The Joy of Venus Williams & the Citi Open Vibe with Ava Wallace

The Joy of Venus Williams & the Citi Open Vibe with Ava Wallace

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter July 28, 2025 Duration: 32:51

Washington Post sports writer Ava Wallace joins Anastasia from Ground Pass to unpack the 2025 Citi Open. From Venus Williams’ joyful return to the pro tennis tour, to Leylah Fernandez’s run to the final, to a finals lineup nobody predicted — this is a full, unfiltered recap of one of the most vibrant tournaments on the U.S. summer swing.


Topics include:

– Venus’ comeback and her impact on the sport

– The challenge of playing at home for Hailey Baptiste & Frances Tiafoe

– Why the Citi Open crowds are the best in tennis

– A closer look at Kalinskaya, De Minaur, and Corentin Moutet

– The burnout problem with the tour schedule

– What makes DC such a special stop on the tennis calendar


Plus: a quick look ahead to the Canadian Masters and the road to the US Open.


Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:00 The Citi Open - The Heat , Humidity and Fans

04:51 Venus Williams: The Joy of Playing Tennis Again

19:08 The Tennis and The Players at the Citi Open

30:23 Whats Next on Tour


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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
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