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. Why the Charleston Open Feels Different

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. “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
  5. Meet the Professionals. Mike Cation on Challenger Tennis, Commentary, and Careers

    MAR 2

    Meet the Professionals. Mike Cation on Challenger Tennis, Commentary, and Careers

    Meet the Professionals with Mike Cation, the voice of Challenger tennis. We talk commentary reps, relationships, journalistic ethics, and how to break into tennis jobs through volunteering and college tennis. Plus a quick tour check-in as Medvedev wins Dubai by walkover and Tiafoe reaches the Acapulco final.   Links: Off Season Ep 4 - https://youtu.be/8UTohuZL-oY?si=8ue6NlazOwcIEf23 Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Intro 05:12 Current Events in Tennis: Dubai and Austin Tournaments 10:18 Meet the Professional: Mike Cation's Journey in Tennis Commentary 19:23 Building Relationships in Tennis: The Key to Success 21:30 The Art of Commentary: Skills and Learning Process 28:55 The Role of a Commentator: Insights and Relationships with Players 36:21 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Sports Media 40:59 Advice for Aspiring Tennis Professionals 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.

    43 min
  6. February Is the Best Month in Tennis (And We Can Prove It)

    FEB 23

    February Is the Best Month in Tennis (And We Can Prove It)

    Anastasia is back from Delray Beach and has thoughts. A lot of them. This week, we get into why February might just be the best month on the tennis calendar, what it was actually like on the ground at the Delray Beach Open, and why the draw felt more like a 500 than a 250. We also break down Jessica Pegula winning Dubai, the WTA’s new Tour Architecture Council, the debate around getting rid of 250-level events, and whether anyone can actually stop Carlos Alcaraz right now. Plus: player clips from Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Coleman Wong on tour life, 250s, and representing Hong Kong on the pro circuit. And we have an update on what the OFF SEASON cast is up to as the US spring swing kicks off. Links: Off Season Ep 3 - https://youtu.be/K77vLeZhyho?si=Cwx2jn7oeG6Gl4Kn  Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcast Chapters: 00:00 Technical Difficulties and Weather Woes 01:59 Delray Beach Tournament Overview 09:52 The Future of 250 Tournaments 24:39 Dubai Tournament Highlights 29:38 The WTA rethinking their schedule 33:20 Jessica Pegula's Consistency and Victory 38:11 The Impact of Alex Eala on Tennis 42:32 Doha: Sinner searching, Alcaraz unstoppable 48:46 Goran Ivanisevic is back 51:07 February: The Best Month for Tennis 56:17 Upcoming Tournaments and Player Highlights 01:03:05 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 5m
  7. Dallas Open Dispatch + Doha Recap, Muchova’s Moment, and What’s Next in Delray

    FEB 16

    Dallas Open Dispatch + Doha Recap, Muchova’s Moment, and What’s Next in Delray

    Anastasia is on the road in Florida after covering the Dallas Open in person and she is breaking down what made it such a great “small tournament, big tennis” week. We talk atmosphere, access, and why Dallas felt like a stadium-within-a-stadium event. Then we jump to Doha where Karolina Muchova wins the title, Victoria Mboko breaks into the Top 10, and Mirra Andreeva’s poise keeps leveling up. Plus, Qinwen Zheng returns, Rotterdam and Buenos Aires check-ins, Destanee Aiava’s retirement post, and a packed “what’s next” slate led by Dubai, Doha (men), Rio, and a seriously stacked Delray field. Players of the Fortnight: Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jack Pinnington Jones. Links: Off Season Ep 3 - https://youtu.be/K77vLeZhyho?si=Cwx2jn7oeG6Gl4Kn  Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Bryan Shelton Interview - https://youtu.be/U1IOObky2UE?si=KogAEfpDK4rcMMIR Destanee Aiava instagram post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUu-THaE6KR/?igsh=MThrdTFqa3ZmcHN2Nw== Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:24 Dallas Open Experience 16:44 Doha: The feel good Tournament 29:42 Tournament Updates: Rotterdam and Buenos Aires 34:16 Destanee Aiava retires at 26 38:14 Upcoming Tournaments: Dubai and Delray Beach Preview 49:15 Players of the Fortnight: Rising Stars in Focus 53:52 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.

    55 min
  8. Dallas Open Mini-Pod: Raducanu Final, Draper Returns, Bejlek Breakthrough, OFF SEASON Updates

    FEB 9

    Dallas Open Mini-Pod: Raducanu Final, Draper Returns, Bejlek Breakthrough, OFF SEASON Updates

    Anastasia is on the ground in Dallas for her first Dallas Open, kicking off the season’s first mini-pod from a hotel room after a long travel day. She recaps a busy post–Australian Open week across the tours, from Emma Raducanu’s return to a final in Cluj-Napoca and Katie Boulter’s title in Ostrava, to Sara Bejlek’s breakthrough WTA 500 win in Abu Dhabi. On the ATP side, Felix Auger-Aliassime stays red hot indoors by defending his Montpellier crown, plus a quick Davis Cup check-in and what’s next with Doha and the February swing. Finally, it’s an OFF SEASON roundup week, with Hailey Baptiste surging in Abu Dhabi, Ethan Quinn delivering in his first Davis Cup appearance, and Colton Smith defending his Challenger title.   Links: Off Season Ep 1: https://youtu.be/0U3F4CfUsh0?si=YA0OxZ7OKP_9rUKF Off Season Ep 2: https://youtu.be/XwysI8QBSgk?si=Yr2b6fmxsM8qwk2t  Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:47 Dallas Open Coverage Begins 03:56 WTA Highlights: Brits Shine 09:06 ATP Insights: Indoor Kings and Davis Cup 13:31 Off-Season Athletes Making Waves 17:55 Upcoming Tournaments and Events 21:48 Merchandise Updates and Community Engagement 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.

    25 min
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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
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Non Traditional
  • Show Website
    Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

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