Whether it was bad shrimp or a virus, the outcome – or the output, rather – was the same. Week one of Madrid was rocked by player illness and withdrawals, with Iga retiring for only the second time in her career and Coco getting sick on court before pulling through against Cirstea. We take a scattershot approach to Madrid, highlighting Pliskova, Jodar, and Grant (and a few lowlights). Plus, we take an extended look at electronic line calling on clay, the untrustworthiness of ball marks, and the imperfections and idiosyncrasies of tennis that make the sport sing. We finish up with some offcourt news – including the surprising departure of the WTA’s CEO – plus rapid-fire listener questions. 

1:40 Carlos is out of Rome and Roland Garros

4:35 Virus or food poisoning … either way, the players were sick as dogs 

11:40 Plisko, Naomi, Tyra Grant, Rafa J

21:05 Alex and Grigor down bad, Stefanos crashing out but actually winning

26:20 Electronic line calling on clay: the ball mark isn’t as clear-cut as you’d think

35:15 Maria Sharapova is in the podcast business

38:15 WTA CEO Portia Archer has resigned

40:35 The Fritz-Riddle breakup

43:55 A few listener questions