Cincinnati Made History, and the US Open is here

Cincinnati Made History, and the US Open is here

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter August 24, 2026 Duration: 55:14

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-guide


Chapters:

00:15 Introduction

03:01 Why Arthur Fils is the King of New York

06:13 Cincinnati Open mini recap

08:21 Serena Williams and Venus Williams back playing doubles

11:09 Sara Bejlek reemerges

13:51 Brandon Nakashima back on the rise

16:08 A look at the Cincinnati Men's finalists

19:55 A look at the Cincinnati Women's Finalists

29:45 The US Open Starts Now

34:19 Qualifiers to watch at the US Open

40:00 Top names in US Open Mixed Doubles

43:08 Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner out of the US Open

48:30 Our US Open Guide is Live


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Join hosts Anastasia Folorunso and Nick Carter for Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast, a conversation that goes beyond the baseline. This isn't just a recap of scores; it's a deep dive into the narratives that shape the sport. Each episode offers analysis of the ATP and WTA tours, the unique pressures of the Grand Slams, and the journeys of emerging talents, all while exploring how tennis intersects with broader culture and society. We unpack the strategy behind the big wins and share the lesser-known stories that happen off the court, aiming to provide context whether you're a lifelong fan or just finding your footing. The discussion is informed, accessible, and driven by a genuine passion for the game's intricacies and its personalities. Tune in to this podcast for a perspective that treats tennis not just as a sequence of matches, but as a continuous, evolving story. You'll find the podcast naturally covers the athletic, human, and cultural dimensions that make the sport compelling, all from a courtside seat that brings you closer to the action and its meaning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast
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