Tennis in Full Swing: WTA Finals Surprises & Paris Masters Storylines

After a month apart, we’re finally back together to catch up on everything that happened across the Miami Open. We talk through the tournament’s unique ground pass experience, why Miami feels so different from Indian Wells, and the players and storylines that defined the back half of the Sunshine Double.We also answer a listener question about why men sometimes play best-of-three and sometimes best-of-five, break down what Miami is really like for fans on the grounds, and get into the biggest tennis themes of the week. That includes Aryna Sabalenka’s continued dominance, Jannik Sinner looking untouchable again, questions around Iga Swiatek after Miami, Arthur Fils making his case as part of the next big men’s tier, and a wave of rising teens making noise on both tours.Plus, we preview Charleston, Houston, and the start of clay season, check in on the Off Season players, and give our Players of the Fortnight.Links:Substack about comebacks - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/absence-makes-you-play-better-tennis?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer Off Season Ep 5 - https://youtu.be/Ceo9n7HvTQ4?si=v3gHLlW-GJjW-Kcx Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastChapters:00:00 Reconnecting After a Break01:49 Understanding Tennis Match Formats07:53 The Miami Open Experience11:43 Diversity and Atmosphere at the Miami Open21:51 Charleston vs. Miami: A Ground Pass Comparison29:39 The Tennis at the Miami Open38:48 Carlos Alcaraz's Recent Struggles40:30 Iga Swiatek's Press Conference Insights47:42 The Rise of Young Tennis Stars49:11 Is Arthur Fils the 3rd guy?51:53 Tennis News - Madrid Open Practice Courts55:27 The Need for Female Tournament Directors01:01:21 Coming Up This Week in Tennis01:07:00 Player of the Fortnight Highlights01:14:27 OutroWe have Merch!!! And its on SALE!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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia checks in from the Miami Open after a whirlwind stretch through Indian Wells and the start of the Sunshine Double. In this mini-pod, she recaps what Indian Wells felt like on the ground, from ticketing issues and practice court culture to the players and storylines that defined the tournament. She also looks ahead to Miami, where the vibes, food, fans, and draw all promise a very different week. Plus: the rise of the next wave of American men, Medvedev’s resurgence, Sabalenka and Rybakina’s rivalry, Taylor Townsend’s impressive run, and updates on the Off Season athletes competing in Miami.Links:Substack about comebacks - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/absence-makes-you-play-better-tennis?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewer Off Season Ep 5 - https://youtu.be/Ceo9n7HvTQ4?si=v3gHLlW-GJjW-Kcx Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastChapters:00:00 Welcome to Groundpass: Miami Open Edition03:13 Recapping Indian Wells: Highlights and Insights06:00 The Atmosphere of Indian Wells: A Unique Experience12:09 Transitioning Generations: American Men's Tennis14:59 Rivalries and Rising Stars: Women's Tennis Highlights20:05 Exploring the Miami Open: A Different Vibe26:07 Food and Culture at the Miami Open29:49 Upcoming Matches and Player Insights34:04 Closing Thoughts and Future ExpectationsWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Live” from Indian Wells its Ground Pass!Join Anastasia and guest co-host Ian Mondul on the pod recorded from Tennis Paradise in the desert.Things we discuss:What the Tournament has been like so far and the changes this yearThe Lululemon take overThe Tennis so far: The Americans, Alex Eala and Joao Fonseca ManiaSoundbites from the press room from Coco Gauff, Learner Tien, Lilli Tagger, Felix Auger Aliassime and Arthur FilsLinks:Substack from Indian Wells - https://open.substack.com/pub/groundpass/p/the-5th-slam-indian-wells-the-world?r=47h9qh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web Off Season Ep 4 - https://youtu.be/8UTohuZL-oY?si=8ue6NlazOwcIEf23Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastChapters:00:00 Intro02:30 How Indian Wells has changed18:18 The Tennis so Far47:30 Off Season: In Season50:30 OutroWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the Professionals with Mike Cation, the voice of Challenger tennis. We talk commentary reps, relationships, journalistic ethics, and how to break into tennis jobs through volunteering and college tennis. Plus a quick tour check-in as Medvedev wins Dubai by walkover and Tiafoe reaches the Acapulco final.  Links:Off Season Ep 4 - https://youtu.be/8UTohuZL-oY?si=8ue6NlazOwcIEf23 Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastChapters:00:00 Intro05:12 Current Events in Tennis: Dubai and Austin Tournaments10:18 Meet the Professional: Mike Cation's Journey in Tennis Commentary19:23 Building Relationships in Tennis: The Key to Success21:30 The Art of Commentary: Skills and Learning Process28:55 The Role of a Commentator: Insights and Relationships with Players36:21 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Sports Media40:59 Advice for Aspiring Tennis ProfessionalsWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia is back from Delray Beach and has thoughts. A lot of them. This week, we get into why February might just be the best month on the tennis calendar, what it was actually like on the ground at the Delray Beach Open, and why the draw felt more like a 500 than a 250. We also break down Jessica Pegula winning Dubai, the WTA’s new Tour Architecture Council, the debate around getting rid of 250-level events, and whether anyone can actually stop Carlos Alcaraz right now. Plus: player clips from Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, and Coleman Wong on tour life, 250s, and representing Hong Kong on the pro circuit. And we have an update on what the OFF SEASON cast is up to as the US spring swing kicks off.Links:Off Season Ep 3 - https://youtu.be/K77vLeZhyho?si=Cwx2jn7oeG6Gl4Kn  Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Ground Pass Shop - https://www.groundpasspodcast.com/shop Ground Pass Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/GroundPassPodcastChapters:00:00 Technical Difficulties and Weather Woes01:59 Delray Beach Tournament Overview09:52 The Future of 250 Tournaments24:39 Dubai Tournament Highlights29:38 The WTA rethinking their schedule33:20 Jessica Pegula's Consistency and Victory38:11 The Impact of Alex Eala on Tennis42:32 Doha: Sinner searching, Alcaraz unstoppable48:46 Goran Ivanisevic is back51:07 February: The Best Month for Tennis56:17 Upcoming Tournaments and Player Highlights01:03:05 OutroWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia is on the road in Florida after covering the Dallas Open in person and she is breaking down what made it such a great “small tournament, big tennis” week. We talk atmosphere, access, and why Dallas felt like a stadium-within-a-stadium event. Then we jump to Doha where Karolina Muchova wins the title, Victoria Mboko breaks into the Top 10, and Mirra Andreeva’s poise keeps leveling up. Plus, Qinwen Zheng returns, Rotterdam and Buenos Aires check-ins, Destanee Aiava’s retirement post, and a packed “what’s next” slate led by Dubai, Doha (men), Rio, and a seriously stacked Delray field. Players of the Fortnight: Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Jack Pinnington Jones.Links:Off Season Ep 3 - https://youtu.be/K77vLeZhyho?si=Cwx2jn7oeG6Gl4Kn  Ground Pass Substack - https://groundpass.substack.com/Bryan Shelton Interview - https://youtu.be/U1IOObky2UE?si=KogAEfpDK4rcMMIR Destanee Aiava instagram post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DUu-THaE6KR/?igsh=MThrdTFqa3ZmcHN2Nw==Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:24 Dallas Open Experience16:44 Doha: The feel good Tournament29:42 Tournament Updates: Rotterdam and Buenos Aires34:16 Destanee Aiava retires at 2638:14 Upcoming Tournaments: Dubai and Delray Beach Preview49:15 Players of the Fortnight: Rising Stars in Focus53:52 OutroWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anastasia is on the ground in Dallas for her first Dallas Open, kicking off the season’s first mini-pod from a hotel room after a long travel day. She recaps a busy post–Australian Open week across the tours, from Emma Raducanu’s return to a final in Cluj-Napoca and Katie Boulter’s title in Ostrava, to Sara Bejlek’s breakthrough WTA 500 win in Abu Dhabi. On the ATP side, Felix Auger-Aliassime stays red hot indoors by defending his Montpellier crown, plus a quick Davis Cup check-in and what’s next with Doha and the February swing. Finally, it’s an OFF SEASON roundup week, with Hailey Baptiste surging in Abu Dhabi, Ethan Quinn delivering in his first Davis Cup appearance, and Colton Smith defending his Challenger title.  Links:Off Season Ep 1: https://youtu.be/0U3F4CfUsh0?si=YA0OxZ7OKP_9rUKF Off Season Ep 2: https://youtu.be/XwysI8QBSgk?si=Yr2b6fmxsM8qwk2t Chapters:00:00 Intro01:47 Dallas Open Coverage Begins03:56 WTA Highlights: Brits Shine09:06 ATP Insights: Indoor Kings and Davis Cup13:31 Off-Season Athletes Making Waves17:55 Upcoming Tournaments and Events21:48 Merchandise Updates and Community EngagementWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/@OffSeasondocChapters:00:00 Sweater Talk and Introduction00:38 Historic Australian Open Review02:21 Women's Final: Elena Rybakina's Triumph17:38 Men's Final: Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic32:22 Tournament Reflections and Fan Experience43:54 Other Tournament News51:31 Coming up next on Tour56:46 Player of the FortnightWe 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/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  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/@OffSeasondocChapters:00:00 Australian Open Semi-Finals Recap04:07 Women's Semi-Finals Overview13:38 Men's Semi-Finals Highlights19:49 Djokovic vs. Sinner: A Clash of Generations23:50 Historic Final: Alcaraz vs. Djokovic28:20 Doubles and Wheelchair Events Overview34:14 Other Tournaments happening37:03 OutroWe 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/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  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/@OffSeasondocChapters:00:00 Quarterfinal Review and Tournament Overview02:12 Men's Quarterfinal Highlights11:02 Musetti's Injury and Djokovic's Path16:10 Women's Quarterfinal Insights27:21 Doubles Drama and Surprises30:31 Semifinals Lineup31:30 Other Tournaments in the mix35:08 Ground Pass Admin37:52 Behind the Scenes Cameras: A Controversial Topic46:00 OutroWe 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/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  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.