The Functional Tennis Podcast

55 Peter Smith - Coach of Steve Johnson & Sam Querrey

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Professional tennis coach, Peter Smith joins us this week. Peter has been a successful college coach for many years and now coaches on the professional tour (Steve Johnson & Sam Querrey).

Peter talks to us about:

How he came successful in coaching
What made Steve Johnson the best ever college player
Learning competitiveness vs. being born with it
College Coach vs. Tour Coach

Peter has also coached his children and gives some advice on how to keep the parent/child relationship healthy.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

Episode Chapters:

8:54 - What made Peter a successful coach

12:29 - Why Steve Johnson was so good in college

18:38 - Born with competitiveness or learned?

37:11 - Keeping parent/child relationship healthy

44:42 - College Coach vs. Tour Coach

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Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

54 Jonas Forejtek - Former World No.1 Junior

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Former Junior World #1, Jonas Forejtek joins the podcast this week. Jonas has won the US Open Boys Singles title and has decided to pursue tennis full time. You may know him from the famous video of him hitting with a wooden spoon online.

Jonas talks to us about:

Learning how to hit with the Wooden Spoon
Changing his on-court mentality
Winning US Open
Playing Davis Cup
HEAD Tennis Racquets

It is a short episode, but worth listening to.

Hope you enjoy it!

Listen on your favorite podcast app!

As always, tell your friends, tennis buddies or anybody you know that may be interested in listening!

Episode Chapters

2:27 - The Tennis Pointer (Wooden Spoon)

8:04 - Changing on-court mentality

10:12 - Winning US Open

16:11 - Most memorable tennis moment

19:27 - HEAD Tennis Racquets

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5-star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisPodcast

Facebook: Facebook.com/FunctionalTennisOfficial

Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

53 Karue Sell - Naomi Osaka's Hitting Partner

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Karue Sell, the hitting partner of Naomi Osaka joins us this week for Episode 53!

Karue has played pro, coached and is now a hitting partner to 2x Grand Slam Champion, Naomi Osaka. He has previously worked as a hitting partner for the USTA.

He talks to us about:

· College Tennis @ UCLA

· Turning Professional

· Starting to work with Naomi

· 10 things he has learned from Naomi

· His new website, My Tennis HQ

Listen on your favorite podcast app!

As always, tell your friends, your tennis buddies or anybody you know that may be interested in listening!

Episode Chapters

1:51 - College Tennis @ UCLA

8:25 - Turning Professional

14:00 - Starting to work with Naomi Osaka

16:12 - 10 things Karue has learned from working with Naomi

37:18 - HEAD Pro Tour 2.0 Racket

42:26 - My Tennis HQ - Instagram & Website

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5-star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisPodcast

Facebook: Facebook.com/FunctionalTennisOfficial

Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

52 Nick Winkelman - Athletic Performance & Science Expert

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +0100

For Episode 52, we are joined by Nick Winkelman, an athletic performance and science expert, who has many years of experience working with professional athletes. Nick's journey started off in the US, but he now finds himself working with top athletes in Europe.

During the episode, Nick discusses:

His new book - The Language of Coaching
The difference between internal and external cue words
The Coaches Communication Loop
How to prolong your career and much more!

Nick is a slightly different guest from our usual ones but offers just as much insight as anyone we have had on the show. We always try to showcase the sport from all different perspectives - and Nick is the perfect person to help us do it.

As always, tell your friends about the podcast!

I hope you enjoy it.

Fabio

Nick has kindly offered 30% off his book, the Language of Coaching which can be ordered from http://www.humankinetics.com/ Use the code FTCOACH30 for 30% off. (valid until July 25, 2020)

Episode Chapters:

08:28 - Nick's Book - The Language of Coaching

16:00 - Internal & External Cue Words

28:23 - Coaching Communication Loop

40:23 - How to Prolong Your Career

51:49 - Sleep Tracking Devices & Importance of Sleep

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5-star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Facebook: Facebook.com/FunctionalTennisOfficial

Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

51 Andreas Seppi - 18 years on the ATP Tour

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Andreas Seppi joins us this week for Episode 51 of the Functional Tennis Podcast.

Andreas has 18 years of experience on the ATP Tour and has beaten some of the biggest names in the sport: including Federer, Nadal & Wawrinka.

Andreas talks to us about:

· Growing up in Italy

· Meeting Jannik Sinner for the first time

· Moving to Colorado

· His favorite match & favorite grand slam

· Life after tennis

Andreas was very generous with his time and gives us a true insight into the life of a professional player. Don’t miss this episode.

As always, tell your friends about the podcast!

I hope you enjoy it.

Fabio

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5-star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

50 Tom Hill - Coach of WTA Top 20 Maria Sakkari

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +0100

WTA Tour Coach, Tom Hill joins us for Episode 50 of the Functional Tennis Podcast.

Tom has coached some of the world’s top players, including Danielle Collins and currently Maria Sakkari. He has a remarkable story, especially considering how young he still is. What he has accomplished in a matter of a few short years can usually take upwards of many more for others.

Tom talks to us about:

· Moving to IMG Academy to train as a child

· College Tennis

· Becoming a hitting partner to Sharapova and other top players

· Transitioning from hitting partner to coach

· What he has earned from coaching top 40 players

As always, let us know what you think and let your friends know about us!

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5 star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

49 Mansour Bahrami (Part 2) - The Master Entertainer

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 01:00:00 +0100

We can back to the Mansour Bahrami story and follow on from where we left at the last episode with him losing all his money in a Casino shortly after landing in Nice, France.

I hope you enjoy the rest of his story.

Fabio

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Find Functional at:

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

49 Mansour Bahrami (Part 1) - The Master Entertainer

Tue, 26 May 2020 01:00:00 +0100

It was a pleasure to have the great Mansour Bahrami on the Functional Tennis Podcast. He has a fascinating story with all the challenges he had to over come first in Iran and then in France. It you shed tears easily have the kleenex ready as there are a couple of times where you really feel for the pain that Mansour had to endure.

This interview was much longer than our usual and honestly we probably need a few more hours also. I've split it up into 2 episodes with part 1 this week and part 2 next week.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5 star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

48 Craig Tiley - Australian Open Tournament Director and Tennis Australia CEO

Tue, 19 May 2020 01:00:00 +0100

Super episode this week with Craig Tiley who is the Tennis Australia CEO and the tournament director for the Aussie Open. He has done an amazing with with Tennis Australia for 15 years. The Aussie tennis system is world renowned and Craig has put a great system in place that has seen many players move successfully into the senior game.

He has also been at the epicentre of turning the Aussie Open from the least favourite of the Slams to the most favourite. When you speak to the players they absolutely love it and all the work that has gone into to make it so special.

Craig tells us about:

His days as a NCAA D1 Winning Coach
His desire to help people
Challenging himself
Developing a great system in Australia
Whats needed to break into the top of the game
His 1st time meeting Roger Federer
Tennis Australia during the Covid Situation and the coaches relief
Listener question 1 on his best moment as tournament director
Listener question 2 on the best to develop a business with focus on high performance tennis

47 Liam Smith - Tennis Coach of Gael Monfils

Tue, 12 May 2020 01:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to Liam Smith, the coach of Gael Monfils. Liam is a very experienced coach that has worked with great players at all levels as well as working for academies and Federations around the world.

We talk about:

His early coaching days at Saddlebrook and Van de Meer
Been part of a great Aussie system that has produced world class players
Working with Radu Albot and Gael Monfils
Had he learned form Radu and Gael.
Coaching 2 ATP players at the same time (Radu and Matt Ebden)
Transitioning from junior to seniors
His new online Tennis Player Development Course
His ideal male and female player

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

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Find Functional at:

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

47 Nick Saviano from the world renowned Saviano Tennis Academy

Tue, 05 May 2020 01:00:00 +0100

This week I speak to the man behind the world renowned Saviano Tennis Academy, Nick Saviano. Nick was a former top 50 player who quit tennis to start his own academy and has worked with some great players from a very young age to been in the players box on the Grand Slam finals day as well as securing places places for countless teenagers in top US universities.

We talk about

His academy
What it was like to be a Top 50 player in the 70's along with his most memorable match
Helping juniors on the big decision to go pro or to college
Working with Sloane Stephens as an 11 year old and the feeling of seeing somebod you have worked with win a Slam
Working with Genie Bouchard
How to get the most out of female players and how they mature quicker than the boys
The parents as a junior players CEO
Nick's new online course

We also have a question from one of our listeners.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

45 - Neal Skupski - ATP Top 30 Doubles

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 01:00:00 +0100

This week I speak to Top 30 Doubles player Neal Skupski. Neal is the younger brother of Ken Skupski who we spoke to in episode 12. Neal came through the US college system and made a decision after college to concentrate on doubles and it's proved to be a wise one.

We talk about

Current Covid-19 situation with training, eating and old friend
US College tennis
His brother taking a risk playing doubles with him with his low ranking
Teaming up with his current partner Jamie Murray
What Neal has learned form Jamie
How Louis Cayer has helped his game
Travelling with your countrymen and downtime
Memorable matches
Rafa as a doubles player
Advice for young players

I hope you enjoy the episode!

And if you want to listen to his bro's Ken episode tap here

Fabio

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5 star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional at:

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

#44 Janko Tipsarevic - Former Top 10 & Davis Cup Winner

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0100

I am super excited to have Janko Tipsarevic on this weeks episode. Janko is a former top 10 player, won the Davis Cup as well as 4 ATP Titles and 15 Challengers. His career span nearly 20 years on the pro tour excluding his years as the world number 1 from under 14's to under 18's.

He tells us all about his career, we talk about the highlights and struggles as well as his love for philosophy, playing Federer, Roddick and his academies and alot more.

It's packed with great insight and tips.

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

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Find Functional at:

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

#43 Kyle Edmund - Top 20 ATP Player

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to career high ATP #14 Kyle Edmund. This recording was taken fro our Instagram live feature with Kyle.

I had not intended to convert the Instagram live series to the podcast but feedback from our viewers was great and I also found Kyle answers very insightful so thought it would be great for an episode of the podcast.

We chat about his current setup in lockdown, training tips, his forehand, beating Andy Murray, differences in the different levels of the pro game and much more.

Hope you enjoy it!

Fabio

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Find Functional at:

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

#42 Mike James - Strategy coach and data analyst

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 02:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to strategy coach and data analyst, Mike James.

Mike has worked with some top pros and coaches. He worked alongside Magnus Norman to analyse Stan Wawrinka pre and post injury and is currently working with NextGen Miomir Kecmanovic.

We talk about working with the above guys, tennis stats, interpreting stats, hawkeye, gps training equipment and more

Hope you enjoy it.

Fabio

Win some FREE Functional Tennis Products by leaving us a 5 star review with your Twitter/Instagram handle.

Find Functional

Website: www.FunctionalTennis.com

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Twitter: twitter.com/functennis

41 Thai Kwiatkowski

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to Top 200 ATP player Thai Kwiatkowski. Thai was the 2017 NCAA champion and has been on the pro tour for the past 2 years. He tells us about his tennis, plans during the COVID lockdown, differences in the college and pro game and other tennis nuggets.

If you are new to the Podcast, hello and welcome. If you have been here before and haven't subscribed please hit the subscribe button

#40 Sebastien Durand - Advice for Players to stay fit during the lockdown with world renowned strength and conditioning coach Seb Durrand

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000

Excited to bring you this bonus episode of The Functional Tennis Podcast.

We speak to Sebastien Durand, the strength and conditioning coach of Grigor Dimitrov for over 10 years, one of the fittest players and best movers on the tour.

Seb wanted to share how to turn this negative lockdown situation we are in into a positive situation and he dives into it. He offers great advise that you should definitely listen to.

He also talks about how he is handling the lockdown personally, his early tennis days, how he became a fitness trainer and a lot more.

If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review on your podcast app 😀

#39 - Sebastian Lavie

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week to speak to former pro Sebastian Lavie who has recently setup the Lavie Tennis Academy at the Nextgen arena in Auckland New Zealand. As a 9 year living in New Zealand he relocated with his family to train in Australia and then at 10 they all moved to France where he spent most of his teenage years training at he Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and living with Patrick Mouratoglou. We hear about the challenges and fun along the way as well as bringing his learnings from the setup and Team at the Mouratoglou academy to his own Academy.

Some of the areas we cover:

Where Tennis Began
Packing everything into a container and moving to Europe
Stay in France or move back home to NZ?
Living with Patrick Mouratoglou
When Grigor Dimitrov arrived at Mouratoglou
Cost of training at the Academy
What would he do differently as a kid today
Was there a Plan b?
Failure at pro tour
Great coaches
Best / favourite match
Going from top junior to a senior player
Junior with sponsorship deals
Getting his first point
Dream of a tennis academy
College tennis versus direct route
Life at The Lavie Tennis Academy

If you are new to the show welcome and check out our other episodes. If you liked the episode please share it with your tennis loving friends and family :)

Fabio

38 - Simone Vagnozzi - Top 100 ATP Coach

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak Italian Simone Vagnozzi, former pro player and ATP coach of Stefano Travaglia.

Simone retired as a player at age 31 and has been coaching on the tour for the past 5 years. I've been following his Instagram account @SVTennisTeam for a while now and he puts out some good content.

We talk about

Why there are so many good Italian Pro players
What is special about top players
Working with Stefano Travaglia
Beating Djokvoic at Roland Garros when coaching Marco Cecchinato
Learning from Medvedev
Working with top Juniors and long term planning
His new academy
Advice for coaches and players

Tap the Play Button!!

POWERED BY HEAD TENNIS

37 - Craig Shapiro - Host of the Under Review Tennis Podcast

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week I speak to fellow podcast host, Craig Shapiro. Craig is the founder of the Under Review Tennis Podcast and he speaks to the unwritten heroes of tennis.

Craig tells us about his show as well as his days working with Andre Agassi as a stringer, what happened after his short stringing career, his documentaries on Agassi and Patrick Mourtaglou, the burning down of the Wilson Pro Staff factory and more.

Press the Play Button!!

#36 Kholo Montsi - ITF Boys No.12

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to South Africa Number 1 boys Junior and ITF World Number 12 Kholo Montsi.

Kholo is a great young kid with a wise set head on his shoulders. His positive attitude and fighting spirit shines though during the interview and I love his win or learn outlook on every match.

We talk about:

Where tennis began for him
Training with Anthony Harris
Part of the South African ATP Cup Team
What he learned at the ATP Cup
Kevin Anderson / Lloyd Harris
His first friend on the ATP Tour
Future Plans

As usual a big shout out to podcast sponsors, HEAD !!

Tap the PLAY Button !!

Fabio

34 - Alexander Waske - Tour Coach and Academy Owner

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to former pro (Top 100 singles, Top 20 doubles) and academy owner Alexander Waske. Alexander runs the Alexander Waske Tennis University in Frankfurt Germany. He has worked with pros such as Kerber, Melzer, Haas, Berankis and currently works with Bemelmans, De Loore, Gunneswaren and former world number 1 junior and junior slam winner Jonas Forejtek who is also famously known for his video as a 12 year hitting with the wooden spoon!

Alexander tells us about:

His academy and academy life
Players he works with
What he looks for in players
Jonas Forejtek and the pointer
What’s needed to break into the top 100
Advice for players, parents and coaches.

It was great to have him on the show and promise you will love this episode.

We mention the Tennis Pointer on the show and here is the link to it

Shout out to our Podcast Sponsors Head.

33 - Top 50 ATP Doubles Jonny O'Mara

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week I speak to 24 year old Scot Jonny O'Mara. Jonny has moved up the doubles rankings quickly and having recently got to the quarters of the Aussie Open he has an exciting year ahead.

We speak about

Challenges transitioning from the Junior to Senior tour
Going to College in the UK
Difference in attitudes between Futures and Challenger/ATP level
Louis Cayer
Doubles partner relationships
Playing without expectations
His Golf Handicap and more

If you are new to the Podcast please hit the subscribe button!

Finally a big shoutout to our Podcast sponsors HEAD.

Episode 32 - Joe O'Dwyer - Tour Coach

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to tour veteran Joe O'Dwyer.

Joe was the coach of one of our recent guests Jeff Salzenstein who said we should get him on the show. Joe is also Irish but spent most of his life in the US or touring with players but I had seen him in Dublin on a few occasions.

Joe is known for his good stories and tennis wisdom. We hear plenty of stories with players you'll know as well as advice for tennis players of all levels who want to be pros and tools they need to get there.

Its definitely one of our more entertaining episodes but also carries just as much advice.

Hope you enjoy it!!

Shout out to our Podcast sponsors Head.

Episode 31 - Marcus Willis

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to pro Marcus Willis. Marcus is known for his impressive run at Wimbledon in 2016 where he came through pre-qualies, qualies, taking down players such as as Medvedev, Rublev, Sugita and going on to face Roger Federer in Round 2 of the main draw on a packed Centre Court.

Marcus tells us about:

Junior Career and difficulties moving into the mens game
Build up and aftermath to the Wimbledon run
Challenges he has faced throughout his career
How parenting has changed his outlook
Preparing for a return to the tour
Advise for Juniors
Answer some questions from our Instagram followers

Tap the PLAY button above and enjoy.

Thanks to our Podcast sponsors Head, who make the best rackets in the game 😀

I mention The Functional Tennis Match Journal and Practice Journal on todays episode and you can check them out here.

If you use Apple Podcast, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher or have another favourite podcast player you will find us there, just search for "Functional Tennis"

#30 - Mike Digby - Professional Hitting Partner

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to full time pro hitting partner, Mike Digby.

Englishman Mike graduated from US College in 2019 and decided to work as a full time hitting partner rather than go after a singles/doubles career. He tells us why he choose to go down this route and how he got into it as well as 10 things he learned from hitting with some of the best players in the world such as Federer, Osaka, Tsitsipas, Nadal, Halep, Djokovic and more.

Download a review of Mike's 10 points here

You can follow Mike on Instagram here or checkout his website here

Big thanks to our Podcast Sponsors HEAD 😀

#29 David O'Hare - From 1 night in Jan 2019 in New Zealand as a Club Coach to Coaching at the ATP Tour Finals

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we have 29 year old Irishman David O'Hare on the podcast. David (Dave) is a former pro who quit due to an unfortunate injury but used his connections to stay in the game and to coach some of the worlds best doubles players.

He talks about his Junior and College (#3 ranked doubs) career and how he went from a coaching gig in New Zealand just before the 2019 Aussie open to be drafted in as a coach to Luke Bambridge to coaching at the ATP Tour finals with Rajeev Ram and his College doubles partner Joe Salisbury.

We speaks openly about the challenges on the tour and sometimes it's not what it's made out to be. It's very interesting and I really enjoyed my first in person chat and look forward to more in the future.

Shout out to our Podcast Sponsors Head who have just realised a new Prestige which I am looking forward to testing.

#28 Jake Eames - Former Pro & Founder of Letour

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 02:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to Jake Eames who is involved in tennis on a few different levels. He is a former pro from Australia who:

Is a coach and works with promising Aussie Juniors
Hitting partner to WTA pros such as Caroline Wozniacki, Ash Barty, Sam Stosur and more
Founder of Letour, an upcoming tennis brand adding colour to he game with eco friendly clothing and awesome designs

I was lucky to meet Jake In Australia 12 months ago and I through it would be a great idea to share his story on the podcast.

Its a great listen, hope you enjoy it!!

Shoutout to our Sponsors HEAD, you rock 😀

Follow Jake and Letour

https://www.instagram.com/eamesjake

https://www.instagram.com/letourtennis/

#27 Jeff Salzenstein - Former Top 100

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

You may seen some of Jeff's instructional video online, I certainly have and was very excited to get him on the Podcast.

Jeff Salzenstein is a former Top 100 players who played during the Agassi / Sampras generation and then at the early Federer / Nadal generation. He gives some great insight into his career, stories about Sampras, Federer and his fun Irish coach Joe O'Dwyer

He also gives great advise on life lessons on and off the court.

A look inside Functional Tennis with a review of 2019 and preview for 2020

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

With everyone so busy this week spending time with their family I originally wanted to not upload an episode this week but I decided to do a solo slow and do a review of Functional Tennis in 2019, plans for 2020 and thank yous. This episode helps give us a small look inside Functional Tennis.

If you have have any suggestions for 2020 you can find me at:

email - ace@functionaltennis.com
Instagram - @functionalTennis
Twitter - @fabmol

Also huge thanks to your Podcast sponsors HEAD.

#26 Rashid Ahmad - Founder of touchtennis

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to the founder of the touchtennis, Rashid Ahmad. touchtennis is a fun adaptation of tennis.

Rashid tells us all about his early days writing about classic tennis matches to figuring out a way to beat tennis pros with his rules to growing touch tennis into an International tips. There are also business and life tips throw in.

It's a fun but interesting episode which you cant miss!!

#25 Regina Cortina - Pro Tennis Photographer

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week we have a short episode with Mexican Pro Tennis Photographer Regina Cortina.

As well as speaking to players and coaches we like to talk to people working in tennis who don't hit tennis balls!

Regina tells us how she got into photography and tennis as well as travelling around the world and how she gets the key shots.

You can check out Regina's awesome work here.

Huge thanks to our Sponsors HEAD who make our favourite tenis rackets here at Functional Tennis

#24 USC Head Coach Brett Masi

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week I am super excited to speak to USC (University of Southern California) Head Coach Brett Masi. USC are one the US's best College Teams, and have won countless national titles. It was a privilege to speak to Brett.

Brett tells us about his College Coaching career, working with players such as Steve Johnson and Robert Farah and legendary coach Peter Smith, winning a National Title and been able to deal with the pressure of coaching at USC and trying to keep their success moving forward.

#23 Dominik Koepfer - From playing twice a week at 16 to top 100 at 25

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week we speak to German player Dominik Koepfer. Dominik had one US College option at The University of Tulane, he took it and by end of it he was the top college player in the US and has managed to raise the level of his team bringing them from an unranked team to a top 25 team.

He tells us about his journey from playing only twice a week as a junior to becoming a Top 100 ATP player and challenges he met along the way.

We also speak to Dominik's assistant coach at Tulane, Niall Fitzgerald who tells us what coaches and the other players saw in him.

Shout to our Podcast Sponsors HEAD, our #1 rackets at Functional Tennis

#22 Billy Heiser - ATP Tour Coach

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week we have ATP/WTA Coach Billy Heiser who is part of the Add2PErformace Team and together with them he is the coach of Top 20 WTA Alison Riske and Top 100 Dominik Koepfer.

Billy is a young coach but has helped his players move quickly through the rankings. He tells us what it's like been a coach, working with and the qualities of his players, we speak about coach finances and salaries and he offer advice on how to improve as a coach.

#21 Dave Mullins - What you need to know about US College Tennis

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

In episode 20 we speak to Dave Mullins who works for the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) and he tells us the in and outs of College Tennis and what you need to know if you have thought about College Tennis.

Dave was a top junior playing in the Junior Grand Slams, he played College Tennis at Fresno State followed by a playing on the Irish Davis Cup team and then moving into College Coaching where he spent 10 years achieving different levels of success throughout his tenure.

Dave has plenty to offer in this episode and if you want to know more about College tennis this episode is for you.

#20 Jay Clarke - Rising British Star

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:00:00 +0000

This week we have a short and snappy episode with the 21 year old Jay Clarke.

Jay is a former Tennis Europe Number 1, British Under 18 number 1 and within 2 years of starting out in the mens circuit was in the worlds best 200. He tells us how he achieved this with the coaching help of his family and without the need to base himself in an expensive academy. He talks about his focus to move from the Futures tour quickly, his great matches at Wimbledon as well as telling us whats its like to play Roger Federer on the grass of SW19.

Thanks to our Podcast sponsors Head. Tap the PLAY button and enjoy

#19 Simon Konov of Top Tennis Training - Founder of one of the worlds best online tennis training platforms

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0000

I am a long term fan of the Top Tennis Training and was delighted to have its founder Simon Konov on todays episode. Simon tells us all about how he got started in tennis and onto coaching and how over working left him in hospital where soon after Top Tennis Training was born where now they offer great tennis training courses as well as putting out great content on all their social platforms. We hear all about how he runs Top Tennis Training day to day along with his business partner / ex pro Alex Slabinsky and also talks about working with top pros such as David Ferrer and Nalbandian as well as Roger Federer!!

#18 - Kris Soutar - Master Performance Coach with over 27 years experience working with top players and coaches

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

In this weeks episode we speak to Scottish Master Performance coach Kris Soutar who many people told me I must interview! It was great to eventually chat to him where we talk about all the things he is involved with on a daily basis from working with top coaches around the UK to travelling and working with Judy Murray, online work and his passion projects, The Service Box and the Tennis Journal Podcast.

He also offers great advice for coaches, parents and kids which you should take onboard.

Tap the Play Button!!

#17 Noah Rubin - Pro player and the founder of Behind The Racquet

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Excited to have Noah Rubin on this weeks podcast.

Beating Benoit Paire on his Grand Slam debut
The successful Behind the Racquet platform which Noah is the brains behind. It provides a platform for tennis players to share their mental health challenges throughout their career
Former Junior Wimbledon and USTA Nationals champion
Spent 1 year at Wake Forest, reached the NCAA finals and went pro
ATP/WTA level versus ITF Juniors
Injury challenges

If you find it interesting please share with your tennis friends and family.

Thanks to our new sponsor HEAD

#16 Kaja Juvan - Teenager breaking into the WTA while studying and finishing exams at home

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

This week we have rising teenager Kaja Juvan from Slovenia. Kaja has quickly moved from a top ITF junior to just outside the WTA Top 100 with her rise only slowing down due to her commitment to finish school. She tells us about missing the US Open due to exams, playing Serena at Wimbledon, easy going parents, advice for juniors, difference between WTA players and top Juniors and more.

If you are new to the Functional Tennis Podcast, Hello! 👋 Please hit the subscribe button on your favourite podcast app and share with your tennis friends!!

Hope you enjoy the show

#15 Sarah Stone - Founder of the WTCA

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Delighted to have Women's Tennis Coaching Association founder Sarah Stone on this weeks episode.

Sarah tells us about growing up in the tennis world, partnering Sam Stosur, coaching her to 3 grand slam doubles titles and world doubles number 1. She tells us about the WTCA and how it helps coaches and how to get involved. We touch on some controversial tennis topics and she ends offering advice for juniors and advice.

Tap the play buttons

String, stringing, rackets and customisation with Nikki Roenn from Unstrung Customs (Episode 14)

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

This week we have Nikki Roenn from Unstrung Customs who talks about his tennis career and how he moved into the string and customisation business. Unstrung Customs string and customise rackets for pros and players all over the world, they use 3d printing to make custom pallets affordable and a quicker process and also offer a custom racket painting service.

If have have any interest in string, stringing, rackets and racket customisation you should have a listen. Nikki answers questions from our Instagram followers in all the sections above. You'll learn some simple tricks to get your strings setup better as well as advice on some new strings. He even tells us about the rackets of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray which he has worked on.

Florian Mayer - Former Top 20 ATP Pro (Episode 13)

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

We speak to former top 20 ATP pro Florian Mayer. You may remember Florian unorthodox strokes and jumping backhand dropshots. He made life difficult for so many players on court and the list of players he beat is very impressive.

Florian tells us about his career, best matches, playing a 16 year old Rafa, beating Rafa at the Shanghai masters, the 3 players he could not beat, dealing with injuries and more!

Press the play button and enjoy!

Ken Skupski - Dad & Pro Doubles Specialist (Episode 12)

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Super excited to have Ken Skupski on this weeks episode. I know Ken quite a while as he is a great customer from my real job, FunkyChristmasJumpers.com!!.

Ken is a doubles specialist and he has enjoyed success on the world tour and even more since the arrival of his kids. He has 3 kids and tells us what it's like to be a pro with kids and how he deals with it. He tells us of his dream coming through having his brother as a partner to having to end that partnership (His brother Neal now plays with Jamie Murray). We also speak about his early days playing doubles as a young kid, moving into college tennis tennis and then onto his pro journey. He also talks about the exciting World Team Tennis.

Tap the play button, I promise you will enjoy it!

Kathinka von Deichmann - The first Liechtensteiner to play in a Slam (Episode 11)

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to the first Liechtensteiner to play in a Grand Slam, Kathinka von Deichmann who played in the 2018 US Open. Kathinka tells us about her early days in Lithuania, training in Europe, her first slam and whats happened over the past 12 months. Her positivity shines through and will bring her success in the future.

Garry Cahill - Performance Coach, ex Davis Cup Captain, Leadership speaker and more (Episode 10)

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

On this weeks episode I speak to a good friend of mine Garry Cahill. Gary has been at the top level of Tennis performance training in Ireland for over 10 years with the National Federation and is now setting up his own performance business, Prodigy Tennis, which he will work with not only with players, but academies and Federations outside of Ireland. He speaks to us about all things tennis and gives great advice for players, parents and coaches.

Paul Jubb - The 2019 NCAA Division 1 Singles Champ (Episode #9)

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

This week we speak to the 2019 NCAA Division 1 Singles Champ. Paul tells us about his junior days, been advised to go to college in the USA, winning the NCAA's singles title and getting a Wimbledon wildcard.

If you found this episode interesting please share with your tennis friends and subscribe so you don't miss out on next weeks episode.

Anthony Harris - Coach of ATP Top 100 Lloyd Harris (Episode #8)

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

We speak to Anthony Harris, coach of ATP Top 100 Lloyd Harris.

Anthony has done so much good for tennis in South Africa with his Match Foundation helping kids from under privileged background find success in tennis and life.

We speak about

His early tennis days and becoming No.1 in Zimbabwe
Going straight into High Performance coaching
Building an academy in Cape Town
The Match Foundation
Lloyd Harris
Advice for Coaches and Juniors

Rohan Bopanna - Former World No. 3 Doubles Player (Episode #7)

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 06:00:00 +0100

Super stoked to have the super nice Rohan Bopanna on this week's episode.

Rohan has been playing pro tennis for 20 years and is currently still a top doubles player. He has been ranked as high as Number 3, has played in 3 slam finals winning 1.

Rohan tell us about

Managing his body after 20 years in the game
Doubles in 2019 compared to 20 years ago
Playing doubles with singles players
Grand Slam Finals
Winning his first Challenger title in my home club in Dublin
His all time favourite match
The Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy
His love of coffee

Make sure you subscribe and share this episode with your tennis friends 😀

Phil Hofmeyr - Inventor of the TopspinPro (Episode #6)

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +0100

On this week's episode we have the inventor of the TopspinPro, Phil Hofmeyr.

Phil tells us how he came about with the great invention of the TopspinPro as well how he got it from that stage to now selling all over the world. The tennis product market can be very hard to break into and Phil has definitely achieved this.

Tap play and listen to Phil's great story.

Mark Petchey - Player, Coach & Commentator (Episode #5)

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +0100

I was very excited to speak to Mark Petchey, former pro players, coach and commentator for over 20 years. I remember seeing/listening to him commentating and providing valuable player insights from my younger days and it was a privilege to speak to him.

We talk about:

Wimbledon 2019 reflection
Why the speed of the courts must change
Roger is the last link to Serve and Volley
Mental ability of the top 3/4
Look at tennis in 5 years

Playing Agassi in 94
Beating Chang/Stick/Haas

Moving into coaching
Andy Murray as a 16 year old
Maria Sakkari
Esteban Carril
Felix Auger-Aliassime ball toss issue

Life as a coach v commentator
Hawkeye Data
Prime video

And more

Hope you enjoy it.

We have had some audio issues which I though where my fault speaking over guests but after concentrating on not speaking over Mark and our next recording and editing I have realised it my issue but a software issue. Apologies about this and from episode 7 it will be fixed.

Remember hit the subscribe button!!

Fabio

Allistair McCaw - The Champions Mindset (Episode #4)

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 06:00:00 +0100

We are delighted to have Allistair McCaw in this weeks episode. Allistair has a vast array of experience in the top level of tennis and many other sports and professional fields.

Allistair is

Mindset expert
Physical trainer
Keynote speaker
Motivator
Podcast host
Growth mindset
Consultant
Multiple book author

Areas that we cover with Allistair are:

His early life
Leadership
Coach and player characteristics you should look out for
Difference between Kevin Anderson and Svetlana Kuznetsova
Commitment to work
Advantages of going to University
Balance (on court)
Advice to his 15 year old self

Hope you enjoy it!

Allistair has 3 books:

and you can find Allistair at the below channels

Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

#1 Holger Rune - The Junior Roland Garros Champion

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 11:00:00 +0100

Marius Copil - All Round Nice Guy & Romanian #1 (Ep #2)

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 11:00:00 +0100

The Inspirational Alex Hunt (Episode #3)

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 11:00:00 +0100

#0 The Introduction

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 17:00:00 +0100

Introducing the Functional Tennis Podcast. A brief intro Functional tennis and whats in store.