No Challenges Remaining

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!)  

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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 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 the Taiwanese feud of families.

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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 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 loss and not doing press, and the disrepair of the U.S. Open's media areas. 

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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, 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 bucket list schedule-making story, and world feed weirdness.

We then, like everyone else, weigh into "influencer" discourse, which has been one of many hot topics at this tournament as ring lights and narcissism crowd the grounds. Who is and isn't an "influencer", anyhow? Is there space or value for them in tennis?

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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 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 statement. 

We also discuss the U.S. Open's "trashy" deal with Kalshi, and Mary Carillo's amazing induction speech in Newport.

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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.