Episode 397: What Breaks Through In Tennis

Ben and Tumaini (who can also be looked at as they talk in a video version of this episode on NCR's Patreon, if you're into that sort of thing) catch up after a few weeks apart at various stops on the tour. We first, though, discuss why odd stories like Harriet Dart complaining about how her opponent smells wind up being the tennis stories that really break through to the mainstream. What can get people talking about tennis? And is it something that the tours with all their millions spent on promotion could capitalize on? We then catch up a bit on our respective recent tournament travels and big happenings in the world of tennis since our last episode, including Jakub Mensik winning Miami (and why he's less hyped than other prospects), Carlos Alcaraz getting back on the board in Monte Carlo, Iga Swiatek's prospects of returning to championly ways on clay, and much more.  Thank you for listening! 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. And please check out Ben's new writing home, Bounces! And Tumaini's work at The Guardian!