The 2022 WTA Finals in Fort Worth will run from Monday, October 31st through November 7, 2022. Before the tournament begins, Hanlon and I got together to discuss the teams and storylines leading into the year-end Finals. In this conversation we talk about: Predictions for each team, including who we think has a shot to win the tournament. Strategies that make each team so good & where they struggle. Some of the tendencies of the best teams & players. We'll be at the tournament and would ...
Oct 26, 2022•37 min•Ep. 77
This is an interview with Nick Monroe, a recently retired ATP doubles player, and three-time podcast guest, to discuss the new All American Cup. What is the All American Cup? It’s a team tennis tournament featuring the best American male players, led by captains Bob & Mike Bryan. Nick had the idea for the tournament, which will be hosted in San Antonio, during the middle of COVID when players were trying to find ways to compete. The tournament will start on November 10 with several events an...
Oct 19, 2022•17 min•Ep. 76
A 5.0 doubles player emailed me with seven questions on match strategy that I answer in this episode: Mixed Doubles Strategy - What do you do when the guy is incredible and takes 80% of the balls? How do you play against great lobbers? What should you do if your partner isn't very mobile? What to do if your weaker partner is getting picked on? and more... This is a great episode for any club level doubles players because it will help you learn to problem solve your way out of real match situatio...
Oct 05, 2022•24 min•Ep. 75
Doubles lessons on serve strategy, a volley drill, and how to win with a weak partner are covered in this episode. These lessons are from Will's recent experiences playing, coaching, and analyzing pro matches. You'll learn why: Serve location isn't the only thing that matters. Practicing volleys with your doubles partner might be hurting your volleys in a match. Getting to the net isn't always the best strategy if you're the strongest player on the court. Related resources: Serve Formations in D...
Sep 28, 2022•16 min•Ep. 74
Emma Doyle is a high-performance coach and author with a wide-ranging background in tennis. We discuss her book “What Makes a Great Tennis Coach?”, how she views modern coaching, and how you can become a better coach or student. In this conversation you’ll learn: How to make your relationship with your coach/student better. How to find the best coach for you. How to better coach yourself and your doubles partner. You will also hear how Emma got into tennis, what inspired her to be a coach, and h...
Sep 21, 2022•55 min•Ep. 73
Chase Bartlett is a former writer for The Tennis Tribe, a former D1 & D2 college tennis player, and the founder of Bridgible. We discuss his college tennis career that led to an interview with Sports Illustrated, a plethora of doubles strategies, and his new business that helps connects coaches and players, Bridgible. In this conversation we talk about: A serve tactic coined “motion” that helps confuse the opposing team. The different arguments for hitting volleys short or deep in the court....
Sep 14, 2022•39 min•Ep. 72
This is an interview with Jared Jacobs, the coach of WTA doubles team Demi Schuurs and Desirae Krawczyk. We discuss his tennis background, the season so far, making adjustments, and more. Jared also works with Bethanie Mattek-Sands. I asked him what her future looks like for the next year and when we might see her back on tour. Jared has worked with many of the top doubles players in the world and has lots of knowledge and experience to share. In this conversation, we talk about: Demi’s & De...
Sep 07, 2022•25 min•Ep. 71
The 2022 US Open doubles draws start on Wednesday. To prepare you, Will is joined by Hanlon Walsh to preview the men's and women's doubles draws along with the top storylines to follow. Venus and Serena are in the draw. Can they make a run? Will Jack Sock and Tommy Paul go deep? How did Wimbledon's lack of ranking points affect the draw? Can Koolhof & Skupski break through at a major? We also pick our favorites & dark horses to win it. **Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will t...
Aug 31, 2022•38 min•Ep. 70
In this conversation with Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez, we discuss their trip to Niagra Falls during their day off, what they feel like the other person does well, what they're improving on as a team, and how they view their performances. They also talk about their experiences at the Olympics. Hearing from one of the top trending teams on the WTA Tour before a big match was a great peek into their pre-match mindset. **Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the bes...
Aug 25, 2022•15 min•Ep. 69
In this conversation with six-time Grand Slam doubles champion Sania Mirza, I'm joined by Hanlon Walsh to discuss doubles strategy, playing with singles players in doubles, and the differences between mixed and women's doubles. Sania is not only a great doubles player, but she has had an impressive singles career as well. If you have not had the chance to watch her play, now is the time to do so before her retirement. **Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the best doubles ...
Aug 24, 2022•16 min•Ep. 68
In this short conversation with top-ranked WTA doubles partners Gaby Dabrowski and Gugu Olmos, we discuss their chemistry as a team, what they're doing well as they continue to progress this year, and what they would like to improve. The insight from two great doubles players, with Gaby being arguably the best net player on the WTA Tour, is invaluable. We also had a chance to hear from their coach, Dave Marshall. **Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the best doubles tacti...
Aug 23, 2022•12 min•Ep. 67
I chat with the coach of the top doubles team in the world, Dave O’Hare. This was recorded from our hotel lobby in Montreal at the Canadian Open. Dave has been a player and coach and currently works with Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury. Dave recently went on a Functional Tennis podcast (linked below) and had a great conversation that we build on here. In this conversation we talk about: The difference between being offensive and aggressive. Where to aim volleys and how to think about tiebreaks. How...
Aug 12, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 66
In this interview, we chat with physical development expert, Dr. Mark Kovacs. Mark has been a player, coach, doctor, physio, and worked with many of the top athletes in the world in every sport. His job is to be the bridge between all the people working to help athletes in the course of physical development. In this conversation, we talk about: Why we may never see a tennis player serve over 160 MPH. How everyone (even the pros) can improve their serve technique. How to properly train for fitnes...
Aug 06, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 65
In this interview, we chat with six-time Grand Slam champion, Bruno Soares. Bruno has been one of the most respected doubles players on the tour for many years and is full of insight. He talks about winning Grand Slams with Jamie Murray and Mate Pavic. He does a great job of analyzing the game from a coach’s perspective. In this conversation, we talk about: What Bruno does to prepare before a big match (including his favorite meal). How he game plans for specific opponents and practices during t...
Jul 31, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, I discuss 10 things you can start doing on the court to maintain focus during your matches. You’ll learn several methods to maintain focus and resources to expand your mental toughness on the tennis court. A few of the questions answered include: What should I do before big points during the match? What should I be doing before serves and returns? How do communicate better with my partner? What should I be focusing on during points? If you ever get nervous on the court or have t...
Jul 21, 2022•19 min
In this episode, I answer a reader’s question on “How to scout an opponent?” You’ll learn what I am looking for if I get to watch my opponent before our match. A few of the questions answered include: Where should I watch my opponent from during their match? What are the most important shots to look for when scouting? How do I use the warmup to scout effectively? When should I make adjustments to my plan? This episode is great for competitive players who have a chance to watch their opponents ma...
Jul 18, 2022•19 min•Ep. 62
In this interview, we chat with the Founder of Tennis Analytics , Warren Pretorius. Warren is probably the most mentioned person on this podcast and is a pioneer of sports analytics, especially tennis. Tennis Analytics provides match reports and videos for colleges, ATP & WTA players, as well as tennis coaches. Their data-driven approach helps players at all levels improve. Warren has worked closely with Tennis Canada in the past. Above, he is with 2019 US Open Champion Bianca Andreescu (lef...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 61
Today we discuss the framework a 3.5 player can use to improve their game and become a 4.0 player. Still, the principles in this episode apply to anyone looking to improve their level . Demi Schuurs and Desirae Krawczyk discuss serve and net strategy before a point at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. Note: 3.5 & 4.0 are level-based ratings created by the United States Tennis Association. USTA describes a 3.5 player as: “This player has achieved stroke dependability with directional control on ...
Jul 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 60
Hanlon Walsh, our content writer and social media manager, joins the podcast to talk about what has happened on the doubles tours in 2022, what will happen during the second half of the year, and Wimbledon . On top of lots of analysis on which teams and individuals are playing well, we also throw in some strategy based on what the top teams are doing. During this episode, we’ll talk about some surprise doubles storylines, hot teams, and more. A few of the topics include: John Isner’s 2022 double...
Jun 26, 2022•46 min•Ep. 59
All of the time I play people who have a bigger serve, better forehand, and more technically-sound volleys than me. If we played a singles match they would win, if a coach fed us balls they would look much better, and shot-for-shot I could never beat them. But, I don’t have to. Too many of these players manage to beat themselves. Maybe you are that player. If you find yourself making too many errors, especially when it comes to shot selection, then this episode could raise your NTRP rating by .5...
Jun 22, 2022•22 min•Ep. 58
In this interview, we chat with the Founder/CEO of SwingVision , Swupnil Sahai. Before creating the SwingVision App, longtime tennis player and fan, Sahai worked at Tesla. The SwingVision App allows tennis players to record matches using AI for automated scoring, stats, and even line calls. By simply setting their iPhone up behind the baseline, players are able to use this data to analyze and improve their game in real-time. In this conversation, we talk about how the app can help you including:...
Jun 12, 2022•52 min•Ep. 57
In this interview, we chat with tennis coach and author, Uros Budimac. Uros has coached tennis for about 20 years and is certified in Canada, the US, and Spain. Uros recently released a new book, Mine: An Illustrated Guide to Women’s Doubles , ( on Amazon here ). In this conversation, we talk about some of the content in his book: Doubles situations that every player encounters and how to improve them. How to move at the net like a Tango dancer. The importance of transition volleys and consisten...
Jun 06, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 56
In this interview, we chat with 2017 Australian Open mixed doubles champion and former top 10 player, Abi Spears. Abi has been playing tennis at a high level for her entire life and is now coaching players of all levels. She also posts lessons on her website , where you can book time with her. During her playing career, Abi was a force to be reckoned with, terrorizing players with her aggressive style. In this conversation, we talk about lots of strategy and technique advice for club-level playe...
Jun 01, 2022•55 min•Ep. 55
When should you hit down-the-line in doubles? One of the biggest mistakes club-level players make is going for too much or hitting too often down-the-line. An important part of any player’s strategy is shot selection, and that includes when to use the down-the-line shot. During this episode, we’ll focus on 1-up 1-back scenarios returning from the deuce and ad courts, as well as some tips on when to hit down-the-line during a rally. A few of the questions answered include: Where should I aim when...
May 24, 2022•19 min•Ep. 54
In this interview, we chat with online tennis coach and the founder of Essential Tennis , Ian Westermann. Ian has worked as an online tennis coach full-time since 2011, helping players globally perfect their game. On May 31st, he will be releasing a new book, Essential Tennis, culminating everything he has learned from coaching and playing tennis. You can pre-order the book on amazon here & receive an exclusive bonus here . In this conversation, we talk about a few of the chapters in his boo...
May 18, 2022•51 min•Ep. 53
Will discusses everything racquets with Michelle Heidbrink, a specialist at Tennis Warehouse . Michelle, after growing up playing tennis and playing at the University of New Mexico , has dedicated her life to making sure that tennis players of every level purchase the right gear for their game. We talk about the importance of demos, the different types of strings, common mistakes people make in picking a racquet, and several racquet suggestions. No matter what type or level of player you are, th...
May 04, 2022•46 min•Ep. 52
In this interview, we chat with tennis strategy specialist and founder of Fuzzy Yellow Balls , Will Hamilton. Will has worked with some of the top players in the game including the Bryan Brothers and Martina Navratilova. In Will's Doubles Playbook , he applies some of these pro-level strategies to club-level players. Although we don't all have massive serves and groundstrokes, we can all apply general principles to improve our game. In this conversation, we cover 3 plays from the playbook. Serve...
Apr 25, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 51
How do we play better doubles in the wind? Since outdoor tennis is never perfect, knowing how to play in the wind can be a strategic advantage for you or simply annoy you like it does most people. I’ve played several mixed doubles matches over the last few months in very windy conditions. I’ve made different adjustments each time that have helped me play better which I reveal in this episode. There certainly aren’t any hard and fast rules on how to play tennis in the wind, but there are some of ...
Apr 18, 2022•27 min•Ep. 50
Today we discuss the framework a 4.0 player can use to improve their game and become a 4.5 player. Still, the principles in this episode apply to anyone looking to improve their level . Note: 4.0 & 4.5 are level-based ratings created by the United States Tennis Association. USTA describes a 4.0 player as: “This player has dependable strokes with directional control and the ability to alter depth of shots on both forehand and backhand sides during moderately paced play. This player also has t...
Mar 30, 2022•17 min•Ep. 48
Over 60% of adult tennis players play doubles, NOT singles. Why, then, is singles so much more popular than doubles? To illustrate how crazy this is, Will tells a story that happened at Indian Wells. We believe doubles should be more popular. You can support by watching more doubles, buying a shirt below, and demanding it from your tennis TV provider. Get your shirt at shop.thetennistribe.com -- coupon code TRIBE for 15% off **Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the best d...
Mar 23, 2022•12 min•Ep. 47
