Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TENNIS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ground Pass is a tennis podcast for curious newcomers and longtime followers alike. We cover the sport from a non-technical point of view. Anastasia is your guide to what it’s like to experience tournaments in person, with insight into the fashion and culture around tennis, while Nick is our resident history buff. We keep things fun and light because it’s just tennis, and tennis should be enjoyed with friends. So hello, friends. Welcome to your guides to tennis from the grounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Hailey's Breakthrough, Sinner's Streak, and Rome on Deck

    5D AGO

    Hailey's Breakthrough, Sinner's Streak, and Rome on Deck

    A mini pod to wrap Madrid and look ahead to Rome. We get into Hailey Baptiste's career-best run, Marta Kostyuk's unbeaten clay season (and the backflip we didn't know we needed), Mirra Andreeva's two finals, Townsend and Siniakova's doubles takeover, and the men's final that we, frankly, did not watch. Plus: why Alexander Blockx deserves more credit, the case for actually watching Next Gen, Ethan Quinn going full clay dog in Aix, and our spring merch is live (with a very limited Hailey Baptiste tee that drops out of the store May 11). Order of Play hits Substack right after. Links:  Merch: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop ATP Next Gen doc: https://youtu.be/Vwdq01RMD9I?si=HdzjlbrKhVlxeFDE Off Season Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offseasontv?igsh=MWJhaHZ4ano4NWlpeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrRome Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@internazionalibnlLast Week’s Order of Play: https://groundpass.substack.com/p/order-of-play-alcaraz-out-roland-garros Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Merch Update 04:48 Breakthrough Performances: Hailey Baptiste and Others 11:48 Men's Final and Emerging Talents 24:24 Other Bits and Bobs 25:10 Rome Preview 29:41 Outro 💬 Don’t forget to give us a leave is a 5 ⭐️ rating and drop us a comment  Want to Support Ground Pass - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/support Our New Merch is LIVE!!! Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop  Where You can Find us Online: Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com  Website - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
  2. Alcaraz Is Out, Madrid Gets Weird, and a New Roland Garros Champion?

    APR 28

    Alcaraz Is Out, Madrid Gets Weird, and a New Roland Garros Champion?

    Carlos Alcaraz is out of Rome and Roland Garros, and the men's draw in Madrid has cracked wide open. Anastasia and Nick break down what the wrist injury means for Paris, why Rafa Jodar and Daniel Merida are the names to know, and how Hailey Baptiste is quietly playing herself into a Roland Garros seed. Plus a new Sabalenka vs Osaka rematch, Naomi's Pucci scarf visor moment, the launch of Order of Play on Substack, a Jonas Wood tennis court art show in LA, and the question every player faces in a two-week 1000: what do you do when you lose early? Player of the Fortnight picks (with a big assist from the comments): Veronica Podrez, Rafa Jodar, and Daniel Merida. Links: - NEW Merch: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop - Where Naomi Osaka's scarf came from - https://www.instagram.com/highdivenyc?igsh=MTVlYmJ6aDhvZDVuMA== Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:28 Reading your comments 07:58 Carlos Alcaraz out for the rest of the Clay Season 15:50 Impromptu Quiz 20:07 Week 1 of Madrid Recap 22:52 ATP Recap 28:02 WTA Recap 33:00 Naomi Osaka's walk out kit 35:10 New Substack Newsletter post 39:52 What do players do when they lose early at 2 week Masters 45:46 Coming Up This Week in Tennis 50:40 Players of the Fortnight 58:08 Outro 💬 Don’t forget to give us a leave is a 5 ⭐️ rating and drop us a comment  Want to Support Ground Pass - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/support Our New Merch is LIVE!!! Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop  Where You can Find us Online: Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com  Website - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  3. Who's Next in the New Big Three? Shelton and Fils Stake a Claim, Plus Rybakina's 2nd Porsche

    APR 20

    Who's Next in the New Big Three? Shelton and Fils Stake a Claim, Plus Rybakina's 2nd Porsche

    Nick is on his own for the mini pod this week while I'm off the grid, and there is a lot to get through. Rybakina picks up her second Porsche in Stuttgart after surviving a Leylah Fernandez match that nearly became the women's match of the year. Karolina Muchova finally gets Coco Gauff. Mirra Andreeva keeps rolling on indoor clay. Marta Kostyuk wins Rouen in an all-Ukrainian final alongside 19-year-old Veronika Podrez. Arthur Fils takes Barcelona as Alcaraz pulls out, and Ben Shelton wins on European clay in Munich. Plus what's happening with Marketa Vondrusova and a Madrid preview missing two of its biggest names. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:01 Stuttgart: A Premier WTA Event 04:31 Zeynep Somnez and Leylah Fernandez shine 09:26 Karolina Muchova's big win 16:59 Ruan WTA 250: New Faces and Rising Stars 19:27 Quick re-cap of Rouen 23:02 Injury Challenges for Alcaraz 25:03 The Impact of Player Withdrawals 26:17 No Novak Djokovic yet 27:38 Arthur Fils wins in Barcelona 29:04 Name to remember - Rafa Jodar 30:16 On to Munich - Fonseca takes steps forward 32:47 Ethan Quinn & Ben Shelton's Breakthrough on Clay 36:23 Off Court News 39:15 Madrid Open Preview 41:17 Outro 💬 Don’t forget to give us a leave is a 5 ⭐️ rating and drop us a comment  Want to Support Ground Pass - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/support Our New Merch is LIVE!!! Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop  Where You can Find us Online: Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com  Website - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  4. Clay Season Is Here. Sinner vs Alcaraz, Vacherot’s Monte Carlo Run, and Lilli Tagger’s Breakthrough

    APR 13

    Clay Season Is Here. Sinner vs Alcaraz, Vacherot’s Monte Carlo Run, and Lilli Tagger’s Breakthrough

    This week on Ground Pass, Anastasia and Nick settle in for the start of the European clay season and break down a busy week across Monte Carlo and Linz. They get into another chapter of the Sinner vs Alcaraz rivalry, the magic of Valentin Vacherot’s run at his home Masters, and why Monte Carlo keeps ending up on every tennis fan’s travel wish list. They also talk about Lilli Tagger’s breakout week in Linz, Mirra Andreeva’s title run, Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, Holger Rune’s return timeline, Coco Gauff and the conversation around how athletes are discussed online, plus the latest from Ground Pass including the new spring merch drop and what to watch this coming week. Links: Send us a voice memo: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/voice-memo Christian’s Court Video: https://youtu.be/bwGyprsE8-4?si=siQvc7zIihQckyalHard Court Substack article: https://substack.com/@hardcourt/note/c-241769609?r=47h9qh&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-actionYevheniia Petrova, designer of the Ground Pass shirts: https://www.instagram.com/yev.hen.iia?igsh=Z2xrb2VjZXBzdGZlNew Merch: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Chapters: 00:00 Home Sweet Home: A Week of Rest 02:47 A Voice Memo from Monte Carlo 10:06 The fairytale continues for Valentin Vacherot 13:58 Sincaraz Finals are back 26:51 American Players on Clay: A Struggle 30:40 Another hometown run in Linz - But first Ostapenko 33:57 Lilli Tagger has arrived 36:49 An inspired Austrian Anastasia Potapova 38:14 Mirra Andreeva's Resilience in Finals 41:44 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers Overview 44:58 Holger Rune's Comeback Announcement 47:14 Coco Gauff's Social Media Controversy 52:45 Monte Carlo Merch Controversy 59:23 Our New Merch is live 01:01:36 Coming up "This Week in Tennis" 01:14:22 Players of the Fortnight 01:19:51 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop   💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.com  Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Follow us for daily updates on Social: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 21m
  5. Why the Charleston Open Feels Different

    APR 7

    Why the Charleston Open Feels Different

    Anastasia is back from the Charleston Open with a full on-site recap of one of the most beloved stops on the WTA calendar. She breaks down Jessica Pegula’s title defense, Yulia Starodubtseva’s breakthrough run, and why Charleston continues to stand out as a fan favorite. Featuring interviews from the grounds with Nick McCarvel, Christian Basnight, Alvin Owusu, Ava Wallace, and tournament director Bob Moran, this episode explores what makes Charleston feel calm, thoughtful, and uniquely built around women’s tennis. Links: Link to Hotel Coco Reel - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWmXMSsD7XV/?igsh=MTZkc2czeW9jdTl5dg==Nick’s Meet the Professional Episode - https://youtu.be/Kl937_u-C-U?si=QGnty0rdB_Wsbs9J Nick McCarvel on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickmccarvel?igsh=MXU4YW1uZXQ0MGhudw==Christian Court on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ChristiansCourtBest of Three Pod - https://www.youtube.com/@BestOfThreePodAva Wallace on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/avarwallace?igsh=YXo4ZHVtNTRwNXNzOff Season Ep 6 - https://youtu.be/HFIXsZRK06I?si=dP2o0q0QJRI8uOWKGround Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:34 The Tennis at the Charleston Open 08:41 Nick McCarvel on Charleston 14:47 Christian Basnight on Charleston 22:39 Alvin Owusu on Charleston 35:59 Ava Wallace on Charleston 43:38 Bob Moran - Charleston Open Tournament Director 01:00:05 Other News and what’s up this week in tennis 01:09:22 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop   💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.com  Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Follow us for daily updates on Social: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  6. Miami Open recap, Sunshine Double storylines, and what beginners should know

    MAR 31

    Miami Open recap, Sunshine Double storylines, and what beginners should know

    After a month apart, we’re finally back together to catch up on everything that happened across the Miami Open. We talk through the tournament’s unique ground pass experience, why Miami feels so different from Indian Wells, and the players and storylines that defined the back half of the Sunshine Double. We also answer a listener question about why men sometimes play best-of-three and sometimes best-of-five, break down what Miami is really like for fans on the grounds, and get into the biggest tennis themes of the week. That includes Aryna Sabalenka’s continued dominance, Jannik Sinner looking untouchable again, questions around Iga Swiatek after Miami, Arthur Fils making his case as part of the next big men’s tier, and a wave of rising teens making noise on both tours. Plus, we preview Charleston, Houston, and the start of clay season, check in on the Off Season players, and give our Players of the Fortnight. Links: Substack about comebacks - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/absence-makes-you-play-better-tennis?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer Off Season Ep 5 - https://youtu.be/Ceo9n7HvTQ4?si=v3gHLlW-GJjW-Kcx Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Reconnecting After a Break 01:49 Understanding Tennis Match Formats 07:53 The Miami Open Experience 11:43 Diversity and Atmosphere at the Miami Open 21:51 Charleston vs. Miami: A Ground Pass Comparison 29:39 The Tennis at the Miami Open 38:48 Carlos Alcaraz's Recent Struggles 40:30 Iga Swiatek's Press Conference Insights 47:42 The Rise of Young Tennis Stars 49:11 Is Arthur Fils the 3rd guy? 51:53 Tennis News - Madrid Open Practice Courts 55:27 The Need for Female Tournament Directors 01:01:21 Coming Up This Week in Tennis 01:07:00 Player of the Fortnight Highlights 01:14:27 Outro We have Merch!!! And its on SALE! Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop   💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.com  Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Follow us for daily updates on Social: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 16m
  7. From Indian Wells to Miami. Inside the Sunshine Double

    MAR 17

    From Indian Wells to Miami. Inside the Sunshine Double

    Anastasia checks in from the Miami Open after a whirlwind stretch through Indian Wells and the start of the Sunshine Double. In this mini-pod, she recaps what Indian Wells felt like on the ground, from ticketing issues and practice court culture to the players and storylines that defined the tournament. She also looks ahead to Miami, where the vibes, food, fans, and draw all promise a very different week. Plus: the rise of the next wave of American men, Medvedev’s resurgence, Sabalenka and Rybakina’s rivalry, Taylor Townsend’s impressive run, and updates on the Off Season athletes competing in Miami. Links: Substack about comebacks - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/absence-makes-you-play-better-tennis?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer Off Season Ep 5 - https://youtu.be/Ceo9n7HvTQ4?si=v3gHLlW-GJjW-Kcx Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Groundpass: Miami Open Edition 03:13 Recapping Indian Wells: Highlights and Insights 06:00 The Atmosphere of Indian Wells: A Unique Experience 12:09 Transitioning Generations: American Men's Tennis 14:59 Rivalries and Rising Stars: Women's Tennis Highlights 20:05 Exploring the Miami Open: A Different Vibe 26:07 Food and Culture at the Miami Open 29:49 Upcoming Matches and Player Insights 34:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Expectations We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop   💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.com  Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Follow us for daily updates on Social: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  8. “Live” from Indian Wells its Ground Pass!

    MAR 11

    “Live” from Indian Wells its Ground Pass!

    “Live” from Indian Wells its Ground Pass! Join Anastasia and guest co-host Ian Mondul on the pod recorded from Tennis Paradise in the desert. Things we discuss: What the Tournament has been like so far and the changes this yearThe Lululemon take overThe Tennis so far: The Americans, Alex Eala and Joao Fonseca ManiaSoundbites from the press room from Coco Gauff, Learner Tien, Lilli Tagger, Felix Auger Aliassime and Arthur Fils Links: Substack from Indian Wells - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/the-5th-slam-indian-wells-the-world?r=47h9qh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Off Season Ep 4 - https://youtu.be/8UTohuZL-oY?si=8ue6NlazOwcIEf23Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:30 How Indian Wells has changed 18:18 The Tennis so Far 47:30 Off Season: In Season 50:30 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop   💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.com  Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.com  Follow us for daily updates on Social: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_pass  Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_pass  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPass  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcast  X: https://x.com/groundpasspod Disclaimer: This video does not contain a paid for advertisement. PR samples are denoted by the term ‘ad - gifted’. Links containing ad affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, we will receive a small percentage of your purchase. Check out our website for a full disclaimer: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/about  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
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About

Ground Pass is a tennis podcast for curious newcomers and longtime followers alike. We cover the sport from a non-technical point of view. Anastasia is your guide to what it’s like to experience tournaments in person, with insight into the fashion and culture around tennis, while Nick is our resident history buff. We keep things fun and light because it’s just tennis, and tennis should be enjoyed with friends. So hello, friends. Welcome to your guides to tennis from the grounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Non Traditional
  • Show Website
    Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

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