About this episode
We come to you midway through the US Open after a first week stuffed with feel-good stories and breakout stars on the women's side, and lots of miserable, crabby men (with the exception of Gael Monfils). We chat extensively about Coco Gauff, the powerful people pushing to relax the age eligibility rule, and that complex and emotionally loaded post-match interview with Naomi. You can also hear about the 22nd meeting of Serena-Maria, the breakouts of Townsend and Ahn, that wild men's third quarter, and Medvedev fully embodying the villain archetype. 4:30 Some thoughts on the Serena-Maria match and why everyone is always mad 11:30 Alexis is everyone's petty spouse 14:00 "I don't know who that is" 20:30 Jonathan institutes the Hall of Shame, major disagreements follow 23:50 Two great American stories: Taylor Townsend and Kristie Ahn 30:00 Coco Gauff dominates headlines again, but Naomi Osaka shows why she is #1 35:45 Why is there a "debate" about waiving the age eligibility rule, when it's been shown to work? 42:40 The unprecedented, emotionally charged post-match interview with Coco and Naomi 49:30 Carla Suarez Navarro is the latest victim of the First Round Performance penalty 50:35 Men's draw stuff: Grigor, Shapo-Monfils, Nick says j'accuse 59:20 Daniil Medvedev becomes cartoon villain, actual villain 67:30 WTA Player Council shakeup, more info on Puig-Murray-Stephens triangle, quick women's draw assessment