Maria Sharapova became the richest woman in sport, a 5-time Slam champ, and one of the most polarizing figures in tennis. We have not always been Masha proponents, but it's important for us to contextualize her excellent career, her clever self-branding, and the many contradictions and mysteries at the heart of Maria Sharapova, superstar. We'd be remiss if we didn't interrogate the textured relationship between Maria and Serena, and the complex racial and sexual dynamics that colored and drove their money, images, and matches. After that, we chat about the Persian Gulf swing (is that a thing?): Rybakina's 21 wins, Djokovic's 21-match win streak and Monfils' heartache, Sabalenka's huge performance in Doha, and Ons Jabeur's ever increasing confidence. We end with some mess, as is our wont.
:45 Maria Sharapova announces her retirement from tennis in an essay for Vogue & Vanity Fair - let's look at her vast influence and great career
10:15 It's complicated! Talking about the Great White Hope myth; the contradictions at the heart of Maria's sparkling image and her gritty, pugilistic game
18:15 Constructing a sex symbol out of an underage girl
25:25 Meldonium - how has it changed the way we talk about her career?
37:00 Results! Rybakina & Halep in Dubai, Garin in Rio, Felix in another final
41:30 Acapulco: Watson & 17-year-old Canadian Fernandez in final; Mexican Renata Zarazua stuns; Venus & Sloane do not
45:00 Doha (Sabalenka! Jabeur!) and Dubai (Djokovic at 21 straight wins!)
52:50 HEALTH: Roger gets surgery, Andy clarifies his injury problems
56:30 MESS: Nick takes his road most travelled (the low one), Naomi claps back, Youzhny writes a sonnet
67:30 RIP Jeanne Evert Dubin (1957-2020)
Whatever Happens
Charleston Renaiissance
Miami Requiiem
The Bees Are Back In Town
Contaminated With Questions
You Cannot Be Serious
Pills and Potions
RIP OHB
Fuming: February Mailbag
Dreaming More Than Ever: AusOpen Wrap
Swallowed Whole: Australian Open Week One
In The Blinkova(n) Eye
Payola: 2024 Australian Open Preview
Comeback Kids
What Off-Season? Tennis and Pop Culture Mailbag
The Streak Breaker: Hana Mandlíková
Misery Business: 2023 ATP Wrap
Let Them Eat Cake: 2023 WTA Wrap
Novak and the Seven Jokers
Shambles
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