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 370: Inside Zverev's Trial - "The Truth Remains Open"
Episode 369e: Swiatek, Alcaraz Lead Their Generations - 2024 French Open Finals
Episode 369d: French Open Lurches Toward Rocky Finish
Episode 369c: Is Women's Tennis Missing the Moment? (French Open Day 6)
Episode 369b: Osaka Nearly Stuns Swiatek - 2024 French Open Day 4
Episode 369a: Nadal Says Goodbye (...Probably) - 2024 French Open Day 2
Episode 368: Draw Me Like One of Your French Opens, 2024
Episode 367: Iga Does Double; Men Are Rubble
Episode 366: "Challengers" Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes
Episode 365: "Challengers" Changes the Tennis Movie Genre
Episode 364: WTA Goes Saudi; Huge Premier Tour Changes on the Table
Episode 363: Sun Shines on Sinner, Collins, Swiatek and Alcaraz
Episode 362b: The State of the Union in Women's Tennis, Golden, Oldies
Episode 362a:A Halep Reversal and a Rublev Removal
Episode 361b: Sabalenka Smashes Australian Open Women's Field
Episode 361a: Sinner the Winner of Men's Australian Open
Episode 360: 2024 Australian Open Draw Show
Episode 359: ”Naomi Osaka” - Behind the Book
Episode 358: Women’s Tennis Turmoil Reviewed
Episode 357: The Year in Men’s Tennis (With Ricky Dimon)
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