No Challenges Remaining
No Challenges Remaining is a podcast about professional tennis, mixing humor with analysis of the sport's latest news and storylines. It is hosted by Ben Rothenberg and Courtney Nguyen. The show covers the quirky and unpredictable side of the tennis world, from tournaments to player personalities. Episodes offer informative discussion for tennis fans who enjoy a lighter take on the game.
Episodes
U.S. Open Finals: Rybakina Cements Greatness; Zverev Also Wins
Ben and Tumaini are together in person for the last time this year to talk about the U.S. Open finals and their champions.
We start with the men's final, in which Ben Shelton could not overcome the serve and steadiness of Alexander Zverev (and his lengthy, erratic ball-bouncing). Do Zverev's two Slam wins meaningfully shift the landscape of men's tennis, or does this all feel like an intermission?
U.S. Open Semifinals: Shelton Beats Tiafoe; Top Two Women Advance
Ben and Tumaini are recording out on Court 6, where a safari of intrepid influencers are trespassing and posing to their hearts' contents as we break down the semifinals on the men's and women's side.
In the all-American semifinal, Ben Shelton bested Frances Tiafoe, with big serving and greatly improved returning. What are his chances of reversing a rough head-to-head against Zverev in the final?
U.S. Open Quarterfinals: On Great Matches and Long, Long Nights
Ben and Tumaini are tired but wired to talk about the U.S. Open quarterfinals, particularly Tuesday's slate which turned into the longest day in U.S. Open history.
We discuss Sabalenka d. Noskova, Tiafoe d. Michelsen, and Shelton d. Alcaraz particularly, and also then the issue around late finishes and how it should or shouldn't trigger a reckoning abut best-of-five. (We don't agree on this!)
Th
U.S. Open Fourth Round Into Quarterfinals: Bob, Five Years, and Taiwan
Ben and Tumaini return to Grandstand to record this episode shortly after show favorite Botic van de Zandschulp (known here as Bob van de Slap) wins through to the U.S. Open quarterfinals with a five-set comeback win over Arthur Gea.
We talk about Naomi Osaka's loss and the stubborn 5.5 year ceiling in Grand Slam tennis (more on that on Bounces soon), plus more on Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina, and
U.S. Open: The View From Midway Through
Ben and Tumaini are on Court 5, this time, watching Ben Shelton practice returns as they talk about the middle stages of the U.S. Open, including third and fourth round matches.
We discuss topics including Carlos Alcaraz leveling up, tough losses for Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys, big wins for Frances Tiafoe and Linda Noskova, the great Jovic-Eala match, Serena fleeing the scene after her tough lo
U.S. Open Rd 2: Under the Influencers
Ben and Tumaini are back together, this time as they watch the zenlike experience of powerwashing the Grandstand court.
We cover various second round topics, including Fran Jones' remarkable story, Aryna Sabalenka snapping at a reporter, ITIA investigating the DraftKings party, Gael Monfils' seeking an office job, Felix Auger-Aliassime's benefit of the doubt, Rafael Jodar's inexperience, Ben's buc
U.S. Open Rd 1: Djokovic's Downfall, Fils Fizzles Against Tsitsipas, Rybakina, Kalshi, and More
Ben and Tumaini are back in the media garden outside of Ashe to discuss the nearly completed first round of the U.S. Open, in which Carlos Alcaraz made an impressive comeback and Novak Djokovic suffered a slow and painful exit.
We also discuss Arthur Fils' surprise loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas, a nice win by Gael Monfils, Elena Rybakina playing through pain, and Naomi Osaka's latest fashion statemen
2026 U.S. Open Draw Show
Ben and Tumaini are back together in New York, ready to break down the U.S. Open men's and women's draws, and all the stories therein.
We discuss Sabalenka's struggles, Rybakina's chance at the No. 1 ranking, Gauff's resurgence, Noskova's (lack of) motivation, and more.
On the men's side, we discuss Djokovic's great chances, what to expect from Alcaraz, Djokovic's great chances, both Tiafoe and Fi
Summer Swings: Cincinnati, Canada, Genetic Testing and More
In the second (and longer) part of their recording session this week, Ben and Tumaini fanned out into a range of recent events topics from the last month of tennis, catching up on what's been both a busy yet also quiet stretch of the season.
We start with the uncertainties around Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for New York, after both missed both Canada and Cincinnati. We also discuss Alcaraz's
The Present and Future of Venus and Serena
Catching up after a month away from the mic, Ben and Tumaini discuss events and characters of the past month, catching up with recent events in Cincinnati.
And we had so much to say about the present states of the defining players of our tennis lives, Venus and Serena Williams, that we decided to make this lengthy first topic of discussion into a standalone episode.
Venus and Serena brought us bo
Wimbledon Finals: Sinner d. Zverev, Noskova d. Muchova
In their last Court 15 recording of the fortnight, Ben and Tumaini talk about the women's and men's finals at Wimbledon, in which sleeper pick Linda Noskova recovered from what could've been a nightmare hiccup to win the all-Czech women's final over Karolina Muchova, and Jannik Sinner won a serving contest against Alexander Zverev.
We discuss getting to know Noskova (Knowskova?) and where she goes
Wimbledon Semifinals: Czech-Off; Gauff So Close; Ferytale Sinner-Djokovic Preview
In a rare before-sunset recording, Ben and Tumaini talk about the women's semifinals at Wimbledon, in which sleeper pick Linda Noskova rolled and Coco Gauff lost a heartbreaker against Karolina Muchova after having a match point and what might've been an easy forehand.
We preview the all-Czech women's final, and then transition to the men, who are still yet to play their semifinals.
We discuss Art
Wimbledon Midway: Djokovic d. FAA; Osaka Beats Sabalenka But Loses to Muchova
After being delayed by a day by a Wimbledon Fery-tale, Ben and Tumaini returned to Court 15 at Wimbledon once more to cover the third round and the top half quarterfinals, which concluded with Novak Djokovic's epic win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in more than five hours.
We discuss the men, including those guys, Arthur Fery, Taylor Fritz, and more. We break for the Djokovic and Auger-Aliassime pres
Wimbledon 2026 Round 3: Eala, Doubles Debates, Dimitrov, Mochizuki, Osaka
Ben and Tumaini returned to Court 15 at Wimbledon once more to catch up on the third round, and a behind-the-scenes debate that's generated a lot of conversation: the ATP's proposals to reduce the footprint of doubles.
We discuss the business realities and the arguments that doubles players and fans are fielding to push back in this uphill battle, given recent realities of the tour.
We then dive
Wimbledon 2026 Round 2: Dimitrov, Djokovic, Osaka, Serena's Doubles Doubts
Ben and Tumaini went back to their spot on Court 15 at Wimbledon to chat about the second round action, which was without any massive shocks but still entertained and intrigued.
We start with the men and the great Shintaro Mochizuki, who is into the third round of a Slam for the first time. We then cover Djokovic crushing Tsitsipas, the big win by Grigor Dimitrov (whose presser is an intermission
2026 Wimbledon Round 1: Serena Impresses in Loss; Sinner Struggles; Brits Broken
Ben and Tumaini found a spot on Court 15 at Wimbledon to chat about the first round action at the Championships, which reached its climax with Serena Williams' highly anticipated return to singles.
We talk about what looked great from Serena, what didn't, and what it was like to witness and experience her again after all these years, even if it was just one match because of how well Maya Joint pla
Wimbledraw 2026, and Vondrousova's Very Bad Idea
Ben and Tumaini are back together once more, this time at Wimbledon, where there's lots of stories in both draws, including Serena Williams' return to singles.
We start, though, with the news of 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova getting a four-year ban for refusing a drug test late last year. What was she thinking? Why was this ITIA decision inevitable?
We then jump into the draws, start
Serena Returns; 2026 French Open Ends
Ben and Tumaini are no longer together in Paris, but catch up on the finish in France as well as the event that had Tumaini rushing back to London: Serena Williams' return to professional tennis.
We start with Serena's comeback with Tumaini's perspective from on the ground at Queen's Club: how did she look after four years away? What's it like being back in her orbit? Where does she go from here?
2026 French Open Quarterfinals: Sabalenka's Shock Collapse and More
Ben and Tumaini discuss the eight quarterfinals played at Roland Garros and the semifinals that are now set up, starting with the men and going in reverse chronological order.
We start with Arnaldi winning The Battle Of The Matteos, setting up an all-Italian semifinal against Flavio Cobolli after Cobolli handed Felix Auger-Aliassime a bitter defeat. On the bottom half, we discuss Jakub Mensik step
2026 French Open Middle Stages: One Battle After Another
Ben and Tumaini are back after the third and fourth rounds of what's turned into a wild and thrilling French Open, particularly on the men's side where the post-Sinner free-for-all has produced stunning full-length battles over and over and over again.
We discuss Fonseca d. Djokovic, Jodar and the ball girl, Arnaldi d. Tiafoe, and Zverev's clear status as the favorite to win.
We also discuss the w
2026 French Open: Sinner Collapses; What's Left Without Him?
Ben and Tumaini come together after one of the most shocking matches of our tennis lifetimes, with prohibitive favorite Jannik Sinner taking a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 5-1 lead before promptly stopping winning points and games, ultimately listlessly falling in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo.
This episode has two big components: what happened to Sinner and why, and what's left of the field without
2026 French Open Round 1: Glittering Gold and Dripping Sweat
Ben and Tumaini wrap up the first round at this 2026 French Open, where it's been very hot and a bunch of the top 10 seeds haven't looked so hot, particularly on the men's side.
On the women's side, the car crashes have somehow been literal, but Naomi Osaka's fashion moment was a big hit in all the best ways.
Also some Bounces items mentioned: there's a 15% discount on subscriptions during this Fr
Draw Me Like One of Your French Opens, 2026
Ben and Tumaini keep everyone's favorite annual episode title going strong with a look at the draws for the 2026 French Open, where Jannik Sinner is a prohibitive favorite against an uninspiring men's field and the women's side seems far more up for grabs.
Can anyone stop Sinner? If so, whom? And who could even make it out of the bottom half?
On the women's side, we discuss Sabalenka, Swiatek, and
Jannik Sinner, the Grandmaster (and Everyone Else in Rome)
Ben and Tumaini get back together at their kitchen table in Paris, discussing events of Rome, where the biggest story was Jannik Sinner making ATP history.
We discuss the enormity of Jannik Sinner having won all nine Masters 1000 events, and how the ATP's term for it is deeply suboptimal. It's not the most suspenseful tour right now, but it's impressive.
We also discuss the far more unpredictable
Emergency Episode: Injured Carlos Alcaraz Out of Roland Garros & Rome
Ben called in Tumaini (who found a quiet corridor in Madrid) to record an emergency episode on the news of Carlos Alcaraz missing Rome and Roland Garros next month due to a concerning wrist injury.
We usually wouldn't do an emergency episode about a withdrawal, but the competitive relevance of Alcaraz to men's tennis is hard to overstate--he's defending champion of both events--and so we dig into
Sinner Surges as Rivalry Resumes in Monte Carlo
In an episode that came out on video overnight for our Patreon backers, Ben and Tumaini discuss April events in tennis so far, including the Monte Carlo Masters from which Tumaini just returned.
Has Jannik Sinner meaningfully pulled ahead of Carlos Alcaraz right now? And have they pulled even further from the pack? Plus, Valentin Vacherot's unlikely staying power.
On the women's side, we cover the
Sabalenka and Sinner Double the Sunshine; Adios, Miami
Ben and Tumaini are back together in Miami, recording during the lengthy rain delay before the men's final--and then a bit afterward--about the happenings on and off court at the Miami Open.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner both continued their dominances, completing parallel Sunshine Double sweeps in style.
On the women's side, we also discuss Iga Swiatek's decision to part with coach Wim Fisset
Midway Through Miami
Ben and Tumaini have reunited for the Miami Open, a tournament which Tumaini is covering for the first time. We start the show with his impressions of the city and the event itself, including its passionate crowds and very strange center court.
We then shift to a few of the intriguing results and players here, including the stunning Arthur Fils rout of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Sebastian Korda beati
February: Schedule Woes, Alcaraz, Pegula, Serena, and More
In an episode that is also available on video form on our Patreon, Ben and Tumaini are back together for the first time since their late nights in Melbourne, catching up on a busy week of February tennis.
The WTA calendar seemed to reach an abrupt breaking point, Carlos Alcaraz kept winning, Jessica Pegula showed just how underrated she is, and Arthur Fils and Jack Draper made comeb
Australian Open: Alcaraz Clinches Career Slam With Win Over Djokovic
There was going to be history on Sunday no matter what, and Ben and Tumaini end their Australian Open coverage with discussion of Carlos Alcaraz's big win over Novak Djokovic, coming back from a slow start to clinch his career slam by winning the Australian Open, his seventh major title overall.
We discuss Alcaraz's present and his ambitions for all-time greatness, where this event leaves his riva
Australian Open: Rybakina Beats Sabalenka to Win Her Second Major
After a very good women's final, Ben and Tumaini hop the microphone once more to discuss Elena Rybakina's impressive three-set win over Aryna Sabalenka, avenging her loss in the final here three years ago.
We discuss Rybakina's strong form, her potential to challenge for the top spot in the rankings, as well as Sabalenka's struggles in some of these big matches while still being the clear top play
Australian Open: Alcaraz, Djokovic Win Epics to Reach Final
After a dozen days that were mostly dull, the Australian Open kicked into high gear on Day 13, and so Ben and Tumaini stayed up late to discuss what made it so great.
Carlos Alcaraz was up big, then was in trouble, then was up against the wall, but finally eked out a rousing win over Alexander Zverev to book his spot in his first Australian Open final.
But instead of being joined by his customary
Australian Open: Sabalenka, Rybakina Reach Final; Cameras Chafe; Serena's Comeback
The women's Australian Open final is now known for this year, and Ben and Tumaini also talk about several other buzzy topics of the day.
We start with Aryna Sabalenka and the great win she had, as well as the strange hindrance call, which leads to a grunting rehash. We also discuss Elena Rybakina, and the high-quality second set she had against Pegula.
We then take on two other topics of the day:
Australian Open: Quarterfinals into Semifinals
This Australian Open still hasn't yet had the epics we've been hoping for, but Ben and Tumaini are here to review and preview as hope springs eternal, and as the star-studded quarterfinals make way for the star-studded semifinals.
There were a lot of duds in the quarterfinals, it must be said, none duddier than Lorenzo Musetti's brutal injury while commandingly leading Novak Djokovic. We also disc
Australian Open: Fourth Round into Quarterfinals
The first four rounds of the Australian Open featured historically few upsets--the Top 6 seeds are all still in for both the men and women—and so Ben and Tumaini had lots of big stars to talk about heading into the business end of this tournament.
We start with the women: Sabalenka-Jovic, Gauff-Svitolina, Pegula-Anisimova, and Rybakina-Swiatek.
And then on the men's side, there's Alcaraz-de Minaur
Australian Open: Round 3 Recap and Second Week Preview
A relatively drama-lite Australian Open third round sets up a blockbuster fourth round in both draws, and Ben and Tumaini were delighted to look back and look ahead as the year's first major rounds into the second week.
We look ahead to the intrigues of matches like Alcaraz-Paul, Bublik-de Minaur, Medvedev-Tien(!!!), Musetti-Fritz, Mensik-Djokovic, Sabalenka-Mboko, Gauff-Muchova, and Pegula-Keys,
Australian Open Round 2: Stan, Osaka-Cirstea, Bartunkova, and More
It wasn't the newsiest Round 2 at this Australian Open until near the end, and once all the drama had died down Ben and Tumaini got together to discuss the sudden moments at the finish line.
While Belinda Bencic exited to talented Czech teen Nikola Bartunkova, Naomi Osaka stayed in the talk with a testy finish against Sorana Cirstea.
On the men's side, Stan Wawrinka showed his staying power, winni
Australian Open Round 1 - Eala, Osaka, Oliynykova, Tiafoe, and More
With the first round of the Australian Open main draw finally complete, Ben and Tumaini got together to discuss some of the biggest moments and stories.
We discussed the women first, starting with Naomi Osaka's big fashion moment (and her interview with Ben), the tournament's failure to supply seats to meet the massive crowd demand for Alexandra Eala, the impressions Oleksandra Oliynykova made on
The One Point Slam Delivers Again
Back together in Melbourne for one of their favorite occasions in tennis, Ben and Tumaini jumped on the chance to record a show about the second edition of their beloved "1 Point Slam," the pre-Australian Open event which they fell in love with a year ago.
We discuss this year's bigger and--often--better event, the strong play by the WTA players in particular, and the surprise finalists.
What make
New Tennis Year, New Tennis News
In an episode that was already released as a video yesterday for our Patreon backers, Ben and Tumaini kick off Season 15(!) of No Challenges Remaining from opposite sides of the globe.
Tumaini talks about the start to the season so far in far-flung Perth, which includes injury issues plaguing Brits at the United Cup.
We then discuss some of the biggest headlines from recent weeks: the Battle of t
Mary Carillo, a Hall of Fame Talker
After coming out last week in video for on the NCR Patreon and Bounces, it's a delight to bring listeners Ben's chat with Mary Carillo on the occasion of her getting voted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Ben and Mary discuss Mary's trademark honesty, her committed avoidance of social media, and much more.
Mary's a longtime NCR favorite, and we are very happy for her and delighted to h
Riyadh and Rybakina, ATP Finish Line Drama, and Battle of the Sexes Concerns
In another episode that was already released as a video overnight for our Patreon backers, Ben and Tumaini wrap up what was a very busy Saturday in the world of tennis, including three simultaneous finals.
We start with the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where Elena Rybakina won a very high-quality, high-level tournament that still looked small. How is the WTA going in Saudi Arabia after two years? Should
ATP Adds a New Saudi Masters 1000 as 2025 Season Wraps Up
In an annual post-marathon tradition, Ben and Ricky Dimon catch up on the world of men's tennis, both recent news and the overall stories of this 2025 season that is nearing its conclusion.
We start with the big news from the ATP, who have announced that a new, 10th Masters 1000 event will be added to the calendar win a few years. With complaints about the schedule rampant, what do we make of the
Cousins' Shanghai Surprise, US Women Shine, Hall of Fame Votes...and Peeing
In an episode that was released as a video overnight for our Patreon backers, Ben and Tumaini catch up on the happenings of the tennis tours in China, including 204th-ranked Valentin Vacherot somehow winning ATP 1000 Shanghai, beating his first cousin Arthur Rinderknech in the title. Is it the most shocking title we can recall?
We also discuss Zverev's much-mocked complaints about surfaces being
Giri Nathan on the "Changeover" to a Sinner-Alcaraz Duopoly
Ben sits down with author Giri Nathan for this episode, to go deep into his new book, Changeover, and the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry at its focus.
This episode was recorded during the U.S. Open, but these two players remain the overwhelmingly obvious story in men's tennis, including this week as Sinner won Beijing while Alcaraz won Tokyo.
We discuss the process of writing this book--which hopefully
Alcaraz d. Sinner (Feat. Trump), Sabalenka d. Anisimova, and More 2025 US Open Endgame
Ben and Tumaini, eventually joined by Giri Nathan, discuss the ending of this 2025 U.S. Open, which concluded with Carlos Alcaraz dominating Jannik Sinner in a four-set victory to complete their third major final of the year. How much better is Alcaraz right now in this match-up? And what did Sinner reveal in his press conference during our intermission.
We also discuss the elephant in the room fo
Naomi d. Coco and Other Stories at the 2025 U.S. Open Midpoint
Ben and Tumaini check back in after the most-hyped match of this U.S. Open so far, in which Naomi Osaka soundly beat Coco Gauff to make it into her first major quarterfinal in more than four years.
We discuss that match as well as the rest of the women's draw, including the Krejcikova-Townsend epic, and then turn to the men, in which Djokovic-Fritz is an intriguing match before what looks like (we
Taylor Townsend and the Talk of the 2025 U.S. Open
It's a whistlestop episode for Ben and Tumaini, who had a train to catch late Friday night at the U.S. Open.
We have a lot to catch up on, including the firestorm created by the Townsend-Ostapenko match and why that hit such a cultural nerve, the bizarre mess of a scene at Iga Swiatek's press conference (which the USTA deleted from the record), Altmaier's avoidance of Tsitsipas' drama, chatter aro
US Open Day 1: Daniil Medvedev Crashes Out
Scuttling previous plans, Ben and Tumaini are together once more for a bit of an emergency episode on the wild shitshow which Daniil Medvedev delivered on Sunday at the US Open, exacerbating a long delay when down match point to Benjamin Bonzi which dramatically turned the match, only for Bonzi to win in five.
We discuss the surreal scenes, the mistakes made by pretty much every party involved, ho
Courtney's Comeback
Reuniting where they first met 15 years ago, Ben is delighted to have Courtney back on NCR once more for this episode, catching up on what's happened for her this year and what she currently has in the works as she rejoined the tour this month.
We discuss the end of Courtney's time at the WTA, what she's been doing in the months since, and how she got started with the new project she's been workin
Shining Stars—and Decay—in DC (With Ava Wallace)
Ben is joined by Ava Wallace of The Washington Post to discuss their hometown tournament in DC, and how this place still manages to charm and shine as a uniquely accessible and diverse place on tour despite the challenges of a rusting stadium.
We discuss the big players this week as well, including the impressive comeback of Venus Williams, local hope Hailey Baptiste, and top American men Frances
Wimbledon Finals: Swiatek Bakes Anew; Sinner-Alcaraz's Latest Chapter (With Giri Nathan)
Ben and Tumaini are joined for their Wimbledon finals show by Giri Nathan, who literally wrote the book on the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry that featured its latest chapter in the Wimbledon final.
Before discussing Sinner and Alcaraz and their continuing takeover—and Sinner finally getting another win in his column—we start with the women's final, in which Iga Swiatek blanked Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0.
Big Finals Setting Up at Wimbledon 2025
Ben and Tumaini, on the mic once more together, recap the business end of Wimbledon, where one final is already set on the women's side and two blockbuster semifinals are set for the men.
We start with the women's side, on which Amanda Anisimova is making her first major final after beating Aryna Sabalenka (who had herself a much more composed press conference this time). We then discuss, to Tuma
Dimitrov's Disaster (and Other Less Bleak Wimbledon Outlooks)
Ben is joined for the final time during this Wimbledon by Ricky Dimon, to discuss the fourth round matches that were played and how the quarterfinals and beyond are shaping up.
We start with the bleakest moment in recent tennis memory, when Grigor Dimitrov was up two sets to none on an injured Jannik Sinner, only to suffer his own sudden acute pectoral injury and be forced to retire mid-match for
Wimbledon at the Halfway Point
Ben is back with Ricky Dimon to discuss a third round at Wimbledon that was much less tumultuous than the previous two rounds, and the second week outlook for the tournament that it set up.
On the women's side, is it Sabalenka or the field? And is the men's side still looking like likely chalk of Sinner-Djokovic and Fritz-Alcaraz semifinals?
Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and runn
Draper, Paolini Out as Wimbledon Upsets Continue
Ben is joined once more by Ricky Dimon to catch up on the further upsets in the second round of Wimbledon after the carnage in the opening round, and to set up third round clashes.
We start with Jack Draper, the local hope who was bundled out by 2017 runner-up Marin Cilic. We then wrap up the rest of the men, including exits for Americans Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul, and look for what could be i
Upsets Abound in 2025 Wimbledon First Round
After an unexpectedly tumultuous two days at Wimbledon, Ben is joined by Ricky Dimon to discuss the record number of upsets from the first round of Wimbledon, in which 23 seeds lost their first match, including some big names.
Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and more were all sent packing in various ways, and we discuss the short and long term fallouts.
Thank you for
A Sound Portrait of Wimbledon, A Half-Century Ago
Something different and pretty cool this time:
50 years ago at Wimbledon, the two singles champions were two of the biggest pioneers in tennis history: Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe.
It was also the first of many Wimbledons covered by then-young Canadian tennis journalist Tom Tebbutt, and he made a radio documentary for the CBC of a remarkable breadth of voices from around the tournament, from
Alcaraz d. Sinner and Gauff d. Sabalenka in French Open Final Thrillers
[Reuploaded to fix what was an incomplete file on some podcast platforms the last time!]
Ben and Tumaini, on the mic one last time from their house in Paris, are fresh off two thrilling finals at Roland Garros.
We start with the just-ended men's final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which produced some of the best tennis ever seen after a five-hour mark. What made this match so good? And
Alcaraz d. Sinner and Gauff d. Sabalenka in French Open Final Thrillers
Ben and Tumaini, on the mic one last time from their house in Paris, are fresh off two thrilling finals at Roland Garros.
We start with the just-ended men's final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which produced some of the best tennis ever seen after a five-hour mark. What made this match so good? And was it too long or just right?
We then get to the women's final, in which Coco Gauff wo
Roland Garros 2025: Quarters Into Semis
Ben and Tumaini, together again, are back to wrap up the quarterfinals and look ahead to the semifinals for both the men and women at Roland Garros.
We start with the women, where a too-close-to-call Sabalenka-Swiatek semifinal is set, and super-surprise Lois Boisson might just be playing well enough to keep her strong form going against Coco Gauff?
We then shift to the men, where a Sinner-Alcaraz
Roland Garros 2025 Midway Round-Up
Ben and Tumaini, fresh off their collaboration on Ben's Victor Barber interview, catch up on everything in the first four rounds of Roland Garros.
We start with the big results of the day--Bublik d. Draper and Boisson d. Pegula--and then discuss the scheduling and the morass of night sessions.
We then check in on the various shortlist contenders--Alcaraz, Sinner, Swiatek, Sabalenka, Gauff--and end
Episode 400! Draw Me Like One of Your French Opens, 2025
Ben and Tumaini (whom Redditors agree has "quietly become the best tennis journalist on the planet") are delighted to have "Episode 400," which is actually the 566th episode of NCR with real counting, coincide with an annual favorite episode title.
After a long media day in Paris, we break down the men and then the women. Is anyone there to disrupt a Sinner-Alcaraz final, which would be their firs
Episode 399a: Jannik Sinner, Superstar of Rome
Forestalling NCR's imminent quatercentenary ever so slightly, Ben and Tumaini turn on the microphone together for the first time in their shared Paris abode, just to wrap up some loose ends from Rome before our big French Open draw show later this week.
Tumaini discusses the incredible superstar status of Jannik Sinner, who enraptured the public and put on some dominant performances en route to th
Episode 399: Christopher Clarey on "The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay"
Ben is joined by his longtime NYT teammate Christopher Clarey to discuss the release today of his new book, The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay, exploring both the prolific 14-time champion at Roland Garros and the dusty red landscape of his triumphs.
Topics include: how Nadal's frenetic, obsessive energy shaped Chris's own writing process, Nadal's language proficiencies (or lack the
Episode 398: When the Lights Went Out in Madrid
Ben and Tumaini (who can also be watched in a video version of this episode on NCR's Patreon) found a moment to meet up between the end of a wild Madrid and Jannik Sinner's big comeback in Rome.
We discuss the post-apocalyptic vibes of Madrid, including a detailed rundown from Tumaini on how he navigated the power outage early in the event.
Along with discussing the big runs by Casper Ruud, Jack D
Episode 397: What Breaks Through In Tennis
Ben and Tumaini (who can also be looked at as they talk in a video version of this episode on NCR's Patreon, if you're into that sort of thing) catch up after a few weeks apart at various stops on the tour.
We first, though, discuss why odd stories like Harriet Dart complaining about how her opponent smells wind up being the tennis stories that really break through to the mainstream. What can get
Episode 396: The PTPA's Big Swing in Court
Ben and Tumaini reconvene to try to make sense of the big lawsuit filed by the PTPA and a group of lesser-known players against the powers-that-be in tennis, what we make of the organization, and this big swing they're taking after years of not being recognized.
What do we make of the PTPA's 163-page laundry list of claims? What points resonate and which don't? And is there an inconsistency betwee
Episode 395: Andreeva, Draper, and a Rebrand
Ben and Tumaini are back together again after tennis traveled through the desert of Indian Wells, discussing crowning a new queen teen, a steady Brit, and women's tennis going for a new look.
We discuss Mirra Andreeva's success, her improvements, her admirable coach Conchita Martinez, and how her Russia nationality might play into her role as a new star.
We also discuss Aryna Sabalenka's saltiness
Episode 394: Mixed Feelings
Ben and Tumaini reconvene for the first time back in their cold home hemisphere to discuss tennis happenings in February, which involve several complex stories.
First, we discussed the late-breaking news of Stefano Vukov receiving a one-year ban from the WTA, and the details that were reported by The Athletic about the WTA's reasons. Is this new proactive approach correct?
Second we discuss the re
Episode 393e: Australian Open Finals: Keys to Victory; Sinner Winner
Ben and Tumaini recorded one last show from this lovely trip to Melbourne, discussing the two singles finals.
We start with the triumphant, tour-de-force title run by Madison Keys, who was the best version of herself in many ways as she tore through a historically tough draw to win her first major after years of struggling with expectations. What made Keys so impressive? There are many correct ans
Episode 393d: Australian Open Semifinals Into Finals
Ben and Tumaini are together after four singles semifinals are in the books, one of which was an epic and one of which was a short story.
We start with the women, where Aryna Sabalenka played perhaps her best match of the tournament so far to beat Paula Badosa, booking a spot in the final against Madison Keys, who played perhaps the best match of her career to beat Iga Swiatek in the other semifin
Episode 393c: Australian Open QFs Into SFs
Ben and Tumaini are back after another round is in the books at this Australian Open, looking back at the quarterfinals and setting up the semifinal slate.
We start with the women, where Coco Gauff suffered a surprising unraveling at the hands of experienced thread-puller Paula Badosa. Badosa will play Aryna Sabalenka, while Madison Keys will face Iga Swiatek in the other semifinal.
On the men's s
Episode 393b: Australian Open Midway
Ben and Tumaini are checking back in midway through this Australian Open, just as the quarterfinals are about to begin.
We break down the women's stories first, including check-ins on top contenders Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek. We also discuss all the fuss over Danielle Collins giving it back to a hostile crowd, Madison Keys' resurgence, and Elina Svitolina's transformation.
On th
Episode 393a: Australian Open Early Impressions
Ben and Tumaini come to you from the rollicking first week of the Australian Open for a quick catch up on the major stories so far through two rounds here.
We discuss Joao Fonseca and Jakub Mensik's non-shock upset wins, Djokovic and Murray's early returns, Gael Monfils solving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Naomi Osaka's great wins over tough foes, Zheng Qinwen getting rattled against Laura Siegemun
Episode 392: 2025 Australian Open Draws Show
Ben and Tumaini have been working away at the Australian Open in the build-up to the main draw, taking a break to enjoy the sublime "One Point Slam," and writing lots of stuff we think you'll enjoy like Ben's piece on qualifying and interview with Goran Ivanisevic, and Tumaini's inside look at Murray coaching Djokovic and his fun story on cheating in tennis practice.
But the Australian Open draws
Episode 391: Season Underway Early; Gauff and Swiatek Deliver a Banger
Ben and Tumaini are back together again in Melbourne, teeing up a season that started earlier than ever before, and a first week that ended with a classic.
We discuss the United Cup, which reached a peak in the final with Coco Gauff beating Iga Swiatek, turning what had been a hopelessly lopsided rivalry into an absolute thriller, a shift that could have major ramifications atop women's tennis. We
Episode 390: Swiatek's Positive, Djokovic-Murray Tandem, Nadal's Exit
Ben and Tumaini can't take a break with all the news breaking already in this short tennis offseason, led (so far) by the revelations around Iga Swiatek's positive test and small one-month ban after convincingly proving her melatonin had been contaminated.
This is the second doping case right at the top of tennis this year, and there's a lot to discuss in the fallout: the two-tiered track of tenni
Episode 389: Mailbag Musings
Ben and Tumaini got a bunch more questions than fit into our previous episode, so, after an amazing musical prelude by Dan Bern, we answer the remainder of ones we got before recording in this separate episode.
We discuss a wide range of topics: Billie Jean King's suggestion that tennis should simply the scoring terminology; padel; ranking points at Challengers; the unpopularity of two-week Master
Episode 388: Sinner Dazzles Through Cloud; Nadal's Sunset
Ben and Tumaini join up once again to discuss the tennis season that is *still* going in mid-November, somehow.
We start with Jannik Sinner's dominant run at the ATP Finals in Turin, where he never lost more than four games in any set en route to a title that moved him even further from the pack. How discordant are these magnificent triumphs with the backdrop of his still unresolved anti-doping sa
