This Week on Ground Pass: Off-Season Kick-Off — Rafa, Davis Cup, and Novak’s New Coach
Episode Overview
Anastasia and Nick close the 2024 season with an episode that feels part recap, part therapy session — a look at how team tennis defined the end of the year.
They discuss Italy’s historic sweep of the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup, Rafa Nadal’s emotional retirement, and the surprising news that Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic.
It’s a lighter, off-season conversation that blends analysis with off-court fun (Lego, puzzles, Doctor Who, and blue threads).
Key Highlights
Billie Jean King Cup Champions — Team Italy: Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani lead Italy to the title over Slovakia; Rebecca Šramková’s breakout year recognized despite defeat.
Team Spirit in Tennis: Why the team format shows that “the sum of the parts” wins more than any single superstar.
Davis Cup Finals — Italy vs Netherlands: Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, and Lorenzo Musetti seal Italy’s back-to-back title while Dutch doubles ace Wesley Koolhof retires in style.
Rafa Nadal’s Retirement: Reflections on the farewell ceremony, why it felt fitting, and how it compared to Federer and Murray’s send-offs.
Andy Murray × Novak Djokovic: Reactions to one of tennis’s most unexpected partnerships — and what it means for Djokovic’s 2025 season.
The Off-Season Begins: What to expect from Ground Pass during December — pre-recorded episodes, the upcoming Challenger documentary from Champaign, and a planned special for Next Gen Finals.
Bonus Tangents: Dungeons & Dragons, collecting vintage playing cards, and adult Lego sets — proof that the Ground Pass crew truly is in the off-season.
