Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:13 US Open atmosphere and player performances04:14 Behind the scenes: industry events, brand activations, and media coverage07:15 The first week and fan engagement12:18 Quarterfinal recap and standout moments20:15 Semifinal matchups and player form30:15 Walkouts and match build-up40:24 Fan knowledge and media representation50:19 Final thoughts on the men's and women's finalsLinks:Shop the Ground Pass Hat - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shopOjai 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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.Chapters00:00 Intro04:01 Qinwen Zheng is the Comeback Queen09:03 Wimbledon Champion Linda Noskova still goes unnoticed16:59 Sabalenka's uneventful match against Taylor Townsend19:06 A composed Mirra Andreeva could be dangerous22:34 Coco Gauff still looks good24:49 Emma Navarro's Return and Personal Story28:29 Frances Tiafoe undefeated on Louis Armstrong33:03 Alex Michelsen is on a heater35:34 Alexander Blockx the last baby gen standing38:57 Labor Day Weekend Vibe and Ticket Market Insights47:28 Women's Quarterfinals and Predictions51:10 Men's Quarterfinals Preview and Key Matchups53:43 OutroLinksUS 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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.Chapters00:00 Intro - Round 3 Recap from the grounds01:44 Just watching Tennis12:45 Blair Henley on Louis Armstrong vibes and Taylor Townsend24:24 Ava Wallace on Madison Keys and Taylor Fritz44:15 Hot Tip for Cheap US Open tickets41:24 Alex Eala and Iva Jovic recap44:44 OutroLinksUS 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 LinksUS Open Guide - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/us-open-guide 

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.Chapters00:30 Intro09:20 US Open Round 2 Recap - Upsets on the Mens side18:52 US Men have a great opportunity25:10 Aryna Sabalenka is an edgy Tiger30:59 Coco Guaff is a strong contender33:10 Qinwen Zheng is back!35:47 Stadium 17 brings the vibes37:17 Around the Grounds of the US Open37:53 Influencer US Open take over49:28 The US Open gets into the prediction market53:46 Apparel chat with Ian coming soon56:50 Round 3 Matches to watch01:03:43 OutroLinksUS 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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.Chapters00:00 US Open Round One Recap03:07 Weather Impact on the Tournament05:53 Voice Memo from Winston Salem09:00 Novak Djokovic's Shocking Loss11:50 Carlos Alcaraz's Impressive Return14:58 Coco Gauff's Strong Performance17:59 Players' Adaptation to Schedule Changes31:59 Match Play Dynamics and Player Preferences33:37 Upsets and Surprises: The US Open First Round35:54 The Return of Monfils and His Impact39:28 Emerging Talents and First Round Highlights44:06 Tournament Vibes: Crowds and Influencer Culture51:01 Late Night Matches and Their Implications58:47 Betting Partnerships and Their ControversiesLinks: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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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.Chapters00:00 Intro04:00 Christian's Serena Wiliams racket story09:00 We need teams of our own10:00 Our first slam as credentialed media13:00 Men's draw: the first rounders we want14:00 Robin Montgomery and the Liberty kit16:00 Women's draw and the qualifiers to watch21:00 Arthur Fils after Cincinnati22:00 The official Alcaraz readiness indicator23:00 The upset we're calling26:00 Venus Willims vs Kenin and the New York crowd30:00 Lucky losers and wild cards32:00 How to do Day 1 on the grounds34:00 Thank you and what's nextLinks: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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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-guideChapters:00:15 Introduction03:01 Why Arthur Fils is the King of New York06:13 Cincinnati Open mini recap08:21 Serena Williams and Venus Williams back playing doubles11:09 Sara Bejlek reemerges13:51 Brandon Nakashima back on the rise16:08 A look at the Cincinnati Men's finalists19:55 A look at the Cincinnati Women's Finalists29:45 The US Open Starts Now34:19 Qualifiers to watch at the US Open40:00 Top names in US Open Mixed Doubles43:08 Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner out of the US Open48:30 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

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-splitChristian 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_chipsChapters:00:00 Welcome Christian's Court to the podcast05:15 How the Canadian Open is structured11:51 Alex Eala takes over Canada and their food court17:17 Alex Eala keeps winning29:19 Gauff, Anisimova, the rest of the WTA tour44:56 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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 

Alex Eala won the DC Open by going through Qinwen Zheng, Leylah Fernandez, Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, and Jessica Pegula, and became the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title. This one is a solo pod, recorded late after a work day, about what that week actually looked like from the ground.Inside: the TikTok about Eala's Miami run that started This Week in Tennis, the strange gap between a huge fanbase and a thin trophy case, the rain delay that wiped a set and handed her a clean slate on Monday, and Pegula's very generous explanation of why that slow lefty serve is so hard to attack.Then the bigger argument. The Tennis Channel desk sitting out in the open, an hour of Naomi Osaka just hanging out with fans, an ice cream truck a few feet away, and what that says about where the sport feels healthiest right now. Plus Fritz on the safety break, Rafa Jódar on the weekly reset, and the Canada attendance question.Also, Ground Pass is credentialed at the US Open. That happened because of weeks like this one.Links: Ground Pass on Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/- Ground Pass Shop: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop- Jessica Pegula's final press conference: https://youtu.be/WfBxCkkasok?si=-AaRA6-RZozkgki0 - PTPA article: https://awfulannouncing.com/tennis/ptpa-threatens-defamation-lawsuit-andy-roddick-served.html Chapters00:00 Alex Eala wins the DC Open06:30 The TikTok that started This Week in Tennis09:20 "Who's this girl?" and the fandom question13:10 Head down, no celebrating, until the handshake14:20 Eala on how steep it gets at the top18:20 The rain reset and a brand new match21:40 Pegula explains why the slow lefty serve works28:40 Taylor Fritz on the safety break31:40 Rafa Jódar on resetting after every week33:40 Ground Pass is credentialed at the US Open35:20 Just fix the bathrooms39:40 The Osaka cookout43:00 The PTPA story someone should report44:40 Sinner, Djokovic, and the Canada question💬 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/supportGround 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/groundpasspodDisclaimer: 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