Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter
  • 4.9 (23)
  • 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. 1d ago

    US Open 2026: Shelton vs Zverev, Sabalenka vs Rybakina, and How We Got Here

    Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov to set the men's final. Aryna Sabalenka went through Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina came through Coco Gauff to set the women's. Ian joins Anastasia to recap the quarterfinals and semifinals, including Shelton's 3:33 a.m. win over Carlos Alcaraz, Khachanov's run past Alexander Blockx, and Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen at the net. They also get into the walkouts, how much fans are told about the players on court, and both finals. Recorded before the women's and men's finals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:13 US Open atmosphere and player performances 04:14 Behind the scenes: industry events, brand activations, and media coverage 07:15 The first week and fan engagement 12:18 Quarterfinal recap and standout moments 20:15 Semifinal matchups and player form 30:15 Walkouts and match build-up 40:24 Fan knowledge and media representation 50:19 Final thoughts on the men's and women's finals Links: Shop the Ground Pass Hat - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ojai Tennis Shop - https://theojai.net/merch/ UTR Next Gen account - https://www.instagram.com/utrnextgen/ 💬 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 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.

    US Open 2026: Shelton vs Zverev, Sabalenka vs Rybakina, and How We Got Here

  2. 5d ago

    US Open Round 4 - Comebacks, Armstrong, and the US Open Ticket Market

    Qinwen Zheng came back from 5-0 down for the second straight match, Tiafoe remains undefeated on Armstrong, and the ticket market at the US Open is in free fall. US Open Round 3 Recap: https://youtu.be/P0PYAjyTDbE?si=BlBESdwZntSxyx6e  Anastasia and Ian go through Round 4 at the US Open: Zheng's back to back comebacks, why the reigning Wimbledon champion still walks the grounds unnoticed, Sabalenka gets past Taylor Townsend, Mirra Andreeva's keeps her composure, Coco Gauff's looks like she is winning the US open, Emma Navarro's triumphant return, Frances Tiafoe's undefeated record on Louis Armstrong, Alex Michelsen's run, and Alexander Blockx as the last of the "Baby Gen" still in the draw. Then Anastasia reports from the grounds on the Labor Day weekend crowd and what tickets were actually selling for, before both quarterfinal previews. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:01 Qinwen Zheng is the Comeback Queen 09:03 Wimbledon Champion Linda Noskova still goes unnoticed 16:59 Sabalenka's uneventful match against Taylor Townsend 19:06 A composed Mirra Andreeva could be dangerous 22:34 Coco Gauff still looks good 24:49 Emma Navarro's Return and Personal Story 28:29 Frances Tiafoe undefeated on Louis Armstrong 33:03 Alex Michelsen is on a heater 35:34 Alexander Blockx the last baby gen standing 38:57 Labor Day Weekend Vibe and Ticket Market Insights 47:28 Women's Quarterfinals and Predictions 51:10 Men's Quarterfinals Preview and Key Matchups 53:43 Outro Links US Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide Linda Noskova Wimbledon Interviews: post Wimbledon 4th round - https://youtu.be/UayoDm-du6A?is=fCSd6Q0bfUlmFHLP post Wimbledon Semis round - https://youtu.be/UayoDm-du6A?is=fCSd6Q0bfUlmFHLPTaylor Townsend’s walk out - https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc87nzHlKBG/?img_index=1&stkn=Y2Q3bWNzOXZtaTdjGround Pass Newsletter on Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com 💬 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 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.

    US Open Round 4 - Comebacks, Armstrong, and the US Open Ticket Market

  3. Sep 6

    US Open Round Three: Ashe, Armstrong, and Who Gets Moved

    Eala and Jović opened the Ashe night session while Naomi Osaka played Armstrong. We recap US Open round three from the grounds, on the worst day for the Americans. ▶ Round 2 Recap: https://youtu.be/9rBDwwJCLXw?si=3ELLEmErZaPO5uTW  Anastasia is joined in this episode by Ava Wallace of The Athletic and Blair Henley co-host of the Love All podcast and On Court Presenter at the US Open on the recap. In this episode: - The Ashe night session call: Eala vs Jović in the opening slot, Osaka on Armstrong - Madison Keys in press after the Zheng comeback, and what she said about needing to change something. - Taylor Townsend's post-match interview, the language that made it to air, and Townsend on coming in scared and defending a big points haul. Townsend's fourth round preview and her fit plan for the walk-on. - Taylor Fritz out, and the American men's drought question - Tsitsipas and Medvedev, and finding form this late in the year. - Alexander Blockx over Cobolli on Armstrong, from a set down. - A doubles upset from a collegiate wildcard pair. - Frances Tiafoe on Armstrong and where the real tennis fans sit. - The night session ground pass sold only at the gate, and what we still need to confirm about it. Chapters 00:00 Intro - Round 3 Recap from the grounds 01:44 Just watching Tennis 12:45 Blair Henley on Louis Armstrong vibes and Taylor Townsend 24:24 Ava Wallace on Madison Keys and Taylor Fritz 44:15 Hot Tip for Cheap US Open tickets 41:24 Alex Eala and Iva Jovic recap 44:44 Outro Links US Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide Taylor Townsend’s 4th round match look - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcdsjn4gVSE/?igsi=MWdlMTBhNng4aDAxMQ==Ground Pass Newsletter on Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com 💬 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 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  Links US Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    US Open Round Three: Ashe, Armstrong, and Who Gets Moved

  4. Sep 4

    US Open Round Two: The Influencer Debate, Prediction Markets, and Court 17 (with Ian Mondul)

    Round two recap with Ian Mondul. The influencer debate at Ashe, the prediction market partnership, Sabalenka's press conferences, and the outside courts. Watch next: US Open Round One Recap → https://youtu.be/2HuFYysvopo?si=cNp4QuN-YnELAvKD  Anastasia and Ian Mondul recap round two at the US Open. They split on the influencer conversation coming out of the grounds, and land in the same place on the tournament's prediction market partnership. Also covered: Sabalenka's press conferences, the race for world number one, Gauff and Badosa, and why the outside courts are the best ticket on the grounds. Chapters 00:30 Intro 09:20 US Open Round 2 Recap - Upsets on the Mens side 18:52 US Men have a great opportunity 25:10 Aryna Sabalenka is an edgy Tiger 30:59 Coco Guaff is a strong contender 33:10 Qinwen Zheng is back! 35:47 Stadium 17 brings the vibes 37:17 Around the Grounds of the US Open 37:53 Influencer US Open take over 49:28 The US Open gets into the prediction market 53:46 Apparel chat with Ian coming soon 56:50 Round 3 Matches to watch 01:03:43 Outro Links US Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide  💬 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 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.

    US Open Round Two: The Influencer Debate, Prediction Markets, and Court 17 (with Ian Mondul)

  5. Sep 4

    Djokovic Is Out, Alcaraz Is Back (US Open First Round, On Site)

    Djokovic loses a first round at a major for the first time in twenty years, Alcaraz returns from a wrist injury, and Monfils wins on his fortieth birthday. A Look at the new Arthur Ashe: https://youtu.be/tn-V6veuRrY?si=YhT4wT-m9RX0_1vD  First round recap after three days of rain. We cover Djokovic's loss and what it looked like from the press seats, Alcaraz back on court and the Nike kit, Gauff's start and the four way race for world number one, Pegula on the first Sunday, Fils going out to Tsitsipas, and Monfils on Louis Armstrong. Second half gets into the crowded grounds videos and what they leave out, the influencer backlash and where it's actually coming from, and the tournament's new prediction market partner. Chapters 00:00 US Open Round One Recap 03:07 Weather Impact on the Tournament 05:53 Voice Memo from Winston Salem 09:00 Novak Djokovic's Shocking Loss 11:50 Carlos Alcaraz's Impressive Return 14:58 Coco Gauff's Strong Performance 17:59 Players' Adaptation to Schedule Changes 31:59 Match Play Dynamics and Player Preferences 33:37 Upsets and Surprises: The US Open First Round 35:54 The Return of Monfils and His Impact 39:28 Emerging Talents and First Round Highlights 44:06 Tournament Vibes: Crowds and Influencer Culture 51:01 Late Night Matches and Their Implications 58:47 Betting Partnerships and Their Controversies Links: Buse Winston Salem video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcdsjn4gVSE/?igsi=MWdlMTBhNng4aDAxMQ==Ground Pass On Site - US Open Day 1 - https://groundpass.substack.com/p/ground-pass-on-site-us-open-2026 💬 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 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.

    Djokovic Is Out, Alcaraz Is Back (US Open First Round, On Site)

  6. Aug 30

    US Open 2026 Preview "LIVE" from the Grounds - with Christian's Court

    Is Carlos Alcaraz ready? What first round matches are we excited for? Who are the qualifiers to watch? And how do you actually navigate the US Open on Day 1? Christian of Christian's Court and I answer your questions in our US Open preview. We recorded this on the grounds the night before the main draw, so you'll hear the planes. It's also our first Grand Slam as credentialed media, and we spend some time on how strange and good that feels after years of coming here as fans. Then we get into it. There's a first round upset I'm fully committed to, a case for Robin Montgomery reaching the second week, thoughts on Arthur Fils after the biggest win of his career, and Venus under the lights in front of the only crowd that can really change a match. We finish with our honest grounds tips, including the ground pass trick that gets you better seats than you'd expect. See you out there all tournament. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:00 Christian's Serena Wiliams racket story 09:00 We need teams of our own 10:00 Our first slam as credentialed media 13:00 Men's draw: the first rounders we want 14:00 Robin Montgomery and the Liberty kit 16:00 Women's draw and the qualifiers to watch 21:00 Arthur Fils after Cincinnati 22:00 The official Alcaraz readiness indicator 23:00 The upset we're calling 26:00 Venus Willims vs Kenin and the New York crowd 30:00 Lucky losers and wild cards 32:00 How to do Day 1 on the grounds 34:00 Thank you and what's next Links: Camila Osorio on Off Season - https://youtu.be/8UTohuZL-oY?si=n7QkqWExj_NGWNr7 Whats new in Arthur Ashe - https://youtu.be/tn-V6veuRrY?si=fi_FFfMHngfvQEGr  💬 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 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.

    US Open 2026 Preview "LIVE" from the Grounds - with Christian's Court

  7. Aug 24

    Cincinnati Made History, and the US Open is here

    Two 1000s ran back to back with no gap, so this episode is a two-parter. We recorded it during the Cincinnati men's final, with the score running underneath us the whole time. Act one is Cincinnati. Arthur Fils and Frances Tiafoe met in the first ATP Masters 1000 final between two Black players. Anastasia finally tells the story of how the King of New York nickname started on Court 12 in 2023 and how it got away from her. Nick makes the case for Sara Bejlek, who is twenty, left-handed, and beat three major champions on her way to the semifinals. And we get into Brandon Nakashima, who made a final in January, got forgotten, then made two more deep runs in three weeks. Act two is New York. Jannik Sinner is out. Jack Draper is out. Carlos Alcaraz is back from a wrist injury and playing mixed doubles with Serena Williams. And Fan Week starts Monday, which is free, and which has quietly become the entire US Open for a lot of fans who cannot afford the main draw anymore. We also cover Kei Nishikori's last US Open, who to watch in qualifying, what a grounds pass actually costs now, and which ESPN tier gets you the match you want instead of the one a network picked for you. ▶ Our US Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide Chapters: 00:15 Introduction 03:01 Why Arthur Fils is the King of New York 06:13 Cincinnati Open mini recap 08:21 Serena Williams and Venus Williams back playing doubles 11:09 Sara Bejlek reemerges 13:51 Brandon Nakashima back on the rise 16:08 A look at the Cincinnati Men's finalists 19:55 A look at the Cincinnati Women's Finalists 29:45 The US Open Starts Now 34:19 Qualifiers to watch at the US Open 40:00 Top names in US Open Mixed Doubles 43:08 Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner out of the US Open 48:30 Our US Open Guide is Live 💬 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 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.

    Cincinnati Made History, and the US Open is here

  8. Aug 10

    The People Growing Tennis (with Christian of Christian's Court)

    Coco Gauff shouted out Christian's Court in a press conference this week, and that moment says a lot about who tennis lets in and who is actually growing it. Links: Send us a voice memo - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/voice-memo Christian’s response to Coco Gauff - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbsGM4zOUTt/?igsh=MXB0b3NsMzRiZTdudA==Christian’s article on Anisimova - https://www.si.com/onsi/serve/news/why-anisimova-reunited-with-her-coach-after-brief-split Christian is in Toronto for the Canadian Open and he joins the podcast to give us the on the ground feels of the tournament in Toronto. Eala-mania is in full effect. The tournament is selling branded chicken adobo and the Filipino fans packed the stands bring the best vibes at a tennis tournament he has ever seen. We talk about Alex Eala’s run at the Canadian Open, Coco Gauff’s form and that moment in her press conference that has changed things for all of us new media creators in tennis. Anisimova coaching changes and Diana Schnaider and Naomi Osaka looking good. On the men's side in Montreal: no Sinner, no Alcaraz, no Djokovic, and a real question about whether the two-week Masters format is worth what it's costing. Plus a Ground Pass exclusive with Taylor Townsend on why she entered singles only in Canada, and a look at our conversation with Matt Futterman on why he called tennis The Cruelest Game. The full Futterman interview is on Substack tomorrow: https://groundpass.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Christian's Court to the podcast 05:15 How the Canadian Open is structured 11:51 Alex Eala takes over Canada and their food court 17:17 Alex Eala keeps winning 29:19 Gauff, Anisimova, the rest of the WTA tour 44:56 The ATP in disarray, but is it really? 01:03:00 The WTA new Media deal 💬 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 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.

    The People Growing Tennis (with Christian of Christian's Court)
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4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

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
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Non Traditional
  • Show Website
    Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

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