slogan: “Me so horny to take on the establishment.” (13:19–13:41)
  • Michelle Tafoya (NFL sideline reporter), who wildly overstates California’s homeless population:
    • “Almost 30% of Californians are homeless on any given night.” – Chieng retorts, “30% is 12 million Californians. Not every strung out looking person in LA is homeless... that's just the cast of Euphoria.” (14:03–14:50)
  • Spencer Pratt (reality TV personality); ridiculed for his infamous TV villain legacy and his own sister’s opposition to his campaign.
• Dan Bilzerian’s campaign is skewered for its toxic combination of “Nazism and sexism,” with a TMZ confrontation about anti-Semitic remarks adding further notoriety. (17:36–19:00)

Farrah Abraham’s Early Start

• Former Teen Mom Farrah Abraham announces her Austin mayoral run—two years early:
  • "What, you expect me to believe a teen mom made a mistake?" (20:09)

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Maria Sharapova Interview: Resilience, Reinvention & “Pretty Tough” (22:34–34:39)

On Competitiveness and Life After Tennis (23:54–25:22)

• Maria explains how her tough mentality translated from tennis to business, motherhood, and now podcasting:
  • “Pretty tough was very much my mentality from my youth... all of those lessons still apply and you still have to fight for what you believe and work hard and be determined…” (23:54)
• Her focus on entrepreneurship began early, anticipating retirement as a female athlete comes sooner:
  • “As a female athlete, you know, the time will come much sooner than if you were a CEO or entrepreneur... so I started building those small steps toward my future…” (24:41)

The Podcast: Showcasing Grit & Softness (25:22–27:29)

• Sharapova’s podcast aims to showcase women’s dualities: grit and elegance, leadership and vulnerability.
  • “It’s the juxtaposition of being gritty… but also being elegant and being vulnerable… and those two can coexist…” (25:43)
• On the male-dominated podcasting world:
  • “There's so much room for growth for females to host podcasts... Kara Swisher, Mel Robbins—those were all my inspirations.” (27:08–27:28)

On Losing, Learning & Mental Strength (27:32–32:23)

• Maria and Kosta discuss the pain and lessons of high-profile losses:
  • "It’s actually tougher to lose in the final... because you get to watch the other player receive the winner’s trophy. And the champion is not you.” (27:58–28:09)
• Reflects on learning from defeat:
  • “That is when you do your best work... you huddle with your team, you analyze, think of a new plan... you’re growing when you’re not at your best.” (29:10–29:36)
• On prioritizing mental health:
  • “I don’t think it’s a weakness. I think acknowledging that you want to grow, if it’s mentally, if it’s physically, you always want to improve.” (31:25–32:02)

“Pretty Tough” Rapid-Fire Questions (32:42–34:39)

• Most common misconception: “Oh, that I’m a cold bitch.” (32:50)
• On perfection: “You want to be perfect. Believe me, I strive for perfection on the court, but you lose a lot more than you win… just gotta go with it.” (33:02–33:14)
• Advice to tennis players at any level:
  • “Don’t miss... Trust your instinct. Just do it.” (34:27–34:36)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Trump’s Communication: “Everything he says about this war is immediately canceled out by the next thing he says about this war.” (04:24)
• On accidental earthly benefits: “At this point, you're basically Captain Planet. Except if there are any records of you spending time with younger women, they've probably been redacted by the DOJ.” (10:40)
• On influencer candidates: “Not every strung out looking person you see in LA is homeless. That’s just the cast of Euphoria.” (14:47)
• Maria Sharapova on her reputation: “Oh, that I’m a cold bitch.” (32:50)
• Maria’s advice to tennis players: “Don’t miss.” (34:27)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Headlines, Cash Patel, Trump/Iran War: 00:45–10:52
• Earth Day/Energy Satire: 09:30–10:52
• Midterm Madness/Celeb Candidates: 12:00–20:53
• Maria Sharapova Interview: 22:34–34:39

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Tone & Style

The episode is fast, irreverent, and acerbic, staying true to The Daily Show’s satirical news roots. Michael Kosta uses sharp-tongued ridicule for both the powerful and the absurd, while Maria Sharapova’s segment brings heartfelt authenticity and dry humor, balancing levity with honest insights on loss, gender, and perseverance.

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This summary reflects the critical moments, humor, and key insights, giving new listeners a comprehensive sense of the episode’s content and tone.

Transcript

[A]

Morning decisions. How about a creamy mocha Frappuccino drink? Or sweet vanilla smooth caramel maybe? Or white chocolate mocha? Whichever you choose, delicious coffee awaits. Find Starbucks Frappuccino drinks wherever you buy your groceries. This episode is brought to you by Subaru. Go further in a long range Subaru hybrid with up to 581 miles per tank in the Forester Hybrid. Longer range, better fuel efficiency and legendary symmetrical all wheel drive. Standard. The Subaru Forester Hybrid. Visit subaru.com hybrid to learn more. Maximum range based on EPA, estimated combined fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and range may vary.

[B]

You're listening to Comedy Central. From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Michael Kosta. Yeah, we got a big one tonight, baby. Welcome to Daily Show. I'm Michael Kosta. We've got so much to talk about tonight. Trump won't pull out of Iran, but he says he's so close. Influencers find a more embarrassing career. And Cash Patel's career might be just like his. Drinks on the rocks. Oh, and also later, tennis legend Maria Sharapova will be here. Oh, my God, I love her. Holy shirt. Hey, let's get into the headlines. First of all, happy Earth Day. Everyone. Make some noise for Earth. You know, love her. Love Earth. Did you remember to get her a gift? I got her some sexy lingerie, and it was more of a gift for me. Let's get started. Because as of late, the glaciers are not the only thing that's been melting down. Cash Patel, FBI director and the man voted worst kisser by Breathalyzer magazine, is having a bad week. He sued the Atlantic over a story alleging that he drinks too much, misses work, and that he's what's known inside the domestic intelligence community as a total chode. And yesterday, Cash went before the press to make it very clear that he will dodge any question that comes his way.

[C]

Can you say disintegratedly that you have not been intoxicated or absent during your tenure as FBI director?

[B]

I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Damn, that's a real masterclass on talking shit like a middle schooler who's terrible at talking shit. Oh. Oh, You? My mom. Well, I sucked. Your dad's dumbass. Yeah, clap for that. Clap for that. Also, the fake news mafia. I appreciate that you tried to make us sound cool, but if the news were the mafia, it would Be a lot more vague. Tonight at six, let me tell you about the guy who's going down the place to do the thing, okay? Capiche? Come on, cash money. You gotta give me a better defense than that. Try again. This FBI director has been on the job twice as many days as every director before me. What that means is I've taken half as many days off as those before me. What that means is I've taken a third less vacation than those before me. Let me just check the math real quick. So we got twice as many days plus half as many, over a third less. Yeah, I think he's wasted. But it's like. It just says boobs. I don't, but it's like, it's like my grandpa used to say, if you love your job and you're shit faced at it, you'll never work a day in your life. But let's move on to the big update on the war with Iran. Specifically, the update is that I have no idea what the is going on with the war in Iran. Nobody has had any idea since day one. Trump just started this war on us like a dog bringing us a dead bird. We don't even want this. Now we have to clean this up. And it doesn't help that everything he says about this war is immediately canceled out by the next thing he says about this war. It was only going to be four weeks, then six weeks, then eight to 10 weeks. He wanted unconditional surrender, then he wanted a nuclear deal, then he wanted to open. Please, Mr. President, can you stop bullshitting us and just find an end to this war? President Trump just told the New York Post that Vice President J.D. vance and his delegation are in the air on the way to Pakistan for talks with the Iranians. Thank you. Yes, we must be nearing peace. I mean, Trump makes up a lot of bullshit, but if he says the Vice President is in the air, that definitely happened.

[C]

But that didn't happen.

[B]

Vice President J.D.

[C]

vance, who was preparing to fly to Islamabad, never left.

[B]

So he just made up a flight? Look, I know everyone who knows J.D. vance is always wishing that he was on his way to another continent, but this is not the time to manifest it into being. The ceasefire expires today. Unless you're gonna extend it.

[C]

The President said it was highly unlikely he would extend the ceasefire.

[B]

I expect to be bombing. Shit. Okay, so J.D. vance is not on a flight and Trump is not extending the ceasefire. Okay.

[C]

Late this afternoon, President Trump announced he was extending the ceasefire indefinitely.

[B]

Indefinitely. Oh God. So hold on. No ceasefire to ceasefire. J.D. vance to. No, J.D. vance. Doesn't that just says boobs again? Jesus Christ. You know what? Nice boobs. But you know what? At least a ceasefire is better than no ceasefire. It means that nobody's getting attacked or shot at. So few, actually. This is a good thing. Hours after President Trump's ceasefire extension, Iran attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. More ships fired upon and seized by Iranian forces. Iran unmistakably sending a message to President Trump. Jesus. That's the shortest indefinite ceasefire I've ever seen. President Trump. Iran's navy is shooting at ships. Iran's navy is gone. Shut the up. Just shut up. God, just shut up. Jesus. Nothing you say means anything. In fact, you know what? Hold on. I know how to deal with this. Never in the history of warfare has an enemy suff. Oh, my God, That is so much better. Everyone just enjoy this for a second. This blissful bullshit. Free silence. Oh, my God. I wish we could just tune him out in real life, but we can't. Because even though nothing he says matters, unfortunately, his actions do matter. So we have to pay attention. And right now, his actions, well, they're everything up. AAA reports the price of a gallon of regular spiked 40% since the day before the war.

[C]

The International Energy Agency warned that Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel supply left. That supply shock tied to the Strait of Hormuz is hitting fertilizer markets as well.

[B]

Fertilizer's going up. Do you understand how bad it is when the price of shit is rising? I wish I knew about this this morning when I flushed a whole retirement account down the toile. Now, maybe you don't fly or drive or eat, but sooner or later, the effects of this war are going to get you, possibly in ways you never saw coming.

[C]

The war with Iran is having a huge impact on the global condom supply. Condoms are made from petrochemicals. And the supply chain bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz is forcing the world's top condom producer to raise prices by 20 to 30%.

[B]

Well, well, well. Looks like that Trojan I've had in my wallet since 2002 is finally action when I sell it on ebay. But a 30% spike in cotton price? This is a big deal. I mean, Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve bank is already suggesting that people, quote, do more hand stuff. And remember, every day that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the global energy crisis only gets worse. Which is why today, Earth Day, I just want to give a big shout out to President Trump. Truly because thanks to your war, the benefits of switching to renewable energy have never been clearer. Now we can all see the risks of anchoring the entire global economy to one narrow waterway in the Middle east that stays open or closed based on the impulses of a deranged ruler. No, not that one. There you go. Yeah. You want to know what the world would be like right now if we weren't happy held hostage by fossil fuels? Here's a little taste. Hey, did you hear that the Strait of Hormuz was closed? The Strait of Hormuz? Isn't that the waterway that has no effect on my life? Yep, that's the one. See you later. So, President Trump, thank you. Your thoughtless war is already spurring countries around the world to invest more in wind, solar, and all the other forms of energy that you would probably refer to as gay. Now, I don't think that was your plan when you started this war, because I'm pretty sure you didn't have a plan at all. But still, you have, by pure chance, helped the Earth. At this point, you're basically Captain Planet. Except if there are any records of you spending time with younger women, they've probably been redacted by the doj. And look, we know by now that praise means nothing to you unless it's accompanied by a trophy. So allow me to present to you Donald Trump with the first ever

[C]

Earth

[B]

Day Award for being a reckless idiot who accidentally did something good. Congratulations, sir. All right, when we come back, we're going to get an update on the midterms. Don't go away.

[A]

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[B]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. The midterm elections are just a few months away, so to analyze all the campaign stories, we turn to Ronny Cheng, who is in our indecision analysome.

[D]

I'm Roy Chang, and this is the Analysone, where we go deep into our midterm cover. Sorry that that title is really undermining the tone of this whole thing. Can we change that graphic like Maybe. Maybe lose the hyphens.

[B]

Okay.

[D]

No, no, no, that's worse. Put it back, put it back, put it back. Okay. Anyway, by now, America has gotten used to rich, unqualified people from TV and social media running the country. And with the midterms approaching, it's inspired a whole new crop of shitheads to throw their shithats in the ring.

[E]

Mark Teixeira, a Christian, a family man,

[B]

an MLB all Star. I'm Luke Obranson. Hockey coach, businessman, and actor. Yeah, I've been on reality TV. That's drama for sure. What's happening in D.C. is real drama.

[C]

Tejano music star Bobby Pulido is officially launching his bid for Congress.

[B]

2 Live Crew Rap legend Uncle Luke

[C]

said he's running for Florida's 20th Congress. This is the man that gave us

[B]

the classic me so, so horny.

[D]

Finally, a member of 2 Live Crew in Congress. I'll admit I was skeptical until I saw his campaign slogan, me so horny to take on the establishment, but

[B]

I.

[D]

Sure, why not? But if Luke Campbell does not make you so horny, there's plenty of other D list celebrities and influencer freaks to choose from, like NFL sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya.

[C]

I covered the biggest football games in America. I walked the sidelines when the pressure was mounting and the stakes were the highest.

[B]

Starting today, I'm running for the United States Senate.

[D]

I'm not sure that's a winning message. When the pressure was on and the stakes were high, I was watching from the sidelines a very safe distance away. But if there's one thing a sideline reporter brings to the table, it's knowing her stats.

[C]

Almost 30% of Californians are homeless on any given night. 30%. That is the largest margin by far.

[B]

30%, I think it's 28.

[C]

So close to 30% of their population is homeless on any given night.

[D]

30% is 12 million Californians. Look, not every strung out looking person you see in LA is homeless.

[B]

Okay, that's.

[D]

That's just the cast of Euphoria. The actual statistic is less than 1% of Californians. So to put this in terms Michelle can understand, here's the snap. The kick is up and it is wide by 11.8 million people. But in fairness. But in fairness, California has its issues, particularly in Los Angeles, where none of my pilots have been picked up and wildfires wiped out entire neighborhoods. The city also has a huge deficit, and according to Michelle Tafoya, 20 billion people are homeless. This city needs someone serious who can solve serious problems.

[C]

It is Official. Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt filed to run for mayor of Los Angeles.

[D]

Or Spencer Pratt. Finally, a candidate who makes white women over 40 go, oh, yeah, that guy.

[B]

Ew.

[D]

In case you don't remember Spencer from the golden age of basic cable reality tv, here's a quick refresher of his consensus building approach.

[B]

At the end of the day, I can't change. I can't make you un my sister. You can't call the brother sister line and say, hey, I don't want Stephanie to be my sister anymore. I can't do that. The phone doesn't work.

[C]

You're making me cry right now, Stephanie.

[B]

You're making yourself cry thinking about what you did.

[D]

Wah, wah, wah, wah.

[B]

What are you crying about, Stephanie? What the are you crying about? That's why you're not in my life, you crazy bitch. Because you come to barbecues and just start crying.

[D]

Wow. It's amazing how 20 years ago, this was considered TV villain behavior. But now this guy sounds like he should be director of the FBI. But still, I'm sure. Yay, FBI. I'm sure Spencer Pratt has grown up a lot since then. I mean, he's got a degree, he's had kids, he's become an activist after the LA fires. I mean, I'm sure his family is proud of him.

[B]

Actress Stephanie Pratt slams her brother Spencer Pratt over his run for Los Angeles mayor. Stephanie took to X Saturday, writing that a vote for Spencer is a vote for stupidity.

[D]

You know, you make someone cry at your barbecue one time and just throw your whole campaign under the bus. But if you want your candidate less servitude and more alpha male, then I've got a race down in Florida for you.

[B]

Dan Bilzerian has filed paperwork to challenge incumbent Republican Randy fine for Florida's 6th congressional district in the 2026 election.

[D]

Yes, Dan Bazerian, the shirtless trust fund manosphere influencer who posts pictures like this and videos like this. Oh, hell yeah. Check out that. He's crushing a car with a tank. I never would have thought of doing that. All right, this is sick.

[B]

This is sick.

[D]

I bet this campaign is gonna be fun as hell.

[B]

I'm just gonna come out and say it like, I think that Jews are causing a disproportionate amount of problems in the United States.

[D]

Ah, damn it. Why are you showing me Nazism when I was expecting only sexism? But don't worry. He's being forced to answer for his anti Semitism by America's last remaining journalistic institution, tmz.

[B]

Are you anti Semitic? No, I'm not anti Semitic. I think that, you know, that's kind of a made up term. You called your opponent this fat Jew, so he's not from Israel, but you called a guy in Florida this fat Jew. How is that not anti Semitic? Well, he's a Jewish supremacist. He literally talks about how Muslims are lower than dogs. So is that Islamophobic? Yes. Yes.

[D]

Yes, it is. I've heard enough. Give TMZ the Pulitzer. Thank you. Yeah, thank you, tmz, for having the guts to stand up to an anti Semite who gets his hair cut at a dog groomer. Look, I understand we're gonna have to tolerate idiots running for office, but can they at least be fun idiots like this one?

[C]

Reality star Farrah Abraham, teen mom star announced that she was running for mayor in Austin, Texas.

[B]

But the problem is that race is not until 2028.

[D]

And it's a fact she seemed to

[B]

learn in real time on live television. The election's not until 2028. Why so early?

[C]

Oh, for some reason, the mayor election is 2026. I don't know. That's just what the office told me.

[B]

So it is 2028, so I think you may have jumped the gun here.

[C]

I love that I jumped the gun.

[D]

What, you expect me to believe a teen mom made a mistake? Okay, so what? She filed to run for office two years early. That just shows you how badly she wants to be the mayor. It was the office she was born to run for, Abraham.

[B]

She's now running for city council instead. That election is this year.

[D]

Okay, you know what? At least she's willing to admit when she's wrong and adapt. I'm excited to vote for her. I don't know when, I don't know

[E]

where,

[D]

I don't know for what, but I do know she has my vote. And that's all for tonight. I'll see you next time in the Analyson.

[B]

Thank you, Ronnie. We come back, Maria Cher joining me on the show. Don't go.

[C]

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[E]

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[B]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is a five time Grand Slam tennis champion, investor, best selling author and host of the new Vox Media podcast Pretty Tough. Please welcome Maria Sharapova, Five time Grand Slam champion. Between us. I know. Isn't that a great crowd?

[C]

Fantastic crowd. It's been a minute since I've seen a crowd like this.

[B]

They're hot. They're hot. They knew that between us we would have five Grand Slam championships. Good toast. So you got jokes? I got jokes. I got jokes. Those are my Grand Slam match wins, Grand Slam champion, former world number one Olympic medalist, best selling author, podcast. That was the one thing missing from your resume.

[C]

Apparently. That's the evolution.

[B]

Pretty tough. Like I don't think of you as pretty tough. I watched you compete for so many years and it was 100% tough. It was all out tough. Tell me a little bit about this. Pretty tough. I think I have an idea of what it's about.

[C]

But pretty tough was very much my mentality from my youth. Like I pumped my fist from the very beginning and I did not apologize for it. I got slack for it. Right. It was like the only thing I was known for. But yeah, but since I retired it's been a few years and I had a kid and I'm like all of those lessons still apply and you still have to, you know, fight for what you believe and work hard and be determined and all the elements of being pretty tough.

[B]

Where does. Yeah, you know, from the age of five, you were training to be a world champion. The competitiveness in your eyes and your body are so evident from watching you. Where is that competitive energy now? Because you don't have the outlet of the tennis court.

[C]

It's so funny when you say that, because I have a three and a half year old, he's almost four, and I'm like, there is no competitive energy anywhere. Like, there's energy, not competitive. So I look back to those days and look, we moved to this country. I was just six years old, and we had a vision and a dream, and I loved what I did. I loved being an athlete. I love being a competitor. Such a huge identity of mine. But as a female athlete, you know, the time will come much sooner than if you were a CEO or an entrepreneur. And so I started kind of building those small steps toward my future and in business and entrepreneurship. And now in the podcast space, what

[B]

do you want to achieve with the pod? Because it's. You host it. You have female guests on. I mean, ambitious, successful. Your first guest was Zoe Zaldana.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

What did you try today?

[C]

Today?

[B]

Today, Today. It's amazing. I listen to it. It's fun to hear two legends talking about such different fields and their lives. What are you trying to achieve with it?

[C]

Well, it's the juxtaposition of being that gritty, leading a team, but also being elegant and being vulnerable and being soft and being motherly, and those two can coexist at the same time. I often had to choose one or the other by the press and by the media and by occasionally, friends and family. But especially now with being a mother and, like, having friends that have children, we also face similar. You know, I felt like they could really relate to the concept and the subject, and it felt like a very natural evolution.

[B]

Not to mention, every podcast is a guy.

[C]

Oh, I like that. You can swear.

[B]

You can swear here. We do this shit. Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

When I swear here, nobody in a chair goes, code violation. Mr. Costa.

[C]

That's fantastic. One of my first meetings with Vox Media, I was like, I'm only doing the podcast if I can swear.

[B]

Okay, great.

[C]

Like, I cannot get through an hour interview without saying, did you.

[B]

Did you get code violations as a player? I don't remember a lot of that.

[C]

You know, I was. I was pretty put together. Yeah. Yeah. It's all gone downhill since, so that's okay. Yeah, I kept it together pretty good.

[B]

So much on the outside. On the outside.

[C]

On the inside.

[B]

I was like, so much of podcasting is male driven. Yes. The manosphere. And hosted by a manosphere.

[C]

The manosphere. I've been hearing that a lot.

[B]

You've been hearing that is your. You're a competitive person. Is your intention to take on the manosphere, or is it just to showcase more female driven process?

[C]

Oh, I think a lot of men have great content. I listen to it a lot, and there are few. Love how you just gave yourself a compliment. But equally, there's so much room for growth for females to host podcasts. I mean, Kara Swisher, Mel Robbins, those were all my inspirations leading into this. So I feel like there's room in the sandbox.

[B]

Yeah, there is.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

In researching you and getting a chance to talk with you. I don't get to talk with a lot of Grand Slam channels champions. It's awesome you're here. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. But, you know, I. I had forgotten that you had played five Grand Slam finals. You did not win. And I'm just, you know, thank you for reminding me. Well, I'm not trying to.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But it is just so impossible to even make a finals period.

[C]

Right.

[B]

And you always talk about it's disappointing

[C]

when you lose in the final.

[B]

I know.

[C]

It's actually tougher to lose in the final than it is to lose in a semis.

[B]

Why?

[C]

Because you get to watch the other player receive the winner's trophy. I don't know what other sport you really do that where you're sitting, standing right next to them and they're like. And the champion is not you.

[B]

It is truly remarkable that in tennis, you battle, battle, battle. And you have to stand there and go, it's such a pleasure to play you.

[C]

Oh, I know.

[B]

I wanted to. Just. I don't want to. You know, you talk so much about learning from losses or failing forward, and I have a list here of the Grand Slams. You did not win. And I'm sorry that I have to bring this up, but I'm wondering, why

[C]

did I come here?

[B]

Well, no, because.

[C]

Okay, start.

[B]

Okay. 2007 Australian Open final. You lose to Serena Williams. Yes. What do you remember about that match? What did you take from that match?

[C]

Nothing, really.

[A]

Next.

[B]

Well, let me preface by saying this. You beat Serena for your first Grand Slam when you were 17 years old at Wimbledon. She's the defending champion. She's world number one. You come on the stage and you beat Serena Williams.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

From what I know about Serena, she was waiting to take some revenge.

[C]

Well, that's a sign of a champion.

[B]

Sign of a champion, Right. Okay, so that one you didn't learn anything from. What about 2011 Wimbledon final? You lost to Petra Kvitova.

[C]

Oh, it's just, it's hard losing at Wimbledon, whether it's first round or the finals. But no, the reason I say you learn so much from losing is because I think that's when you do your best work. Like that is when you get back to the drawing board. You huddle with your team, you think of, you analyze, right? You think of a new plan when you're winning, you're confident and things just flow. They just go according to plan. And you don't think about, oh, well, what can I do better? So I think you're growing when you're actually not at your best.

[B]

I love that.

[C]

Can you relate?

[B]

I can relate. I have kids and a wife. I'm fully aware of when I'm failing. What about the 2007 year end in Madrid with Justine Henin? What was that match all about?

[C]

Tell me why it was a heartbreaker. Cause I had so many. This is against Justine Henin, who is the fiercest competitor against me. Like her game. Her on a good day and me on a good day. It was a better day for her. Three hours long, three plus, and I end up losing. It was back and forth, back and forth. And this is like season end championships. Not a major, but a big deal. We want to end the year on a good note. And it's sometimes tougher to lose a third set than it is to like just lose in straight sets. And I come off the court and they're just celebrating with the team and they have champagne and it's just. And my dad was my coach at the time, and he looks at me and he's like, we're gonna get our revenge. And I went to the off season. I didn't take a vacation, which I had planned. My friends were all disappointed and I said, I'm going back to the drawing board, back to the drawing board. And I worked hard. I came into the Australian Open just two months later. I draw her in the quarterfinal. I'm like, terrible draw. And I beat her in two sets. And I always think of that match because I became a better player because of it.

[B]

I love that. That's amazing. We're seeing a trend with athletes prioritizing their mental health. I mean, the WTA travels with a therapist now. I don't think that was available to you in your time. I feel like, what's your take on athletes prioritizing their mental health. In some ways, that might be seen as a weakness when you were playing.

[C]

Oh, no. No, it's not. I think accepting the fact that you can. Well, first of all, it's a very expensive sport, so you have to get to a position where you can afford a team with a coach and a fitness trainer and a physio and all that, and perhaps a mental coach. I usually had a small team because I just felt less pressure. I didn't have to report to that many people. But the teams are growing now. Like the boxes of 10 people. That's not enough anymore. You have a full entourage. It's overflowing. I don't think it's a weakness. I think acknowledging that you want to grow, if it's mentally, if it's physically, you always want to improve.

[B]

Were you focused on your mental toughness, on working on that, or is that something that was innate and you had worked on forehands, backhands and stuff?

[C]

Yeah, I would sometimes get off the court and say I was a little soft today. Like, I wanted my opponent to make a mistake. I didn't go for the winner. Yeah, I'd say that because I wanted to. Like, if I lost, I wanted to lose in my own terms.

[B]

Love that. Well, you did. You played like that. And you're so much fun to watch. I'm gonna flip the script here. At the end of your podcast, you asked your guests pretty tough questions. Yeah, well, I'm gonna ask you your pretty tough questions because you interview women of high achieving and high status. Well, you should be interviewing you. Are you ready for pretty tough questions that you.

[C]

Oh, my goodness.

[B]

Maria Sharapova, most common misconception about you.

[C]

Oh, that I'm a cold bitch.

[D]

Hi. What do we think?

[B]

It's good. What's your relationship to perfection?

[C]

Oh, you want to be perfect. Believe me, I strive for perfection on the court, but I realize that it's. First of all, you lose a lot more than you win, and that's just a fact and just gotta go with it.

[B]

Well, you won, like, 81% of your matches, so you didn't lose a lot. Did I? Someone like me lost more than I won, for sure.

[C]

Thank you for knowing that stat. My posture is a lot better after hearing that.

[B]

This was not your pretty tough question. This is mine. Let's be real how bullshit is a curveball. A curveball? Yes. Let's be real how bullshit is Pick.

[C]

I like where you're headed.

[D]

Yeah?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Have you played?

[C]

I like it a lot. Oh, yeah.

[B]

You have?

[C]

Ok. Yeah. On national television.

[B]

Oh, ok.

[C]

It didn't go well.

[B]

Didn't go well?

[C]

No, no. I played with Johnny Mac. Ok. And he. Well, it ended. He didn't even say goodbye to me.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Well, that's on brand for him.

[C]

Yeah. We lost, clearly. We played doubles and he was on my team.

[B]

Ok.

[C]

I haven't played since.

[B]

I always tell people I had a good relationship with my parents so I don't have to play pickleball. Maria, I don't get to talk to a Grand Slam champion very often. Tennis. To tennis.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

People who are watching who play the sport at all different levels. What's one piece of advice you could give a tennis player on a way to improve their game? Anything at all. Their game or just. Yes, their approach, their game, their anything.

[C]

Don't miss.

[B]

Don't miss. I love that.

[C]

Do not miss.

[B]

We make it too complicated sometimes.

[C]

Yeah, you overthink it. It just let it go.

[B]

Just don't miss.

[C]

Let it go. Trust your instinct. Just do it.

[B]

Thank you for being here and talking with us. New episodes of the podcast Pretty Tough and Maria Sharapova coming out each Wednesday. Marie Sharapova say a quick break. We're right back after this. Thank you. Thank you very much, Maria. Thank you so much for the best.

[C]

K Pop Demon Hunters, Haja Boy's Breakfast meal and Huntrick's meal have just dropped at McDonald's. They're calling this a battle for the fans. What do you say to that rumor?

[A]

It's not a battle.

[C]

So glad the Saja boys could take

[A]

breakfast and give our meal the rest of the day.

[E]

It is an honor to share.

[A]

No, it's our honor.

[E]

It is our larger honor.

[C]

No, really, stop. You can really feel the respect in this battle. Pick a meal to pick a side

[E]

and participate in McDonald's while supplies last.

[B]

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[E]

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[B]

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[E]

Your style can make you cash. Start selling on Depop, where taste recognizes taste.

[B]

That's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment of Zen. No one knows who's calling the shots. Vance, Witkoff and Kushner were supposed to leave for Islamabad, but they never took off because the Iranian delegation never took off. Which is suspicious because this morning Trump said the gay ayatollah authorized the deal. Explore more shows from the Daily Show Podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount. Plus, This has been a Comedy Central podcast Putting off replacing your window treatments because you think it's complicated? At blients.com, we spent 30 years proving it doesn't have to be. And right now our Spring Black Friday sale makes it easier than ever. Whether you want to DIY it or have a pro to handle everything from measure to install, we've got you free

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