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)
The October Surprise
25 Languages But Is Arabic One?
Question: Tell Me What You Think About ...
It Doesn’t Even Matter
Barely Bleating: US Open Wrap
Very Good, Serena Williams: US Open Week One
Looks Like We Made It: US Open Preview
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In The 6ix
Summer Renaissance: Hardcourt Preview
In Our (Mail) Bag
The S#&% Show Must Go On: Wimbledon Wrap
In Perfect DisHarmony: Wimbledon Week One
You Just Gotta Be Ready: Wimbledon Preview
Ted Tinling: Tennis’ Needle and Thread
Je Ne Comprends Pas
If Is a Dangerous Word
Thoughts and Prayers: Roland Garros Preview
Out Here Ons Her Own
I Don’t Know (and Other Insights)
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