Miami Open recap, Sunshine Double storylines, and what beginners should know

Miami Open recap, Sunshine Double storylines, and what beginners should know

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter April 1, 2026 Duration: 1:15:38

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:



Chapters:

00:00 Reconnecting After a Break

01:49 Understanding Tennis Match Formats

07:53 The Miami Open Experience

11:43 Diversity and Atmosphere at the Miami Open

21:51 Charleston vs. Miami: A Ground Pass Comparison

29:39 The Tennis at the Miami Open

38:48 Carlos Alcaraz's Recent Struggles

40:30 Iga Swiatek's Press Conference Insights

47:42 The Rise of Young Tennis Stars

49:11 Is Arthur Fils the 3rd guy?

51:53 Tennis News - Madrid Open Practice Courts

55:27 The Need for Female Tournament Directors

01:01:21 Coming Up This Week in Tennis

01:07:00 Player of the Fortnight Highlights

01:14:27 Outro



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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: 100

Ground Pass: A Tennis Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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