No Challenges Remaining

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 what it means for both for Alcaraz himself and his future, as well as the competitive landscape of the tour without him. 

Also, we briefly discuss the abrupt and unforeseen exit of WTA CEO Portia Archer this week, after only about a year and a half in the job. 

Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and running to ensure NCR keeps going and stays ad-free, and we hope you can join in supporting NCR! And we especially thank our GOAT backers: Pam Shriver and J. O'D.

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 uncertainty around where the WTA Finals is going next (deja vu there) as well as Iga Swiatek's new coaching hire and her time on court with Rafa, and Coco Gauff showing vulnerability on social media.

Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and running to ensure NCR keeps going and stays ad-free, and we hope you can join in supporting NCR! And we especially thank our GOAT backers: Pam Shriver and J. O'D.

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 Fissette, and awkward moments in one of Coco Gauff's press conferences.

On the men's side, we discuss Arthur Fils' remarkably robust comeback from injury.

We also discuss the effort--in the name of the top 10 players--for more monetary support from the majors, as well as parting thoughts on the very unusual Miami Open venue.

Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and running to ensure NCR keeps going and stays ad-free, and we hope you can join in supporting NCR! And we especially thank our GOAT backers: Pam Shriver and J. O'D.

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 beating Carlos Alcaraz.

We also discuss Iga Swiatek's concerns and possible crossroads with her team, as well as Naomi Osaka's state of mind. 

Plus, we gush a bit about Aryna Sabalenka, as she increasingly deserves.

Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and running to ensure NCR keeps going and stays ad-free, and we hope you can join in supporting NCR! And we especially thank our GOAT backers: Pam Shriver and J. O'D.

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 comebacks.

We also discuss another comeback about which not much is yet known...that of Serena Williams.

Plus a look at the future of the South American swing and what's causing its struggles, as well as the looming shadow of the soon-arriving Saudi ATP 1000 event.

Thank you for listening! Our Patreon is back up and running to ensure NCR keeps going and stays ad-free, and we hope you can join in supporting NCR! And we especially thank our GOAT backers: Pam Shriver and J. O'D.

And please check out Ben's new writing home, Bounces! And Tumaini's work at The Guardian!