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The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast · Craig Shapiro

Tennis Scribe Ben Rothenberg of BOUNCES Breaks Down the Australian Open with Craig Shapiro

·1 hr 7 min·5 clips
Ben Rothenberg wrote nearly 25 articles from the Australian Open, but which story drove the most subscribers?
The episode begins with host Craig Shapiro introducing guest Ben Rothenberg, a former New York Times tennis writer now running the Substack 'Bounces'. Rothenberg reveals he wrote nearly 25 articles during the Australian Open, with his Serena Williams reporting driving the most subscribers. The conversation shifts to media industry turmoil, focusing on The Washington Post's decision to shutter its entire sports department, which Rothenberg criticizes as mismanagement under Jeff Bezos. He contrasts this with his own sustainable Substack model. The discussion moves to tennis, starting with the Australian Open's affordability and pleasant conditions. Rothenberg passionately advocates for the 'One Point Slam' format, describing how he personally lobbied Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley to expand it after becoming hooked the previous year. He details the event's structure, including regional qualifiers and the surprise victory of coach Jordan Smith. Player analysis covers qualifiers like Nishesh Basavareddy, diaspora fanbases for players like Alex Eala, and injury concerns affecting Taylor Fritz and Juan Fonseca. Rothenberg examines the men's semifinals, noting Alexander Zverev's improved play and lingering off-court controversies. On the women's side, he discusses Elena Rybakina's dominant victory and her coach Stefano Vukov's redemption after a previous ban. A significant segment focuses on Naomi Osaka, with Rothenberg revealing she never owned equity in Evolve, her management agency, and detailing her on-court clash with Sorana Cîrstea and subsequent abdominal injury withdrawal. The episode concludes with Rothenberg's breaking reporting that Serena Williams is training seriously and could be eligible for a comeback soon, plus updates on the PTPA's lawsuit. He ends by discussing his Substack's growth and retention rates.

As heard by us

A clear Australian Open recap that connects tournament reporting with scheduling pressure and player health.

Ben Rothenberg joins Craig Shapiro for an Australian Open wrap that feels immediate because it comes straight out of near-daily reporting from Melbourne.

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Why you'd press play

You want a grounded Australia wrap-up from someone who filed nearly daily while the tournament was on.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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