🎙️ This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Dasha Vidmanova , the former US College #1 player and 2024 NCAA singles, doubles, and team champion . Born in Moscow and raised in Prague, Dasha’s journey through tennis has been anything but linear. From nearly walking away from the sport to becoming a dominant force in college tennis, she now has her sights set on making waves on the pro tour. We chat about: 📍 How college tennis reignited her passion for the game 🎓 Why she initial...
Jul 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 260
This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by American ATP player Aleks Kovacevic, currently ranked #77 ATP Aleks takes us through his surprising journey to the pro tour, from not thinking he’d ever go pro to finding belief during college and climbing the ATP rankings, including a big win over world #5 Andrey Rublev. He opens up about learning to lose , building confidence, and handling pressure on tour. We also dive into his one-handed backhand , how he approaches training and impro...
Jun 17, 2025•44 min•Ep. 259
In this episode, I speak with Clinton Coleman, Senior Scout at IMG Tennis, who helped discover and guide some of the sport’s brightest young talents, including Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Eala, Mirra Andreeva at 11. Clinton shares what he really looks for in juniors, why mindset often matters more than strokes, and how parents can either help or hinder a player’s development. We also chat about the biggest scouting misconceptions and what separates good from great in today’s tennis landscape. What h...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 258
This week I’m joined by Luca Van Assche, one of France’s top young players and a former Roland Garros junior champion. We chat about his fast rise to the ATP top 70, what it really takes to make the jump from juniors to the pros, and how Futures helped build his resilience and confidence. Luca opens up about the pressure of expectations, how he’s managing a ranking drop, and why balancing university studies with tennis keeps him grounded. There’s loads of insight here into how belief, hard work,...
May 20, 2025•33 min•Ep. 257
Liam Broady returns to the Functional Tennis Podcast to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of his 11-year pro journey. From dealing with a concussion just before Wimbledon to learning how to separate self-worth from rankings, Liam opens up on the mental battles that come with life on tour. He also shares what a conversation with Pep Guardiola taught him, and why sacrifices though tough are worth it in the long run. 🗣️ 3 Key Quotes: 1. “You’ve got to be willing to make sacrifices that peopl...
May 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 256
In this episode, I’m joined by rising Argentine star Francisco Comesaña , currently sitting inside the ATP top 70. Francisco shares the grind of coming up through Futures with no funding, how a mindset shift helped him break through, and what it was like beating top names like Rublev and Zverev. We also talk about his first Slam experience at Wimbledon, what it’s like playing on grass for the first time, and why belief, fueled by hard work has been the key to his rise. ✅ 5 Takeaway Points 1. Bre...
Apr 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 255
The return of Joe O'Dwyer to the Function Tennis Podcast marks a significant occasion, as it has been five years since his previous appearance. In this enlightening conversation, O'Dwyer, a seasoned ATP and WTA coach, reflects upon his extensive career on the tour, which began in 1999 and has traversed through various eras of tennis. He recounts his experiences coaching notable players such as Robbie Ginepri and Alexander Stevenson, shedding light on the mental fortitude required to succeed in t...
Apr 15, 2025•59 min•Ep. 254
In this episode, Lorenzo Petrucci, performance coach to WTA top-20 player Liudmila Samsonova , shares his journey from a tennis-playing student in Milan to working alongside some of the sport’s top talent. He reveals how success on tour is about far more than hitting balls, it’s about managing pressure, building smart routines, and knowing when (and how) to push. From insights learned under Ricardo Piatti to the importance of on-court collaboration with tennis coaches, Lorenzo gives an entire lo...
Apr 02, 2025•43 min•Ep. 253
In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast , host Fabio Molle interviews Pol Toledo , coach of Paula Badosa , discussing her journey, training methodologies, and challenges on the WTA Tour. Pol shares insights into his coaching philosophy, the impact of statistical analysis, and the importance of mental resilience in elite tennis. He also reflects on his transition from player to coach, his longstanding relationship with Badosa, and the challenges of managing injuries and performance on th...
Mar 11, 2025•26 min•Ep. 252
Today I chat with Chris Lewitt, who recently updated his book, "Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0." Chris, a distinguished coach with extensive experience in the Spanish tennis system, elucidates ten pivotal lessons derived from his interactions with renowned Spanish coaches. These principles not only encapsulate the essence of Spanish tennis training but also offer actionable strategies for players and coaches alike. Throughout our discussion, Chris emphasizes the critical importance of footwork, m...
Feb 26, 2025•31 min•Ep. 251
Today I chat with coach and author Adam Bilcher , who recently published a book called Winning Words. The book focuses on how good communication can improve tennis coaching, highlighting the importance of respect and understanding between coaches and players. Drawing from his experience with the Danish Tennis Federation and his podcast series, Adam shares insights into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching. The book is a helpful guide for both coaches and parents, showing how better commu...
Feb 13, 2025•38 min•Ep. 250
Fabio Molle sits down with Rene Zandbergen to discuss the exciting launch of the new ASICS Gel Resolution X tennis shoe at the ASICS Tennis Summit in Melbourne. Rene shares insights about his role in the shoe's development, emphasizing the shoe's enhanced comfort and innovative features, such as the Dyna Lacing system that allows for a customizable fit. The conversation delves into the extensive testing process with top players, highlighting how their feedback shaped the final product. Rene also...
Jan 30, 2025•17 min•Ep. 249
I randomly came across the Yonex popup while in Melbourne and inside Darren Cahill (Coach of Jannik Sinner) was having a Q&A with some people so I joined in briefly. Darren a former player has previously worked with Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep. The importance of resilience in tennis success Building strong habits for consistent performance Why Yannick Sinner’s parents stayed out of coaching Turning setbacks into opportunities for growth The transition from player to coach a...
Jan 22, 2025•16 min•Ep. 248
Let's learn about Swing Speed, modern tennis and the New Tecnifibre T-Fight which has just launched. The next-gen forehand has evolved and requires faster swing speed and more manoeuvrability. Tecnifibre has been tracking this with their tecnilab programme and today the head customizer Dieter Calle joins me alongside the Tecnifibre Chief Marketing Office Matthieu Bauduin to discuss why and how it has changed and how the. new T-Fight is aligned to these changes. If you're interested in tennis and...
Jan 07, 2025•54 min•Ep. 247
Jesper De Jong, a rising Dutch tennis player, shares his journey from a young athlete to competing on the world stage, including his experiences qualifying for his first Grand Slam and playing against top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. With a steady rise in rankings and a strong team behind him, Jesper emphasizes the importance of consistency and hard work in achieving his goals. He discusses the challenges of balancing training in a beautiful yet distracting location like Bali, ...
Jan 01, 2025•38 min•Ep. 246
Czech tennis player Linda Noskova joins Fabio Molle to discuss her impressive rise in the WTA rankings, achieving a spot in the top 25 by maintaining a consistent mindset and dedication to continuous improvement. At just 20 years old, Linda reflects on her journey since winning the French Open junior title in 2021 and shares insights on the importance of playing junior tournaments as a foundation for success. She emphasizes the significance of having realistic goals and the long journey it takes...
Dec 13, 2024•26 min•Ep. 245
Jaime Faria, a promising 21-year-old Portuguese tennis player, has made an impressive leap in his career, climbing from a rank of 411 to a career-high 116 this year. Despite not being the top junior in Portugal and facing tough competition, Jaime chose to remain with the Portuguese Tennis Federation rather than pursue college tennis in the U.S. His journey is marked by an incredible run that includes winning four Futures titles and two Challenger titles, showcasing his determination and talent. ...
Dec 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 244
Join me, Fabio Molle, as I share my top 13 favorite products for tennis players that make perfect gifts for the upcoming season. From rackets to shoes, grips to training aids, I've curated a list that caters to every tennis enthusiast, whether they are just starting or are seasoned players. One of the highlights of this episode is the Bablot Pure Aero, which has been voted our Racket of the Year for the second consecutive year, alongside the Wilson Blade as a close second. I also dive into my pe...
Nov 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 243
What does it truly mean to "make it" as a tennis player? In this episode, I delve into this question with Belgian player Kimmer Coppejans, a former junior French Open champion who reached the top 100 for a brief period. Kimmer shares his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis, including the mental challenges he faced, such as the yips and the struggle to regain confidence after injuries. He discusses the importance of consistency and the evolving landscape of the sport, where ...
Nov 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 242
French tennis player Laurent Lokoli joins the Functional Tennis Podcast to share his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual game styles rather than just results, advising young players to stay true to their strengths. Throughout the conversation, Laurent discusses players' challenges on the circuit, including mental health and the pressures of consistency at different levels, from futures to the ATP tour. He reflects on h...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 241
Jason Jung joins the Functional Tennis podcast to share his journey as a professional tennis player, including the challenges he faced with injuries and the decision to switch national representation to Taiwan. He discusses the financial and personal motivations behind this choice, highlighting how it opened doors for sponsorships and competitive opportunities. Jason candidly reflects on his struggles during a tough year in 2017, where he faced numerous first-round exits, and how a pivotal win a...
Oct 23, 2024•39 min•Ep. 240
6-time grand slam coach Wim Fissette joins us on the Functional Tennis Podcast to chat about his coaching career. Wim set a high standard for himself winning 3 out of the first 6 slams he coached at. Wim worked with some of the best players in the past 15 years such as Kim Clijsters, Sabine Lisicki, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, Johanna Konta, Angelique Kerber and recently finished working with Naomi Osaka. With Iga Swiatek recently finishing with her 3-year coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, is Wim t...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 239
Today I speak to 23-year-old US College graduate Lulu Sun who has had an impressive run since graduating from the University Of Texas. In only 1 year of College Tennis, she rose to number 3 in the rankings and over the past 12 months on the WTA tour she has risen from no.210 to her current ranking of no.40. We chat about her early junior days, the importance of education and college tennis, why she switched nationality from Switzerland to New Zealand, her quailes to quarterfinals run at Wimbledo...
Sep 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 238
Part 2 of the 2024 Functional Tennis Racket of the year breakdown with Jonas Eriksson (aka Tennisnerd). We chat about round 2 and 1/4's results as well as a semi final previewa Jonas is one of the leading racket experts and puts out great reviews on his YouTube channel which you can see here . Head over to the Functional Tennis Instagram stories to get voting. Finally a shoutout to Tennis Warehouse Europe who are sponsoring this event along with the Shoe of the Year which will run in. a few week...
Sep 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 237
The racket of the year is back and Jonas Eriksson (aka Tennisnerd) jumps on to chat about results from round 1 and previews round 2. Jonas is one of the leading racket experts and puts out great reviews on his YouTube channel which you can see here . Head over to the Functional Tennis Instagram stories to get voting. Finally a shoutout to Tennis Warehouse Europe who are sponsoring this event along with the Shoe of the Year which will run in. a few weeks. You can get details on all the rackets ov...
Sep 12, 2024•33 min•Ep. 236
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...
Aug 22, 2024•34 min•Ep. 235
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 ...
Aug 15, 2024•38 min•Ep. 234
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 learn Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give m...
Jul 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 233
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 episode Fabio This 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 impac...
Jul 18, 2024•30 min•Ep. 232
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 enjoy Fabio This 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 hav...
Jul 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 231
