Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter
  • 4.9 (22)
  • TENNIS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ground Pass is your courtside seat to the world of tennis — covering the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, and rising stars. From big wins to behind-the-scenes stories, we make tennis make sense, no matter your level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Tennis Is Back. Inside Life on Tour with Elliemajelly. United Cup, Vlogs, Venus Returns

    JAN 5

    Tennis Is Back. Inside Life on Tour with Elliemajelly. United Cup, Vlogs, Venus Returns

    Season 3 starts with a guest I have been wanting to bring on for ages. Content creator Elliemajelly joins us to talk about what it’s really like traveling the tennis tour alongside her boyfriend, doubles player James Watt, and why tennis content is having a major moment right now. We also kick off the year with a United Cup Q&A (yes, the points are confusing), our new weekly newsletter Ground Pass Weekly, and a quick look at what’s next on the Aussie swing. Plus: the sponsor shakeups are wild, the player vlogs are multiplying, Arthur Fils shares a tough injury update, and Venus Williams is back. Links: Link to Sweatsuit preorder (closes january 19th) - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop/gp-holiday-collectionLink send us a Question - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/voice-memoSubscribe to Newsletter here - https://groundpass.substack.comGround Pass Patreon - https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Hard court article - https://open.substack.com/pub/hardcourt/p/wilson-alex-de-minaur-karen-khachanov-jiri-lehecka?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Season 3 12:44 Elliemajelly: The Origin of a Unique Name 16:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Tennis Content Creation 24:55 Challenges of Recording at Tournaments 27:39 Future Plans and Aspirations in Tennis Content 30:11 Excitement for Upcoming Tournaments 33:00 The United Cup and Current Tennis Events 37:49 Innovations in Tennis: The United Cup Experience 46:45 The Return of Tennis: Highlights from the United Cup 52:47 Apparel Sponsorship Shifts: A New Era in Tennis Fashion 59:52 The Rise of Player Vlogs 01:12:00 Upcoming Tournaments and Player Highlights 01:14:10 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 17m
  2. United Cup Preview, Heated Rivalry Hype, and Alcaraz–Ferrero Fallout

    12/29/2025

    United Cup Preview, Heated Rivalry Hype, and Alcaraz–Ferrero Fallout

    Season 2 ends with a proper tennis reset. We preview the United Cup and the early-week matchups we cannot wait for, then zoom out to the cultural moment of Heated Rivalry and why tennis still struggles to embrace sports entertainment without nitpicking it to death. Plus, we unpack the Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split, the latest on Jack Draper missing the Australian swing, and the small sign Nike might be taking tennis kits seriously again. Also, a quick tease of what’s coming next for Ground Pass in 2026. Links: Marca Article with Juan Carlos Ferrero: https://www.marca.com/tenis/2025/12/24/ferrero-forma-jugar-carlos-me-tenia-enamorado-mejor-historia.html MTP - Nick McCarvel: https://youtu.be/Kl937_u-C-U?si=HjdkOeTpSeSX1fWw MTP - Brad Stine: https://youtu.be/tcodbF-e3EY?si=ZkO6hcPyCucBHbot Off Season Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offseasontv/  Chapters: 00:00 Intro 03:46 Heated Rivalry and Its Impact on Sports Media 18:52 Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero's Split 30:26 United Cup Preview 36:18 Team Dynamics and Predictions for the United Cup 41:55 Analyzing the United Cup's Impact on Player Performance 47:13 Key Matches to Watch in the United Cup 53:36 Tennis News and Ground Pass Updates 58:40 Nike's Potential Return to Tennis Fashion 01:01:48 Ground Pass Update 01:09:52 What's Next On Tour? 01:13:01 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 15m
  3. Meet the Professionals: Brad Stine on Coaching Courier, Building Tommy Paul, and Modern Tennis Coaching

    12/22/2025

    Meet the Professionals: Brad Stine on Coaching Courier, Building Tommy Paul, and Modern Tennis Coaching

    What do Jim Courier and Tommy Paul have in common? Brad Stine. In this Meet the Professionals episode, Brad takes us from the early 90s to today’s tour, breaking down what great coaching actually looks like. We talk trust, team size, travel, on-court coaching, and why tennis coaches still do not get the household-name shine of NBA or NFL coaches. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Meet Brad Stine: Introduction to Coaching and Early Aspirations 04:31 The Journey into Coaching 06:36 Transitioning to the Pro ATP Tour 10:49 Coaching in the Modern Era 18:21 The Multifaceted Role of a Coach 25:43 The Psychological Aspects of Coaching 29:27 Building Trust with Players 35:08 The Evolution of Coaching in Tennis 43:11 Visibility and Recognition of Coaches 50:45 Responsibility and Accountability in Coaching 54:48 The Unsung Heroes of Coaching 01:00:18 The Future of Tennis Coaching 01:16:31 Quickfire Insights and Final Thoughts 01:23:00 Outro We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 24m
  4. Tennis Style Awards: Coco’s Miu Miu Year, Musetti’s Toga Kit, and 2026’s Luxury Wave

    12/16/2025

    Tennis Style Awards: Coco’s Miu Miu Year, Musetti’s Toga Kit, and 2026’s Luxury Wave

    It’s our year-in-review fashion and culture edition. I’m joined by new Ground Pass contributor Kaya Courtside to break down the exhibition season and what it’s really like covering tennis behind the scenes, from UTS Finals in London to the chaos and charm of these off-season events. Then I hand out my 2025 tennis style “awards,” from best dressed and outfit of the year to the meme moments that took over our feeds. Plus, quick tennis news: the WTA’s Mercedes-Benz era begins in 2026, Garbiñe Muguruza joins Madrid’s leadership team, Serena’s testing-pool headline sparks speculation, and Next Gen is around the corner.  00:00 Introduction to the Year in Review 03:12 Introducing Kaya Courtside and UTS Finals 30:10 Exhibition Season and Upcoming Events 31:03 Fashion and Style Awards of 2025 36:11 Outfit of the Year and Brand Partnerships 41:58 Cultural Moments and Player Highlights 45:29 Tennis Photos and Memes of the Year 51:31 Most Stylish Tournament and Personality of the Year 58:52 WTA News and Future Predictions 01:04:44 Upcoming Projects and Wrap-Up Links: - GP Exhibition Deep Dive Episode - https://youtu.be/fjuxg3dzIXs?si=raOH2B8XOMWO7wrD - The Real Challenger Documentary - https://youtu.be/fjuxg3dzIXs?si=raOH2B8XOMWO7wrD - Off Season Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/offseasontv?igsh=MWJhaHZ4ano4NWlpeQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr - Off Season Tiktok - We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 10m
  5. Meet the Professionals: Nick McCarvel on Building a Tennis Media Career

    12/08/2025

    Meet the Professionals: Nick McCarvel on Building a Tennis Media Career

    In this episode of Meet the Professionals, I sit down with tennis host, commentator, and writer Nick McCarvel to unpack what it really looks like to build a career in tennis media. Nick shares how a childhood dream in Montana turned into bylines at the New York Times and USA Today, and how that writing work eventually led him to the mic as an on-court host at Grand Slams and big events around the world. We talk about cold-calling editors, early social media experiments, and why persistence (and a lot of “no”s) still matter in 2025. Nick also pulls back the curtain on his current roles with the Olympic Channel and at tournaments like Cincinnati, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Australian Open. He explains how he prepares to tell players’ stories on court, deals with nerves and stage fright as an introvert, and why research and empathy are just as important as being good on camera. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into tennis journalism, presenting, or sports media more broadly, this is your masterclass. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:54 Career Journey in Tennis Journalism 06:06 Transition to On-Camera Presence 09:08 Connecting with Players and Audience 12:03 Research and Preparation for Interviews 15:01 Innovations in Tennis Presentation 17:58 Advice for Aspiring Tennis Professionals Links: Nick McCarvel on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickmccarvel?igsh=MXU4YW1uZXQ0MGhudw== We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  6. Ground Pass Awards 2025: Our Tennis Season In 12 Trophies

    12/03/2025

    Ground Pass Awards 2025: Our Tennis Season In 12 Trophies

    It is time for the Ground Pass Awards. Anastasia and Nick are handing out their very own trophies for the 2025 tennis season. Think Oscars energy with a very casual dress code. They run through favorite tournament of the year, best match, biggest plot twist, and the off court moments that broke the internet. From the Citi Open and Charleston to Ilkley, from the Sincaraz Roland Garros final to Madison Keys in Melbourne, it is a full season recap through the lens of Ground Pass. You will also hear their picks for breakthrough and most improved players, the tennis story of the year, and the official Ground Pass Players of the Year on the men’s and women’s side. Plus a quick fire round, bold predictions for 2026, and a love letter to small tournaments and doubles. Chapters: 00:00:00 Ground Pass Tennis Oscars 02:17:00 Best tournament 07:59:00 Best Match 15:23:00 Breakthrough Player of the Year 21:27:00 Biggest Plot twist 29:18:00 Best Off court moment of 2025 33:28:00 Quick Fire Categories 42:08:00 Tennis Story of the Year 47:39:00 Ground Pass Players of the Year Links: Emma Raducanu Match Stories - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNb5JDygQ_M/?igsh=MTQwdmlva2c5OGg5ZQ== Sincaraz Roland Garros match stories - https://youtu.be/k7mgL4GSRI4?si=rMfUXMM8oi8aAihz Muchova Point - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRAOc4ZjIn8/?igsh=MTNudnlpdGdxdHI2Mg==Ostapenko/Townsend Match Story - https://youtu.be/3arCsp2jvvE?si=3EwPuE2NcFBSbRe0  We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m
  7. The Davis Cup Review. Underdogs, Tiebreak Thrillers, and Italy’s Three-Peat

    11/24/2025

    The Davis Cup Review. Underdogs, Tiebreak Thrillers, and Italy’s Three-Peat

    This week, Anastasia and Nick break down a wildly entertaining Davis Cup. Spain overachieved. Belgium stole our hearts. Germany survived doubles chaos. And Italy completed a dominant run without Jannik Sinner. We also talk Carlos Alcaraz’s viral living room photo, Arthur Fils’ injury update, Fabio Fognini’s Dancing with the Stars era, Rafa Nadal’s return to the court, and Roger Federer’s Hall of Fame induction. We wrap up with the Ground Pass Gift Guide and preview the upcoming Ground Pass Awards. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:36 Q&A - The Absence of the US in the Davis Cup 06:49 The Evolution and Popularity of the Davis Cup 17:22 The Stories that dominated Davis Cup: No Sincaraz 18:29 Doubles deciders and Tiebreaks & Team Belgium 26:39 Team Spain: The underdogs 32:26 The dominance of Italian Tennis 38:51 Other News around Tennis 44:40 Mental and Physical Health in Tennis 52:19 Rafael Nadal's Comeback Journey 53:42 Roger Federer's Hall of Fame Induction 57:01 Fabio Fognini's Dancing with the Stars Journey 58:48 Groundpass Offseason Plans and Gift Guide 01:03:06 Groundpass Awards Preview 01:07:35 Outro Links: ⁃Ground Pass Gift Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/tournament-guides/-ground-pass-gift-guide-2025-the-best-tennis-gifts-of-the-season We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-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 9m
  8. Sincaraz, Indoor Royalty & a Davis Cup Send-Off

    11/17/2025

    Sincaraz, Indoor Royalty & a Davis Cup Send-Off

    The ATP Finals in Turin are officially in the books, and yes… the Sincaraz final we all predicted actually delivered. Anastasia breaks down how we got there: Ben Shelton’s muted week, Taylor Fritz’s quietly excellent season, Alex de Minaur’s redemption arc, Lorenzo Musetti’s hometown surge, and Felix Auger-Aliassime’s rise back into the top five. She also digs into Alexander Zverev and the “Lost Boys” generation, why Sinner’s indoor dominance is starting to feel inevitable, and how the doubles event turned into a sunglasses-fuelled fashion show before ending with a statement win for Patten & Heliovaara. Then it’s a mini Davis Cup preview (hello Bologna), a look at the United Cup draw, and a few must-listen tennis recs—from Andy Murray’s hilarious interview on The Ramesh Ranganathan Show to the Player Box pod’s behind-the-scenes WTA Finals stories—plus news of Ons Jabeur’s baby. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:55 ATP Finals Review 02:18 Player Performances 08:39 Zverev 11:27 FAA 16:19 Sincaraz 22:28 Doubles Matches 30:43 Davis Cup Preview 33:38 Tennis News Links: FAA Press Conference - https://youtu.be/mExNSX4WtCU?si=9cTAn4tTlzVPcfy1&t=87 Sinner Indoor Stat - https://x.com/universtennis/status/1990141713235444042?s=46&t=34KFRaMxpc-93mq_1EOI7ASunglasses walk out video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DREz80HjE8A/?igsh=MWthdG54ZGd6ZjA5ZQ==Vavassori instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrevavassori?igsh=dDllampoNGhwaWdlUnited Cup draw - https://www.unitedcup.com/en/media/news/united-cup-2026-draw-revealed  We have Merch!!!  Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/ground-pass-shop  💬 Don’t forget to give us a rating and drop us a comment ⭐️ Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com  Website - www.groundpasspodcast.com  Email us at - 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
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4.9
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Ground Pass is your courtside seat to the world of tennis — covering the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, and rising stars. From big wins to behind-the-scenes stories, we make tennis make sense, no matter your level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Non Traditional
  • Show Website
    Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

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