US Open Round Two: The Influencer Debate, Prediction Markets, and Court 17 (with Ian Mondul)

US Open Round Two: The Influencer Debate, Prediction Markets, and Court 17 (with Ian Mondul)

Author: Anastasia Folorunso, Nick Carter September 4, 2026 Duration: 1:04:36

Round two recap with Ian Mondul. The influencer debate at Ashe, the prediction market partnership, Sabalenka's press conferences, and the outside courts.



Watch next: US Open Round One Recap → https://youtu.be/2HuFYysvopo?si=cNp4QuN-YnELAvKD 



Anastasia and Ian Mondul recap round two at the US Open. They split on the influencer conversation coming out of the grounds, and land in the same place on the tournament's prediction market partnership. Also covered: Sabalenka's press conferences, the race for world number one, Gauff and Badosa, and why the outside courts are the best ticket on the grounds.




Chapters


00:30 Intro

09:20 US Open Round 2 Recap - Upsets on the Mens side

18:52 US Men have a great opportunity

25:10 Aryna Sabalenka is an edgy Tiger

30:59 Coco Guaff is a strong contender

33:10 Qinwen Zheng is back!

35:47 Stadium 17 brings the vibes

37:17 Around the Grounds of the US Open

37:53 Influencer US Open take over

49:28 The US Open gets into the prediction market

53:46 Apparel chat with Ian coming soon

56:50 Round 3 Matches to watch

01:03:43 Outro



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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