US Open 2026: Shelton vs Zverev, Sabalenka vs Rybakina, and How We Got Here

US Open 2026: Shelton vs Zverev, Sabalenka vs Rybakina, and How We Got Here

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter September 12, 2026 Duration: 1:09:40

Ben Shelton beat Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Zverev beat Karen Khachanov to set the men's final. Aryna Sabalenka went through Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina came through Coco Gauff to set the women's. Ian joins Anastasia to recap the quarterfinals and semifinals, including Shelton's 3:33 a.m. win over Carlos Alcaraz, Khachanov's run past Alexander Blockx, and Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen at the net. They also get into the walkouts, how much fans are told about the players on court, and both finals. Recorded before the women's and men's finals.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:13 US Open atmosphere and player performances

04:14 Behind the scenes: industry events, brand activations, and media coverage

07:15 The first week and fan engagement

12:18 Quarterfinal recap and standout moments

20:15 Semifinal matchups and player form

30:15 Walkouts and match build-up

40:24 Fan knowledge and media representation

50:19 Final thoughts on the men's and women's finals


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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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