Advertise on podcast: Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast

We made it through 15 days of Melbourne and the finals delivered. Elena Rybakina outlasts Aryna Sabalenka in a fire-and-ice classic to claim her second Slam. Then Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to complete the Career Grand Slam at 22. We also shout out Tokito Oda, celebrate doubles champs Neal Skupski and Chris Harrison, talk “Player of the Fortnight,” and look ahead to what’s next on tour. Links: Off Season YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OffSeasondoc Chapters: 00:00 Sweater Talk and Introduction 00:38 Historic Australian Open Review 02:21 Women's Final: Elena Rybakina's Triumph 17:38 Men's Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic 32:22 Tournament Reflections and Fan Experience 43:54 Other Tournament News 51:31 Coming up next on Tour 56:46 Player of the Fortnight 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 - [email protected]  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.

We finally gets the semi-finals we were waiting for. We break down Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner vs Novak Djokovic, including the cramping debate, the breakpoint chaos, and what it all means for a historic final. Plus, quick hits on Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina, Elena Rybakina vs Jessica Pegula, the doubles and wheelchair finals, and a few tournaments we are tracking beyond Melbourne. Also, last call for the Ground Pass sweatsuit drop. Links: Ground Pass Sweatsuits: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop/p/us-summer-swing-heavyweight-tee-2025-sfkbw-cz6zw-amx89Off Season YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OffSeasondoc Chapters: 00:00 Australian Open Semi-Finals Recap 04:07 Women's Semi-Finals Overview 13:38 Men's Semi-Finals Highlights 19:49 Djokovic vs. Sinner: A Clash of Generations 23:50 Historic Final: Alcaraz vs. Djokovic 28:20 Doubles and Wheelchair Events Overview 34:14 Other Tournaments happening 37:03 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 - [email protected]  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.

The Australian Open quarterfinals are done. The seeds mostly held, the men’s side stayed tidy, and the women gave us the sharper tension. We break down Alcaraz vs De Minaur, Zverev vs Learner Tien, Sinner’s control against Shelton, and Djokovic’s strange path into the semis after Musetti’s injury. On the WTA side, we talk Jovic’s lesson-filled loss to Sabalenka, Svitolina’s shocker over Gauff, Rybakina finding her edge, and Pegula’s ultra-clean run. Plus: doubles unpredictability, quick notes from the Philippines Open and San Diego, and a bigger question. Do fans actually want the behind-the-scenes hallway cameras? Links: Ground Pass Sweatsuits: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop/p/us-summer-swing-heavyweight-tee-2025-sfkbw-cz6zw-amx89Carlos Alcaraz Press Conference: https://youtu.be/alLz7Ru3-VQ?si=wZ0ZajdEKdA_cxpn Off Season YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OffSeasondoc Chapters: 00:00 Quarterfinal Review and Tournament Overview 02:12 Men's Quarterfinal Highlights 11:02 Musetti's Injury and Djokovic's Path 16:10 Women's Quarterfinal Insights 27:21 Doubles Drama and Surprises 30:31 Semifinals Lineup 31:30 Other Tournaments in the mix 35:08 Ground Pass Admin 37:52 Behind the Scenes Cameras: A Controversial Topic 46:00 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 - [email protected]  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.

Round three and four are in the books, and we are looking ahead to a stacked quarterfinal slate. We talk WTA Next Gen fearlessness (Mboko, Jovic, Andreeva), the conversation around confidence and “earning it,” and why Learner Tien is still not getting the respect he deserves. Plus: the Sinner heat and roof drama, Djokovic’s “luck” conversation, a quick doubles check-in, and a shoutout to the Philippines Open and the energy Alex Eala is bringing to tennis in Southeast Asia. Also, last call to pre-order the Ground Pass sweatsuit before the end of January. Links: Ground Pass Sweatsuits: https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop/p/us-summer-swing-heavyweight-tee-2025-sfkbw-cz6zw-amx89Lucy Deuce: https://www.instagram.com/lucyydeuce?igsh=MWM2MGVrZDhsbjd1cA==Islandtennisgirl: https://x.com/islandtennisace?s=21&t=34KFRaMxpc-93mq_1EOI7ATennis Asia: https://youtube.com/@tennisasiatv?si=ERjg30f0d-OZzJvD Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Australian Open Review 02:30 Round Three and Four Highlights 04:39 Emerging Talents in Women's Tennis 10:08 Men's Side: Learner Tien 16:38 Luck of the Draw 24:35 Doubles Dynamics 29:11 Quarterfinals Preview 37:23 Emerging Tennis Markets: The Philippines and Beyond 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 - [email protected]  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.

It is the Grand Slam fashion episode. I am joined by Ian Mondul of 40 Love Tennis to break down the Australian Open fits that are actually moving the needle. We talk Naomi Osaka’s runway moment and why it is more tennis heritage than people think, Sabalenka’s new Gucci partnership, Musetti’s perfect Bottega era, and the brand-by-brand kit audit from Nike and Adidas to Wilson, New Balance, Lacoste, and more. Plus a quick detour into the heat drama from Sinner vs Eliot Spizzirri and why this match put Eliot on the map. Links: 40Love on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fortylovetennis?igsh=ZG1na3d2ZjhvZm9kOff Season: Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/0U3F4CfUsh0?si=1LG59ziOx1V-mYfR Hardcourt Newsletter - https://substack.com/@hardcourt?r=64928&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=lightTim Henman on TNT - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTvXne_kZDo/?igsh=MWczbnRwNHEzNGN2OQ== Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Weather Check 02:29 Australian Open Day 7 Recap 03:24 Stan Wawrinka's Last Match 07:56 Naomi Osaka's Withdrawal 09:26 Elliot Spizzirri vs. Jannik Sinner 19:58 Australain Open Threads 22:22 Naomi Osaka's Runway 36:58 Embracing Individuality in Tennis Fashion 38:26 Luxury Collaborations: A New Era in Tennis 47:24 Brand by Brand break down 47:40 Nike & Adidas 55:27 New Balance and Yonex 01:01:03 Wilson 01:05:04 Lululemon and ASICS 01:10:43 Fila, Lacoste & ON 01:17:38 The Others - Jomo, Head, CP Company, Penguin 01:24:23 Our Favorite Outfits of the Tournament 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 - [email protected]  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.

Round 1 and 2 at the Australian Open delivered everything. Qualifiers are flipping the script, the crowds are breaking records daily, and the WTA Next Gen is making a serious statement. We talk Alex Eala’s superstar support, Zeynep Sonmez’s red-and-white takeover, Bartunkova’s breakout, and the early upsets (plus a little Putinseva theater). Then we look ahead to a loaded Round 3 slate, including Quinn vs Mensik, Spizzirri vs Sinner, Baptiste vs Gauff, and Wawrinka vs Fritz. Links: Off Season: Episode 1 - https://youtu.be/0U3F4CfUsh0?si=1LG59ziOx1V-mYfR  Chapters: 00:00 Intro - Aus Open Rd 1 & 2 review 02:36 Follow Grand Slam matches through radio 05:33 The US ESPN issue 08:45 A look pack at Round 1 & 2 46:54 Exciting Round Three Matches Preview 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 - [email protected]  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.

The Australian Open is officially underway and we are feeling the FOMO. We get into Federer taking over Melbourne, why the One Point Slam was the best pre-tournament idea in years, and what Aussie Open Fan Week says about where tennis is headed. Then we run through Adelaide, Auckland, and Hobart winners, the WTA Next Gen wave, how the draw works, the qualifiers we’re watching, and the first-round matchups we are circling. Plus: how we’re watching from home and what’s coming next from Ground Pass, including the OFF SEASON premiere on January 18 at 4 PM ET. - https://youtu.be/0U3F4CfUsh0?si=e0kDZH3qfxfaojX7 Links: Link send us a Question - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/voice-memoGround Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastOne Point Slam video - https://www.youtube.com/live/TengZOvRTlc?si=41jm60KZfHx1lZ-N Our Draw explanation show - https://youtu.be/2-F1wmPcnLQ?si=Xu1YJk2q0xtu7u9R  Chapters: 00:00 Intro - Welcome to the Australian Open 05:01 Recent Tournament Recap: Adelaide, Auckland & Hobart 10:10 Next Gen Players Making Waves 20:55 Looking back at the Australian Open Fan Week 32:13 Our Australian Open Preview 41:52 Spotlight on Qualifiers 47:27 Exciting Matches to Watch 52:26 How to Watch the Australian Open 54:53 Upcoming Projects and Wrap-Up 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 - [email protected]  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.

Qualifying is here, so we’re jumping in early with a full Australian Open preview featuring Lucy Deuce (Black Spin Global). We answer a Ground Pass Hotline question about watching player practices at tournaments, share a listener voice memo from the United Cup in Sydney, and break down the first week of the season across Brisbane, Auckland, Hong Kong, and the United Cup. Plus: who looks ready for a deep run, who might need more reps, the WTA next wave showing up fast, what makes Grand Slam qualifying so brutal, and the names we’re watching this week as the main draw gets close. Links: Lucy Deuce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyydeuce?igsh=MWM2MGVrZDhsbjd1cA== || Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucy.deuce?_r=1&_t=ZP-9315gur7Ev0Brad Stine Interview - https://youtu.be/tcodbF-e3EY?si=-drGONmLmLyMsvs4Sincaraz from the plane - https://x.com/skysports/status/2010721025051209946?s=46&t=34KFRaMxpc-93mq_1EOI7APrime france show - https://youtu.be/m8MMXHsO34o?si=36YJQJsvtFMi5UaX Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:35 Groundpass Hotline: Viewer Questions 11:19 A Voice Note from the United Cup 15:57 Week 1 of the 2026 Season - United Cup, Brisbane & Auckland 23:31 Who is looking good & who is not in week 1 33:28 The Storylines you might have missed in week 1 40:27 Australian Open Preview 47:08 A Tangent: The Role of Coaches in Tennis 52:42 Key Storylines for the Australian Open 57:55 A Sincaraz Tangent  01:03:30 Understanding the Qualifying Rounds 01:05:43 Spotlight on Qualifying Players 01:16:26 How to Watch the Australian Open 01:19:30 Upcoming Tournaments and Player Highlights 01:23:35 Player of the Fortnight 01:30:03 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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.

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 - [email protected]  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.