The Functional Tennis Podcast

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Jesper De Jong's linear progression continues

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

This week I’m joined once again by Dutch ATP player Jesper de Jong, who has continued his steady rise on the professional circuit.

Since our last chat, Jesper has broken into the top 100, reached his first ATP final at the Swedish Open, and played a key role for the Netherlands in Davis Cup. We talk about what feels different now that he’s inside the top 100, the lessons he’s learned from the tour grind, and how he balances results with enjoying the process. Jesper also shares insights from training blocks in Bali, the unforgettable match that sealed his top 100 spot, and what he’s learned from his girlfriend, a professional speed skater.

If you’re curious about the mindset and habits behind steady, sustainable progress, this episode is a great listen.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

“Djokovic Match Showed Me the Level” Jaime Faria

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined once again by Portuguese player Jaime Faria, who continues to make strides on the ATP Tour.

Since our last chat, Jaime has broken into the top 100, won two Challenger titles, and battled through Grand Slam qualifying winning 11 of his last 12 matches and even sneaking into the US Open as a lucky loser. One of the standout moments of his year was facing Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, an experience that gave him a clear view of what it takes to compete with the very best.

In this episode, Jaime shares what he learned from that match, the challenges of staying inside the top 100, the grind of playing qualies, and whether he still enjoys the process as much as he once did.

🔑 Key Topics:

🎾 Lessons from playing Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open

🏆 Breaking into the top 100 and winning Challengers

🚪 Getting into the US Open as a lucky loser

💪 The mental and physical grind of Slam qualifying

🧠 Staying motivated and enjoying the process

A real behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of life on tour from one of Portugal’s rising stars.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

“Every Tennis Parent’s Journey Is Different” with Garry Cahill

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined once again by Garry Cahill, one of Ireland’s most respected coaches, former Davis Cup captain, and Performance Director at Tennis Ireland.

In this episode, Garry dives into the realities of tennis parenting and why every family’s journey is unique. He explains why no two kids are the same, why parents shouldn’t try to copy someone else’s pathway, and how circumstances from finances to geography to coaching support, make every story different.

We also talk about the challenges parents face in the early years, how to handle the car ride home after a loss, the importance of communication with coaches, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for raising a tennis player.

🔑 Key Topics:

👨‍👩‍👦 Why every tennis parent’s journey is different

🚗 The car ride home and handling emotions after matches

📈 Setting milestones and planning for the long term

💬 The importance of clear parent-coach communication

📚 Why tennis needs better resources for parents

Whether you’re a tennis parent, coach, or player, Garry’s advice is packed with insights that can help you navigate the junior journey with more confidence and clarity.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Building People, Not Just Players. John Williams, coach of world no.1 Doubles Taylor Townsend

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined by John Williams, coach and mentor to world number 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend.

John’s approach to coaching is anything but conventional. He doesn’t just build tennis players, he builds characters. In this chat we talk about the characteristics he looks for in players, how his outside-the-box thinking shapes their development, and why mindset and life skills are just as important as technique.

Key Topics

🎾 The traits that separate good players from great ones

🧠 Why developing character is as important as developing skills

💡 How to think differently about tennis and avoid a conformist mindset

📈 Lessons from coaching top pros and upcoming juniors

Quote

“I’m not just coaching forehands and backhands, I’m building people.”

From guiding top pros to developing juniors, John shares invaluable lessons for players, coaches, and parents who want to understand what it truly takes to succeed in the sport.

Enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Going All In Changed Everything for Wheelchair Champ Charlie Cooper

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I chat with 17-year-old American wheelchair tennis player Charlie Cooper, a rising star who’s already claimed 2 junior wheelchair singles Grand Slam titles.

Born with spina bifida, Charlie’s journey into tennis started with local clinics and has now taken him to the top levels of junior competition. He shares how making the decision to go full-time in 2023 completely changed his development, both mentally and physically.

We talk about the improvements he’s seen since going all in, the structure of wheelchair tennis, his tournament experiences, and what he hopes to achieve in the future.

Key topics:

• How going full-time helped Charlie raise his level

• What a typical training week looks like for him

• Differences in mindset between juniors and pros

• How wheelchair tennis works at the top level

• His goals for the coming season

A super insightful conversation for tennis fans and players alike.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

College Champ Starting Her Pro Journey, Dasha Vidmanova Ep260

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

🎙️ This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Dasha Vidmanova, the former US College #1 player and 2024 NCAA singles, doubles, and team champion.

Born in Moscow and raised in Prague, Dasha’s journey through tennis has been anything but linear. From nearly walking away from the sport to becoming a dominant force in college tennis, she now has her sights set on making waves on the pro tour.

We chat about:

📍 How college tennis reignited her passion for the game

🎓 Why she initially didn’t plan to turn pro

💪 Learning to lose as part of going pro

🧠 The mindset shift that led to major improvements

🇺🇸 What it’s like being the best female college player in the US

🎯 Her short-term and long-term goals on tour

💼 And why she majored in finance, just in case tennis didn’t work out

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young player weighing up college vs pro tennis, Dasha offers refreshing honesty and insight into both paths.

Enjoy, Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

“I Didn’t Think I’d Go Pro” Aleks Kovacevic ATP #77

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by American ATP player Aleks Kovacevic, currently ranked #77 ATP

Aleks takes us through his surprising journey to the pro tour, from not thinking he’d ever go pro to finding belief during college and climbing the ATP rankings, including a big win over world #5 Andrey Rublev. He opens up about learning to lose, building confidence, and handling pressure on tour.

We also dive into his one-handed backhand, how he approaches training and improvement, and why he’s added the Functional Tennis Saber to his warmup to help with timing and focus.

Packed with honest insights and practical takeaways, this is a great listen for aspiring players, coaches, and fans of the grind.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

Spotting Tennis’s Next Star with Clinton Coleman from IMG Tennis

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak with Clinton Coleman, Senior Scout at IMG Tennis, who helped discover and guide some of the sport’s brightest young talents, including Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Eala, Mirra Andreeva at 11. Clinton shares what he really looks for in juniors, why mindset often matters more than strokes, and how parents can either help or hinder a player’s development. We also chat about the biggest scouting misconceptions and what separates good from great in today’s tennis landscape.

What he really looks for in young players
How Clinton spotted Mirra Andreeva at age 11
The biggest misconceptions about talent and technique
The role of parents in player development
Why mindset and competitiveness matter most

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Luca Van Assche: Building Belief, Beating Pressure, and Loving the Grind

Tue, 20 May 2025 06:30:00 +0000

This week I’m joined by Luca Van Assche, one of France’s top young players and a former Roland Garros junior champion. We chat about his fast rise to the ATP top 70, what it really takes to make the jump from juniors to the pros, and how Futures helped build his resilience and confidence. Luca opens up about the pressure of expectations, how he’s managing a ranking drop, and why balancing university studies with tennis keeps him grounded. There’s loads of insight here into how belief, hard work, and enjoying the game really shape a career.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes

1. “You can win 20 junior Slams and not win matches in the pros.”

2. “Sometimes you’re in a bad place and you say, maybe just one year as a normal person would be nice.”

3. “If you’re not 100 percent from the first point, you’re out in 40 minutes.”

✅ 5 Takeaway Points:

• Winning a junior Slam is just the beginning, not the end goal

• Futures helped him build confidence and mental focus

• The ATP level demands intensity from the very first point

• Balancing school and tennis adds purpose beyond rankings

• Long-term goals fuel motivation during tough stretches

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Sacrificing Will Pay Off in the End – Liam Broady | Ep. 256

Wed, 07 May 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Liam Broady returns to the Functional Tennis Podcast to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of his 11-year pro journey. From dealing with a concussion just before Wimbledon to learning how to separate self-worth from rankings, Liam opens up on the mental battles that come with life on tour. He also shares what a conversation with Pep Guardiola taught him, and why sacrifices though tough are worth it in the long run.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes:

1. “You’ve got to be willing to make sacrifices that people don’t see.”

2. “You have to learn not to tie your self-worth to your ranking.”

3. “You don’t get to the top without a few scars.”

✅ 5 Takeaway Points:

• Mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness

• Sacrifices are part of long-term success

• Separating identity from results is crucial for mental health

• Injuries can strike at the worst times, even when you’re ready

• Lessons from other sports (like football) can fuel growth in tennis

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Belief Built Through Hard Work with Francisco Comesaña (ATP 70)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:45:00 +0000

In this episode, I’m joined by rising Argentine star Francisco Comesaña, currently sitting inside the ATP top 70. Francisco shares the grind of coming up through Futures with no funding, how a mindset shift helped him break through, and what it was like beating top names like Rublev and Zverev. We also talk about his first Slam experience at Wimbledon, what it’s like playing on grass for the first time, and why belief, fueled by hard work has been the key to his rise.

✅ 5 Takeaway Points

1. Breaking through in Argentina is tough without sponsors or early exposure.

2. Belief and mindset are often more important than talent.

3. Playing Futures is a grind that can break many players mentally.

4. Big wins against players like Rublev and Zverev gave him confidence he belongs.

5. Long-term goals include becoming a better person first, and reaching the top 30.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes

1. “The most important thing was that I started to believe in myself.”

2. “Sometimes players are stuck because of mindset, not level.”

3. “Since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in Grand Slams.”

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

"It takes a village - The Return of Coach Joe O'Dwyer on the Functional Tennis Podcast

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:30:00 +0000

The return of Joe O'Dwyer to the Function Tennis Podcast marks a significant occasion, as it has been five years since his previous appearance. In this enlightening conversation, O'Dwyer, a seasoned ATP and WTA coach, reflects upon his extensive career on the tour, which began in 1999 and has traversed through various eras of tennis. He recounts his experiences coaching notable players such as Robbie Ginepri and Alexander Stevenson, shedding light on the mental fortitude required to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. The discussion delves into the often-overlooked realities of life on the tour, emphasizing the psychological challenges and the grind that players endure week after week. O'Dwyer poignantly articulates the importance of mental resilience, echoing the sentiments of fellow coaches regarding the necessity for players to possess unwavering determination to navigate the rigors of professional tennis. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for aspiring players and coaches alike, offering insights into the complexities of coaching at the highest level, and the various pathways that can lead to success in the sport.

Takeaways:

Joe O'Dwyer shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience coaching on the ATP and WTA tours, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience for aspiring players.
The journey through junior tennis to professional levels often involves overcoming significant mental and physical challenges, which can define a player's career trajectory.
O'Dwyer highlights the critical role of a supportive coaching team and the necessity for players to develop not only technical skills but also mental fortitude in competitive environments.
The podcast revisits the narrative of Conor Nyland's success, showcasing how individual stories can inspire and shape perceptions of Irish tennis on the global stage.
The conversation includes reflections on the rigorous demands of the professional tour, where physical stamina and mental strength are equally paramount for success.
Finally, O'Dwyer underscores the notion that success in tennis is often a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring dedication, patience, and a willingness to adapt in the face of adversity.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes:

1. “He didn’t ask if they had a forehand—he asked if they were mentally strong enough.”

2. “Just because you played the tour doesn’t mean you can coach.”

3. “It takes a village—and a lot of money—to build a top player.”

⸻

✅ 5 Takeaway Points:

1. Mental resilience is the #1 trait needed to survive the tour grind.

2. Talent is common—coaching and structure make the real difference.

3. Parental pressure can derail even the most talented juniors.

4. The college pathway is a strong option—if done right.

5. Tennis has a hidden dark side, including gambling and Adderall abuse.

Hope you enjoy it

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Lorenzo Petrucci - Performance trainer of WTA top 20 Liudmila Samsonova

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Lorenzo Petrucci, performance coach to WTA top-20 player Liudmila Samsonova, shares his journey from a tennis-playing student in Milan to working alongside some of the sport’s top talent. He reveals how success on tour is about far more than hitting balls, it’s about managing pressure, building smart routines, and knowing when (and how) to push. From insights learned under Ricardo Piatti to the importance of on-court collaboration with tennis coaches, Lorenzo gives an entire look into elite tennis's mental and physical demands.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes:

1. “It’s not about how good you are—it’s about understanding who you have in front of you.”

2. “The best fitness coaches are the ones who understand tennis.”

3. “You must be clear. The player doesn’t allow you to be in doubt.”

✅ 5 Takeaway Points:

1. Success in tennis depends heavily on mental resilience and communication.

2. Strength and conditioning must align with on-court movements, not just gym work.

3. Understanding each player’s physical and emotional needs is key to long-term progress.

4. Female and male players require different training and recovery strategies.

5. A cohesive and collaborative support team makes all the difference.

Hope you enjoy it

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

From Childhood Friends to Badosa's Coach: Pol Toledo’s Journey

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:30:00 +0000

In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast, host Fabio Molle interviews Pol Toledo, coach of Paula Badosa, discussing her journey, training methodologies, and challenges on the WTA Tour. Pol shares insights into his coaching philosophy, the impact of statistical analysis, and the importance of mental resilience in elite tennis. He also reflects on his transition from player to coach, his longstanding relationship with Badosa, and the challenges of managing injuries and performance on the tour.

5 Key points

Smart Post-Match Analysis – Pol gives Paula time before reviewing matches, using video and stats to refine strategies.
Data-Driven Training – They analyze key stats, focusing on serve +1 shots and improved return positioning.
Technical Enhancements – Pre-season work includes specialized tools (Saber racket, elastic bands) to sharpen footwork and shot power.
Mental Strength & Adaptability – Paula quickly applies coaching advice, with a strong focus on confidence and communication.
Injury Management – Overcoming back issues taught her to understand pain, adjust training, and stay competitive.

I hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Unlocking the Secrets of Spanish Tennis with Chris Lewit

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I chat with Chris Lewitt, who recently updated his book, "Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0." Chris, a distinguished coach with extensive experience in the Spanish tennis system, elucidates ten pivotal lessons derived from his interactions with renowned Spanish coaches. These principles not only encapsulate the essence of Spanish tennis training but also offer actionable strategies for players and coaches alike. Throughout our discussion, Chris emphasizes the critical importance of footwork, mental resilience, and the tactical utilization of topspin in achieving success on the court. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies that have propelled Spanish players to prominence in the world of tennis.

5 Key areas:

🔵 Chris Lewitt's book, 'Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0', encapsulates key lessons learned from Spanish coaches.

🔵 The importance of footwork, movement, and developing a strong defense on the court

🔵 The necessity of teaching players to control their emotions and maintain focus during matches.

🔵 Focus on building fitness and endurance. The Spanish training philosophy emphasizes off-court conditioning as a crucial part of player development.

🔵 Embracing suffering is integral to the Spanish tennis philosophy, building resilience and mental strength.

I hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Elevate your coaching through effective communication with Adam Blicher

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Today I chat with coach and author Adam Bilcher, who recently published a book called Winning Words. The book focuses on how good communication can improve tennis coaching, highlighting the importance of respect and understanding between coaches and players. Drawing from his experience with the Danish Tennis Federation and his podcast series, Adam shares insights into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching. The book is a helpful guide for both coaches and parents, showing how better communication can help players reach their full potential. In this conversation, we explore the key ideas from Adam’s book and discuss how communication is crucial for developing young players.

5 Key areas:

🔵 Building trust and respect as a coach to get buy-in from players.

🔵 How external cues (like analogies) work better than internal cues for learning and performance.

🔵 The value of clear roles and expectations between players, coaches, and parents.

🔵 Normalizing nerves and using focal points to refocus during matches.

🔵 The role of post-match evaluations based on focal points rather than just results.

I hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Rene Zandbergen - Step into comfort with the New Asics Resolution x

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Fabio Molle sits down with Rene Zandbergen to discuss the exciting launch of the new ASICS Gel Resolution X tennis shoe at the ASICS Tennis Summit in Melbourne. Rene shares insights about his role in the shoe's development, emphasizing the shoe's enhanced comfort and innovative features, such as the Dyna Lacing system that allows for a customizable fit. The conversation delves into the extensive testing process with top players, highlighting how their feedback shaped the final product. Rene also addresses the shoe's durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for both competitive players and coaches who spend long hours on the court. Tune in to discover how the Resolution X is designed to elevate your game and enhance your on-court experience.

Takeaways:

Rene Zandbergen discusses the importance of player feedback in developing the Resolution X shoe.
The new Dyno Lacing feature allows for customizable fit and enhanced support for players.
Comfort and stability are emphasized in the design of the Resolution X tennis shoe.
The Resolution X incorporates a softer foam for improved cushioning while playing.
Rene highlights how player preferences influenced the shoe's design and construction process.
The shoe's performance benefits include better grip and stability for aggressive movements on court.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

"Resilience Is Built Through Personal Experience" Darren Cahill

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

I randomly came across the Yonex popup while in Melbourne and inside Darren Cahill (Coach of Jannik Sinner) was having a Q&A with some people so I joined in briefly.

Darren a former player has previously worked with Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep.

The importance of resilience in tennis success
Building strong habits for consistent performance
Why Yannick Sinner’s parents stayed out of coaching
Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth
The transition from player to coach and team-building

The sound quality is lower than normal as I only had my phone and it was noisy but there's plenty to learn in this short recording.

Finally a big thanks to Asics Tennis for flying me down to Melbourne to help launch their new Asics Gel Resolution X.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

It's all about Swing Speed - new Tecnifibre T-Fight & Nextgen Tennis

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Let's learn about Swing Speed, modern tennis and the New Tecnifibre T-Fight which has just launched.

The next-gen forehand has evolved and requires faster swing speed and more manoeuvrability. Tecnifibre has been tracking this with their tecnilab programme and today the head customizer Dieter Calle joins me alongside the Tecnifibre Chief Marketing Office Matthieu Bauduin to discuss why and how it has changed and how the. new T-Fight is aligned to these changes.

If you're interested in tennis and equipment there is plenty to learn in this episode and a new racket to consider for your game that pros such as Medvedev and Iga Swiatek are using

Takeaways:

The evolution of tennis rackets has led to a significant decrease in weight and swing weight, making them more manoeuvrable for modern players.
Customization of rackets is crucial for players, as it allows them to achieve optimal performance tailored to their specific playing style.
The new Technifibre T-Fight racket is designed for the fast-paced nature of contemporary tennis.
Players today often prefer lighter rackets that still provide power and stability, shifting away from heavier models.
The input from top players during the development of the T-Fight was invaluable, guiding its specifications and design.
Technifibre's focus on player feedback ensures that its products align with the needs of both amateur and professional players.

Jesper De Jong - Closing in on The Top 100

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Jesper De Jong, a rising Dutch tennis player, shares his journey from a young athlete to competing on the world stage, including his experiences qualifying for his first Grand Slam and playing against top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. With a steady rise in rankings and a strong team behind him, Jesper emphasizes the importance of consistency and hard work in achieving his goals. He discusses the challenges of balancing training in a beautiful yet distracting location like Bali, while also reflecting on the camaraderie fostered by training with teammates. Jesper candidly reveals the impact of his battle with mononucleosis on his career trajectory, and how he has managed to regain and build upon his form. As he looks forward to breaking into the top 100, he highlights the significance of enjoying the sport and maintaining a healthy mindset throughout his journey.

Takeaways:

Jesper De Jong emphasizes the importance of enjoying tennis, especially during the early years of training.
He shares his journey from a tennis novice to competing against top players like Alcaraz and Sinner.
The experience of qualifying for his first Grand Slam brought immense relief and joy.
Jesper highlights the significant role of team spirit during preseason training in Bali.
He reflects on the differences in playing styles between top players like Sinner and Alcaraz.
The support from the Dutch Federation was crucial in shaping his early professional career.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Consistency and Passion: Linda Noskova's Winning Mindset

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Czech tennis player Linda Noskova joins Fabio Molle to discuss her impressive rise in the WTA rankings, achieving a spot in the top 25 by maintaining a consistent mindset and dedication to continuous improvement. At just 20 years old, Linda reflects on her journey since winning the French Open junior title in 2021 and shares insights on the importance of playing junior tournaments as a foundation for success. She emphasizes the significance of having realistic goals and the long journey it takes to transition from juniors to the professional circuit. Linda also touches on the supportive Czech tennis landscape, which has historically produced many great players, and the confidence that comes from competing against familiar faces from her junior days. As she looks ahead to her goals for 2025, Linda expresses her excitement for the upcoming season in Australia, focusing on her passion for the sport rather than the pressure of defending points.

Takeaways:

Linda Noskova emphasizes the importance of consistency in achieving success in tennis.
She believes that enjoying the competitive nature of tennis has driven her passion.
Transitioning from junior to professional tennis requires significant mental and physical adaptation.
Noskova highlights the historical influence of Czech tennis legends on current players' aspirations.
She shares that her commitment to continuous improvement guides her training and competition.
Being grounded and focusing on personal development rather than rankings shapes her approach.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

"I wasn't that good" ATP #123 Jaime Faria [Ep 244]

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Jaime Faria, a promising 21-year-old Portuguese tennis player, has made an impressive leap in his career, climbing from a rank of 411 to a career-high 116 this year. Despite not being the top junior in Portugal and facing tough competition, Jaime chose to remain with the Portuguese Tennis Federation rather than pursue college tennis in the U.S. His journey is marked by an incredible run that includes winning four Futures titles and two Challenger titles, showcasing his determination and talent. In our conversation, Jaime opens up about his rise through the rankings, the support he received from the federation, and his aspirations to break into the top 100. With a bright future ahead, Jaime's positive attitude and hard work are sure to inspire aspiring players everywhere.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

13 Gifts Ideas for Tennis Players: Functional Tennis Gift Guide

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Join me, Fabio Molle, as I share my top 13 favorite products for tennis players that make perfect gifts for the upcoming season. From rackets to shoes, grips to training aids, I've curated a list that caters to every tennis enthusiast, whether they are just starting or are seasoned players.

One of the highlights of this episode is the Bablot Pure Aero, which has been voted our Racket of the Year for the second consecutive year, alongside the Wilson Blade as a close second. I also dive into my personal favourites from Asics shoes. Plus, I’ll touch on some essential gear like grips, tennis balls, and even tech products that can enhance your game. Tune in for some great recommendations that will surely delight any tennis lover!

The products

Wilson Blade
Babolat Pure Aero
Functional Tennis Saber
Solinco Hyper G (I forgot to mention these!!)
ASICS Solution Speed FF3
ASICS Court FF3 Novak
Wilson US Open Ball
Dunlop ATP Ball
Tecnifibre Endurance Duffel Bag
Tecnifibre Endurance Backpack
Oura Ring (10% Off newest Ring)
Whoop (30 day trial)
Swing Vision (Free Gift)

Let me know what else should be on this list!

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

What Does It Really Mean to 'Make It' in Tennis? Insights from Kimmer Coppejans

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

What does it truly mean to "make it" as a tennis player? In this episode, I delve into this question with Belgian player Kimmer Coppejans, a former junior French Open champion who reached the top 100 for a brief period. Kimmer shares his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis, including the mental challenges he faced, such as the yips and the struggle to regain confidence after injuries. He discusses the importance of consistency and the evolving landscape of the sport, where even players ranked outside the top 100 can pose serious threats. Additionally, Kimmer reflects on balancing life as a professional athlete with family responsibilities and the insights gained from participating in the ATP Player Mentoring Program, which aims to prepare players for life after tennis.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Navigating the Tour: Laurent Lokoli on Challenges and Triumphs

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:30:00 +0000

French tennis player Laurent Lokoli joins the Functional Tennis Podcast to share his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual game styles rather than just results, advising young players to stay true to their strengths. Throughout the conversation, Laurent discusses players' challenges on the circuit, including mental health and the pressures of consistency at different levels, from futures to the ATP tour. He reflects on his experiences qualifying for Grand Slams and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the sport. As he looks ahead to his future, Laurent expresses a desire to help others and continue sharing his love for tennis through his YouTube channel.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

// Photo credit of Larent : Dumè Alfonsi

The Player's Perspective: Jason Jung on Mental Toughness and Career Choices

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Jason Jung joins the Functional Tennis podcast to share his journey as a professional tennis player, including the challenges he faced with injuries and the decision to switch national representation to Taiwan. He discusses the financial and personal motivations behind this choice, highlighting how it opened doors for sponsorships and competitive opportunities. Jason candidly reflects on his struggles during a tough year in 2017, where he faced numerous first-round exits, and how a pivotal win at the University Games revitalized his career. The conversation also touches on the rigorous travel schedule of professional players and the mental toll it can take, especially toward the end of the season. As Jason prepares for fatherhood, he shares his thoughts on whether he would encourage his child to pursue tennis, balancing his expertise with the challenges of the sport.

I chat with Jason Jung and we discuss, his ups and downs as a player, whether he would go back to college looking back on his career and why players are on edge late in the tennis season.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

6-Time Grand Slam Title Coach Wim Fissette [ep.239]

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:30:00 +0000

6-time grand slam coach Wim Fissette joins us on the Functional Tennis Podcast to chat about his coaching career.

Wim set a high standard for himself winning 3 out of the first 6 slams he coached at.

Wim worked with some of the best players in the past 15 years such as Kim Clijsters, Sabine Lisicki, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, Johanna Konta, Angelique Kerber and recently finished working with Naomi Osaka. With Iga Swiatek recently finishing with her 3-year coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, is Wim the man to take the job.

He tells us a bit about his coaching journey with each player, some anecdotes and learnings throughout his coaching career.

Hope you enjoy it.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Lulu Sun - WTA #220 to #40 in 1 year

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I speak to 23-year-old US College graduate Lulu Sun who has had an impressive run since graduating from the University Of Texas.

In only 1 year of College Tennis, she rose to number 3 in the rankings and over the past 12 months on the WTA tour she has risen from no.210 to her current ranking of no.40.

We chat about her early junior days, the importance of education and college tennis, why she switched nationality from Switzerland to New Zealand, her quailes to quarterfinals run at Wimbledon this year and her secrets to her rankings jump.

Hope you enjoy and learn

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

[Part 2] Racket of the year breakdown with Jonas Eriksson aka Tennisnerd

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Part 2 of the 2024 Functional Tennis Racket of the year breakdown with Jonas Eriksson (aka Tennisnerd). We chat about round 2 and 1/4's results as well as a semi final previewa

Jonas is one of the leading racket experts and puts out great reviews on his YouTube channel which you can see here.

Head over to the Functional Tennis Instagram stories to get voting.

Finally a shoutout to Tennis Warehouse Europe who are sponsoring this event along with the Shoe of the Year which will run in. a few weeks. You can get details on all the rackets over on the Tennis Warehouse Europe site here.

Finally, we will run a giveaway with the prize of the winning racket, sign up here to enter.

Enjoy the episode

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

[Part 1] Racket of the year breakdown with Jonas Eriksson aka Tennisnerd

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The racket of the year is back and Jonas Eriksson (aka Tennisnerd) jumps on to chat about results from round 1 and previews round 2.

Jonas is one of the leading racket experts and puts out great reviews on his YouTube channel which you can see here.

Head over to the Functional Tennis Instagram stories to get voting.

Finally, we will run a giveaway with the prize of the winning racket, sign up here to enter.

Enjoy the episode

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Inside the Mind of Sandra Zaniewska: Coach of WTA Top 20 Marta Kostyuk

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In episode 235 of the Functional Tennis Podcast, I sit down with Sandra Zaniewska, coach of WTA Top 20 player Marta Kostyuk.

Sandra, a former pro herself with wins over the likes of Ons Jabeur and Ash Barty, transitioned into coaching at a young age and has since worked with top names like Petra Martic and Alizé Cornet.

Sandra shares her journey from player to coach, her experiences leading the development of high-performance players at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, and her role with the Champ'Seed Foundation. We dive deep into the dynamics of coaching, exploring key themes like respect, communication, and trust. Plus, we tackle the big question: who’s really in charge—player or coach?

I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation!

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

And check out our famous Saber tennis training racket here

Doubles strategist Will Boucek

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

I chatted with pro doubles strategist Will Boucek. Will works with numerous ATP/WTA doubles pros, and USTA and helps amateurs improve their doubles.

We chat about how Will got into doubles strategy and created a niche for himself, patterns he has noticed, analysing Carlos and Rafa as doubles players as well as tips and tactics for doubles players.

Will also has a weekly newsletter and podcast where he shares doubles tips to help you improve your doubles and you can check it out here.

Enjoy the episode

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here

Find us on Social Media:

Check it out here with a free 7-day trial.

Time to go pro for Govind Nanda [Ep.233]

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Former top Junior and College Tennis player Govind Nanda joins me on the podcast.

Govind has left University and is making a push back up the rankings where during his College days at UCLA he got to a high of 339 ATP which is impressive for a College tennis player.

He chats about his early tennis days, the decision to play college tennis, training with Novak Djokovic and more.

hope you enjoy and learn

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

The Luxilon Story with Justin Van Malderen

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Today I chatted to Justin Van Malderen, 3rd generation in the Luxilon family business. Luxilon manufactures great strings used by many top pros.

Justin tells us all about the Luxlilon beginnings, who owns the company, how strings are made, what % of the top pros use Luxilon and more.

I hope you enjoy this episode

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Jasmine Paolini throwback chat

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0000

I dug through the audio archives and found my chat with Wimbledon Finalist Jasmine Paolini when she was a top 70-ranked player only a few years ago. She talks about what's needed to be 1% better every day, patience, challenges along the way and the struggle to qualify for slams!! It’s a short but insightful partner.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Conor Niland's The Racket: Realistic Insights and Stories on Becoming a Pro

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:30:00 +0000

I speak to Irish former pro Conor Niland who has just released a book called The Racket which documents his tennis journey from the first time he picked up a racket until retirement.

Conor reached a career-high ATP 129 and made Grand Slam appearances. He recites many stories from all aspects of his journey from the junior Irish circuit, going to boarding school in the UK, missed opportunities at Bollettieri, College tennis at UCLA, turning pro, Davis Cup and more.

It’s a great insight into how hard it is to become a tennis player and it leaves you with questions. I asked Conor some of the questions that entered my mind while reading the book.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

WTA No. 63 Diane Parry

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 06:45:00 +0000

Mini episode this week with current WTA number 63 Diane Parry.

I met Diane at the Asics Rally for Your Mind event in central Paris. We discussed:

Playing in Paris as Parisian
Her 1 handed backhand
Advice for parents/players
The best advice she has received

Louis Rouach who runs event activations for Asics also tells us about the Rally for Your Mind event.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Coach Life - Lessons from the junioe coaches of todays top pros

Wed, 29 May 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Today I chat with former pro and entrepreneur Peter Clarke.

Peter was a fiery Irish promising tennis who quickly reached an ATP ranking of 229. Retiring quite young today, he got into coaching and soon after set up multiple successful businesses.

He talks about growing up in Australia, his tennis days, some good anecdotes and his most recent project is called Coach Life, an online video platform. He chased down coaches worldwide for the past 12 months who worked with today's top players when they were juniors to learn their coaching methods in those early days. Currently, there are over 350 videos to learn from and I haven't watched them all but those I have, I found exceptional.

On the platform are the junior coaches of Iga Swiatek, Nick Kyrgios, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, Genie Bouchard, Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens, Kei Nishikori, Pete Sampras, Francis Tiafoe, Pat Rafter, Denis Shapovalov and many more.

Each month a new coach will be added to the platform. And it's not all on-court coaching, there is also fitness, nutrition, mental and more.

Enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Coach Andrea Ramundo - Junior Tennis, Italian Tennis Federation and working for your mentor for free

Wed, 15 May 2024 06:30:00 +0000

I chatted to Italian coach Andrea Ramundo who I met at the IMG Future Stars Event.

Andrea works with promising Italian Juniors, Ilary Pistola, Tommaso Panto and Pietro Marinelli.

We discuss

Coaching Journey
Italian Tennis Federation
What he learned at the IMG Future Stars Event
Working for free for 1 year with his mentor Jofre Porta
Member of Team Asics Academy

Andrea is super nice with some nice insights.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Tennis is Hard - High Level Junior Tennis at IMG Future Stars 2024

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

I'm just back from the IMG Future Stars event in Greece where I saw some of the world's best 12 years in action.

Last year I did a special episode on 14 things that make these kids special, this year I decided to change it up and better understand the journey these kids are on.

What stood out is how hard it is, you probably already know this but I found it interesting speaking to the parents and coaches about this.

I've put together some of my learnings in this rare solo episode.

If you are a parent this is an episode for you.

I hope you find it useful.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social MediaInstagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Peter Hemanns - Asics Tennis Product Manager

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:30:00 +0000

This week I caught up with Peter Hemanns, the tennis product manager at Asics. Peter tells us about

His Role
What's new with my favourite shoe the Solution Speed 3
If any updates on the Resolution and Court FF
Did he know about Dimitrov wearing Asics
Technology in their clothes
The Asics Paris and London House

If you are a listener to the shoe you know that Asics are our sponsors and it was a great opportunity to learn more about Asics and Peter.

I hope you enjoy it

Fabio

[Throwback] 14 things I learned watching the worlds best under 12's

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In a few days, I'm off to Greece for the IMG Future Stars which brings together 48 of the World's best boys and girls along with their parents and coaches. I get to spend the week with them observing, learning and interacting with them.

We've many new listeners and this was one of our top episodes into 2023 so I thought this was a timely episode to bring back up.

I hope you enjoy it and if you've heard it before it's a good refresher.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Dad of Cam Norrie, David Norrie [Ep.223]

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:30:00 +0000

I am excited to have David Norrie on the show this week talking to guest host Dave O'Hare.

David is the Dad of British number 1 and career-high ATP no.8 Cam Norrie.

David chats about :

The early days in New Zealand
Building character
Being a tennis parent is not easy
Not specialising too early

and more.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

The Art of Coaching with Brad Stine [Ep.222]

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Coaching great Brad Stine joins guest host Dave O'Hare on this week's episode.

Brad Stine is the current coach of US Number 1 Tommy Paul and has worked with greats such as Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, Kevin Anderson and more.

He chats about:

The imposter syndrome as a young coach
You can't Bullsh*t tennis players
Be the best at teaching fundamentals
Stop playing to the stats
Coaching is an art form, not a science

And much more.

It's one of my favourite episodes and is required listening for all Functional Tennis Fans.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Tennis is difficult with Freddie Nielsen and guest host Coach Dave O’Hare

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:30:00 +0000

The title says it all, Tennis is difficult. Guest host Dave O'Hare kicks off his first-ever episodes as a host with Freddie Nielsen. Freddie is a former pro from Denamk, a Wimbledon doubles champ and the current Danish Davis Cup Captain.

It’s a great discussion with thoughts on compassion, anger, perfection, acceptance, competing, disagreeing and more.

It's a bit different to my usual conversations but its great to see 2 experienced tennis people chatting with plenty of lessons to learn.

I hope you enjoy it

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Dave O’Hare, ATP Doubles Coach and our new guest host

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This week former guest Dave O’Hare is back on the show.

Dave will be guest hosting a few episodes of the Functional Tennis Podcast and I ask him who he has lined up. We also chat about

Empty locker rooms
Been process driven
The current ball situations
His thoughts on making doubles better

and more.

I hope you enjoy the chat.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Joel Schwarzler, Current Boys World Number 1 Junior

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Today I chat with the current world number 1 junior Joel Schwarzler. Joel is from Austria with a South African mother and is transitioning to the pro tour.

We chat about:

Early days playing tennis
Dislike of his parents watching his matches
Austrian inspirations
His coach, former pro Jurgen Melzer
Junior versus pro tour
His 1st ATP Point
Advice for other juniors

I hope you enjoy the chat

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Life as a 15 year old top 10 ITF with Tyra Grant

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:30:00 +0000

I speak to 15-year-old Tyra Grant, a top 10 ITF Junior this week.

We previously had her mam, Cinzia Giovinco on the show and her coach Tom Gutteridge.

Tyra is a mature hard-hitting 15-year-old. We chat about

What it feels like to be a top 10 junior
What is hard work to her
Living away from her family
Her competitive nature
Advice for other Juniors
Players to watch out for in the future

I hope you enjoy the show.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Tennis parenting with the dad of one of the worlds best 12 year olds

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 07:30:00 +0000

In this episode, join me with Branko Avramovski the father of 12 year old rising star Damyan Avramovski (aka 'Nana') from Bulgaria. We talk things junior tennis from coaching, rackets and, tournament play.

Hope you enjoy the episode,

Fabio.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

https://asicstennisacademy.coachtube.com/

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

Asics Tennis Webinar

Reserve your spot now for February 1st as well as secure 30 days of access to the content

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

The EASY decision to play College Tennis with Brandon Holt

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Kicking off 2024 is Brandon Holt, a former All-American with a career-high ATP 180.

Brandon has a huge US Open in 2022 getting through qualifiers and then taking down US Number 1 Taylor Fritz. Brandon is also the son of former Number 1 and 3 times slam champ Tracey Austin.

We chat

Easy decision to play college tennis
Benefits of College tennis
2022 US Open
Striking with the Saber
Inspirations from my mam
Advice for Juniors

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Former ATP No.32 Pablo Andújar [Ep.215]

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week for our final episode of the year we have an in-depth chat with Pablo Andújar. Last week he was on the show along with Kenneth Carlsen advising junior players. Today there is more advice and stories throughout his career.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Ps. We had Kenneth on the podcast before and tap here if you want to know more about him

Important Lessons for Juniors with Pablo Andujar and Kenneth Carlsen [Ep.214]

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Last week I got to spend the week at the Tecnifibre junior training camp in Valencia. Tecnibifre brought 5 of their juniors running from 11-16 years of age along with their parents and coaches for a week-long training camp. Their objective for to push the players outside their comfort zone on and off the court as well as give them advice which will be invaluable in their junior career. Tecnifibre wants to help these players as much as possible make the transition to the senior game.

Leading the on-court sessions was former world number 32 Pablo Andujar and there also was former world number 41 Kenneth Carlsen who was there as a coach with a player.

Both were so nice, full of advice, open to any questions and told great stories of life as a junior and on the tour.

This episode is them talking about their experience as a Junior, lessons they learned, advice for the juniors and the 5 juniors who got to ask them a question.

You could say this is an unplanned episode but the advice was so good I felt it had to be shared.

I hope you enjoy it.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Pere Riba, former ATP #65 on coaching Coco Gauff to the US Open title [Ep. 213]

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I speak with former world no. 65 and coach of Coco Gauff when she won the US Open title in 2023.

We discuss:

His pro career
Decision to retire after a road accident
Transition to coaching
Working with Coco Gauff and Brad Gilbert
Advice for junior players today

I hope you enjoy!

Fabio

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 with the purpose of giving more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Benefits of college tennis with former NCAA Champ and ATP #63 Bradley Klahn [Ep. 212]

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I speak with former world no. 63 and NCAA Champion Bradley Klahn.

We discuss:

Advantages of college tennis
How he dealt with multiple injuries on tour
Deciding to end his pro career
Transition from tennis to an office job
How tennis prepares you for life ahead

I hope you enjoy!

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Talking ATP Doubles with Rob Morgan, coach of Wimbledon Champion Wesley Koolhof [Ep. 211]

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I speak with top ATP doubles coach, Rob Morgan. Rob has coached players at the last 4 Nitto ATP Finals and is currently the main coach of world number 8 and Wimbledon Champion Wesley Koolhof.

We discuss:

Rob's learnings over the past 4 years as a top doubles coach
How he's improved as a coach in these past 4 years
Importance of getting the player in the right mindset for matches
How doubles has changed and where it's heading
His tennis academy "M2 Performance Academy'

Rob is a fountain of knowledge and even has some great advice for tennis parents at the end of the episode.

His previous episode with me can be found here. We talk about his journey into tennis and the start of his coaching career.

Fabio

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Planning for peak performance with Matt Little, Andy Murray's S&C Coach

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I speak with Andy Murray's long-term S & C Coach, Matt Little. Matt works with Andy Murray to this day, alongside work for the LTA and his online conditioning programme (Contact Matt on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you would like to work with him)

We discuss:

Being prepared to back up your decisions as a coach
Regular mobility and how older players can keep fit with busy work schedules
The importance of setting aside training blocks for physical development of pros
What is it when players “run out of steam”?
The data of tennis players and how fan experience in tennis can be improved
Sliding vs planting on a hard court

Matt is a great guy and a fountain of knowledge so I have no doubt you'll enjoy this one!

His previous episode with me can be found here. We talk about how he got into the S&C world and combined it with tennis as well as working with Andy Murray and much more.

Fabio

Pre-order the Functional Tennis Saber Junior here

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Clive Brunskill, 40 years capturing and getting to know the world's best players

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast I speak with 3 time International Tennis Photographer of the Year Clive Brunskill. Clive is one of the world’s best sports photographers who has been commissioned to shoot the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, David Beckham along with other celebrities Hugh Jackman, Beyonce and Britney Spears.

We discuss:

Differences between shooting in football and tennis
Favourite tournaments to photograph at
Most famous and notable photographs
Photographing the Big Four at the Laver cup
Has the digital era made life as a photographer easier?

Hope you enjoy hearing about tennis from behind this lens!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Matt Terczynski, Hitting Partner of Hubi Hurkacz [Ep. 208]

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast we have Matt Terczynski. Matt is a long time friend and permanent hitting partner of top 20 player Hubi Hurkacz.

It was great speaking with Matt as he gives in depth insights into the life of a pro hitting partner, as well as some really useful advice for those players and parents who are starting out on their journey in elite tennis. Matt loves competing and managed to earn a spot in the Boss Open ATP 250 in Stuttgart last year, so he sure has the level to be playing with the top of the game.

We discuss:

Great start with Hubi as his hitting partner
Why would a player have a hitting partner
The mindset of Hubi Hurkacz
Why it is important to feel stress in match situations instead of just practicing
The key to being a hitting partner!
Advice to players/parents on becoming great players

This episode is awesome and Matt is a great guy so hope you enjoy!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Kalin Davidov, The Father & Coach of Top Ambidextrous Junior Teo Davidov [Ep. 207]

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast we have on another great tennis parent, Kalin Davidov. Kalin is the father of one of the world's best juniors Teo Davidov.

Teo is an ambidextrous player. I was seriously impressed with Teo's skills and attitude when I saw him reach the semi finals of the IMG Future Stars event.

We discuss:

Kalin's background in pro sport coming from a volleyball career in Bulgaria
His knowledge of meditation, yoga, nutrition, chinese medicine and tennis
The commitment he has made to coaching his son and how he can become a better coach
The reasons for wanting Teo to use both hands to play tennis
How Teo's game will cope with the men's game
The importance of athleticism, olympic weightlifting and controlling the mind

There's so much to learn from this episode so I hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Footwork coach of a 8-14 year old Coco Gauff - Jeff Drock [Ep. 206]

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:30:00 +0000

This week on the podcast we speak to a functional movement specialist who works specifically in tennis. He's helped to develop the movement of reigning US Open Champion Coco Gauff.

Jeff Drock has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years. Originally, Jeff played college tennis at the University of North Florida where was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame! Jeff has worked as the Director of Sport Science at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida and in 2009, Jeff founded the Home Fitness Professionals Association that provides in-home and mobile fitness training business skills.

In our chat, we talk about the following:

The formidable Coco Gauff and her athleticism as a young teenager
How Jeff got into specialising in tennis footwork and movement and how he actively improves tennis players’ movement
Jeff shares his advice for young athletes and how they can improve their own fitness from various resources online

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Kieron Vorster, The Physical trainer of Dan Evans & Sorana Cirstea [Ep.205]

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:30:00 +0000

In this week's episode, we jump into speaking to one of the most experienced physical trainers in our sport.

I was lucky enough to speak to Kieron Vorster, the current physical trainer of Dan Evans, Liam Broady and Sorana Cirstea. Kieron has previously worked with Tim Henman, he's been the South African Davis Cup Captain and he's lead the Strength & Conditioning at the Qatar Tennis Federation.

In our chat, we also cover ⬇️

Dan Evans and his physical training
Similarities between Dan Evans & Tim Henman
Why Djokovic's body is SO pure
What's so impressive about Dan Evans
The physical screening of junior tennis players

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Executing under pressure with Patrick Harding, performance coach of F1 Driver Alex Albon [Ep. 204]

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Today I speak with Patrick Harding, long-time performance coach for F1 driver Alex Albon. Patrick spends 31 weeks a year with Alex has been working with him for six years. Patrick looks after all aspects of Alex's physical and mental performance.

Look out for some similarities with tennis. There's lots of them!

In our chat, we cover ⬇️

Controlling boundaries with the athlete
Building trust and relationships
Being focussed in intense moments
Optimising performance conditions
How fit F1 drivers really are

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Educating tennis parents to optimize for success with Garry Cahill [Ep.203]

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Today I speak with Gary Cahill, former Irish Davis Cup & Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) captain as well as a previous High-Performance Director for Tennis Ireland. Gary is now the Performance Director and founder of Prodigy Tennis which provides high-performance training programs to junior tennis players. Their mission is quite simple - to produce champions.

In today's discussion, we delve into Garry's recent research collaboration with a prominent Irish University, focusing on the experiences of tennis parents throughout their journey.

In our chat, we cover ⬇️

The pivotal role of each parent
Navigating challenging decisions at critical junctures
Factors that influence decision-making
Challenges working with multiple coaches
Selecting the right academy
Key takeaways and lessons learned from his ongoing research

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

The gruelling journey to 4 Grand Slam titles - Timea Babos [Ep.202]

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Today I speak to Timea Babos, a former doubles world No.1 and 4-time Grand Slam champion, as well as a former top 25 singles player. At a young age of 30, Timea tells us how her motivation and love for the game is as high as ever as she tries to move back up the rankings after injury.

Timea speaks about growing up in a tennis family in her home country of Hungary and how her sister was a hugely talented player before her, having won the prestigious NCAA college tennis championships in the United States. She sheds light on her opportunity to train in and play for Great Britain when she was younger, as well as the challenges of coming from a smaller tennis nation when working her way up through the ITFs to the WTA Tour. And finally what I think you guys as listeners will find fascinating is how Timea deals with nerves, especially in the biggest stages of the sport at Grand Slams.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Craig Boynton, coach of Hubert Hurkacz [Ep.201]

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Today I speak to Craig Boynton, the coach of Hubert Hurkacz. I was lucky to meet Craig last year at the IMG Future Stars event in Greece as Hubie was playing in the exhibition match and also stayed on to train for a few days.

Going into chat I didn’t know too much about Craig and I was intrigued to find out more about his early tennis and coaching career. He gets straight into it talking about stories of Pete Sampras and Jim Courier. He also talks about the type of coach he is and how he adapts to players he has worked with. He tells us about his relationship with Hubert, we touch on his match against Novak in the Wimbledon 1/4s and he ends by giving advice for our listeners who are tennis parents.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

[Job Fairy] CONTENT & MARKETING Freelancer needed

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:45:00 +0000

I am on the search for a Content and Marketing freelancer to help with this podcast. I thought this might be a good place to ask.

You can get all the details here.

If you know somebody who might be interested please share this with them.

Thank you

Fabio

2002 Aussie Open Champ - Thomas Johansson [Ep.200]

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Welcome to our 200th Episode.

Today I chat with Former Australian Open winner and current coach of Sorana Cirstea, Thomas Johansson. Thomas gives us a look back at winning the Aus Open, what changed in his life afterwards, being forced to retire, his advice on the skills needed to be able to coach males and females, characteristics of top pros and a lot more.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Dalibor Sirola, The Physical Trainer of Sascha Zverev [Ep.199]

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 06:30:00 +0000

It’s been a while since we had a top S&C trainer on the podcast so I’m excited to chat with Dalibor Sirola, the current S&C coach of Sasha Zverev.

As well as working with Sascha, Dalibor is the head of S&C at the Piatti Tennis Centre. He has previously worked with Ljubic, Seppit, Milos, Jannik Sinner, Born Coric and Sharapova.

We chat about his role at the Piatti Tennis Center, getting confidence back into Zverev, what differentiates the top players, testing players, strength levels, flywheel technology, touching on a development model for juniors and a lot more.

Strength trainers are probably my favourite guests to talk to and this chat did not disappoint.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

And if you enjoy it check out our original chat with Alex back in episode 83.

Catchup with the Demon, Alex De Minaur [Ep.198]

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I have a quick catchup with Queens Finalist and Current ATP number 17 Alex De Minaur. Alex was visiting the Asics House of Tennis located near Wimbledon carrying out some sponsor work and I got to quickly ask him a few questions in between his work.

He tells me what high performance is for him, where the extra pop has come from in his serve this year, playing Alcaraz and he tells us his advice to be 1% better Every day.

There are also 2 bonus questions in there.

Enjoy

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Umpiring over 5000 matches with Carlos Ramos [Ep.197]

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:45:00 +0000

This week I speak to renowned former chair umpire Carlos Ramos. Carlos has umpired over 5000 matches in a career of over 30 years.

We chat about what life was like as an umpire on the road, umpiring all 4 slam finals and the Olympic finals.

We also get into the umpire code of conduct, keeping focused in long matches, what he learned in umpiring over 5000 matches and I ask him, with all his experience watching the greats play coach, if could he be a tour coach.

Enjoy

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Cultivating Successful Athlete Sponsorships with Marina Caiazzo[Ep.196]

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today is the 5th and final part of our 5 part Asics mini-series which I recorded at the Asics house in Paris. And I chat with Marina Caiazzo, a global sports marketing expert.

Marina is a former player who trained at the Bollitieri Academy with the likes of Tommy Haas and Anna Kournikova.

Marina worked directly for Asics for 11 years and recently set up her own consultancy business, Sama Sports and is still heavily involved with Sports Marketing for Asics.

She looks after the Asics' global sports strategy, deciding what players to work with, building long-term partnerships, characteristics she looks for in potential players. She played a big part in helping to convince the Asics board to get Novak on board when he was looking to switch from Adidas. She also gives advice for players looking for sponsorship and much more.

If you are here looking to signup for the London Saber - Tap here.

I hope you enjoy the episode

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

The stubborn Borna Coric [Ep.195]

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today is the 4th part of our 5-part Asics mini-series which I recorded while at the Asics house in Paris.

And I chat to Borna Coric. Borna has recently had shoulder injuries but he is now back stronger than ever and looking extremely fit. I ask him about a characteristic that defines him, his non-negotiables, advice for parents and his advice on how to be 1% better every day.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Aiming for perfection but not expecting it - Belinda Bencic [Ep.194]

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today is the 3rd part of our 5 part Asics mini-series which I recorded while at the Asics house in Paris and I talk to Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.

Belinda chats about her characteristic on the court, aiming for perfection but not expecting it, how to be 1% better every day and some advice for tennis parents.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

The need to chill with Alex Molcan [Ep.193]

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I chat with 25-year-old Slovak Alex Molcan. Alex is currently ranked in the top 80 and has a career-high of 36. He’s coached by Novak Djokovic’s former coach Marion Vadja (listen to Marian In episode 90). Alex tells us his main characteristic on the court, the importance of focus and intensity on the practice court as well as the need to chill.

Hope you enjoy

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Secrets to returning to the Top 10 with 43 year old Rohan Bopanna [Ep.192]

Tue, 30 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I chat with an Asics athlete Rohan Bopanna. Rohan was one of our first-ever guests on the podcast 4 years ago, he’s one of the nicest guys, on the tour (that I’ve met) and this year at 43 years of age he has re-entered the top 10 with some great wins throughout the year with his partner Matt Ebden.

Rohan tells me has no cartilage in his knees and how he has managed this as well as what has changed in his game physically and mentally that has him in great form.

Enjoy!

Fabio

Ps. If you are here to find out the name of the Yoga, its called Iyengar yoga 😉

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Unleashing Marginal Gains: Asics' Rene Zandbergen on Revolutionizing Djokovic's Tennis Shoes[Ep.191]

Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week I caught up with Rene Zandbergen. Rene has worked with our podcast sponsor Asics for 22 years helping develop shoes and working alongside the world's best athletes to help continually improve the Asics range of shoes.

We talk about:

His 22 years at Asics so far
Working with Novak to develop his latest shoes, the Court FF3
The differences in the 3 top Asics tennis shoes, Resolution 9, Solution Speed FF2 and Court FF3
Finding the right shoes for Juniors
Using the correct sole for your playing surface
Sliding on hard courts

It's a really insightful episode into Tennis Shoes and if you are like Novak and always looking for small areas to improve this episode is for you.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 with the purpose of giving more people the opportunity to experience how sport and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media:

Balancing parenting & coaching your NEXTGEN child with Cinzia Giovinco [Ep.190]

Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week on the podcast, I meet parent and coach Cinzia Giovinco.

I met Cinzia during my week at the IMG Future Stars event in Athens, Greece. Cinzia is the parent to 11-year-old Tyson who was competing at the event. She is also the mother to US Billie Jean Cup player Tyra Grant.

In our conversation, Cinzia explains how she manages to balance the involved role in her children’s careers with her own life.

She also describes why parents are the most important influence on the development of junior players and how encouraging kids to have fun is the key to a long career.

Hope you enjoy the insight into the parents of high-level Juniors.

Fabio

Have you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ball

To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/

Find us on Social Media: