This might be the most unusual — but also one of my favorite — podcasts we’ve ever published.
I talk with Troy Russ about the art & craft of tennis, and why it might be the greatest of all sports. Which then (of course) leads into the question of what makes other sports uniquely interesting and great. We’re also talking about the art of great sports writing, including a discussion of what I take to be the greatest example of it: David Foster Wallace’s, Roger Federer as Religious Experience. And then we get into a discussion of Troy’s Top 5 All-Time Tennis Players, which also leads into a bigger conversation of how to think about assessing greatness in any sport.
TOPICS & TIMES:
Troy’s Tennis Background & Playing Andre Agassi (5:59)
Tennis — the Greatest Sport? (9:07)
David Foster Wallace: Roger Federer as Religious Experience (18:40)
Watching Tennis on TV vs In-Person (25:32)
Troy’s Top 5 Men’s Tennis Players (29:56)
Troy’s Top 5 Women’s Tennis Players (49:55)
Plot Twist: Re-Ranking the Top 5 (55:49)
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Never thought I’d see it on Blister, but gotta say that I love it!
Thanks, Nic!
Loved the conversation!
Glad to hear it, Ryan – it’s definitely sparked some new ideas for me
Very enjoyable conversation. Made me recall many night shifts in front of the TV. 2005 US Open Final, epic Match Andre against Roger. Agassi was the pioneer to be on top Level as a mid 30 player. Roger’s retirement during Laver Cup holding hands with Rafa I almost cried myself…
And after today, let’s see whether Novak’s dominance was only paused for a moment or wether this is the breakthrough for a new generation. Even if he won‘t win 10+ or 20+ Slams this young Spaniard already left an impressive footprint.