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 thereof), how the media access landscape has changed over the course of his career reporting on Nadal, Nadal's complex relationships with his top rivals, the specter of doping allegations over Nadal's era, how top athletes like Nadal decide when to stop, the archetype of Spanish masculinity Nadal presents and lack of women in his tennis orbit, and more.
The book is out today, so do check it out!
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!
--------
1:22:29
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 Draper, and Aryna Sabalenka, we discuss what's up with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek.
Then we shift our attention to Rome, where there've been some unideal renovations to some nice Mussolini legacy work, and where Jannik Sinner could pick up right where he left off.
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!
--------
1:11:02
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 people talking about tennis? And is it something that the tours with all their millions spent on promotion could capitalize on?
We then catch up a bit on our respective recent tournament travels and big happenings in the world of tennis since our last episode, including Jakub Mensik winning Miami (and why he's less hyped than other prospects), Carlos Alcaraz getting back on the board in Monte Carlo, Iga Swiatek's prospects of returning to championly ways on clay, and much more.
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!
--------
1:17:43
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 between their purported purpose for players and the arguments they're making? (You can also read Ben's interview with PTPA executive director Ahmad Nassar.)
After spending the first 40 minutes on that, we discuss other topics that have emerged in the past week or so, including Novak Djokovic's image being frequently used by right-wing politicians, the current ATP inconsistency, Emma Raducanu's struggles and resurgence, and Naomi Osaka's trajectory.
We end with a melancholy happy trails to author John Feinstein, and lots of love for NCR's dear Courtney.
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!
--------
1:45:24
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 in defeat, and Iga Swiatek's long defense of herself after a semifinal tantrum.
We also discuss Jack Draper and his journey (which Tumaini has covered closely), and how he's emerging at a time when other top men are flailing.
And lastly we discuss the WTA's rebrand, and what we think should be their priorities going forward.
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!
Colombia