Hitting The Fan

Episode 78 is our attempt to make sense of the strange happenings of the past week: the Nastase-fueled nightmare at the Romania vs. GB Fed Cup tie; Max Eisenbud's petty and rude comments; Serena's pregnancy and Patrick Mouratoglou's response; and Rafael Nadal's history-making 10th Monte Carlo title. This episode also features an interview with the engaging and hilarious Caitlin Thompson, publisher of Racquet Magazine and co-host of The Main Draw podcast. Caitlin and James talk about Maria, journalism, Racquet's new issue, and the philosophy that drives the magazine. Stick around for Caitlin's take on the Serena/Beyonce vs. Maria/T-Swift analogy.

 

0:45 So, uh, did something happen this weekend?

4:30 How are we feeling about Serena's pregnancy now? Are we ok?

10:30 Fed Cup results: USA def. Czech, Belarus def. Suisse

12:40 Romania-GB Fed Cup nightmare

19:30 Geopolitics & nationalism in Fed Cup

33:15 Max Eisenbud, what a mess - but does anyone believe that Max doesn't speak for Maria? - "You are the company you keep"

43:30 Rafa Nadal wins La Decima at Monte Carlo, and it's practically an afterthought

46:50 Cedric Mourier royally screws Goffin, everyone blames Rafa

55:30 James' interview with Racquet magazine publisher Caitlin Thompson - we talk tennis aesthetics, Maria as capitalist, and the new issue 

01:05:00 Caitlin talks sports journalism and the perils of preserving access

01:23:30 Where/how to get Racquet magazine