Talking ATP Doubles with Rob Morgan, coach of Wimbledon Champion Wesley Koolhof [Ep. 211]
Nov 23, 2023
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ATP doubles coach Rob Morgan discusses his learnings as a top doubles coach, the importance of mindset in matches, and the evolving nature of doubles tennis. They explore potential improvements for the sport, the impact of using different balls on players' bodies, and the role of parental involvement in tennis. Rob also shares advice for tennis parents and highlights his tennis academy.
The importance of getting players in the right mindset for matches and the impact of singles players participating in doubles events.
The increasing physicality of the doubles game and the need for players to prioritize their physical potential and practice matches to simulate real match situations.
Deep dives
Insights from Coaching at the ATP Finals
Rob Morgan reflects on his four years as a top coach at the ATP Finals. He discusses how he has improved as a coach during that time and emphasizes the importance of getting players in the right mindset for matches. He also highlights how the doubles game has become more physical over the years and the impact of singles players participating in doubles events. Additionally, he mentions the importance of communication and teamwork among coaches and players.
The Role of Performer Skills in Doubles
Rob Morgan explains how he focuses on developing the performer skills of his players in doubles matches, such as their energy levels, communication, and willingness to put their bodies on the line. He emphasizes the importance of maximizing their physical potential and being animalistic in their approach to the game. He also mentions the significance of practice matches to simulate real match situations and build the players' skills as performers.
The Evolution of Doubles and Future Trends
Rob Morgan discusses the changes in doubles over the past four years, noting the increasing dominance of strong servers and the overall physicality of the game. He predicts that the game will become even faster and more physical in the future. He also mentions the potential for players to prioritize doubles earlier in their careers. Additionally, he highlights the need for a consistent ball throughout the year to ensure fair competition.
Advice for Tennis Parents
Rob Morgan advises tennis parents to be fully invested and involved in their child's tennis journey. He sees active parent involvement as a positive aspect and emphasizes the importance of good communication between parents and coaches. He also encourages parents to prioritize their child's needs, keep things simple, and focus on doing the basics well. Lastly, he expresses his belief in the value of sports as a life teacher for kids.
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
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.