The Functional Tennis Podcast

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.EnjoyFabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 episodeFabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 enjoyFabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 enjoyFabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 enjoyFabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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!FabioPs. 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 ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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 farWorking with Novak to develop his latest shoes, the Court FF3The differences in the 3 top Asics tennis shoes, Resolution 9, Solution Speed FF2 and Court FF3Finding the right shoes for JuniorsUsing the correct sole for your playing surfaceSliding on hard courtsIt'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.FabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

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.FabioHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber? Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

A fascinating look into the skills and mindset of the world's top under-12 tennis players emerges from the IMG Future Stars event. The host highlights their remarkable adaptability and specialized techniques, showcasing how these young athletes approach the game. Insights into their strategic play reveal the crucial role of strong parental and coaching support in shaping their competitive spirit. With reflections on mental toughness and technical prowess, this discussion offers valuable takeaways for parents and coaches alike.

This week on the podcast, I speak to top tour coach Mark Gellard.In our conversation, Mark explains why players need to coach themselves during the game as well as give a strong defence for on-the-court coaching.We also chat about Mark’s work with Magda Linette and I ask him what the difference is between a top 100 player and a top twenty player.Hope you enjoy it,FabioFind out more about Mark here on his social and his own podcast accountPodcast: The Diary of a Professional Tennis CoachInstagram: @coachgellardHave you seen the Functional Tennis Saber?Check it out here and don't miss the video of Stan Wawrinka crushing the ballThis 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 wellbeing.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/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis PodcastTwitter: twitter.com/functennisWebsite: www.FunctionalTennis.com