No Challenges Remaining

Episode 92: Overstuffed With Thanks

Stuffed with turkey and gratitude, Ben and Courtney stick a fork into the 2014 season by looking back at the Davis Cup final and the rest of this improbable season. Was the Swiss win more about Swiss excellence or French failure? Who had the better year, Stan or Roger? And does Mirkagate somehow shed light on the shadowiest parts of the sport? Also, we discuss the recent coaching changes made by Simona Halep and Genie Bouchard on the heels of breakout seasons. We cover this all with a gravy boat of gratitude, and recount what we're thankful for in tennis and beyond. And for dessert, we rant about stuff and Courtney, for a change, curses you all with horrendous music. As always, thanks for following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and subscribing and reviewing on iTunes or your podcast app of choice! Gobble, gobble, dear listeners.

Episode 91: atp DOT wtf DOT com SLASH crybaby

In the last time they'll see each other in 2014 (insert wistful emoticon trying to keep a brave face), Ben and Courtney sat down in London to discuss the WTF-ness of the WTFs, which started out super boring, then had incredible drama in the middle, then lacked a finish altogether. What a delicious jambalaya of emotions we're processing! Firstly, why were the matches in London so uncompetitive and dull? Could it be the worst tournament ever and is that a fair metric? Second, what to make of Roger Federer's withdrawal and its possible impact on the Davis Cup final? And lastly, what about the weird pissiness of the semifinals, namely Djokovic vs. The World and later Stan Wawrinka vs. Mirka Federer? Dots have never been so pointed, you guys. Lastly, we preview the Davis Cup final between France and Switzerland and rant and rave about British stuff! As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and reviewing and subscribing on iTunes! 

Episode 90: Endings and a New Beginning

With a rollicking new intro to get the ball rolling, Ben and Courtney are in Europe and Asia respectively, and looking at how the years are wrapping up on both tours. What to make of Singapore, where the WTA came for the first time? How does Serena's season look in retrospect, and should Halep have eliminated her from the tournament? Who has had a better season, Serena or Djokovic? Why is the tour Federer-centric, and how is London shaping up? And what about Caroline Wozniacki's marathon? Also, we discuss Matthew Syed's tired arguments about why female athletes don't deserve equal pay. As always, thanks for liking us on Facebook, following on Twitter, and subscribing and reviewing on iTunes! You can use your phone to film this show if you want, we won't mind. 

Episode 89: Of Great Walls of Fire and Rising Stars

Reunited from opposite sides of the Great (Fire)wall of China, Ben and Courtney recap the happenings of the last several weeks. What has Courtney made of the tournaments she's seen in China? What will it take for tennis to survive and thrive there? And what of the ailments of Serena and Rafa? Is caution or bravery the right prescription? Also, what of the Spanish sexism toward their new Davis Cup captain? And who are these WTA "Rising Stars" and why did they get picked? Your votes for us with your ears are always appreciated, and as always thank you for liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and subscribing to and reviewing our show on iTunes! 

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!