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October Mailbag: Big Questions to Answer Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Thanks for sending in all of your questions for our October mailbag! Y'all wanted to tackle some big, broad topics, and so we did our best to do those justice.

First, Ben and Tumaini catch up on some rare respective R&R at home, which for Tumaini included covering Davis Cup and Laver Cup events in London--and Tumaini explaining what part of Laver Cup made him feel like he was going crazy.

We then get into the mailbag, which includes discussion of what changes we think tennis most needs and which are most possible, and also doubles reform discussion.

We then get into Jannik Sinner's lengthy absence and how the lack of information around it has caused speculation to inevitably creep into the void.

We then get into monotony and homogeneity in ATP playing styles, and then turn to the topic which was the center of most questions and comments: the current state of the WTA, its apparent financial issues, and how much lucrative prize money might be to blame. (Ben cites this clip, for reference.)

Lastly, a brief elegy for Tennis.com.

U.S. Open Finals: Rybakina Cements Greatness; Zverev Also Wins Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are together in person for the last time this year to talk about the U.S. Open finals and their champions.

We start with the men's final, in which Ben Shelton could not overcome the serve and steadiness of Alexander Zverev (and his lengthy, erratic ball-bouncing). Do Zverev's two Slam wins meaningfully shift the landscape of men's tennis, or does this all feel like an intermission?

We then turn to the women, where Elena Rybakina produced a far more emphatic championship performance, beating Aryna Sabalenka (and sending her crashing out early and often) and ascending to the No. 1 post on the WTA Tour. How will Rybakina wear the crown going forward?

It's been a long U.S. Open, and we thank you for being there with us throughout it.

Thank you for listening! You can read Ben's work at Bounces and Tumaini's at The Guardian. 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.

U.S. Open Semifinals: Shelton Beats Tiafoe; Top Two Women Advance Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are recording out on Court 6, where a safari of intrepid influencers are trespassing and posing to their hearts' contents as we break down the semifinals on the men's and women's side.

In the all-American semifinal, Ben Shelton bested Frances Tiafoe, with big serving and greatly improved returning. What are his chances of reversing a rough head-to-head against Zverev in the final?

And on the women's side, it'll be a second Rybakina-Sabalenka this final, as both beat Americans to book their spots.

U.S. Open Quarterfinals: On Great Matches and Long, Long Nights Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are tired but wired to talk about the U.S. Open quarterfinals, particularly Tuesday's slate which turned into the longest day in U.S. Open history.

We discuss Sabalenka d. Noskova, Tiafoe d. Michelsen, and Shelton d. Alcaraz particularly, and also then the issue around late finishes and how it should or shouldn't trigger a reckoning abut best-of-five. (We don't agree on this!)

U.S. Open Fourth Round Into Quarterfinals: Bob, Five Years, and Taiwan Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini return to Grandstand to record this episode shortly after show favorite Botic van de Zandschulp (known here as Bob van de Slap) wins through to the U.S. Open quarterfinals with a five-set comeback win over Arthur Gea.

We talk about Naomi Osaka's loss and the stubborn 5.5 year ceiling in Grand Slam tennis (more on that on Bounces soon), plus more on Zheng Qinwen, Elena Rybakina, and the Taiwanese feud of families.

U.S. Open: The View From Midway Through Sep 06, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are on Court 5, this time, watching Ben Shelton practice returns as they talk about the middle stages of the U.S. Open, including third and fourth round matches.

We discuss topics including Carlos Alcaraz leveling up, tough losses for Taylor Fritz and Madison Keys, big wins for Frances Tiafoe and Linda Noskova, the great Jovic-Eala match, Serena fleeing the scene after her tough loss and not doing press, and the disrepair of the U.S. Open's media areas.

U.S. Open Rd 2: Under the Influencers Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are back together, this time as they watch the zenlike experience of powerwashing the Grandstand court.

We cover various second round topics, including Fran Jones' remarkable story, Aryna Sabalenka snapping at a reporter, ITIA investigating the DraftKings party, Gael Monfils' seeking an office job, Felix Auger-Aliassime's benefit of the doubt, Rafael Jodar's inexperience, Ben's bucket list schedule-making story, and world feed weirdness.

We then, like everyone else, weigh into "influencer" discourse, which has been one of many hot topics at this tournament as ring lights and narcissism crowd the grounds. Who is and isn't an "influencer", anyhow? Is there space or value for them in tennis?

U.S. Open Rd 1: Djokovic's Downfall, Fils Fizzles Against Tsitsipas, Rybakina, Kalshi, and More Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are back in the media garden outside of Ashe to discuss the nearly completed first round of the U.S. Open, in which Carlos Alcaraz made an impressive comeback and Novak Djokovic suffered a slow and painful exit.

We also discuss Arthur Fils' surprise loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas, a nice win by Gael Monfils, Elena Rybakina playing through pain, and Naomi Osaka's latest fashion statement.

We also discuss the U.S. Open's "trashy" deal with Kalshi, and Mary Carillo's amazing induction speech in Newport.

2026 U.S. Open Draw Show Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

Ben and Tumaini are back together in New York, ready to break down the U.S. Open men's and women's draws, and all the stories therein.

We discuss Sabalenka's struggles, Rybakina's chance at the No. 1 ranking, Gauff's resurgence, Noskova's (lack of) motivation, and more.

On the men's side, we discuss Djokovic's great chances, what to expect from Alcaraz, Djokovic's great chances, both Tiafoe and Fils coming off their historic Cincinnati final, and more.

We also talk a bit about the mixed doubles results, and our feelings about Nick Kyrgios after his positive cocaine test.

Summer Swings: Cincinnati, Canada, Genetic Testing and More Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

In the second (and longer) part of their recording session this week, Ben and Tumaini fanned out into a range of recent events topics from the last month of tennis, catching up on what's been both a busy yet also quiet stretch of the season.

We start with the uncertainties around Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for New York, after both missed both Canada and Cincinnati. We also discuss Alcaraz's cornrows (remember those?).

Of players who did play up north, we discuss champs Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek. We also catch up on rising stars Alex Eala and Rafael Jodar, both of whom are inspiring strong reactions.

We also cover the Marketa Vondrousova doping ban decision in full, and also the WTA's decision to start doing genetic sex tests on its players, news first broken on Bounces.

Tumaini then closes the show by describing his in-person experience going to see Ms. Lauryn Hill.