No Challenges Remaining

After the Wimbledon quarterfinals have wrapped up for both the men and women at Wimbledon, Ben is joined by two lovely guests, tennis historian Steve Flink of TennisChannel.com and Australian Tennis Magazine's Matt Trollope, to discuss the past and future.  How much will Roger Federer's epic win over Marin Cilic take out of him heading into the semifinals against Milos Raonic? And will Andy Murray be able to make good on his favorite as status?  On the women's side, hear from Venus' coach David Witt, as well as our takes on her run and whether this should be considered Serena's tournament to lose. And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160c!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

On his way to a calendar slam that many considered as likely as not, Novak Djokovic ran into the indomitable Sam Querrey. Yes, that happened. Ben and Courtney discuss the stunning win, both from a perspective of Novak's understandable letdown and Querrey's unlikely casting in this role, despite his undeniable talent and weapons.  Also, an update on the rest of rain-soaked play, and the all important questions of where it leaves our concert plans.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160b!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

On his way to a calendar slam that many considered as likely as not, Novak Djokovic ran into the indomitable Sam Querrey. Yes, that happened. Ben and Courtney discuss the stunning win, both from a perspective of Novak's understandable letdown and Querrey's unlikely casting in this role, despite his undeniable talent and weapons.  Also, an update on the rest of rain-soaked play, and the all important questions of where it leaves our concert plans.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160b!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

It's been a rainy start to Wimbledon, but there isn't deja vu to the Paris misery just yet, in large part because of the delightful story of #772 Marcus Willis, who won seven matches to win a trophy of sorts: a chance to face Roger Federer on Centre Court. It was the best sort of sports story, and it brightened an already rainy first week. To talk about the remarkable rise of the man known as "Cartman," we hear from Willis himself, his girlfriend Jennifer Bate, and commentator Mike Cation, who incredulously called Cartman's infamous "RC Coke and a Snickers" breakthrough in Knoxville. And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160a!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

It's been a rainy start to Wimbledon, but there isn't deja vu to the Paris misery just yet, in large part because of the delightful story of #772 Marcus Willis, who won seven matches to win a trophy of sorts: a chance to face Roger Federer on Centre Court. It was the best sort of sports story, and it brightened an already rainy first week. To talk about the remarkable rise of the man known as "Cartman," we hear from Willis himself, his girlfriend Jennifer Bate, and commentator Mike Cation, who incredulously called Cartman's infamous "RC Coke and a Snickers" breakthrough in Knoxville. And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR160a!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

The grass is ready for Wimbledon, and so are Ben and Courtney for this draw preview show! First, the dudes. Who are the stumbling blocks for Novak Djokovic as he aims for a *fifth* straight Grand Slam title? Is Federer ready to be a threat? How are Dominic Thiem's chances of sustaining momentum? And what did the Brits, bar Murray, do to deserve such brutal draws? For the ladies, it's Serena vs the field, once again. But there's plenty of room for that to be an incredibly compelling match-up, with tough seeds looming for Serena at the tournament's midway point. Who makes it out of the loadedly grassophilic second quarter? And can Garbine Muguruza reach another final? Or could a Venus or Madison Keys stand in her way? Also, Brexit. And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR159!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

The grass is ready for Wimbledon, and so are Ben and Courtney for this draw preview show! First, the dudes. Who are the stumbling blocks for Novak Djokovic as he aims for a *fifth* straight Grand Slam title? Is Federer ready to be a threat? How are Dominic Thiem's chances of sustaining momentum? And what did the Brits, bar Murray, do to deserve such brutal draws? For the ladies, it's Serena vs the field, once again. But there's plenty of room for that to be an incredibly compelling match-up, with tough seeds looming for Serena at the tournament's midway point. Who makes it out of the loadedly grassophilic second quarter? And can Garbine Muguruza reach another final? Or could a Venus or Madison Keys stand in her way? Also, Brexit. And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR159!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

With Wimbledon just around the corner, Ben and Courtney stroll through the grass lead up so far. Who has raised his or her stock most? How much can we read into these results? And what is it about the tranquility of Halle and Eastbourne that make them such idyllic warmups? Also: super takes on super coaches. Then, we welcome back Wimbledon superstar Alex Willis, who catches up listeners on developments at the All-England Club over the last year (cool stuff afoot!), before we step back in time and reshare the walking tour she did last year. Then we rant about Icelandic stuff--both of us, somehow.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR158!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

With Wimbledon just around the corner, Ben and Courtney stroll through the grass lead up so far. Who has raised his or her stock most? How much can we read into these results? And what is it about the tranquility of Halle and Eastbourne that make them such idyllic warmups? Also: super takes on super coaches. Then, we welcome back Wimbledon superstar Alex Willis, who catches up listeners on developments at the All-England Club over the last year (cool stuff afoot!), before we step back in time and reshare the walking tour she did last year. Then we rant about Icelandic stuff--both of us, somehow.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR158!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

As Ben soaks up the Halle Weltenschauung, he is joined this week by a voice any tennis fan should be very familiar with: Nick Lester, one of the anchors of the ATP's world feed television coverage, beamed and streamed around the world. Nick discusses his path to the microphones he today graces, plus his takes on what makes for good and bad commentary, and all sorts of other related topics that will hopefully serve to pull back the curtain on how the people behind the best voices in this sport you love get to be such worthwhile voices to listen to.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR157!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

As Ben soaks up the Halle Weltenschauung, he is joined this week by a voice any tennis fan should be very familiar with: Nick Lester, one of the anchors of the ATP's world feed television coverage, beamed and streamed around the world. Nick discusses his path to the microphones he today graces, plus his takes on what makes for good and bad commentary, and all sorts of other related topics that will hopefully serve to pull back the curtain on how the people behind the best voices in this sport you love get to be such worthwhile voices to listen to.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR157!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Nearly dried out from a miserably soggy French Open, Ben and Courtney are up in much sunnier Scotland, drinking in the tournament and some ales in an Edinburgh pub (our apologies for the sometimes overwhelming background clatter). First, Garbine Muguruza won on the women's side. What did she show during her run, and how worried should we be about the inevitability of Serena Williams breaking records? Then, Novak Djokovic did what he was supposed to, ultimately, and rolled over Andy Murray to win a Novak Slam and a Career Slam. He's really good. Just how really good? Also, other miscellaneous musings on rain and neighborhood concerns and airport security.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR156!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Nearly dried out from a miserably soggy French Open, Ben and Courtney are up in much sunnier Scotland, drinking in the tournament and some ales in an Edinburgh pub (our apologies for the sometimes overwhelming background clatter). First, Garbine Muguruza won on the women's side. What did she show during her run, and how worried should we be about the inevitability of Serena Williams breaking records? Then, Novak Djokovic did what he was supposed to, ultimately, and rolled over Andy Murray to win a Novak Slam and a Career Slam. He's really good. Just how really good? Also, other miscellaneous musings on rain and neighborhood concerns and airport security.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR156!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

As the first week of the French Open wraps up, Ben and Courtney bring in a legendary tennis Tweeter to guest on each side of the tournament. First, discussing women's happenings, it's Tumaini Carayol! How well is this women's draw holding together to pay off in a great second week (answer: very), and should Alize Lim's outfit have saved her from some doubles fine (answer: why not?)  On the men's side, it's Ricky Dimon! He shares his thought on the cavernous second quarter, Djokovic's improved prospects, scalding crepes, and more.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR155c!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

As the first week of the French Open wraps up, Ben and Courtney bring in a legendary tennis Tweeter to guest on each side of the tournament. First, discussing women's happenings, it's Tumaini Carayol! How well is this women's draw holding together to pay off in a great second week (answer: very), and should Alize Lim's outfit have saved her from some doubles fine (answer: why not?)  On the men's side, it's Ricky Dimon! He shares his thought on the cavernous second quarter, Djokovic's improved prospects, scalding crepes, and more.  And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR155c!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.