Ben and Tumaini Carayol dust off the NCR machine to bring you a look at the 2023 French Open women's and men's draws, breaking down the contenders and darkhorses while touching on several of the big stories of the past few months while the show has been on hiatus (Relatedly, Ben's forthcoming book on Naomi Osaka is now available for pre-order!)
Can Iga Swiatek reestablish her dominance on the women's side at her favorite tournament? How clear a favorite is Carlos Alcaraz on the men's side?
Before that, we start with a discussion of two notable absences: Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion who hasn't played in months due to a persistent psoas injury, and Simona Halep, a former champion and #1 who has taken an increasingly vocal and outspoken stance as she tries to rally support against anti-doping authorities following her positive test for a blood doping agent last year.
We also discuss the extended formats of the Madrid and Rome Masters 1000 events, changes which have been poorly received across the board.
Thanks for listening! Bon voyage, bonne chance, bonne nuit!
Episode 245: The Path to WTA Coaching (with Tom Hill)
Episode 244: A Picture Perfect Tour, with Jimmie
Episode 243g: Australian Open - Novak Djokovic Eight 'Em Up
Episode 243f: Australian Open - Sofia Kenin's American Dream Come True
Episode 243e: Australian Open - Previewing the Finals
Episode 243d: Australian Open - Serena, Wang, Osaka & Gauff Stun Week 1
Episode 243c: Australian Open - Wozniacki & Jabeur, with Freddie & Reem
Episode 243b: Australian Open - Clearing the Air
Episode 243a: Australian Open - Where There's Smoke...
Episode 242: Australian Open 2020 Draw Preview
Episode 241: Battles in Brisbane; Serena Wins a Title
Episode 240: ATP Cup Begins; Fires Continue
Episode 239: Barbora Strycova
Episode 238b: Top 10 Defining Female Players of the Decade
Episode 238a: Top 10 Defining Male Players of the Decade
Episode 237: Tennis Power Plays with Lindsay Gibbs
Episode 236c: Reviewing New Davis Cup (with Eleanor Crooks)
Episode 236b: Farewells and Fair Blocks
Episode 236a: Tsitsipas is King in England; WTAsia Wrap
Episode 235: Dude Tennis With Ricky Dimon
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