No Challenges Remaining

With the WTA Finals underway, Ben chats up our Singapore correspondant, Courtney, to talk about how the tournament is shaping up. How very impressive is Sharapova's ability to make successful comebacks time and time again? Is this a glimpse at a post-Serena world? And what of the bigger emphasis on doubles, including the new fan favorite Chan sisters? Speaking of doubles siblings, what does it mean for the Bryans to lose the top ranking? And in men's singles, why was Nadal-Rosol's resumption of unniceties the perfect reminder of why we care about tennis? Lastly, we introduce you to Courtney's new WTA Insider podcast, Ben talks about architectural karma, and these pretzels are making Courtney homesick. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Again a world apart, Ben and Courtney bridge a 12-hour time difference to come together for this episode, in which they discuss the yawniness of Shanghai and Novak Djokovic's invincibility, but then rally to Djokovic's defense when it comes to his snub from the ATP Sportsmanship Award Ballot. Just who do Ben and Courtney think should be considered for that award, as well as the other ATP votes? Then, more excitingly, Ben chats with Jiří Fencl, the coach of Lucie Hradecka, who discusses the life and challenges of being a coach, Czech tennis, as well as his awesome tennis app Resultina and the challenges and opportunities of tennis data. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Despite the ocean between them, Ben and Courtney finally reunite (from Boston and Tokyo, respectively) for this episode, and catch up on the doings in WTAsia as well as dude tennis. What can be gleaned from this free-for-all stretch, which included unlikely surges from players like Garbine Muguruza, Venus Williams, and Jo Konta? And as the Singapore race looks ever more chaotic, did Serena do the "right" thing by withdrawing? On the men's side, where does Rafael Nadal's lopsided loss to Novak Djokovic in the Beijing final leave him? And is Stan Wawrinka having the best year of any Swiss player, or does that honor go to Federer, Bencic, Bacsinszky, or Hingis? Then, Courtney loves Beijing and Ben is giddy about The Future being within reach. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Live from Beijing, China, this episode is Courtney's Speakerboxx to Ben's The Love Below last week. Courtney chats to two guests: first, her wonder-climbing buddy Carole Bouchard, a return NCR guest who is in China for the first time and discusses her impressions of tennis in the country, and the two discuss the schedule issues so often discussed at this time of year. Then, Courtney welcomes Peter Chorba, who is the senior business development manager for the China Open, to discuss sponsor liaising and also just life in China as an American ex-pat. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

With Ben and Courtney an ocean apart, this week we bring you a special interview from earlier this year, in which Ben sat down with tennis investigative journalist and author Michael Mewshaw to talk about the unsavory sides of tennis which he uncovered in working on his explosive books Short Circuit and Ladies of the Court. Decades after the books came out, many of the same issues still linger. From conflicts of interests to match fixing to drugs, Michael pulls lots of pins out of grenades here as well, so be sure to duck and cover as needed! As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

As the dust settles from the U.S. Open, Ben and Courtney sift through current developments in tennis to find what really matters. How does the devaluation of Davis Cup reflect on the dwindling importance of nationalism in tennis? Should Andy Murray skip the World Tour Finals in order to play the final in Belgium? What should Stacey Allaster's WTA reign be remembered for? And how should Serena Williams and the rest of the women approach the remainder of the season, including the new Zhuhai event? Should Novak Djokovic change something in order to be loved? Should we aspire to be unpopular quarterbacks? As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

After the last Grand Slam event of 2015 has come to a close, and so did Serena Williams' bid for a historic sweep, losing in the semifinals to Roberta Vinci. And so, Ben and Courtney discuss the stunning defeat, where Serena stands now, and why her humanity has always made her so compelling. Also, Flavia Pennetta won the U.S. Open! Weird! On the men's side, Roger Federer's bid popular support couldn't get him across the finish line against Novak Djokovic, much to the dismay of 23,000+. Also, Genie Bouchard's slip-and-fall, ESPN's on-court interview gambit, and much, much more! As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

Live from under the new partially finished roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Ben and Courtney are here to break down the 2015 U.S. Open draws. And, of course, this tournament begins and ends with Serena. How does her road look? Who poses the biggest threats? And is it fair to keep making her into something that transcends tennis and bears a larger societal responsibility? By the way, who *can't* come out of that bottom half? Also, who will come out of this strangely second-fiddle men's event? Djokovic? Federer? Murray? Also, Courtney likes pants and Ben's bus driver avoids an accident. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

In an annual tradition, Ben and Courtney come to you live from the asphalt for the post-Cincinnati show! But instead of an Interstate in Maryland, this time they're broadcasting from a strip mall parking lot in Mason, Ohio. Same difference? Anyhow, you know what's different? Roger Federer's returning! That was cool. Also, who the heck can beat Serena? And does it mean it's a weak era if no one can? As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!

In this very special episode, Ben and Courtney talk about the small news of the summer (Rafa winning on clay, Serena choosing caution yet again) and then launch into a deep segment with our gal Colette Lewis of Zoo Tennis to discuss all things junior tennis as Kalamazoo hosts the most anticipated US Boys Nationals in generations. With junior tennis, you take the good, you take the bad...and you decide how much credit the federation deserves. Also, Courtney really likes a movie and Ben worries if our children are learning. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting platform of choice may be!