Djokovic Is Out, Alcaraz Is Back (US Open First Round, On Site)

Djokovic Is Out, Alcaraz Is Back (US Open First Round, On Site)

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter September 4, 2026 Duration: 1:00:50

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.



Chapters


00:00 US Open Round One Recap

03:07 Weather Impact on the Tournament

05:53 Voice Memo from Winston Salem

09:00 Novak Djokovic's Shocking Loss

11:50 Carlos Alcaraz's Impressive Return

14:58 Coco Gauff's Strong Performance

17:59 Players' Adaptation to Schedule Changes

31:59 Match Play Dynamics and Player Preferences

33:37 Upsets and Surprises: The US Open First Round

35:54 The Return of Monfils and His Impact

39:28 Emerging Talents and First Round Highlights

44:06 Tournament Vibes: Crowds and Influencer Culture

51:01 Late Night Matches and Their Implications

58:47 Betting Partnerships and Their Controversies



Links:



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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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