The unbearable August heat and humidity means it’s time for the North American hardcourt swing, for a brief magical period known as the US Open Series. Instead of a typical recap, we decided to present a summer hardcourt preview to mark this distinct segment of the season. Who are the old reliables on this surface? Will Medvedev extend his mastery over these courts? Will Iga add some more titles to that expanding hardcourt resume? What will Venus and Serena’s matches look like? Will Djokovic become a wedge issue in the midterms? (No.) Plus a snapshot of our favorite moments from Beyonce’s stunner, Renaissance.

2:55 What are the main storylines going into the greatest rrrrroad trip in esport?

11:20 DC: Serena descends upon the capital, creates confusion

16:55 Venus’ first match since last August - what’s the takeaway?

25:35 Hardcourt preview: the comebacks, reboots, redos, and those with something to prove

35:25 The hardcourt stalwarts of the past few years, women first: Naomi, Iga, Vika, Aryna, and more

41:20 The hardcourt “kings” and we use the term loosely

45:20 Novak Djokovic and US Republican members of Congress: with their powers combined … 

52:35 Medvedev and the race for the men’s #1

54:05 Raducanu’s choice of coach riles the British press

58:35 Our upcoming tennis plans

62:35 Beyonce’s Renaissance - a postmodern tour of Black dance music and reveling in the face of a plague