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 h...
Jun 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 230
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 Parisian Her 1 handed backhand Advice for parents/players The best advice she has received Louis Rouach who runs event activations for Asics also tells us about the Rally for Your Mind event. Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sp...
Jun 04, 2024•11 min•Ep. 229
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 th...
May 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 228
I chatted to Italian coach Andrea Ramundo who I met at the IMG Future Stars Event. Andrea works with promising Italian Juniors, Ilary Pistola, Tommaso Panto and Pietro Marinelli. We discuss Coaching Journey Italian Tennis Federation What he learned at the IMG Future Stars Event Working for free for 1 year with his mentor Jofre Porta Member of Team Asics Academy Andrea is super nice with some nice insights. Hope you enjoy Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS . ASICS is a Japanese company foun...
May 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 227
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 p...
May 02, 2024•20 min•Ep. 226
This week I caught up with Peter Hemanns, the tennis product manager at Asics. Peter tells us about His Role What's new with my favourite shoe the Solution Speed 3 If any updates on the Resolution and Court FF Did he know about Dimitrov wearing Asics Technology in their clothes The Asics Paris and London House If you are a listener to the shoe you know that Asics are our sponsors and it was a great opportunity to learn more about Asics and Peter. I hope you enjoy it Fabio...
Apr 24, 2024•32 min•Ep. 225
In a few days, I'm off to Greece for the IMG Future Stars which brings together 48 of the World's best boys and girls along with their parents and coaches. I get to spend the week with them observing, learning and interacting with them. We've many new listeners and this was one of our top episodes into 2023 so I thought this was a timely episode to bring back up. I hope you enjoy it and if you've heard it before it's a good refresher. Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese...
Apr 16, 2024•18 min•Ep. 224
I am excited to have David Norrie on the show this week talking to guest host Dave O'Hare. David is the Dad of British number 1 and career-high ATP no.8 Cam Norrie. David chats about : The early days in New Zealand Building character Being a tennis parent is not easy Not specialising too early and more. I hope you enjoy the 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 h...
Apr 10, 2024•49 min•Ep. 223
Coaching great Brad Stine joins guest host Dave O'Hare on this week's episode. Brad Stine is the current coach of US Number 1 Tommy Paul and has worked with greats such as Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, Kevin Anderson and more. He chats about: The imposter syndrome as a young coach You can't Bullsh*t tennis players Be the best at teaching fundamentals Stop playing to the stats Coaching is an art form, not a science And much more. It's one of my favourite episodes and is required listening for all Func...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 222
The title says it all, Tennis is difficult. Guest host Dave O'Hare kicks off his first-ever episodes as a host with Freddie Nielsen. Freddie is a former pro from Denamk, a Wimbledon doubles champ and the current Danish Davis Cup Captain. It’s a great discussion with thoughts on compassion, anger, perfection, acceptance, competing, disagreeing and more. It's a bit different to my usual conversations but its great to see 2 experienced tennis people chatting with plenty of lessons to learn. I hope ...
Mar 27, 2024•48 min•Ep. 221
This week former guest Dave O’Hare is back on the show. Dave will be guest hosting a few episodes of the Functional Tennis Podcast and I ask him who he has lined up. We also chat about Empty locker rooms Been process driven The current ball situations His thoughts on making doubles better and more. I hope you enjoy the chat. 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 po...
Mar 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 220
Today I chat with the current world number 1 junior Joel Schwarzler. Joel is from Austria with a South African mother and is transitioning to the pro tour. We chat about: Early days playing tennis Dislike of his parents watching his matches Austrian inspirations His coach, former pro Jurgen Melzer Junior versus pro tour His 1st ATP Point Advice for other juniors I hope you enjoy the chat Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the...
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 219
I speak to 15-year-old Tyra Grant, a top 10 ITF Junior this week. We previously had her mam, Cinzia Giovinco on the show and her coach Tom Gutteridge . Tyra is a mature hard-hitting 15-year-old. We chat about What it feels like to be a top 10 junior What is hard work to her Living away from her family Her competitive nature Advice for other Juniors Players to watch out for in the future I hope you enjoy the show. Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 19...
Feb 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 218
In this episode, join me with Branko Avramovski the father of 12 year old rising star Damyan Avramovski (aka ' Nana ') from Bulgaria. We talk things junior tennis from coaching, rackets and, tournament play. Hope you enjoy the 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 impact on mental well-being. To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: ht...
Jan 30, 2024•45 min•Ep. 217
Kicking off 2024 is Brandon Holt, a former All-American with a career-high ATP 180. Brandon has a huge US Open in 2022 getting through qualifiers and then taking down US Number 1 Taylor Fritz. Brandon is also the son of former Number 1 and 3 times slam champ Tracey Austin. We chat Easy decision to play college tennis Benefits of College tennis 2022 US Open Striking with the Saber Inspirations from my mam Advice for Juniors I hope you enjoy the episode. Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. A...
Jan 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 216
This week for our final episode of the year we have an in-depth chat with Pablo Andújar. Last week he was on the show along with Kenneth Carlsen advising junior players. Today there is more advice and stories throughout his career. I hope you enjoy the 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 impact on mental well-being. To learn more about ASICS vis...
Dec 27, 2023•48 min•Ep. 215
Last week I got to spend the week at the Tecnifibre junior training camp in Valencia. Tecnibifre brought 5 of their juniors running from 11-16 years of age along with their parents and coaches for a week-long training camp. Their objective for to push the players outside their comfort zone on and off the court as well as give them advice which will be invaluable in their junior career. Tecnifibre wants to help these players as much as possible make the transition to the senior game. Leading the ...
Dec 18, 2023•48 min•Ep. 214
This week on the podcast I speak with former world no. 65 and coach of Coco Gauff when she won the US Open title in 2023. We discuss: His pro career Decision to retire after a road accident Transition to coaching Working with Coco Gauff and Brad Gilbert Advice for junior players today I hope you enjoy! Fabio This 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 positi...
Dec 07, 2023•33 min•Ep. 213
This week on the podcast I speak with former world no. 63 and NCAA Champion Bradley Klahn. We discuss: Advantages of college tennis How he dealt with multiple injuries on tour Deciding to end his pro career Transition from tennis to an office job How tennis prepares you for life ahead I hope you enjoy! Fabio This 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 positi...
Nov 29, 2023•47 min•Ep. 212
This week on the podcast I speak with top ATP doubles coach, Rob Morgan. Rob has coached players at the last 4 Nitto ATP Finals and is currently the main coach of world number 8 and Wimbledon Champion Wesley Koolhof. We discuss: Rob's learnings over the past 4 years as a top doubles coach How he's improved as a coach in these past 4 years Importance of getting the player in the right mindset for matches How doubles has changed and where it's heading His tennis academy "M2 Performance Academy' Ro...
Nov 23, 2023•38 min•Ep. 211
This week on the podcast I speak with Andy Murray's long-term S & C Coach, Matt Little. Matt works with Andy Murray to this day, alongside work for the LTA and his online conditioning programme (Contact Matt on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram if you would like to work with him) We discuss: Being prepared to back up your decisions as a coach Regular mobility and how older players can keep fit with busy work schedules The importance of setting aside training blocks for physical development of ...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 210
This week on the podcast I speak with 3 time International Tennis Photographer of the Year Clive Brunskill. Clive is one of the world’s best sports photographers who has been commissioned to shoot the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, David Beckham along with other celebrities Hugh Jackman, Beyonce and Britney Spears. We discuss: Differences between shooting in football and tennis Favourite tournaments to photograph at Most famous and notable photographs Photographing the Big Fo...
Nov 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 209
This week on the podcast we have Matt Terczynski. Matt is a long time friend and permanent hitting partner of top 20 player Hubi Hurkacz. It was great speaking with Matt as he gives in depth insights into the life of a pro hitting partner, as well as some really useful advice for those players and parents who are starting out on their journey in elite tennis. Matt loves competing and managed to earn a spot in the Boss Open ATP 250 in Stuttgart last year, so he sure has the level to be playing wi...
Oct 10, 2023•40 min•Ep. 208
This week on the podcast we have on another great tennis parent, Kalin Davidov. Kalin is the father of one of the world's best juniors Teo Davidov. Teo is an ambidextrous player. I was seriously impressed with Teo's skills and attitude when I saw him reach the semi finals of the IMG Future Stars event. We discuss: Kalin's background in pro sport coming from a volleyball career in Bulgaria His knowledge of meditation, yoga, nutrition, chinese medicine and tennis The commitment he has made to coac...
Oct 03, 2023•47 min•Ep. 207
This week on the podcast we speak to a functional movement specialist who works specifically in tennis. He's helped to develop the movement of reigning US Open Champion Coco Gauff. Jeff Drock has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years. Originally, Jeff played college tennis at the University of North Florida where was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame! Jeff has worked as the Director of Sport Science at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida and in 2009, Jeff founded the...
Sep 26, 2023•36 min•Ep. 206
In this week's episode, we jump into speaking to one of the most experienced physical trainers in our sport. I was lucky enough to speak to Kieron Vorster, the current physical trainer of Dan Evans, Liam Broady and Sorana Cirstea. Kieron has previously worked with Tim Henman, he's been the South African Davis Cup Captain and he's lead the Strength & Conditioning at the Qatar Tennis Federation. In our chat, we also cover ⬇️ Dan Evans and his physical training Similarities between Dan Evans &a...
Sep 19, 2023•30 min•Ep. 205
Today I speak with Patrick Harding, long-time performance coach for F1 driver Alex Albon. Patrick spends 31 weeks a year with Alex has been working with him for six years. Patrick looks after all aspects of Alex's physical and mental performance. Look out for some similarities with tennis. There's lots of them! In our chat, we cover ⬇️ Controlling boundaries with the athlete Building trust and relationships Being focussed in intense moments Optimising performance conditions How fit F1 drivers re...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 204
Today I speak with Gary Cahill, former Irish Davis Cup & Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) captain as well as a previous High-Performance Director for Tennis Ireland. Gary is now the Performance Director and founder of Prodigy Tennis which provides high-performance training programs to junior tennis players. Their mission is quite simple - to produce champions. In today's discussion, we delve into Garry's recent research collaboration with a prominent Irish University, focusing on the ...
Aug 15, 2023•54 min•Ep. 203
Today I speak to Timea Babos, a former doubles world No.1 and 4-time Grand Slam champion, as well as a former top 25 singles player. At a young age of 30, Timea tells us how her motivation and love for the game is as high as ever as she tries to move back up the rankings after injury. Timea speaks about growing up in a tennis family in her home country of Hungary and how her sister was a hugely talented player before her, having won the prestigious NCAA college tennis championships in the United...
Aug 08, 2023•43 min•Ep. 202
Today I speak to Craig Boynton, the coach of Hubert Hurkacz. I was lucky to meet Craig last year at the IMG Future Stars event in Greece as Hubie was playing in the exhibition match and also stayed on to train for a few days. Going into chat I didn’t know too much about Craig and I was intrigued to find out more about his early tennis and coaching career. He gets straight into it talking about stories of Pete Sampras and Jim Courier. He also talks about the type of coach he is and how he adapts ...
Jul 27, 2023•49 min•Ep. 201
