A Wild Davis Cup and the Start of the Off Season
The Davis Cup wrapped up the tennis season with one of the most unexpectedly entertaining weeks of the year. For casual fans who may have missed it, this episode of Ground Pass dives into the format, the drama, and the surprising storylines that made this edition one of the strongest in recent memory.
We start with the biggest narrative shift. A final many expected to feature Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz never materialized because both players withdrew. Instead, the Davis Cup became a showcase for underdogs, specialists, late bloomers, and entire nations playing above their ranking. Spain surprised the tennis world by piecing together a gritty, emotional run built on Jaume Munar’s relentless performances, Pablo Carreno Busta’s reliability, and David Ferrer’s leadership. Germany and Argentina produced one of the best doubles matches of the season with a 14–14 deciding breaker that had hardcore fans glued to their screens. Belgium delivered a genuinely touching storyline thanks to Zizou Bergs, whose run and heartbreaking loss to Flavio Cobolli captured what makes team tennis so compelling.
And yet, Italy stood above everyone again. Matteo Berrettini stepped back into the spotlight with calm leadership. Cobolli leveled up in real time and carried the team through pressure moments. Italy completed its third consecutive Davis Cup title and continued its run as the most successful tennis nation this year. With titles across the ATP and WTA tours, plus the Billie Jean King Cup, Italy has built depth and momentum that rivals anything in the sport right now.
Off the court, we talk about the photo that sent tennis social media into orbit. Carlos Alcaraz watching Davis Cup from his parents’ living room, with Grand Slam trophies balanced on IKEA shelves, revealed a charming and unexpected slice of his everyday life. We also cover Arthur Fils’ revealing injury interview, Joe Salisbury’s break from tennis for mental health, Fabio Fognini’s impressive Dancing with the Stars performances, and the heart-warming first video of Rafa Nadal hitting again after a year away from the court. And yes, Roger Federer is officially entering the Tennis Hall of Fame next summer in Newport.
We wrap by previewing the first Ground Pass Gift Guide, explaining the Thanksgiving fan appreciation posts, and outlining how to submit your nominations for the 2025 Ground Pass Awards. It is the start of the off season, but there is still plenty to look forward to.
