Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

This week on Ground Pass, we’re catching up on all things clay season and diving into the beautiful chaos that is the Rome Open. But first, we recap the wild scenes from Madrid—including a super-detailed voice memo from Ramiro at @courtsatisfaction breaking down everything from seating to surprise side events.⏱️ In This Episode:0:00 – Kicking off + the Ground Pass update2:50 – Madrid wrap + listener voice memo17:00 – Rome is stunning: travel vibes + stadium drama28:00 – Darth Sinner + Alcaraz’s tennis puppy energy32:40 – No Djokovic in Rome—what’s going on?38:00 – Jack Draper on clay is the real deal41:00 – Emma Raducanu’s comeback + mental reset44:00 – Iga Swiatek: time to figure things out52:00 – Sabalenka: world #1 and thriving55:00 – American women rising: Stearns + Baptiste57:30 – Team Coachella = Coco Gauff + Alex Eala 🕶️🎶1:00:30 – The doubles story you’re not hearing: Evan King + Chris Harrison1:03:40 – Player of the Fortnight: Bianca Andreescu + Fabian Marozsan✨ We’ve got stories, travel tips, and maybe a few statue jokes along the way.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and check out our new Patreon for behind-the-scenes content.Links mentioned:– Karue Sell - Meet the Professionals episode– Our Patreon– Instagram @court.satisfaction– Match Stories: Osaka v Golubic💬 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

What if you could restart your tennis career—with a camera in one hand and a racquet in the other?In this episode of Meet the Professionals, Anastasia and Nick sit down with Karue Sell, who has lived every version of tennis: a top junior in Brazil, NCAA standout at UCLA, coach on the ATP tour, hitting partner for Naomi Osaka, YouTuber behind MyTennisHQ, and now… a 30-year-old chasing ATP points again.We talk about:Why college tennis helped him avoid burnoutThe hustle behind building a tennis YouTube channelCoaching vs. playing: what’s harder?Turning pro again—and filming the whole thingWhy storytelling is tennis’ biggest growth opportunityKarue gets real about finances, motivation, injuries, and how he’s redefining success in tennis on his own terms. This is one for the dreamers, the doers, and everyone in between.New to Ground Pass?We’re the podcast for anyone who’s tennis-curious—from brand new fans to lifelong watchers.🎾 Hit follow, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Follow Karue:YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@Karue-SellInstagram → instagram.com/karuesellConnect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more from Ground Pass!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Anastasia and Nick are back with a full episode, and it’s a packed one!They kick off with a spoiler-free discussion of the new Carlos Alcaraz documentary on Netflix, sharing thoughts on Carlos’ mindset, why it’s refreshing to see athletes prioritize happiness, and a few can’t-miss moments (including a sweet encounter with Roger Federer!).Then it’s onto the latest tennis news:The chaos unfolding at the Madrid Open 🎾Carlos Alcaraz’s tough clay season scheduling and injury news 🇪🇸Big first-round exits for top players like Novak Djokovic and Holger RuneWhy Jannik Sinner’s absence might be changing the men’s tour energyAlejandro Davidovich Fokina’s strong season so far 🔥Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff surviving early-round scares at MadridNaomi Osaka’s next steps after an early Madrid exit—and the rising trend of players taking Challenger wildcards for match playUpdates on Emma Raducanu, Maria Sakkari, and other names heating up the women’s tourPlus: a historic run at the Côte d’Ivoire Challenger 🏆No Player of the Fortnight this week — and Anastasia and Nick explain why they’re waiting for a breakout story worth highlighting.Don’t miss:➔ A little tease about the next Meet the Professionals episode➔ Some love for Challenger events (and why you should absolutely go to one near you!)Chapters00:00 Intro04:14 Our thoughts on the Carlos Alcaraz Documentary17:13 The Chaotic Madrid Open38:54 What Happens After Early Exits?48:25 Spotlight on Local Talent51:10 Player of the Fortnite DilemmaRelevant Links:Eliakim Coulibaly’s historic win: https://www.instagram.com/p/DI99yV4ti85/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Challenger TV: https://www.atptour.com/en/atp-challenger-tour/challenger-tvWTA Unlocked: https://www.wtatennis.com/unlockedSubscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

This week, it’s just Anastasia on the mic for a quick solo catch-up on everything that’s gone down on the tour.We’re talking: • Ben Shelton making American clay-court history 🧱🇺🇸 • Jelena Ostapenko continuing her mental hold over Iga Swiatek 😳 • Carlos Alcaraz reaching back-to-back finals… but it’s Holger Rune who steals the show in Barcelona 🏆 • And yes—Alexander Zverev might just have his mojo back after winning Munich 👀It’s a short, sharp dose of stories, energy, and opinion—everything you need to stay in the loop this week.Relevant Links:Will Beger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willbeger?igsh=MWt6ZHkwMjJtZ3lubQ==Best UTS court ever: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIEt8jStIAN/?igsh=MW9xNHJ2eGMwaDVtZw==Tennis Inside-In episode with Andrea Petkovic: https://youtu.be/aVcrADBEhYU?si=lYfsJNaZc0_UYImzRenee Stubbs Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rennae-stubbs-tennis-podcast/id1393881115Jelena Ostapenko won the Abu Dhabi Open WTA 500 in doubles with Ellen PerezChapters00:00 Introduction02:31 Ben Shelton’s history making clay run06:33 Jelena Ostaenko / Iga Swiatek H2H10:34 Ostapenko wins Stuttgart over Sabalenka15:19 Alex Eala returns17:19 Holger Rune gets a win over Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona 22:20 Who won this week23:41 Whats Next: Madrid Open24:47 Sinner is coming back25:07 Outro Connect with Us:Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

In this episode, Anastasia and Nick catch up on all the latest from the tennis world—from the red clay of Monte Carlo to the team spirit of the Billie Jean King Cup.They break down Team USA’s surprising BJK Cup performance, share highlights from Anastasia time at the Charleston Open, and unpack the energy (and drama) of Monte Carlo. Expect a closer look at standout players like Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, recent coaching shake-ups, and rising American names like Hailey Baptiste and Bernarda Pera.It’s a mix of insights, on-the-ground reflections, and everything you need to know heading into the next stretch of the tennis season.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Relevant Links:Alex De Minaur’s shorts: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIYQU7po93g/?img_index=1&igsh=MWdpN2RudWF5bGZoMonte Carlo Stringer Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DITY8TVpbsa/?igsh=MWd0eXh6N25qamt5bw==Chapters00:00 No, this is not an F1 podcast01:35 Question Of the Week03:44 Still gushing over our MTP with Abigail Johnson05:06 Quick Charleston recap, more to come09:56 Monte Carlo brought the sunshine13:46 James - The Tennis Ranter on Monte Carlo19:23 The Tennis at Monte Carlo37:59 The Stringers of Monte Carlo41:23 Team USA proves 'them' wrong - Billie Jean King Cup01:00:24 The Year of the Super coaches continues01:08:20 Challengers coming to Tennis Channel01:10:06 Whats coming up this week on Tour01:12:39 Players of the Fortnight Connect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more from Ground Pass!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Welcome to another episode of Meet the Professionals, our monthly series spotlighting the people who make the tennis world go ’round. This time, Anastasia & Nick sit down with rising tennis commentator Abigail Johnson for an inspiring and insightful conversation.From her early tennis obsessions to carving out a space for herself in the world of sports commentary, Abigail shares how passion, preparation, and persistence shaped her journey. They dive into everything from the art of on-air storytelling to the realities of traveling on the tennis tour, building relationships with players, and making space for young voices in the media.If you’re curious about what it really takes to get behind the mic in tennis—or just love hearing from the voices shaping the sport—this one’s for you. Relevant Links:Abigail Johnson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigailtennis?igsh=MTY3bW5pbnE1YWM5ag==Abigail Johnson on X: https://x.com/abigailtennis?s=21&t=34KFRaMxpc-93mq_1EOI7AChapters00:00 Introduction01:27 Abigail Johnson: A Journey into Tennis Commentary04:31 Childhood Influences and Early Aspirations07:18 The Path to Professional Tennis Commentary09:57 Transitioning from Writing to Commentary18:37 How Abigail's hobbies helped her in Tennis Commentary24:00 Being an educator as a tennis commentator31:41 Overcoming "Youth" and being an outsider 36:49 Building Relationships with Players48:08 Traveling for Work: A Commentator's Life51:45 Balancing Passion and Professionalism55:01 What the future looks like for Abigail59:19 Engaging New Tennis Fans01:01:28 Advice for getting into Tennis Commentary01:06:29 The Importance of Grassroots TennisConnect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Subscribe to Our Substack at - https://groundpass.substack.comVisit Our Website at - www.groundpasspodcast.comEmail us at - groundpasspodcast@gmail.comFollow us 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Thats right Ground Pass went viral on TikTok because of the popularity of the Alex Eala run at the Miami Open. Let’s talk about it.In this episode, Nick and Anastasia discuss the Miami Open, its unique atmosphere, and the ongoing challenges of scheduling due to rain delays. They compare the Miami Open to Indian Wells, highlighting the differences in appeal and experience for fans. The conversation shifts to emerging talents like Jakub Mensik and Alex Eala, who are making waves in the tennis world. They also touch on the dominance of Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Raducanu's journey, before transitioning to the upcoming clay season and the excitement surrounding it. Relevant Links:Ground Pass “mini” pod about the differences between the Miami Open & Indian Wells: https://pod.fo/e/2bda20Courtside with Issac Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/courtsidewithisaac?igsh=MmNkNHBicGRtNTBhChapters00:00 Introduction and Tournament Overview02:29 The Miami Open vs. Indian Wells05:20 Venue Experience and Accessibility08:06 Comparing Miami Open to Other Tournaments11:01 Ticketing and Logistics13:46 Fan Experience and Atmosphere19:35 Cultural Impact and Growing Markets23:08 Indian Wells Semifinalists fall early24:52 Jakub Mensik goes under the rader29:22 The rise of Alex Eala and tennis in the Philippines37:16 The Arthur Fils Corner41:02 Emma Raducanu's Journey and Potential46:49 Iga Swiatek vs. Aryna Sabalenka: The Miami Open Final52:55 Celebrating Doubles: The Sunshine Double Achievers55:45 Transitioning to Clay: The Upcoming Tournaments01:04:37 Players of the Fortnite: Celebrating TalentConnect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more from Ground Pass!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Ground Pass was accredited for its first 1000 Level event. Which is a big deal. Thanks for following us on this adventure in this episode of the podcast we dissuss the main differences between Indian Wells and the Miami Open. We also touch on the tennis for the first week which saw all the ATP Indian Wells semi finalists lose their first matches - Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Holger Rune & Daniil Medvedev all had early exits.The almost love story of Alex Eala and Coleman Wong gave us life.Emma Raducanu gets to her first WTA 1000 quaterfinals and Mirra Andreeva & Amanda Anisimova have words.Relevant Links:Ground Pass on Substack for all the Behind the Scenes content: https://groundpass.substack.comSkyview ride with tennis players: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHjR1uJusHo/?igsh=cXBqNGczM2V2ZXU3Things to do arounf the grounds of the Miami Open: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHhIcg0Pfso/?igsh=ajNsbTk4Yncwd3huChapters:00:00 - Intro02:35 - Ground Pass was accredited for its first 1000 level event.04:54 - The Difference between Indian Wells and the Miami Open26:29 - The 1st week of tennis at the Miami Open37:16 - Outro  Connect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more from Ground Pass!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder

Indian Wells is done and dusted for 2025 and what an experience it was, Anastasia joins Nick to talk through the 2nd week of the event and the semifinal groups. We also touch in the Arizona Challenger which is a must visit for next year.Relevant Links:Ground Pass on Substack for all the Behind the Scenes content: https://groundpass.substack.comChapters00:00 Welcome to the Groundpass: A Professional Peak03:43 The problem with the 2nd week of Indian Wells08:10 Budgeting for Indian Wells: Tips and Tricks11:16 Comparing Tournament Prices: Indian Wells vs. Other Events16:43 Women's Semi-Finals: Highlights and Anticipation17:34 Mira Andreeva's Transformation20:11 Aryna Sabalenka's Dominance22:17 Coco Gauff's Struggles and Resilience26:06 Emerging Stars: Jack Draper and Holger Rune29:09 Carlos Alcaraz: The Pressure of Expectations32:18 Daniel Medvedev's Comeback and Celebration34:56 Doubles Dynamics and Player Partnerships37:04 Dream Run in Doubles Tennis40:28 Emerging Stars at the Arizona Challenger44:54 Miami Open: A Platform for Future Talents46:32 Player of the Fortnite Highlights50:49 Closing Thoughts and Future ProspectsConnect with Us:Follow Ground Pass on Instagram and Bluesky/Twitter for real-time updates.Subscribe on Substack for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes coverage and exclusive content.Got thoughts on this week’s tennis news? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!Enjoy the episode and stay tuned for more from Ground Pass!Subscribe 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/@groundpasspodcastPodcast Theme by Breakmaster Cylinder