No Challenges Remaining

Episode 27

It was a very busy week in tennis considering it's February, so Ben and Courtney had lots to talk about.  We discuss the changing dynamic atop the WTA, with the interesting coinciding happenings of Serena Williams ascending to No. 1 but losing to Victoria Azarenka.  We also discuss Rafael Nadal's week in Brazil, and that he won, but also if he's been given a free pass for diva-like behavior when it comes to constantly complaining and being unsatisfied.  We then talk about Piotr Wozniacki berating a chair umpire and why that was bad.  Then we take questions about the use of social media by tournaments as well as the role of Asians in tennis (and sports in general), and then we take a number.  By the way, once you listen to the take a number segment, go on our Facebook page and vote for which one of us you agree with.  Are you Team Ben or Team Courtney? Either way, we are decidedly Team You. Thanks for listening.

Episode 26

On this episode, Ben and Courtney talk about Rafael Nadal's return to the tour in Chile, and what to make of his loss in the final to Horacio Zeballos.  We also discuss the even more surprising news out of La Famille Bartoli, with Marion and Walter parting ways.  We then tackle the ATP/Indian Wells prize money increase debacle, and offer to take any spare cash that may be lying around.  Then we take questions about hotels and languages and Serena, take a very good number, and then rant about stuff for a while.  A good time was had by us, and a good time will be had by you, too.

Episode 25

On this long-awaited Episode 25, delayed due to oceans between us and technical difficulties, Ben and Courtney finally wrap the 2013 Australian Open.  This, of course, means lots on Victoria Azarenka's injury timeout, and an evaluation of the backlash she received.  We also consider the current state of American men's tennis, particularly Ryan Harrison.  We then discuss Davis Cup, its flaws, and the flawed verbiage with which maple leaf mastery has been described.  And to close, Courtney reveals her biggest fear, and we mourn the exit of Liz Lemon from our lives.  You'll want to go to there.  Apologies for the volume difference between our voices in this recording--Ben just wanted to sound like The Voice of God.

Episode 24

In Episode 24, Ben and Courtney discuss the first week of the 2013 season, in which the youngin's did good and lots of people threw in the towel.  We looked toward to the Australian Open, and sympathetically at Sam Stosur, who seems to find the entire continent to be made of kryptonite.  And does love mean nothing to tennis media, or should we be deciphering every glance that Grigor Dimitrov throws in the direction of the WTA Tour? Also, we take a number and Ben recites One Direction b-side lyrics from memory with no trace of shame.  You might want to imagine this whole episode being read aloud by Ashley Harkleroad, just for fun.

Episode 23

In Episode 23, Ben and Courtney had to jump back in the booth to address Rafael Nadal's early withdrawal from the Australian Open, and whether or not it was the right decision.  It's a new year, so we discuss what we want to see in this year,  and what we don't want to see.We also discuss the age rule at length, as well as Andy Murray and which Grand Slam will have the best final in 2013.  Also, we "take a number" in the 90s once again, which I know you people all get some sick pleasure out of.  Then we end with some rants about media ethics stuff, which hopefully someone besides us will find at least mildly interesting.

Episode 22b

In Episode 22b, Ben and Courtney continue to power through your winter questions like a snow plow through a blizzard--except with way more sarcasm and debates over Ke$ha.  Topics include tournament travel recommendations, federation funding of less achieving players, and what sport we'd like to write about besides tennis. Also, we recognize the wonder that is Tsvetana Pironkova against Venus Williams, as well as some thoughts on the world of online tennis writing. And because we didn't get to say it on the air--Merry Christmas, y'all.

Episode 22a

In Episode 22a, your questions keep Courtney and Ben from starving in the harsh tennis winter, for which they are very appreciative.  Topics include Australian things like Bernard Tomic, Sam Stosur, and Hopman Cup, as well as guilty pleasures like Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams appearing on the Home Shopping Network.  This episode is ruched and very slimming--you should totally download one in each color.

Episode 21

In another post-season episode, Ben and Courtney answer lots of listener questions. You people help get us through this long, cold winter, and for that we are grateful. Topics include Kim Clijsters and Yulia Putintseva, who have faiiirly different personalities.  We also resurrect Take a Number and introduce the world (and ourselves) to Tita Torro. And then we discuss doping for a while because we haven't before and it seemed relevant even if it is a massive bummer.  But we end on a high (boy soprano?) note of Junior Eurovision which is sure to leave you feeling all warm inside.

Episode 20

In Episode 20, Courtney and Ben are back stateside and back on the mic(s).  We talk or ways through the WTFs in London, our ballots for Player of the Year, Most Improved, Best Newcomer, and more. Then we audibly shake our heads when discussing what Bernard Tomic does atop buildings. Also, we end the episode by discussing whether or not Rafael Nadal will congratulate us for getting back in the recording studio (or something), and what sort of suitcase he should put his Armani in when he returns to tour.

Episode 19

In Episode 19, Ben and Courtney stick with the Asian swing to discuss Victoria Azarenka's domination over Maria Sharapova on hardcourts, Kei Nishikori's history-making in Tokyo, and the merits of tennis in China when all we see are empty seats and stadiums. We also discuss the upcoming TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul, the freshly revealed lineup for next year's Hopman Cup, and per our listeners' request, we talk about our pre-NCR lives. Oh and Courtney finally found her microphone. It was about damn time.