While there was certainly on court news on Day 1 at the French Open, led by #4 Dominic Thiem exiting in the first round and further opening up the men's draw in its already wide-open bottom, the news of the day again revolved around Naomi Osaka, against whom the Grand Slams responded forcefully with a $15,000 and threat of further, escalating sanctions if she does not end her boycott of mandatory post-match media obligations.
Ben is joined by Andrew Eccles of The Spin to discuss the standoff, why it has escalated, and why it has resonated so widely beyond tennis. We discuss why more understanding of both sides is warranted, the unclear but important mental health side of this situation, and how it all might resolve itself.
Plus a bit on Thiem, Sabalenka, Kvitova, and Eurovision, natch.
Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the NCR Patreon which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can during the French Open, check out our five tiers and see which might be right for you! And thank you to the many listeners who have already given their support! (And thank you to G.O.A.T. backers J O'D, Mike, Pam Shriver, and Nicole Copeland!)
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)
Episode 356: Simona Halep and the Biggest Doping Conviction in Tennis History
Episode 355i: 2023 US Open Finals - Coco Gauff’s First; Djokovic’s 24th
Episode 355h: 2023 US Open - Semifinals Wrap, Finals Preview
Episode 355g: 2023 US Open Day 10 - Blair Henley, the New Voice of the US Open
Episode 355f: 2023 US Open Day 9 - Shelton Upsets Order, Beats Tiafoe
Episode 355e: 2023 US Open Day 7 - Ostapenko Ends Swiatek’s Reign
Episode 355d: 2023 US Open Day 4 - Going Back to Tennis
Episode 355c: 2023 US Open Day 3 - Is the US Open a Good Neighbor?
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