Live from Brooklyn, Ben is rejoined by <a href='https://twitter.com/AJEccles'>Andrew Eccles</a> of <a href='https://thespin.substack.com/'>The Spin</a> to discuss a busy April weekend of tennis (and the Oscars). WTA #1 Ash Barty solidified her hold on the top spot with a title on the indoor clay of Stuttgart; should she be considered the favorite for the French Open, where she won two years ago? And does Aryna Sabalenka get treated fairly by the commentariat? Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas played a very, very long match that ultimately wasn't the sort of torch pass it might have been; or was it? Also, Berrettini and our reactions on the surprises of the startlingly shuffled Oscars. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

No Challenges Remaining

Episode 299a: Barcelona, Barty, Belgrade and Boseman (in Brooklyn)

Ben and Courtney(!) join forces once more to discuss the breakout stories of the Miami Open, of which there were many. We lead off with a long chat about Ash Barty, the WTA #1 who seemed to prove her claim to that mantle more than ever with her title. Why did this title feel so big for a player who has already achieved so much? We then discuss Bianca Andreescu and her remarkable charisma and stage presence, which feels singular and retro. We also discuss Naomi Osaka, whose win streak stopped at 23.  Then we move onto the boys, of whom Hubert Hurkacz prevailed in a depleted field (but through a tough draw) to Courtney's considerable delight, Jannik Sinner proved to still be a real-deal, and Sebastian Korda is way better than we bargained for. Also Vasek Pospisil and Alexander Bublik! Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 299: Barty, Bianca, and Boys in Miami

The Miami Open, which has been in a state of flux in recent years, is underway this week in the parking lot of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens in front of a scant crowd and limited media, and with an especially depleted men's player field. To get a feel for how it's going on the ground, Ben checks in with Miami Herald columnist <a href='https://twitter.com/kaufsports'>Michelle Kaufman</a>, who discusses the vibe on the ground, how it fits into the South Florida sports landscape currently, and how it feels to cover this unusual event. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 298: The Empty Miami Open (with Michelle Kaufman)

Think tennis could work better? So does pretty much everyone who works in tennis. Ben is joined by <a href='https://twitter.com/yaffebellany'>David Yaffe-Bellany</a> of Bloomberg News, author of <a href='https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-03-24/novak-djokovic-other-tennis-players-seek-to-reform-economics-of-the-sport'>a recent piece exploring the long tradition of dysfunction and underperforming within the business side of tennis</a>. What are the roots of the disorganization and the animosity? What are possible fixes to the sports poor earnings and its short payroll? What do we know about the still largely undefined PTPA and the role it could play? Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 297: The Broken Economics of Tennis

As the tours spend another week in the Middle East, the region's tennis queen <a href='https://patreon.com/reemabulleil'>Reem Abulleil</a> joins NCR once more from (nearly) on-site in Dubai. First, Reem shares her impressions of having been on site at a tournament this week for the first time in more than a year, at ATP Dubai. How different does the empty bubble atmosphere resonate in person? Then we discuss Aslan Karatsev, who keeps winning and soaring up the rankings at an incredibly steep rate, all while we really haven't learned much about him or understood what's transformed his career so dramatically. Where might we find answers? Then we look toward the Miami Open, where there has already been an exodus of top men's talent, making it the first Big 3-less Masters draw since 2004. What can be done to prevent such things? Do tournaments deserve loyalty from their stars in hard times? You'll hear a bit of Denis Shapovalov in this part. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 296: The Voids to Fill

It was a newsy week in tennis, and Ben is joined by our MENA correspondent <a href='https://patreon.com/reemabulleil'>Reem Abulleil</a> to discuss it all. Garbiñe Muguruza won her first title in two years at WTA Dubai, and seems to be building meaningful momentum as a top player week-in, week-out. What impact could that have on the tour? Roger Federer returned to competition at ATP Doha for his first matches in more than a year; what is he still targeting? And speaking of targets, Novak Djokovic hit one of his big ones, reaching 311 weeks at #1. How does that impact the dreaded GOAT debates? Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 295: Muguruza Wins; Federer Returns; Djokovic Reigns

With the tours continuing onward amid the pandemic, we welcome NCR's Dutch Lowlands and Caucasus Highlands correspondent <a href='https://twitter.com/Davavaki'>David Avakian</a> joins from Rotterdam to update us on the tournament there, which has long been a jewel of the indoor circuit. We discuss what the tournament has done to not look sad despite being empty, the role of appearance fees and entry list uncertainty, and the beautiful syllables of the Dutch language.  Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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, Chris Bishop, and Nicole Copeland!)

Episode 294: Our Man in Rotterdam

Ben and Courtney (the #ATPOutsider) are back to discuss the men's final in Melbourne, which was weighted with high hopes of a classic but ultimately turned into a pretty one-sided win for Novak Djokovic. We discuss Djokovic's incredible match management skills, Medvedev's disappointing performance, if expectations were unrealistic, how this sets up the GOAT conversation in terms of the race to most Slams won, and more! Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293i: Australian Open 2021 - Novak's Ninth

With a second Australian Open title and fourth Grand Slam win overall, Naomi Osaka is into what feels like the beginning of the resume-padding phase of her already illustrious career. Ben and Courtney discuss Osaka's impressive run in Melbourne that ended with a win over Jennifer Brady, where she goes from here (particularly on clay), and the current state of the top of women's tennis. We also discuss the quirks of Jennifer Brady, our feelings about fully automated officiating, the charisma of Bianca Andreescu and Daniil Medvedev, and whether or not BlacKkKlansman was a good movie. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293h: Australian Open 2021 - Naomi Osaka Wins Her Fourth (and Counting...)

Both the men's and women's finals are set at the Australian Open, and we're thinking they'll be pretty good! <a href='https://patreon.com/reemabulleil'>Reem Abulleil</a> joins Ben to discuss the semifinals that were and the finals that they set up, starting with Jennifer Brady backing up her U.S. Open run to book another blockbuster match against Naomi Osaka. Also, what do we make of Serena's exit from Melbourne, which many perceived as a possible farewell? Then we discuss the men, and how we both think Daniil Medvedev has a real shot of ending Novak Djokovic's undefeated streak in Australian Open finals.  Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293g: Australian Open 2021 - Finals Set: Osaka-Brady, Djokovic-Medvedev

The wonderfully multitalented <a href='https://twitter.com/nickmccarvel'>Nick McCarvel</a> joins NCR now that the Australian Open semifinals are set, with Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka set to face off in a blockbuster clash, and Jennifer Brady and Karolina Muchova following as a compelling undercard on the women's side. On the men's side, Novak Djokovic faces previously unknown Aslan Karatsev, while the interesting dynamic of Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas facing off a day later for the other spot in the final. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293f: Australian Open 2021 - Semifinal Showdowns Set

It was a blockbuster day of women's tennis at the Australian Open, and Ben, Courtney, and <a href='https://patreon.com/reemabulleil'>Reem</a> had a great time watching and discussing Osaka-Muguruza, Serena-Sabalenka, Halep-Swiatek, and the magical run of Hsieh Su-wei. What to make of these great matches? Which was the best? And how does the top half compare? Also a bit on Thiem-Dimitrov, Olivia Gadecki, and more. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293e: Australian Open 2021 - Day 7: Women's Star Power Shines

As we reach the end of the Australian Open's first week, saying goodbye to Nick Kyrgios, the crowd, and Novak Djokovic's lock status, Ben is joined by <a href='https://twitter.com/tumcarayol'>Tumaini Carayo</a>l to wrap up the week that was and set the stage for the prize fights looming. How does this tournament feel so far? What were our impressions of Thiem-Kyrgios? How would the tournament change if Djokovic can't compete? And what is making the women's bottom half so special? Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293d: Australian Open 2021 - Round 3 Round-up

After a pretty flat opening round (and week before at Melbourne Park) the Australian Open seemed to be jolted to life on Wednesday night by Nick Kyrgios, and several other intriguing moments emerged on Thursday as well. Ben and Courtney discuss their concerns about #1 Ash Barty, who struggled down the stretch. They also discuss the strangely self-defeating attitude of #4 Sofia Kenin, who bowed out under a blanket of pressure which seemed to be entirely of her own knitting. Then Ben chats with <a href='https://twitter.com/QuentinMoynet/'>Quentin Moynet</a> of L'Equipe about the Kyrgios-Humbert match, Gael Monfils' emotions, and his impressions of the tournament so far from on the ground in Melbourne. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293c: Australian Open 2021 - Day 4: Kenin Falls, Barty Stumbles, Kyrgios Rises

Venus Williams showed such staggering resilience, toughness, and determination on Wednesday that it almost didn't matter that she won only one game. <a href='https://twitter.com/AJEccles'>Andrew Eccles</a>, founder of <a href='https://thespin.substack.com/'>The Spin</a>, joins to discuss Venus' loss to Sara Errani, what it showed us about her, and why he has such love for Errani. We also discuss Hsieh Su-wei's win over Bianca Andreescu, Stan Wawrinka's five-set flameout, and the unsettled vibe of this Australian Open. Thank you again for the incredible support for NCR we've received on the <a href='http://www.patreon.com/nochallengesremaining'>NCR Patreon</a> which has powered us into our TENTH(!) season! If you'd like to join in as we bring you the best shows we can each week, 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!) As always, thanks for following us <a href='http://twitter.com/ncr_tennis'>on Twitter</a> and subscribing/reviewing <a href='https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/no-challenges-remaining/id583552127'>on iTunes</a> on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Episode 293b: Australian Open 2021 - Day 3: The Passion of Venus

A humorous and informative podcast discussing the happenings in the wacky world of professional tennis. Hosted by Ben Rothenberg and Courtney Nguyen.