The Functional Tennis Podcast

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!FabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisAnd check out our famous Saber tennis training racket here

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 episodeFabioThis 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 hereFind us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

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 learnFabioThis 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-beingTo 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 episodeFabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 enjoyFabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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.FabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 ParisianHer 1 handed backhandAdvice for parents/playersThe best advice she has receivedLouis Rouach who runs event activations for Asics also tells us about the Rally for Your Mind event.FabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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.Check it out here with a free 7-day trial.EnjoyFabioThis 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/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

Andrea Ramundo, an Italian tennis coach dedicated to nurturing promising juniors, shares captivating insights into his coaching journey. He discusses his experiences with Ilary Pistola, Tommaso Panto, and Pietro Marinelli, and reflects on what he learned at the IMG Future Stars Event. Ramundo highlights the importance of mentorship, including his year of working unpaid for Jofre Porta. He also addresses the challenges of balancing academics and high-level tennis, and the vital role parents play in young athletes' development.

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.FabioThis 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 MediaInstagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast