No Challenges Remaining

Episode 88: Li Na, Behind the Wall

In this nearly Ben-less episode from Beijing, Courtney and Chinese reporter Liu Renjie (aka Joe) discuss the impact of Li Na's retirement, and just how much of a game-changer she was for tennis in China. How did her interactions with Chinese and western media differ? And what were the ways she changed China's perceptions of the world, and the world's perceptions of China, and China's perceptions of the world? Then as they wrap up Courtney and Joe fail to contain their jealousy for Ben's incomparable fashion sense and it's really pretty sad. As always, thank you for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to and reviewing our show on iTunes! 

Episode 87: Li Na Flies Away

Upon reading Li Na's retirement announcement, Ben and Courtney stepped into the NCR Studios from opposite sides of the world to reflect on the legacy left by her hall-of-fame career. What impact did she have on the sport? Was she a one-off, or is there a genuine tidal wave of Asian talent coming behind her? Can the WTA's push into Asia be viable without her? For as talented as she was, might she have actually been an underachiever? And what will we miss most about this awesomely badass lady? To help you through the grieving process, try liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to and reviewing our show on iTunes! 

Episode 86: U.S. Open is A-O.K.

The U.S. Open is over, and it was a combination of yeah-that's-about-right and wait-what-really-is that possible?. We discuss the incredibly unexpected Marin Cilic-Kei Nishikori final, and what impact it will have on the men's game, and what it says about the health of the game's future. We then discuss the women's side, which saw Serena do the obvious for a change, and Wozniacki return to relevance. Also, we discuss the improvement of the U.S. Open grounds, and the decline of American tennis as it pertains to the exit of Patrick McEnroe from his USTA post. No matter if you're American or not, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to and reviewing our show on iTunes! We like you guys more than a Barnett Cup semifinal.

Episode 85: U.S. Open for Business

Live from New York, Ben and Courtney are very ready to kick off the last Grand Slam of the year! What do we make of the women's and men's draws? Who are the hurdles for the top players, and who do we think will be prevailing at the end? We agree, but do you agree with us? Along the way, we discuss soft quarters, the struggles of Andy Murray, Ryan Harrison's legitimately terrible luck, and more! Also, we discuss Arcade Fire at length because let's be honest that's what you came for. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to and reviewing our show on iTunes! As much as we want sedation, you guys give us elation. Thanks for listening!

Episode 84: The Greatest Roadtrip 2: Check Your Tire Pressure

Ben and Courtney are back on the road driving across this great land, and discussing all the things in the rear view mirror of the past two weeks. Like Canada! What to make of the great runs by Venus and Tsonga? And Cincinnati! How about that Federer guy? And Caroline Wozniacki! And what on earth do we make of the redonk Ivanovic-Sharapova semifinal and all the drama that followed? Also, we discuss what the US Open will be like without Rafael Nadal, and do some game theory on the US Davis Cup team for a complete change. Enjoy!  As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice is! Til the streets make us feel brand new, and big lights will inspiya you...

Episode 83: The Washington and Stanford Files

After last week's craziness subsided, Ben and Courtney return to all the things you presumably like about this show, like talking about tennis! What did Courtney make of Serena's emphatic return, and Azarenka's puzzling struggles? And who is this Naomi Osaka character? In DC, how should we feel about John Isner's court discontent? And looking ahead, who has the more significant injury, Rafael Nadal or Li Na? And should the US Open have invited Andy Roddick to the party? Lastly, we Take a Number because it's been too long! Oh, and Courtney has all sorts of feelings about Agents Mulder and Scully. As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice is! The truth is out there, and it's that you guys are awesome. 'Til Cincy!

Episode 82: Copy? Over.

It's been one of the more intense weeks in recent memory in the world of tennis media, but Ben and Courtney are here to try their best, as always, to shed some light on it all. The majority of this episode is devoted to this week's revelations about the extensive plagiarism by Neil Harman in his work for the Wimbledon yearbook, about which you should read Ben's report for Slate if you haven't yet. In a wide-ranging, lengthy segment, Ben and Courtney discuss how the story came together and the issues it raises. Then, because you probably want to hear us talk about players, too, we discuss Sloane Stephens and Bernard Tomic, two 21-year-olds who have had interesting times since our last show. As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be! We hit Ctrl+C on our hearts and Ctrl+V them into your ears because we think you guys are super-duper. Thanks for listening, as always.

Episode 81b: Question–Tell Me What You Think About…That

Obviously there have been some extremely interesting developments in the 10 days since we recorded this all-questions episode, but your questions are still awesome and we hope our answers are, too! First, we talk about the status of gay issues on the tour. Is "open secret" a sustainable status? Next, Sloane? That's the question. And what's the significance of the WTA coaching moves of Li Na and Ana Ivanovic? Also we explain to you why it's problematic that Wimbledon won't let the press ask Andy Murray about poop. Then, for a complete change of pace, we discuss taxation ethics! Because obviously! Lastly, we turn our sights to the upcoming #MERICA swing: what are the best U.S. Open Series tournaments, and is there any American man other than John Isner who could do something halfway-decent? You, our listeners, are like triple-decent. As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be!

Episode 81a: Question--Tell Me What You Think About...This

Without much urgent tennis to attend to, Ben and Courtney decided to dive into your pressing questions! We answered a ton, so this Episode 81 has been split into two parts. Lucky you! On this first part, we discuss who will be the next first time Slam champ on the women's side, what to expect soon from Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, and Agnieszka Radwanska, what Fabio Fognini's deal is, women's tennis' broadcast shortcomings, Serena's burnout and how it reflects on Chris Evert's open letter, our dream tennis-rap beefs, and more! As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be!

Episode 80: We Are So Wimble-Done

After nine weeks at sea, Ben and Courtney are very grateful to be back on their home couches, soaking up Home Sweet America. But first, there's the matter of Wimbledon to wrap up! Petra Kvitova and Novak Djokovic won! Genie Bouchard and Roger Federer did not win! What does it all mean? And what on earth can we make of Serena's surreal doubles episode? We're not sure, but we try! As always, you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to and review our show on iTunes or whatever your podcast app/platform of choice may be!