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 207: Nadal's 11th, Halep's 1st
Episode 206: Draw Me Like One of Your French Opens, 2018
Episode 205: Rekindling Our Fuego
Episode 204: Osaka and Delpo Feel Their Moment
Episode 203: Fights and Fakes in February
Episode 202: Bouchard vs U.S.T.A. - Genie Wins Round 1
Episode 201: Australian Open Wrap
Episode 200: Mary Carillo
Episode 199d: 2018 Australian Open Preview
Episode 199c: Keep the Dream Alive
Episode 199b: ATP Rundown (with Ricky Dimon)
Episode 199a: The Rises and Falls of Fall
Episode 199: Laver Cup (With Reem Abulleil)
Episode 198b: U.S. Open - Rafa, Sloane, Battle of the Sexes, Unstoppable
Episode 198a: U.S. Open Day 1 - Sharapova Beats Halep
Episode 197: U.S. Open Preview!
Episode 196: Paul Annacone and Giri Nathan
Episode 195: Burning Topics With Lindsay Gibbs
Episode 194: Wimbledon a Wimbledud?
Episode 193: Wimbledon Manic Impressions
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