Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

We’re down to the final four—now two! Anastasia and Nick recap the Wimbledon 2025 semifinals and preview a finals weekend filled with storyline-rich matchups: Amanda Anisimova’s comeback arc continues after her stunner against Aryna Sabalenka, while Iga Swiatek dismantles Belinda Bencic with the kind of form that wins majors.On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz squeezes past Taylor Fritz, and Jannik Sinner breezes past an injured Novak Djokovic in a match that felt like watching Novak 2.0 take over the baton. We also break down a wild doubles semifinal (shoutout to Hijikata & Pèll!), toast to Arthur Ashe’s legacy, and explain why heading to smaller tourneys like Newport is still a tennis fan’s best move.This one’s packed. Let’s get into it.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro02:38 Semifinals recap37:32 Newport Tournament Insights42:53 Final's Preview47:35 The Rise of American Women's Tennis50:08 Outro💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Wimbledon Round 4 delivered high drama—and heartbreak. In this episode, Anastasia and Nick unpack a brutal day of tennis headlined by Grigor Dimitrov’s devastating injury while leading Jannik Sinner. They also dive into standout performances from Mirra Andreeva, Iga Swiatek, and Ben Shelton, the rise of Flavio Cobolli, and the unexpected power of listening to matches on the radio. Plus, a quick dispatch from the Hall of Fame Open in Newport and the latest on electronic line calling drama. Sports is cruel—but we’re still watching.Chapters00:00 Intro01:42 Round 4 wrap up28:13 Looking ahead to the quaterfinals33:53 Outro💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

NOTE: Said Aryna was the only player left in the top 11 but meant in her section of the draw not the whole tournament. She is the only player left in the top ten in the top half of the draw. The seeds keep falling, the storylines keep building, and Ground Pass is here to break it all down. Anastasia is joined by tennis broadcaster Mitch Michals to unpack Round 3 of Wimbledon 2025—including the end of Barbora Krejcikova’s title defense, Emma Raducanu’s battle with Aryna Sabalenka, and the rising tide of British players led by Sonay Kartal and Cam Norrie.We talk about Hailey Baptiste’s breakout summer, Naomi Osaka’s emotional post-match, and the real reasons why grass court season leads to all this unpredictability. Plus: Iga’s statement victory, and why the Lost Boys generation may never catch up.Catch up before the round of 16 kicks off.💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder 

Here’s to all the seeds we lost in Round 2. Wimbledon 2025 is fully in its unpredictable era, and Ground Pass is here for every twist.In this episode, Anastasia recaps the standout moments from Day 3 and Round 2—including big breakthroughs, major exits, and a little tennis history in the making.Highlights include:🇹🇷 Zeynep Sönmez becomes the first Turkish player to reach a Grand Slam third round🇭🇷 Marin Čilić turns back the clock with a win over Jack Draper—his first Top 5 victory at age 36🎾 The “seeds we lost” update: we’re moving past denial and into acceptance🧠 Why some wins are more than just rankings—and how Round 2 reshaped the draw🔥 A preview of which matchups are heating up for Round 3Round 2 had drama, surprise, and legacy moments—and we break it all down in classic Ground Pass style.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.📍 Follow on social media for daily updates and behind-the-scenes content all tournament long.💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

The grass is not greener for the seeds this year.In this episode of Ground Pass, Anastasia is joined by special guest Ian Modul of 40 Love Tennis to break down a first round full of upsets, breakthroughs, and style moments at Wimbledon 2025. With Nick on-site in London, he shares his take via voice note at the end of the show—but in the meantime, Anastasia and Ian cover all the early drama from SW19.We get into:The shock exits of top seeds like Jessica Pegula, Qinwen Zheng, Alexander Zverev, and moreBreakout performances from Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Jack Draper, and Victoria MbokoTaylor Fritz’s overnight comeback and the return of the Wimbledon curfew debatePetra Kvitova’s final Wimbledon appearanceWhich qualifiers and lucky losers could make deep runsFashion wins (shoutout to those Adidas kits) and day-by-day vibes from the groundsPlus: what to expect as the second round unfolds and which storylines are worth tracking.🎧 Whether you’re catching up over strawberries and bagels or watching from the Queue, this recap has everything you need from Round 1.And don’t miss Nick’s live-from-Wimbledon dispatch at the end of the episode!00:00 Intro01:54 Upsets and Surprises in Round One28:57 The Wimbledon Curfew37:34 Upsets continue into Day 246:52 Fashion at Wimbledon: A Stylish Review55:25 Mboko - the Lucky Loser!01:11:34 Looking Ahead to Round Two Matches01:20:50 Outro01:22:41 Nick's Voice Note from Wimbledon💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

We’re previewing Wimbledon 2025! Anastasia and Nick break down the draws, highlight the must-watch first-round matchups (yes, we see you Kenin vs. Townsend), and debate which qualifiers could shake things up. We talk seedings, surface matchups, sneaky threats in both draws, and the matches we’re most hyped to see. Plus: how to watch Wimbledon in your country, the return of Ground Pass screenings in Brooklyn, and a nod to the best doubles matchup of the tournament.Whether you’re new to tennis or a longtime fan, this episode sets the tone for a spectacular Wimbledon.🎾 Featuring:– Maya Joint vs. Alex Eala– Draper’s brutal draw– Sabalenka vs. Branstine– Jarry, Jovic, and Tarvet watch– The case for qualifying week– Wimbledon traditions we love (and wish more tournaments adopted)– And why Taylor Fritz might just be your dark horse pickLinks:Meet the Professionals: Abigail Johnson - https://pod.fo/e/2c41b9The story of Marcus Willis - https://youtu.be/kF5ir7dpgl8?si=XyUdgFv0GudIVy2iThe Hill in New York - https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/about_wimbledon/the_hill_in_new_york.htmlChapters00:00 Intro03:33 The Wimbledon Draw06:50 The Importance of Seedings08:34 Draws are random11:58 First Round Matches to Watch14:12 Exciting Women's Draw Matchups22:11 Anticipating Men's First Round Matches27:39 Wimbledon Traditions and Scheduling30:27 Roehampton and Qualifiers to watch35:40 Highlighting Standout Qualifiers43:33 Slight Interlude44:34 The Winners the Week before Wimbledon49:48 Men's Grass Court Tournaments57:28 What to expect from Ground Pass during Wimbledon58:54 The Hill Experience in New York01:03:06 How to Watch Wimbledon Around the World01:07:02 Outro💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Visit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Grass season doesn’t wait for anyone. Anastasia and Nick break down the biggest results from the past two weeks — including titles for Marketa Vondrousova, Alexander Bublik, and Carlos Alcaraz — and why the transition from clay to grass is one of the most unpredictable stretches on tour. They also dive into Wimbledon qualifying, the rise of McCartney Kessler, and the soon-to-be-iconic US Open Mixed Doubles Championship entry list (yes, Alcaraz & Raducanu). Plus: a special interview with Citi Open chairman Mark Ein on what makes DC one of the best tournaments of the summer.Links:Highlight of Aryna/Elena match in Berlin - https://youtu.be/PpL6L7TIDDQ?si=vO2iWwIagUvD7WYpLink to Halle Trophy Ceremony - https://youtube.com/shorts/oCPlG-C2tLU?si=kvEqOX3MmXYT7WgSChapters00:00 Introduction04:39 Grass Court Season and the complications it brings12:20 Results and Stories from this week34:15 Other News: US Open Mixed Doubles Entry List52:07 Petra Kvitova announces retirement 54:40 Jannik Sinner releases a song with Andrea Bocelli56:54 Interview with Mark Ein chairman of Mubadala Citi DC Open01:29:20 What's coming up Next01:35:44 Players of the Fortnight01:40:59 Outro💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

It’s been a chill week post-Roland Garros, and we’re taking it easy with a mini Ground Pass catch-up. We talk:– The return of women’s tennis to Queen’s Club for the first time in 50 years– Emma Raducanu, Qinwen Zheng, and McCartney Kessler making moves– Tatjana Maria’s wild run from qualies to champion– Coco Gauff’s NYC media tour and Sloane Stephens’ iconic RG looks– Taylor Fritz continues his domination over Zverev– Updates from Ilkley and Berlin, plus a voice memo from KvittycatShort and sweet, just like a warm-up before Wimbledon.Send your voice notes if you’re going to a tournament: groundpasspodcast@gmail.comChapters00:00 - Intro01:08 - The WTA at Queens10:56 - Voice Memo from @Kvittycat35 on Queens17:58 - Taylor Fritz's is Zverev's Daddy21:38 - Coco Gauff in New York23:54 - Sloane Stephens slayed at RG26:51 - Andy Roddick on Tennis athletes29:24 - Ilkley and Nick's voice memo35:02 - Whats coming up this week in tennis37:20 - OutroLinks:- Kvittycat53 on X - https://x.com/kvittycat53?s=21&t=34KFRaMxpc-93mq_1EOI7A- Brittany Hampton (Sloane's stylist) on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKuYimGxxuA/?igsh=eGc4dG83bjFuN3Fp- Link to Tennis Lesson Video on Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8r22q7k/- Link to Tennis Lesson Video on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK4uuOigCu9/?igsh=MWxidTJnMXNndTRnMA==- Video of Coco Gauff with Ellie - https://www.threads.com/@ground_pass/post/DKvhv6lO_DK?xmt=AQF0BQhApZ1IRioccQpidkAohqoP9u7erbqM112lItoaoA💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

We’re still processing.In our Roland Garros 2025 finale recap, Anastasia and Nick reflect on an unforgettable weekend of tennis. From Carlos Alcaraz’s 5-set thriller against Jannik Sinner to Coco Gauff’s second Slam title, we talk through every twist, stat, and sprint to a bar screen.💥 Was Sinner vs Alcaraz the greatest match ever?💬 Did Aryna Sabalenka’s post-match comments go too far?🎥 Why TNT’s U.S. debut in Grand Slam coverage actually worked👀 Players of the Fortnight: Lois Boisson and Colton Smith🎾 Plus: Explaining unforced errors, 10-point tiebreaks, and why this sport is best sharedThis one’s long—because the match was long—and because it deserved it.Links:Unforced Error Article - Grass season breakdown with BSG - https://youtu.be/urLhepOzz2M?si=26w7a_iyR21yrGU6ATP College program - https://www.atptour.com/en/news/college-next-gen-accelarator-2025Chapters00:00 Post-Match Emotions Intro02:12 The Men's Championship Breakdown31:06 The Women's Championship Breakdown49:34 Unforced Errors: A Deeper Look54:27 Tournament Reflections - TNT won01:08:41 Grass Season: Looking Ahead01:09:22 Players of the Fortnight01:14:54 Outro💬 Don’t forget to give us 5 stars and drop us a comment ⭐️Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/GroundPassPodcastSubscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us for daily updates on Social:Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ground_passBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/groundpass.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ground_passYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@GroundPassTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@groundpasspodcastX: https://x.com/groundpasspodPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder