Search this show’s transcripts

Doubles Only Tennis Podcast

en us

The only tennis podcast with a focus on doubles. We believe doubles should be more popular and get more coverage than it does, so we’re fixing that. Our goal is to help you become a better player with pro doubles tips and expert strategy. We interview ATP & WTA tour doubles players and top tennis coaches to help you improve your game. 

More details

The only tennis podcast with a focus on doubles. We believe doubles should be more popular and get more coverage than it does, so we’re fixing that. Our goal is to help you become a better player with pro doubles tips and expert strategy. We interview ATP & WTA tour doubles players and top tennis coaches to help you improve your game. 

Sources and links

Episodes

Page 3 · 50 per page

Paul McNamee is one of the best doubles players AND doubles coaches of all time. He has four men's doubles major titles, plus a Wimbledon mixed title. Today, he's best known for being the mastermind coach behind one of the best and most entertaining doubles players in today's game, Hsieh Su-wei.

Paul joined me as the grass court season was just getting started. We chatted about his career, doubles strategy, and of course, Su-wei.

  • How does Paul create a game plan for Hsieh with new doubles partners?
  • Why he switched from a one to a two-handed backhand during his career (he's the only pro player to do this successfully)
  • How often Hsieh breaks her strings - funny story 🤣
  •  The different roles Hsieh has played during her most recent major titles - French Open (Wang), Wimbledon (Strycova), Australian Open (Mertens)

There are few people on the planet with as much doubles knowledge as Paul so this is an episode you might listen to more than once. You'll learn something new every time.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/paul-mcnamee-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Paul McNamee is one of the best doubles players AND doubles coaches of all time. He has four men's doubles major titles, plus a Wimbledon mixed title. Today, he's best known for being the mastermind coach behind one of the best and most entertaining doubles players in today's game, Hsieh Su-wei.

Paul joined me as the grass court season was just getting started. We chatted about his career, doubles strategy, and of course, Su-wei.

  • How does Paul create a game plan for Hsieh with new doubles partners?
  • Why he switched from a one to a two-handed backhand during his career (he's the only pro player to do this successfully)
  • How often Hsieh breaks her strings - funny story 🤣
  •  The different roles Hsieh has played during her most recent major titles - French Open (Wang), Wimbledon (Strycova), Australian Open (Mertens)

There are few people on the planet with as much doubles knowledge as Paul so this is an episode you might listen to more than once. You'll learn something new every time.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/paul-mcnamee-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Angela Kulikov is a WTA doubles player with a career-high ranking of 57 in the world. She played college tennis at USC where she was the #1 doubles player in the country. She joins me from California as she rehabs an ankle injury.

We discussed her wide array of hobbies including flag football, coaching tennis, and now, golf. She shares her path to becoming a professional tennis player and how she's dealt with injuries, using them to reset and propel her game forward.

You'll learn:

  • How Angela improved her game during COVID.
  • Why she and her partner, Sophie Chang, play two-back on her 2nd serve.
  • The "contingency" or "sparkle" serve play.
  • How she thinks about using different serve formations.
  • A serve and volley drill that helps with timing the first volley.
  • The Reuleaux Triangle framework to follow at the net.
  • Angela's GAT method for decision-making during points (this is at the very end).

Finally, she shares a few book recommendations, her favorite tournament, and how to make doubles more popular.

Angela has a great doubles mind and we'll plan on a round two with her to discuss the psychology of doubles (she has a master's degree in applied psychology). Hopefully, we'll see her back on court soon.

Mentioned in this episode:


See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/angela-kulikov-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Dou

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Angela Kulikov is a WTA doubles player with a career-high ranking of 57 in the world. She played college tennis at USC where she was the #1 doubles player in the country. She joins me from California as she rehabs an ankle injury.

We discussed her wide array of hobbies including flag football, coaching tennis, and now, golf. She shares her path to becoming a professional tennis player and how she's dealt with injuries, using them to reset and propel her game forward.

You'll learn:

  • How Angela improved her game during COVID.
  • Why she and her partner, Sophie Chang, play two-back on her 2nd serve.
  • The "contingency" or "sparkle" serve play.
  • How she thinks about using different serve formations.
  • A serve and volley drill that helps with timing the first volley.
  • The Reuleaux Triangle framework to follow at the net.
  • Angela's GAT method for decision-making during points (this is at the very end).

Finally, she shares a few book recommendations, her favorite tournament, and how to make doubles more popular.

Angela has a great doubles mind and we'll plan on a round two with her to discuss the psychology of doubles (she has a master's degree in applied psychology). Hopefully, we'll see her back on court soon.

Mentioned in this episode:


See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/angela-kulikov-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Dou

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-05-30

Greg Moran Interview: The Truth About Tennis

64 min Transcript
View

Greg Moran has coached tennis for over 45 years and specializes in the recreational player. He's a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff, the Cardio Tennis National Speaker's Team, and the USTA's Coach Developer program. He's also written several books and in this conversation we discuss his latest, The Truth About Tennis: The Definitive Guide for the Recreational Player (affiliate link).

We discuss:

  • Why most adult tennis players get stuck at the same level.
  • The difference between 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, & 4.5 USTA players, including how to level up.
  • Exactly how often you need to practice to get better.
  • Why Greg has never worked with any of his students on power.
  • What you can and cannot learn from the pros.
  • and more...

Club doubles players serious about improvement will get a lot out of this conversation and Greg's book. Stay till the end when Greg makes a special offer for listeners.

Contact Greg at gmoran[at]4seasonstennis.com and purchase The Truth About Tennis (affiliate link).

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Greg Moran has coached tennis for over 45 years and specializes in the recreational player. He's a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff, the Cardio Tennis National Speaker's Team, and the USTA's Coach Developer program. He's also written several books and in this conversation we discuss his latest, The Truth About Tennis: The Definitive Guide for the Recreational Player (affiliate link).

We discuss:

  • Why most adult tennis players get stuck at the same level.
  • The difference between 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, & 4.5 USTA players, including how to level up.
  • Exactly how often you need to practice to get better.
  • Why Greg has never worked with any of his students on power.
  • What you can and cannot learn from the pros.
  • and more...

Club doubles players serious about improvement will get a lot out of this conversation and Greg's book. Stay till the end when Greg makes a special offer for listeners.

Contact Greg at gmoran[at]4seasonstennis.com and purchase The Truth About Tennis (affiliate link).

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-05-22

5 Things You Can Learn Watching Pro Doubles

19 min Transcript
View

Watching pro doubles can 100% help you improve your own game, regardless of your skill level. Here are 5 things to look for when watching ATP or WTA doubles live or on TV.

  1. In between the points.
  2. Formations and variety.
  3. Net position, movement, court coverage, & shot selection.
  4. Baseline...
  5. When they MISS!

If you're not currently watching pro doubles, you can do so with Tennis Channel Plus and TennisTV in the US.

READ: I Surveyed 1,292 Tennis Fans

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Watching pro doubles can 100% help you improve your own game, regardless of your skill level. Here are 5 things to look for when watching ATP or WTA doubles live or on TV.

  1. In between the points.
  2. Formations and variety.
  3. Net position, movement, court coverage, & shot selection.
  4. Baseline...
  5. When they MISS!

If you're not currently watching pro doubles, you can do so with Tennis Channel Plus and TennisTV in the US.

READ: I Surveyed 1,292 Tennis Fans

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-05-15

Where Your Eyes Should be at the Net

15 min Transcript
View

Over the past six months, I've closely studied net players at every level of tennis. One of the most difficult concepts to teach is where the your eyes should be at the net.

This episode covers where to focus your eyes and what to look for when you're at the net. Almost no club-level players get this right because it goes against our natural tendency to follow the ball. But, if you understand when to look at the ball vs the opponents, you'll be able to read the ball earlier, force more errors, and get more easy volleys.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Over the past six months, I've closely studied net players at every level of tennis. One of the most difficult concepts to teach is where the your eyes should be at the net.

This episode covers where to focus your eyes and what to look for when you're at the net. Almost no club-level players get this right because it goes against our natural tendency to follow the ball. But, if you understand when to look at the ball vs the opponents, you'll be able to read the ball earlier, force more errors, and get more easy volleys.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-05-07

Murphy Jensen Interview: Knocking on Death's Door

26 min Transcript
View

Murphy Jensen is the 1993 French Open doubles champion, tennis coach, cardiac arrest survivor, mental health advocate, keynote speaker, co-founder of WEconnect, TV host, and the most impactful guest we've ever had on the Doubles Only Podcast.

This episode is not about doubles. It's far more important.

Murphy suffered from depression and addiction while on tour, considered taking his own life, and was saved by a hotel manager. Decades later he fell on the tennis court and didn't breathe on his own for 18 minutes. Today, he lives in Austin, Texas, still plays tennis, and helps others suffering from mental health problems.

I hope you'll listen and share this episode so Murphy's message can reach as many people as possible.

Learn more about Murphy on his website.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/murphy-jensen-interview/

If you are struggling with any mental health issues, please seek professional help. Here is the National Mental Health Hotline and Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
https://mentalhealthhotline.org/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Murphy Jensen is the 1993 French Open doubles champion, tennis coach, cardiac arrest survivor, mental health advocate, keynote speaker, co-founder of WEconnect, TV host, and the most impactful guest we've ever had on the Doubles Only Podcast.

This episode is not about doubles. It's far more important.

Murphy suffered from depression and addiction while on tour, considered taking his own life, and was saved by a hotel manager. Decades later he fell on the tennis court and didn't breathe on his own for 18 minutes. Today, he lives in Austin, Texas, still plays tennis, and helps others suffering from mental health problems.

I hope you'll listen and share this episode so Murphy's message can reach as many people as possible.

Learn more about Murphy on his website.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/murphy-jensen-interview/

If you are struggling with any mental health issues, please seek professional help. Here is the National Mental Health Hotline and Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
https://mentalhealthhotline.org/
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-04-30

3 Mindset Lessons from My New Masterclass

21 min Transcript
View

Three lessons that will improve your mental game on the doubles court. There's obviously a huge difference between pro and club-level doubles players. While we can't emulate their 120 MPH serves, we can absorb their mindset.

These three lessons from my new Masterclass have helped me more than any others over the last several years and I know they'll help you too.

  1. You don't have to win every point. Duh?!
  2. Be willing to make changes. Most club players never do.
  3. You're the 4th most important player on the doubles court.

If you can grasp these lessons and keep improving them, you'll transform the way you view the doubles court and start thinking like the pros!

>> The Mental Game Masterclass

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Three lessons that will improve your mental game on the doubles court. There's obviously a huge difference between pro and club-level doubles players. While we can't emulate their 120 MPH serves, we can absorb their mindset.

These three lessons from my new Masterclass have helped me more than any others over the last several years and I know they'll help you too.

  1. You don't have to win every point. Duh?!
  2. Be willing to make changes. Most club players never do.
  3. You're the 4th most important player on the doubles court.

If you can grasp these lessons and keep improving them, you'll transform the way you view the doubles court and start thinking like the pros!

>> The Mental Game Masterclass

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-04-23

How to Support Your Doubles Partner

18 min Transcript
View

Doubles is a TEAM sport. You have to not only worry about playing well yourself but also need to know how to get the most out of your partner.

This episode covers several things you can do to support your doubles partner so they play their best!

  • Three conversations to have with your partner before the match starts.
  • One thing that is proven to help teammates while playing tennis (and other sports).
  • How to keep energy and confidence high.

This will build your team chemistry for new and existing partnerships. 

Mentioned in this episode:


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Doubles is a TEAM sport. You have to not only worry about playing well yourself but also need to know how to get the most out of your partner.

This episode covers several things you can do to support your doubles partner so they play their best!

  • Three conversations to have with your partner before the match starts.
  • One thing that is proven to help teammates while playing tennis (and other sports).
  • How to keep energy and confidence high.

This will build your team chemistry for new and existing partnerships. 

Mentioned in this episode:


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This episode covers three new lessons I've learned recently while coaching a high school team. These players are around the USTA 3.0 to 4.0 level.

  1. How to think about attacking the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.
  2. A tactic that worked for one of my doubles teams in windy conditions.
  3. How I structured approach plus volley drills, and why.

Sign up for the Tennis Summit to see my presentation on Common Poaching Mistakes & How to Fix Them.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This episode covers three new lessons I've learned recently while coaching a high school team. These players are around the USTA 3.0 to 4.0 level.

  1. How to think about attacking the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent.
  2. A tactic that worked for one of my doubles teams in windy conditions.
  3. How I structured approach plus volley drills, and why.

Sign up for the Tennis Summit to see my presentation on Common Poaching Mistakes & How to Fix Them.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Horacio Zeballos and Marcel Granollers are one of the most accomplished doubles pairings of the last five years on the ATP Tour. I spoke with them in Miami after their second-round win.

We discussed their 7-5 6-3 win which Horacio said was one of their "best matches this year." They faced two players whom they've faced many times, Mate Pavić and Marcelo Arévalo. We talk about how they handle facing players who they know so well and who know them, as well as the windy conditions.

I also asked them if they believe their consistent partnership helps early in the season when other teams are often new. At the end, Horacio and Marcel open up about what changes might help doubles become more popular.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Horacio Zeballos and Marcel Granollers are one of the most accomplished doubles pairings of the last five years on the ATP Tour. I spoke with them in Miami after their second-round win.

We discussed their 7-5 6-3 win which Horacio said was one of their "best matches this year." They faced two players whom they've faced many times, Mate Pavić and Marcelo Arévalo. We talk about how they handle facing players who they know so well and who know them, as well as the windy conditions.

I also asked them if they believe their consistent partnership helps early in the season when other teams are often new. At the end, Horacio and Marcel open up about what changes might help doubles become more popular.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-04-11

Rajeev Ram & Joe Salisbury Interview from the Miami Open

18 min Transcript
View

Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram are 3-time reigning US Open Champions. I spoke with them in Miami after their second round 7-5 7-6 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Thanassi Kokkinakis.

Adam Ross from Florida Tennis joined me for this interview.

We asked the US Open champs about the match, including a specific tactic they kept going to that I picked up on. They talked about team chemistry and if they think it helps them early in the season, and how to play doubles vs singles players.

You'll hear Adam ask them about training for no-ad or pressure points and what club players can learn by watching the pros. Rajeev's answer to this has nothing to do with tennis and is something all doubles players should hear.

Joe also shares his thoughts on what doubles needs to become more popular.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram are 3-time reigning US Open Champions. I spoke with them in Miami after their second round 7-5 7-6 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Thanassi Kokkinakis.

Adam Ross from Florida Tennis joined me for this interview.

We asked the US Open champs about the match, including a specific tactic they kept going to that I picked up on. They talked about team chemistry and if they think it helps them early in the season, and how to play doubles vs singles players.

You'll hear Adam ask them about training for no-ad or pressure points and what club players can learn by watching the pros. Rajeev's answer to this has nothing to do with tennis and is something all doubles players should hear.

Joe also shares his thoughts on what doubles needs to become more popular.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-04-10

Elise Mertens Interview from the Miami Open

9 min Transcript
View

Elise Mertens is the 2nd ranked doubles player on the WTA tour. She has four major titles including the 2024 Australian Open.

I spoke with Elise in Miami after her 1st round victory. We talk about that match, practicing for singles vs doubles, and how she and Hsieh Su-wei adjust to different opponents.

Elise also shares why focusing on your good points can help you in pressure moments and a few thoughts on marketing for doubles.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Elise Mertens is the 2nd ranked doubles player on the WTA tour. She has four major titles including the 2024 Australian Open.

I spoke with Elise in Miami after her 1st round victory. We talk about that match, practicing for singles vs doubles, and how she and Hsieh Su-wei adjust to different opponents.

Elise also shares why focusing on your good points can help you in pressure moments and a few thoughts on marketing for doubles.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektić have been one of the best doubles teams on the ATP Tour in 2024. They've won three titles so far, including Indian Wells, and I spoke with them in Miami after their first-round win.

We talked about the match, their 10-point tiebreaker success, how they handle pressure & nerves (they each deal with it differently), and Wesley's goals for his last year on tour.

Also, please fill out the Pro Doubles Survey!

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Wesley Koolhof and Nikola Mektić have been one of the best doubles teams on the ATP Tour in 2024. They've won three titles so far, including Indian Wells, and I spoke with them in Miami after their first-round win.

We talked about the match, their 10-point tiebreaker success, how they handle pressure & nerves (they each deal with it differently), and Wesley's goals for his last year on tour.

Also, please fill out the Pro Doubles Survey!

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sofia (Sonya) Kenin won the 2024 Miami Open. I spoke with them after their 2nd round victory in Miami for about 10 minutes.

Bethanie & Sonya deliver some fantastic doubles strategy tips throughout this conversation, so listen carefully.

We discuss:

  • Their first two victories, including what adjustments they had to make.
  • How they structure their doubles practices.
  • Who calls plays during service games & how do they communicate during the match?

You'll also hear why Bethanie thinks Sonya is a great doubles player, what Sonya has learned from Bethanie, and their thoughts on making doubles more popular.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sofia (Sonya) Kenin won the 2024 Miami Open. I spoke with them after their 2nd round victory in Miami for about 10 minutes.

Bethanie & Sonya deliver some fantastic doubles strategy tips throughout this conversation, so listen carefully.

We discuss:

  • Their first two victories, including what adjustments they had to make.
  • How they structure their doubles practices.
  • Who calls plays during service games & how do they communicate during the match?

You'll also hear why Bethanie thinks Sonya is a great doubles player, what Sonya has learned from Bethanie, and their thoughts on making doubles more popular.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-04-01

Rohan Bopanna Interview from the Miami Open

13 min Transcript
View

Rohan Bopanna won the Australian Open earlier this year, reached #1 in the world, and turned 44 years old on March 4th.

I spoke with Rohan at the Miami Open after his round 1 victory. He and his partner, Matt Ebden, won that match in a third set after dropping the first. We discuss adjustments he made to turn it around.

I also asked Rohan how he spent his offseason after losing in the US Open final and finishing strong to end 2023. How did he come back better in 2024 at 43 years old?

At the end, we discuss lessons from his longtime coach, Scott Davidoff, and how to make doubles more popular.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/rohan-bopanna-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Rohan Bopanna won the Australian Open earlier this year, reached #1 in the world, and turned 44 years old on March 4th.

I spoke with Rohan at the Miami Open after his round 1 victory. He and his partner, Matt Ebden, won that match in a third set after dropping the first. We discuss adjustments he made to turn it around.

I also asked Rohan how he spent his offseason after losing in the US Open final and finishing strong to end 2023. How did he come back better in 2024 at 43 years old?

At the end, we discuss lessons from his longtime coach, Scott Davidoff, and how to make doubles more popular.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/rohan-bopanna-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe are the 4th and 5th ranked doubles players on the WTA Tour. They won the 2023 US Open and have been on the show several times previously.

Previous Episodes:

In this short post-match interview from Miami, we discuss their 6-4 6-4 round of 16 victory.

  • How they won a high percentage of 2nd serve points - 76%. Great lesson here!
  • What they do on off days in Miami.
  • Why Erin got frustrated in the 2nd set and what they did as a team to turn it around.
  • Why Gaby's coach said "relax the shoulders" during her returns.

They talk through the adjustments they made during the match in great detail. Take note of these for your own doubles game.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe are the 4th and 5th ranked doubles players on the WTA Tour. They won the 2023 US Open and have been on the show several times previously.

Previous Episodes:

In this short post-match interview from Miami, we discuss their 6-4 6-4 round of 16 victory.

  • How they won a high percentage of 2nd serve points - 76%. Great lesson here!
  • What they do on off days in Miami.
  • Why Erin got frustrated in the 2nd set and what they did as a team to turn it around.
  • Why Gaby's coach said "relax the shoulders" during her returns.

They talk through the adjustments they made during the match in great detail. Take note of these for your own doubles game.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-03-28

Austin Krajicek Interview from the 2024 Miami Open

23 min Transcript
View

World #1, Austin Krajicek, joins the show for the second time. We recorded from the hotel lobby in Miami where Austin had a few days off due to weather.

Listen to my previous interview with Austin here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/austin-krajicek-interview/

We discuss how he spent his off days, book recommendations, hotel choices in Miami, the no-ad/10-point breaker format, and his 2024 season so far. Austin and his partner, Ivan Dodig, have made one final this year but have had some very close losses that he believes will even out over time. At Indian Wells, they lost 10-7 in the third to the eventual champions who only dropped that one set all week.

You'll hear how Austin focuses on the process and doesn't put too much weight on any one tournament or month. He uses a "52-week mindset". You'll also hear Austin discuss his Olympic plans and thoughts on making doubles more fan-friendly.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

World #1, Austin Krajicek, joins the show for the second time. We recorded from the hotel lobby in Miami where Austin had a few days off due to weather.

Listen to my previous interview with Austin here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/austin-krajicek-interview/

We discuss how he spent his off days, book recommendations, hotel choices in Miami, the no-ad/10-point breaker format, and his 2024 season so far. Austin and his partner, Ivan Dodig, have made one final this year but have had some very close losses that he believes will even out over time. At Indian Wells, they lost 10-7 in the third to the eventual champions who only dropped that one set all week.

You'll hear how Austin focuses on the process and doesn't put too much weight on any one tournament or month. He uses a "52-week mindset". You'll also hear Austin discuss his Olympic plans and thoughts on making doubles more fan-friendly.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-03-19

Matt Ebden Interview: The State of Professional Doubles

23 min Transcript
View

This conversation with Australian Open Champion, Matt Ebden, focuses on the state of professional doubles and where it might go over the next several years.

Helping to make pro doubles more popular is one of my passions and missions for Tennis Tribe and this podcast, so I was excited to chat with Matt about this topic.

Matt is the 3rd ranked doubles player on the ATP tour, a 3-time grand slam champion, and reached a career-high of #39 in singles. He is also on the ATP Player's Council and involved in many of the meetings that will impact the future of doubles. I asked him to update us on where doubles stands and what needs to happen going forward.

Here's a bit of what you'll learn.

  • Will we see more mixed doubles tournaments at 1000-level events like Indian Wells did this year?
  • What three changes would Matt make if given full reigns of the tour?
  • How to perform better mentally during pressure situations on the doubles court.

After having this conversation, I'm optimistic and excited about the future of professional doubles.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/matt-ebden-interview/


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This conversation with Australian Open Champion, Matt Ebden, focuses on the state of professional doubles and where it might go over the next several years.

Helping to make pro doubles more popular is one of my passions and missions for Tennis Tribe and this podcast, so I was excited to chat with Matt about this topic.

Matt is the 3rd ranked doubles player on the ATP tour, a 3-time grand slam champion, and reached a career-high of #39 in singles. He is also on the ATP Player's Council and involved in many of the meetings that will impact the future of doubles. I asked him to update us on where doubles stands and what needs to happen going forward.

Here's a bit of what you'll learn.

  • Will we see more mixed doubles tournaments at 1000-level events like Indian Wells did this year?
  • What three changes would Matt make if given full reigns of the tour?
  • How to perform better mentally during pressure situations on the doubles court.

After having this conversation, I'm optimistic and excited about the future of professional doubles.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/matt-ebden-interview/


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez are the number 7 & 8 ranked doubles players in the world. They recently made the finals at the WTA 1000 in Dubai and followed it up with a WTA 500 victory in San Diego.

This conversation with them and their coach, Carlos Martinez, took place a day after their round 1 win at Indian Wells. We chat about that victory and their season so far.

I asked them:

  • What they've learned about each other over the last two years as a doubles pairing.
  • What Carlos has improved on as a great coach over the last few seasons.
  • What one change they would make to doubles.

They each share a tip for playing better in pressure moments and during tight matches as well.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez are the number 7 & 8 ranked doubles players in the world. They recently made the finals at the WTA 1000 in Dubai and followed it up with a WTA 500 victory in San Diego.

This conversation with them and their coach, Carlos Martinez, took place a day after their round 1 win at Indian Wells. We chat about that victory and their season so far.

I asked them:

  • What they've learned about each other over the last two years as a doubles pairing.
  • What Carlos has improved on as a great coach over the last few seasons.
  • What one change they would make to doubles.

They each share a tip for playing better in pressure moments and during tight matches as well.


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Tereza Mihalíková is the 56th-ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. Tennis Tribe writer, Hanlon Walsh, and I spoke with her at the ATX Open where she partnered with Yanina Wickmayer during her off day.

This is a short conversation where we ask about her win vs Sloane Stephens & Peyton Stearns, 4-6 6-2 10-2. Tereza played a near-perfect tiebreaker and was super active at the net. We discussed the match up against two "singles players" and how it differs from playing doubles players.

We also discussed how she spent her days off in Austin, why she practiced twice on Friday in preparation for her semifinal match on Saturday, her goals for the year, and her favorite hobby (visiting rabbit farms).

Tereza has developed into a fantastic doubles player so I highly recommend you watch and learn from her if you get the chance. Tereza & Yanina made the semifinals in Austin before withdrawing.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/tereza-mihalikova-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Tereza Mihalíková is the 56th-ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. Tennis Tribe writer, Hanlon Walsh, and I spoke with her at the ATX Open where she partnered with Yanina Wickmayer during her off day.

This is a short conversation where we ask about her win vs Sloane Stephens & Peyton Stearns, 4-6 6-2 10-2. Tereza played a near-perfect tiebreaker and was super active at the net. We discussed the match up against two "singles players" and how it differs from playing doubles players.

We also discussed how she spent her days off in Austin, why she practiced twice on Friday in preparation for her semifinal match on Saturday, her goals for the year, and her favorite hobby (visiting rabbit farms).

Tereza has developed into a fantastic doubles player so I highly recommend you watch and learn from her if you get the chance. Tereza & Yanina made the semifinals in Austin before withdrawing.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/tereza-mihalikova-interview/

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Sophie Chang is the 82nd ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. She made the 3rd round of the 2023 US Open with Alycia Parks and has 1 WTA & 21 ITF doubles titles.

I sat down with Sophie at the 2024 ATX Open where she lost a close first round match (7-6 7-6) to the top seeds alongside Angela Kulikov. In this long conversation, we speak about the match, on court attitude, doubles strategy, and more.

You'll learn:

  • Why Sophie & Angela play 2-back on her Angela's second serve - something club level players can & should implement in the right situation.
  • How she balances a professional doubles and singles career.
  • Why she doesn't focus too much on goals, but the process instead.
  • Advice for playing well on big points (this answer surprised me).
  • Why Sophie smiles so much on the court :)

We discuss how to make doubles more popular as well.

There are some interviews when I can tell the interviewee is putting effort and thought into their answers. This was one of those. Sophie provides great insights into the life of a WTA player and actionable advice that you can use to improve your own doubles game.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/sophie-chang-interview


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Sophie Chang is the 82nd ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. She made the 3rd round of the 2023 US Open with Alycia Parks and has 1 WTA & 21 ITF doubles titles.

I sat down with Sophie at the 2024 ATX Open where she lost a close first round match (7-6 7-6) to the top seeds alongside Angela Kulikov. In this long conversation, we speak about the match, on court attitude, doubles strategy, and more.

You'll learn:

  • Why Sophie & Angela play 2-back on her Angela's second serve - something club level players can & should implement in the right situation.
  • How she balances a professional doubles and singles career.
  • Why she doesn't focus too much on goals, but the process instead.
  • Advice for playing well on big points (this answer surprised me).
  • Why Sophie smiles so much on the court :)

We discuss how to make doubles more popular as well.

There are some interviews when I can tell the interviewee is putting effort and thought into their answers. This was one of those. Sophie provides great insights into the life of a WTA player and actionable advice that you can use to improve your own doubles game.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/sophie-chang-interview


-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Bibiane Schoofs (Netherlands) is the 92nd-ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. Her partner at the ATX Open, Katarzyna Kawa (Poland), is ranked #93 in doubles and top 200 in singles. Schoofs and Kawa made the finals in Austin.

This episode includes two interviews with the finalists, after their quarterfinal and semifinal victories. We spoke about each matchup, including the different conditions throughout the week. They partnered together for the first time in Austin and made the deadline by only 7 minutes!

You'll learn why Bibiane likes to scout opponents while Katarzyna likes to focus on herself. I also ask Katarzyna why she looks down until right before her opponent is serving, a unique ritual I noticed while watching her play.

At the end, you'll hear why both players laughed after Katarzyna missed volleys on consecutive poaches in the 10-point match tiebreak.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Bibiane Schoofs (Netherlands) is the 92nd-ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. Her partner at the ATX Open, Katarzyna Kawa (Poland), is ranked #93 in doubles and top 200 in singles. Schoofs and Kawa made the finals in Austin.

This episode includes two interviews with the finalists, after their quarterfinal and semifinal victories. We spoke about each matchup, including the different conditions throughout the week. They partnered together for the first time in Austin and made the deadline by only 7 minutes!

You'll learn why Bibiane likes to scout opponents while Katarzyna likes to focus on herself. I also ask Katarzyna why she looks down until right before her opponent is serving, a unique ritual I noticed while watching her play.

At the end, you'll hear why both players laughed after Katarzyna missed volleys on consecutive poaches in the 10-point match tiebreak.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Olivia Gadecki (deuce) is a 21-year-old Australian ranked 77 in the world in doubles and 140 in singles. Olivia Nicholls (ad) is the #81 ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. The Olivia's won the 2024 ATX Open.

This episode includes our conversation from Saturday after they got a walkover in their semifinal match, followed by a few quick questions after their final victory before they had to rush to the airport for flights to their next events.

We discussed their quarterfinal win, how they used their off days to practice (including specific drills) and enjoy Austin, their partnership, and more.

  • Gadecki expresses gratitude towards her mentor, Ash Barty, while Nicholls explains how Heather Watson has made an impact on her doubles game.
  • Nicholls explains her use of analytics & scouting in doubles.
  • Gackecki also shares how she manages her doubles & singles schedule.

They also both talk about the differences between the ITF and WTA levels. You can tell from this conversation how strong their friendship has become, and that helped them take home the trophy in their 1st tournament together in Austin. At the end, you'll hear their thoughts on the final and how they made formation adjustments on their serves.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Olivia Gadecki (deuce) is a 21-year-old Australian ranked 77 in the world in doubles and 140 in singles. Olivia Nicholls (ad) is the #81 ranked doubles player on the WTA Tour. The Olivia's won the 2024 ATX Open.

This episode includes our conversation from Saturday after they got a walkover in their semifinal match, followed by a few quick questions after their final victory before they had to rush to the airport for flights to their next events.

We discussed their quarterfinal win, how they used their off days to practice (including specific drills) and enjoy Austin, their partnership, and more.

  • Gadecki expresses gratitude towards her mentor, Ash Barty, while Nicholls explains how Heather Watson has made an impact on her doubles game.
  • Nicholls explains her use of analytics & scouting in doubles.
  • Gackecki also shares how she manages her doubles & singles schedule.

They also both talk about the differences between the ITF and WTA levels. You can tell from this conversation how strong their friendship has become, and that helped them take home the trophy in their 1st tournament together in Austin. At the end, you'll hear their thoughts on the final and how they made formation adjustments on their serves.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This episode includes two post-match interviews from the ATX Open with top seeds, Nadiia Kichenok and Oksana Kalashnikova. I chatted with them after their round one and quarterfinal wins in Austin. Nadiia and Oksana are both inside the top 55 on the WTA doubles tour.

You'll learn:

  • Why they used more I-formation in their first match, but less in the quarterfinals.
  • How they adjusted to different match conditions - from cold & windy one day to sunny and hot a few days later.
  • Details about a crucial call by Nadiia for a down-the-line return from Oksana during the 10-point tiebreaker.

They also share a bit about life on tour as doubles players and why they are right on the cusp of a significant ranking threshold. Nadiia and Oksana ultimately lost in the semifinals in Austin in another close three-set match.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This episode includes two post-match interviews from the ATX Open with top seeds, Nadiia Kichenok and Oksana Kalashnikova. I chatted with them after their round one and quarterfinal wins in Austin. Nadiia and Oksana are both inside the top 55 on the WTA doubles tour.

You'll learn:

  • Why they used more I-formation in their first match, but less in the quarterfinals.
  • How they adjusted to different match conditions - from cold & windy one day to sunny and hot a few days later.
  • Details about a crucial call by Nadiia for a down-the-line return from Oksana during the 10-point tiebreaker.

They also share a bit about life on tour as doubles players and why they are right on the cusp of a significant ranking threshold. Nadiia and Oksana ultimately lost in the semifinals in Austin in another close three-set match.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This is the first in a series of post-match interviews with doubles players from the ATX Open, in Austin, Texas. Maya Joint (Australia) and Sabina Zeynalova (Ukraine) won their first-round match 6-7 6-4 10-4 and chatted with me after.

Sabina is a junior at the University of Texas where she plays on the women's tennis team. Maya (17) plans to join her in the fall of '24 as a freshman.

We spoke about how the cold, windy match conditions affected their strategy. They also shared a few things they learned on the court playing for the first time together. You'll get a sense of what it's like for college tennis players preparing for a professional career.

I expect you'll hear these two names more often in the coming years as they continue to improve. After this conversation, they lost their quarterfinal match in Austin to the top seeds 11-9 in the third set.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is the first in a series of post-match interviews with doubles players from the ATX Open, in Austin, Texas. Maya Joint (Australia) and Sabina Zeynalova (Ukraine) won their first-round match 6-7 6-4 10-4 and chatted with me after.

Sabina is a junior at the University of Texas where she plays on the women's tennis team. Maya (17) plans to join her in the fall of '24 as a freshman.

We spoke about how the cold, windy match conditions affected their strategy. They also shared a few things they learned on the court playing for the first time together. You'll get a sense of what it's like for college tennis players preparing for a professional career.

I expect you'll hear these two names more often in the coming years as they continue to improve. After this conversation, they lost their quarterfinal match in Austin to the top seeds 11-9 in the third set.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2024-02-28

3 Mental Myths to STOP Believing in Doubles

16 min Transcript
View

As we dive into the mental side of doubles over the next several weeks, I wanted to share 3 mental myths that many doubles players believe. Join the newsletter for more mental lessons.

Once you stop believing these and reframe your mindset, you'll be a better doubles player.

  1. Great players don't get nervous.
  2. Losing a point is bad.
  3. If you miss or get beat down the line, it's your fault you lost the point.

I'll explain how to think about each of these myths differently, so you play better under pressure, don't feel so bad when you miss, and play doubles the right way more often.

The Mental Game Masterclass will launch at the end of March.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

As we dive into the mental side of doubles over the next several weeks, I wanted to share 3 mental myths that many doubles players believe. Join the newsletter for more mental lessons.

Once you stop believing these and reframe your mindset, you'll be a better doubles player.

  1. Great players don't get nervous.
  2. Losing a point is bad.
  3. If you miss or get beat down the line, it's your fault you lost the point.

I'll explain how to think about each of these myths differently, so you play better under pressure, don't feel so bad when you miss, and play doubles the right way more often.

The Mental Game Masterclass will launch at the end of March.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Christo van Rensburg, former world #5  in doubles and tournament director of the WTA 250 ATX Open, joins the show for the third time. In this episode, we preview the 2024 ATX Open and learn a few new doubles lessons from Christo.

The ATX Open is entering year two on the WTA Calendar, and fans can expect some exciting changes at the event. The field includes Vika Azarenka, Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, Taylor Townsend, Caty McNally, and more.

After previewing this year's tournament, we dive into doubles. Christo is one of my favorite coaches for his ability to explain his lessons in an easy-to-understand and actionable way for students.

You'll learn:

  • Why do so many players struggle at the net?
  • What Federer and Nadal can teach us about court position in doubles.
  • Mental tips for players who get nervous during matches or tiebreakers.

Be sure to watch the ATX Open on Tennis Channel Plus. You can also get tickets or volunteer at ATXOpen.com.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Christo van Rensburg, former world #5  in doubles and tournament director of the WTA 250 ATX Open, joins the show for the third time. In this episode, we preview the 2024 ATX Open and learn a few new doubles lessons from Christo.

The ATX Open is entering year two on the WTA Calendar, and fans can expect some exciting changes at the event. The field includes Vika Azarenka, Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, Taylor Townsend, Caty McNally, and more.

After previewing this year's tournament, we dive into doubles. Christo is one of my favorite coaches for his ability to explain his lessons in an easy-to-understand and actionable way for students.

You'll learn:

  • Why do so many players struggle at the net?
  • What Federer and Nadal can teach us about court position in doubles.
  • Mental tips for players who get nervous during matches or tiebreakers.

Be sure to watch the ATX Open on Tennis Channel Plus. You can also get tickets or volunteer at ATXOpen.com.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Will Blumberg is the #93 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour. He was a 10-time All-American at North Carolina and made the finals of the 2024 Dallas Open where this conversation was recorded.

Will and I sat down on his day off in Dallas to discuss his career, the pro doubles tour, and strategy.

You'll learn:

  • Why Will and his partner, Rinky Hijikata, switched return sides after the 1st set - I almost never see this at the pro level.
  • How he picks up his energy for 10-point tiebreakers.
  • What adjustments he makes with different doubles partners - he played with nine partners in 2023.
  • The difference between the body-forehand vs body-backhand serve.

Will also shares the advice he gives his fiancee and mom to help them in their adult league doubles matches, as well as what he did in practice that day in Dallas. At the end, we discuss the popularity of doubles.

Keep an eye on Will Blumberg throughout this season as I don't expect him to stay outside the top 50 for much longer.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Will Blumberg is the #93 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour. He was a 10-time All-American at North Carolina and made the finals of the 2024 Dallas Open where this conversation was recorded.

Will and I sat down on his day off in Dallas to discuss his career, the pro doubles tour, and strategy.

You'll learn:

  • Why Will and his partner, Rinky Hijikata, switched return sides after the 1st set - I almost never see this at the pro level.
  • How he picks up his energy for 10-point tiebreakers.
  • What adjustments he makes with different doubles partners - he played with nine partners in 2023.
  • The difference between the body-forehand vs body-backhand serve.

Will also shares the advice he gives his fiancee and mom to help them in their adult league doubles matches, as well as what he did in practice that day in Dallas. At the end, we discuss the popularity of doubles.

Keep an eye on Will Blumberg throughout this season as I don't expect him to stay outside the top 50 for much longer.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Neal Skupski is one of the best doubles players in the world over the last several years. He's a 3-time Wimbledon Champion, winning 2 mixed titles (2021, 22) and 1 men's title (2023), former world #1, and a recent Australian Open mixed doubles finalist. He is currently the #8 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour.

I spoke with Neal on a day off for him at the 2024 Dallas Open. In this episode, we dive deep into his practice drills and routines, including specific tactics that apply to real match situations for doubles.

You'll learn:

  • A defensive volley drill that Neal & his partner, Santiago Gonzalez, worked on that day.
  • The best target when you're at the baseline & the other 3 players are at the net.
  • Their routine for practicing serves & returns.
  • How Neal uses analytics & how the LTA provides data for him and other British doubles players.

We also discuss mixed doubles strategy, including his partnership with Desirae Krawczyk who has two Wimbledon titles with Neal. Then I ask about how his relationship with Ken Skupski, Neal's brother, former teammate, and current coach, works so well. At the end, Neal shares his thoughts on making doubles more popular.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Neal Skupski is one of the best doubles players in the world over the last several years. He's a 3-time Wimbledon Champion, winning 2 mixed titles (2021, 22) and 1 men's title (2023), former world #1, and a recent Australian Open mixed doubles finalist. He is currently the #8 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour.

I spoke with Neal on a day off for him at the 2024 Dallas Open. In this episode, we dive deep into his practice drills and routines, including specific tactics that apply to real match situations for doubles.

You'll learn:

  • A defensive volley drill that Neal & his partner, Santiago Gonzalez, worked on that day.
  • The best target when you're at the baseline & the other 3 players are at the net.
  • Their routine for practicing serves & returns.
  • How Neal uses analytics & how the LTA provides data for him and other British doubles players.

We also discuss mixed doubles strategy, including his partnership with Desirae Krawczyk who has two Wimbledon titles with Neal. Then I ask about how his relationship with Ken Skupski, Neal's brother, former teammate, and current coach, works so well. At the end, Neal shares his thoughts on making doubles more popular.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This is an AMA (ask me anything) episode on net play strategy. My new Masterclass on net play strategy for doubles is live and on sale through Sunday so I wanted to answer your questions on the topic to kick off the launch.

I answer 7 of your questions about net play including:

  • What to do when you're playing lobbers and don't have opportunities at the net?
  • How to improve your volley reactions.
  • Tactics for mixed doubles for the lady at the net.
  • If the ball lands around the service line, do you close the net or back up?
  • and more...

If you enjoy this episode, let me know, and I'll do more AMAs in the future.

The Masterclass is 30% off through Sunday 2/11! Learn more & enroll below.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is an AMA (ask me anything) episode on net play strategy. My new Masterclass on net play strategy for doubles is live and on sale through Sunday so I wanted to answer your questions on the topic to kick off the launch.

I answer 7 of your questions about net play including:

  • What to do when you're playing lobbers and don't have opportunities at the net?
  • How to improve your volley reactions.
  • Tactics for mixed doubles for the lady at the net.
  • If the ball lands around the service line, do you close the net or back up?
  • and more...

If you enjoy this episode, let me know, and I'll do more AMAs in the future.

The Masterclass is 30% off through Sunday 2/11! Learn more & enroll below.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Quinn Gleason is the WTA's #107 ranked doubles player. She reached the top 100 for the first time in 2023. Quinn played college tennis at Notre Dame. I chatted with Quinn during the Australian Open while she was wrapping up some off-season training.

In this conversation, we discuss the balance of managing a WTA and ITF schedule since Quinn qualifies for some but not all WTA events.  We also discuss Quinn's off-season preparations and the impact of the ever-changing ITF and WTA landscape on players like her.

Quinn also shares:

  • How WTA players choose doubles partners from week to week.
  • What her ideal doubles partner's skill-set would include.
  • Her experience playing in front of a packed house on Grandstand at the US Open against Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula.
  • What she thinks she needs to take the next leap into the top 50. I loved her answer to this.
  • How she's improving her forehand return by training with a shorter backswing.

Finally, we discuss Quinn's favorite tournament, books, and tackle the challenges and potential of doubles, advocating for increased visibility and popularity of the sport.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/quinn-gleason-interview/


**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Quinn Gleason is the WTA's #107 ranked doubles player. She reached the top 100 for the first time in 2023. Quinn played college tennis at Notre Dame. I chatted with Quinn during the Australian Open while she was wrapping up some off-season training.

In this conversation, we discuss the balance of managing a WTA and ITF schedule since Quinn qualifies for some but not all WTA events.  We also discuss Quinn's off-season preparations and the impact of the ever-changing ITF and WTA landscape on players like her.

Quinn also shares:

  • How WTA players choose doubles partners from week to week.
  • What her ideal doubles partner's skill-set would include.
  • Her experience playing in front of a packed house on Grandstand at the US Open against Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula.
  • What she thinks she needs to take the next leap into the top 50. I loved her answer to this.
  • How she's improving her forehand return by training with a shorter backswing.

Finally, we discuss Quinn's favorite tournament, books, and tackle the challenges and potential of doubles, advocating for increased visibility and popularity of the sport.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/quinn-gleason-interview/


**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Peter Lebedevs joins the show for the 3rd time as the Dallas Open enters year three as an ATP 250 tournament. Peter is the tournament director for the tournament and an accomplished tennis coach as well.

You'll get a sneak peek of what to expect from this year's Dallas Open and a look at the 2025 event which is moving to the Dallas Cowboys practice facility along with an upgrade to an ATP 500. Nearly all the top American men's players will be at this year's tournament: Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Rielly Opelka, Chris Eubanks, and Ben Shelton.

I'll be attending the tournament this year but will spend much of my time on the doubles courts... obviously 😉
Previous Dallas Open doubles winners include Michael Venus & Jamie Murray (2023) and Marcelo Arevalo & Jean-Julien Rojer (2022). The draw is usually strong with several up-and-coming teams to watch.

We also discuss how to develop volley and net skills as a doubles player.

  • Why club players struggle with volleys more than groundstrokes.
  • Two new volley drills to improve your transition and offensive volleys.
  • How to add confidence to your net game in 3 months.

Peter also coaches top 100 WTA doubles player, Catherine Harrison, who has been on the podcast previously. We get an update on her career as well.

See the shownotes for this episode here:
https://www.thetennistribe.com/peter-lebedevs-interview/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Peter Lebedevs joins the show for the 3rd time as the Dallas Open enters year three as an ATP 250 tournament. Peter is the tournament director for the tournament and an accomplished tennis coach as well.

You'll get a sneak peek of what to expect from this year's Dallas Open and a look at the 2025 event which is moving to the Dallas Cowboys practice facility along with an upgrade to an ATP 500. Nearly all the top American men's players will be at this year's tournament: Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Rielly Opelka, Chris Eubanks, and Ben Shelton.

I'll be attending the tournament this year but will spend much of my time on the doubles courts... obviously 😉
Previous Dallas Open doubles winners include Michael Venus & Jamie Murray (2023) and Marcelo Arevalo & Jean-Julien Rojer (2022). The draw is usually strong with several up-and-coming teams to watch.

We also discuss how to develop volley and net skills as a doubles player.

  • Why club players struggle with volleys more than groundstrokes.
  • Two new volley drills to improve your transition and offensive volleys.
  • How to add confidence to your net game in 3 months.

Peter also coaches top 100 WTA doubles player, Catherine Harrison, who has been on the podcast previously. We get an update on her career as well.

See the shownotes for this episode here:
https://www.thetennistribe.com/peter-lebedevs-interview/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Styrling Strother is an innovative tennis coach who trains junior players and adults to transform the way they practice and think about the match court. He is a Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) with the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA), a PTR Professional Coach, a best-selling author, and the founder of Styrling Strother Tennis, a player development program located in Cary, North Carolina.

This episode will totally shift your practice habits, and inject fun into your doubles matches. Styrling shares some transformational ideas with me in this episode.

  • Why you should NOT look at the ball after you hit.
  • A new way to think about the game score that helps you maintain focus and concentration (Momentum Scoring System).
  • Innovative doubles drills that will better help you win matches.
  • What you should be thinking when you make an error.
  • Why opponent-based thinking is the #1 thing to learn for tennis players (and why it's so hard).

We also discuss his new book, The Art of Winning Tennis, which offers strategies that change the way you see the court. I'm about halfway done with the book and it's already got me thinking about adjustments for my next match.

As we dissect the traditional practice court paradigm, you'll discover why it's critical to move beyond technique to the strategic 'where, when, and why' of each shot. You'll learn to embrace the pressure of in-match scenarios through our in-depth analysis of scoring and drill modifications that mimic match conditions.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/styrling-strother-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Styrling Strother is an innovative tennis coach who trains junior players and adults to transform the way they practice and think about the match court. He is a Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) with the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA), a PTR Professional Coach, a best-selling author, and the founder of Styrling Strother Tennis, a player development program located in Cary, North Carolina.

This episode will totally shift your practice habits, and inject fun into your doubles matches. Styrling shares some transformational ideas with me in this episode.

  • Why you should NOT look at the ball after you hit.
  • A new way to think about the game score that helps you maintain focus and concentration (Momentum Scoring System).
  • Innovative doubles drills that will better help you win matches.
  • What you should be thinking when you make an error.
  • Why opponent-based thinking is the #1 thing to learn for tennis players (and why it's so hard).

We also discuss his new book, The Art of Winning Tennis, which offers strategies that change the way you see the court. I'm about halfway done with the book and it's already got me thinking about adjustments for my next match.

As we dissect the traditional practice court paradigm, you'll discover why it's critical to move beyond technique to the strategic 'where, when, and why' of each shot. You'll learn to embrace the pressure of in-match scenarios through our in-depth analysis of scoring and drill modifications that mimic match conditions.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/styrling-strother-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Joel Myers is a USPTA Elite Professional tennis coach, the 2021 USPTA San Diego Pro of the Year, and the tennis director at Coronado Tennis Center in San Diego, California. He also is a former Division 1 college player from Australia with professional aspirations before injuries ended his career early. Joel also has nearly 120,000 followers on Instagram (@joel_myers_tennis), where he shares his coaching advice.

In this episode, Joel and I discuss club-level doubles tactics, from common positional errors to shot selection, and more.

  • Joel covers specific skills that 3.0 to 4.0 level players need to develop.
  • How to build confidence at the net.
  • The annoying ending problem of dealing with pushers.
  • Winning with a partner whose skill set may not match your own.
  • How to use the slice approach shot effectively.
  • Overcoming the hurdles of adjusting long-held habits.

You'll also hear Joel and I debate if the better player should play deuce or ad, weighing the psychology of high-pressure points against the advantage of more return opportunities. You'll get plenty of actionable doubles advice in this episode.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/joel-myers-interview/

***

**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/double

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Joel Myers is a USPTA Elite Professional tennis coach, the 2021 USPTA San Diego Pro of the Year, and the tennis director at Coronado Tennis Center in San Diego, California. He also is a former Division 1 college player from Australia with professional aspirations before injuries ended his career early. Joel also has nearly 120,000 followers on Instagram (@joel_myers_tennis), where he shares his coaching advice.

In this episode, Joel and I discuss club-level doubles tactics, from common positional errors to shot selection, and more.

  • Joel covers specific skills that 3.0 to 4.0 level players need to develop.
  • How to build confidence at the net.
  • The annoying ending problem of dealing with pushers.
  • Winning with a partner whose skill set may not match your own.
  • How to use the slice approach shot effectively.
  • Overcoming the hurdles of adjusting long-held habits.

You'll also hear Joel and I debate if the better player should play deuce or ad, weighing the psychology of high-pressure points against the advantage of more return opportunities. You'll get plenty of actionable doubles advice in this episode.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/joel-myers-interview/

***

**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/double

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Ben Rothenberg is one of the most prolific and influential tennis journalists of the last several decades. He covered tennis for the New York Times for over 10 years, has contributed to The Racquet, and has been featured on BBC, CNN, and many other major news networks.

I wanted to have Ben on to talk doubles and discuss his new book, Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power & Her Voice. I recently listened to Ben on Craig Shapiro’s podcast where he said he thinks “doubles is in a position that’s not sustainable.”

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • The problems facing the doubles tour including the lack of star power, poor marketing, small fan bases at many tournaments, and more.
  • What the ATP & WTA might do to help doubles.
  • What doubles players need to do to grow their fan base and help the sport.
  • Why the Bryan Brothers were so successful in “marketing” themselves and doubles.

Ben also has lots of great stories that he shares with me. I’d encourage tennis fans, anyone involved in professional tennis, and especially ATP and WTA doubles players to listen to this episode. Whether you agree with Ben or not, he has opinions worth listening to as someone who understands our sport so well.

In my opinion, many of the ideas should be taken into consideration by both the tours and the players, particularly as the rumors around Saudi Arabia enter the scene.

Full shownotes for this episode here: Ben Rothenberg Interview
-----

**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

  • 25 Wi

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Ben Rothenberg is one of the most prolific and influential tennis journalists of the last several decades. He covered tennis for the New York Times for over 10 years, has contributed to The Racquet, and has been featured on BBC, CNN, and many other major news networks.

I wanted to have Ben on to talk doubles and discuss his new book, Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power & Her Voice. I recently listened to Ben on Craig Shapiro’s podcast where he said he thinks “doubles is in a position that’s not sustainable.”

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • The problems facing the doubles tour including the lack of star power, poor marketing, small fan bases at many tournaments, and more.
  • What the ATP & WTA might do to help doubles.
  • What doubles players need to do to grow their fan base and help the sport.
  • Why the Bryan Brothers were so successful in “marketing” themselves and doubles.

Ben also has lots of great stories that he shares with me. I’d encourage tennis fans, anyone involved in professional tennis, and especially ATP and WTA doubles players to listen to this episode. Whether you agree with Ben or not, he has opinions worth listening to as someone who understands our sport so well.

In my opinion, many of the ideas should be taken into consideration by both the tours and the players, particularly as the rumors around Saudi Arabia enter the scene.

Full shownotes for this episode here: Ben Rothenberg Interview
-----

**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

  • 25 Wi

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Jonathan Stokke is a former tennis player at Duke where he was an All-American in doubles. He played in the US Open twice and coached at Duke for several years after playing. He now resides in South Carolina where he coaches junior players and adults.

I wanted to have Jonathan on the podcast because of a lesson I saw him give at Tennis Con 7. He's one of those great coaches who is crystal clear with his instruction and makes his lessons actionable for those who watch. His Instagram account has over 87,000 followers and for good reason.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How to read your opponent's serve & adjust your return position accordingly.
  • The problem with your serve toss (including a drill to fix it).
  • What high percentage tennis actually means, and why most people don't understand this.
  • The mentality to have against lobbers, plus advice from Rajeev Ram

Jonathan also shares a story from college when he and a partner used three different plays to get the same result. They basically fooled their opponents into thinking they were using variety.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/jonathan-stokke-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Jonathan Stokke is a former tennis player at Duke where he was an All-American in doubles. He played in the US Open twice and coached at Duke for several years after playing. He now resides in South Carolina where he coaches junior players and adults.

I wanted to have Jonathan on the podcast because of a lesson I saw him give at Tennis Con 7. He's one of those great coaches who is crystal clear with his instruction and makes his lessons actionable for those who watch. His Instagram account has over 87,000 followers and for good reason.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  • How to read your opponent's serve & adjust your return position accordingly.
  • The problem with your serve toss (including a drill to fix it).
  • What high percentage tennis actually means, and why most people don't understand this.
  • The mentality to have against lobbers, plus advice from Rajeev Ram

Jonathan also shares a story from college when he and a partner used three different plays to get the same result. They basically fooled their opponents into thinking they were using variety.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/jonathan-stokke-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Carlos Martinez is the coach of top 20 WTA doubles players, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez. He also coaches WTA singles star Karolina Pliskova. Carlos was a top junior player in Colombia, where he grew up in Bogota, before playing college tennis for division 1 teams, Western Michigan and Jackson State.

Carlos is one of the best mental coaches I’ve ever been around and you’ll learn a lot from this discussion that will help you become mentally stronger on the court.

We discuss:

  • The best drills and games to use in practice to simulate in-match pressure.
  • How to stop worrying about outcomes and focus on your process instead.
  • What to do when you get nervous. 
  • Off season training and creating improvement game plans for a top 10 doubles team.

Carlos also shares his goals for 2024, his favorite tournament, and how to grow professional doubles.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/carlos-martinez-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Carlos Martinez is the coach of top 20 WTA doubles players, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez. He also coaches WTA singles star Karolina Pliskova. Carlos was a top junior player in Colombia, where he grew up in Bogota, before playing college tennis for division 1 teams, Western Michigan and Jackson State.

Carlos is one of the best mental coaches I’ve ever been around and you’ll learn a lot from this discussion that will help you become mentally stronger on the court.

We discuss:

  • The best drills and games to use in practice to simulate in-match pressure.
  • How to stop worrying about outcomes and focus on your process instead.
  • What to do when you get nervous. 
  • Off season training and creating improvement game plans for a top 10 doubles team.

Carlos also shares his goals for 2024, his favorite tournament, and how to grow professional doubles.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/carlos-martinez-interview



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

The ability to transition to the net in doubles is an underrated skill to have. It's also something doubles players rarely practice.

This episode covers common mistakes I see on the half-volley and the approach shot, as well as several drills you can use to practice your transition game. You'll learn the best ways to serve & volley, return & volley, and get to the net during a rally.

Support the show by shopping through these links:


Mentioned in this episode:



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

The ability to transition to the net in doubles is an underrated skill to have. It's also something doubles players rarely practice.

This episode covers common mistakes I see on the half-volley and the approach shot, as well as several drills you can use to practice your transition game. You'll learn the best ways to serve & volley, return & volley, and get to the net during a rally.

Support the show by shopping through these links:


Mentioned in this episode:



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This is a rebroadcast of my interview with Craig O'Shannessy from October 2020.

Craig is the strategy analyst for Wimbledon, the ATP Tour, and the New York Times. He has also been the strategy coach for Novak Djokovic and currently works with 4 players inside the top 100 including world #8 Matteo Berrettini. You can follow him on his website, Brain Game Tennis.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is a rebroadcast of my interview with Craig O'Shannessy from October 2020.

Craig is the strategy analyst for Wimbledon, the ATP Tour, and the New York Times. He has also been the strategy coach for Novak Djokovic and currently works with 4 players inside the top 100 including world #8 Matteo Berrettini. You can follow him on his website, Brain Game Tennis.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

In this episode, I interview one of the greatest tennis coaches ever. Coach Rick Macci has coached tennis for over 40 years. He's helped five players reach world #1 including Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati. If his name sounds familiar, it may be because Rick was portrayed by Jon Bernthal in the movie "King Richard".

Rick shares several entertaining stories from when he coached these players, the type of mindset he encourages players to adopt, and stories from their junior days. One interesting part of the episode is his explanation for why he thinks playing doubles is especially helpful for younger professional players. He uses Coco Gauff as one example.

We also discuss:

  • How often the Williams sisters played doubles as juniors & 2 rules he made them follow.
  • What a club player should look for (and not look for) when searching for a coach.
  • How to develop confidence in strategies that you're uncomfortable with (like poaching!)
  • The mindset players need on the court against pushers or counter-punchers.
  • His favorite doubles drills.

 You'll get a lot out of this episode in terms of strategy and mindset. Rick has a new book coming out called Billion Dollar Mind that we chat about as well. At the end, Rick talks about how he likes to use video to help club-level players improve. Something I'm a big advocate of and use all the time myself.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/rick-macci-interview/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

In this episode, I interview one of the greatest tennis coaches ever. Coach Rick Macci has coached tennis for over 40 years. He's helped five players reach world #1 including Serena and Venus Williams, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Jennifer Capriati. If his name sounds familiar, it may be because Rick was portrayed by Jon Bernthal in the movie "King Richard".

Rick shares several entertaining stories from when he coached these players, the type of mindset he encourages players to adopt, and stories from their junior days. One interesting part of the episode is his explanation for why he thinks playing doubles is especially helpful for younger professional players. He uses Coco Gauff as one example.

We also discuss:

  • How often the Williams sisters played doubles as juniors & 2 rules he made them follow.
  • What a club player should look for (and not look for) when searching for a coach.
  • How to develop confidence in strategies that you're uncomfortable with (like poaching!)
  • The mindset players need on the court against pushers or counter-punchers.
  • His favorite doubles drills.

 You'll get a lot out of this episode in terms of strategy and mindset. Rick has a new book coming out called Billion Dollar Mind that we chat about as well. At the end, Rick talks about how he likes to use video to help club-level players improve. Something I'm a big advocate of and use all the time myself.

See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/rick-macci-interview/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

In doubles, you'll often play against a team with one of three different game styles.

  • Pushers - they lob endlessly, never miss, and make you beat yourself.
  • Attackers - they serve and volley, get to the net, and apply relentless pressure.
  • Baseliners - they play straight-up doubles, usually 1-up 1-back, with really good groundstrokes that force errors and make you afraid to poach.

In this episode, I cover how to beat each of these types of teams, including recent examples where I saw it work. I'll share the best formation to use against pushers, how to give baseliners zero rhythm, and one vital thing you need to look for against teams who attack.


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

In doubles, you'll often play against a team with one of three different game styles.

  • Pushers - they lob endlessly, never miss, and make you beat yourself.
  • Attackers - they serve and volley, get to the net, and apply relentless pressure.
  • Baseliners - they play straight-up doubles, usually 1-up 1-back, with really good groundstrokes that force errors and make you afraid to poach.

In this episode, I cover how to beat each of these types of teams, including recent examples where I saw it work. I'll share the best formation to use against pushers, how to give baseliners zero rhythm, and one vital thing you need to look for against teams who attack.


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Kirsten Flipkens is a former WTA player who retired earlier in 2023 and is now coaching. I spoke with her at the WTA Finals where she was coaching Demi Schuurs & Desirae Krawczyk.

We chatted about:

  • Her transition from player to coach.
  • Doubles tips for club players.
  • How to improve drop shots and slices.
  • Her favorite doubles drill.
  • Mixed doubles strategy.

There's also a brief interruption/guest appearance by Ons Jabeur... she was walking through the hotel lobby and took the microphone from Kirsten.

At the end, we discussed Kirsten's plans for 2024 and beyond, as well as how to make doubles more popular.


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Kirsten Flipkens is a former WTA player who retired earlier in 2023 and is now coaching. I spoke with her at the WTA Finals where she was coaching Demi Schuurs & Desirae Krawczyk.

We chatted about:

  • Her transition from player to coach.
  • Doubles tips for club players.
  • How to improve drop shots and slices.
  • Her favorite doubles drill.
  • Mixed doubles strategy.

There's also a brief interruption/guest appearance by Ons Jabeur... she was walking through the hotel lobby and took the microphone from Kirsten.

At the end, we discussed Kirsten's plans for 2024 and beyond, as well as how to make doubles more popular.


**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Published 2023-11-07

Demi Schuurs Interview at the WTA Finals

18 min
View

This is a conversation with Demi Schuurs from the WTA Finals in Cancun. Demi partnered with Desirae Krawczyk and I spoke with her between her first and second matches.

We discussed how she spent her days off in Cancun, including her gym routine. I asked her how she's had so much doubles success with different partners. This is her 5th consecutive WTA Finals with four different partners. Demi made a surprise appearance in the singles draw of the WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara and she tells us the story of how that happened.

Towards the end, we talk about their first match where they lost 9/9 deciding points. She tells me what "playing more aggressively" means to her and analyzes previous matchups against the teams in their group. She actually keeps a notebook that she writes in after each match. A great tip for other doubles players.



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is a conversation with Demi Schuurs from the WTA Finals in Cancun. Demi partnered with Desirae Krawczyk and I spoke with her between her first and second matches.

We discussed how she spent her days off in Cancun, including her gym routine. I asked her how she's had so much doubles success with different partners. This is her 5th consecutive WTA Finals with four different partners. Demi made a surprise appearance in the singles draw of the WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara and she tells us the story of how that happened.

Towards the end, we talk about their first match where they lost 9/9 deciding points. She tells me what "playing more aggressively" means to her and analyzes previous matchups against the teams in their group. She actually keeps a notebook that she writes in after each match. A great tip for other doubles players.



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Dan Kiernan is the coach of 2023 US Open Champion Gaby Dabrowski, ATP doubles team Lloyd Glasspool & Harri Heliovaara, a podcast host, and a former podcast guest from earlier this year.

Dan chatted with me and Tennis Tribe doubles writer, Hanlon Walsh, from the WTA Finals in Cancun a day after Gaby and her partner, Erin Routliffe, beat the top seeds, Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula, in straight sets. In this conversation, we discuss the match, the game plan, and a specific phrase Dan told the players when up a set and 3-1... "start again". I asked him what that meant.

Some of my favorite interviews are with coaches because they have a way of articulating what happens on the court so that we can use it in our own matches better than most players. Dan is one of those coaches. His answers are thoughtful, complex, and applicable to your own doubles game and life.

Enjoy!

Check out Dan's Podcast here: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Dan Kiernan is the coach of 2023 US Open Champion Gaby Dabrowski, ATP doubles team Lloyd Glasspool & Harri Heliovaara, a podcast host, and a former podcast guest from earlier this year.

Dan chatted with me and Tennis Tribe doubles writer, Hanlon Walsh, from the WTA Finals in Cancun a day after Gaby and her partner, Erin Routliffe, beat the top seeds, Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula, in straight sets. In this conversation, we discuss the match, the game plan, and a specific phrase Dan told the players when up a set and 3-1... "start again". I asked him what that meant.

Some of my favorite interviews are with coaches because they have a way of articulating what happens on the court so that we can use it in our own matches better than most players. Dan is one of those coaches. His answers are thoughtful, complex, and applicable to your own doubles game and life.

Enjoy!

Check out Dan's Podcast here: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/



**Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier.

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This is another interview with Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter from the WTA Finals. This time I spoke with the 2nd seeds after their second match victory over Melichar-Martinez and Perez. They won the match 7-5 6-4 over a two-day period and numerous rain delays.

We discussed how they handled the delays, as well as a tactic I noticed their opponents using on 2nd serves and how they handled that. I also asked them about playing in the windy conditions, especially Elise who likes to use the lob often. I found her response surprising.

At the end, they talked about how they spent their time after the delay and the morning before they restarted the match at 2-0 in the second set.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is another interview with Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter from the WTA Finals. This time I spoke with the 2nd seeds after their second match victory over Melichar-Martinez and Perez. They won the match 7-5 6-4 over a two-day period and numerous rain delays.

We discussed how they handled the delays, as well as a tactic I noticed their opponents using on 2nd serves and how they handled that. I also asked them about playing in the windy conditions, especially Elise who likes to use the lob often. I found her response surprising.

At the end, they talked about how they spent their time after the delay and the morning before they restarted the match at 2-0 in the second set.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

This is another interview from the WTA Finals and it's a great one. We chatted with 2020 US Open Champions, Vera Zvonareva and Laura Siegmund, after their 3-set victory over Krejcikova and Siniakova.

We discussed the rollercoaster of a match where they lost a two-break-lead in the 2nd set as well as two match points in the tiebreaker. I asked how they were able to stay focused after the momentum changed.

Laura is one of the most aggressive net players in the game with next-level instincts (super fun to watch). She shares how she adjusts when she does get beat down the line, which happened several times during the match. I loved her answer to this.

Vera also talks about how the doubles game has changed, and they both give their input on what needs to happen to grow doubles.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

This is another interview from the WTA Finals and it's a great one. We chatted with 2020 US Open Champions, Vera Zvonareva and Laura Siegmund, after their 3-set victory over Krejcikova and Siniakova.

We discussed the rollercoaster of a match where they lost a two-break-lead in the 2nd set as well as two match points in the tiebreaker. I asked how they were able to stay focused after the momentum changed.

Laura is one of the most aggressive net players in the game with next-level instincts (super fun to watch). She shares how she adjusts when she does get beat down the line, which happened several times during the match. I loved her answer to this.

Vera also talks about how the doubles game has changed, and they both give their input on what needs to happen to grow doubles.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter are the #2 seeds at this year's WTA Finals in Cancun. This is a short conversation with them after their 1st round match where they defeated Aoyama & Shibahara 6-4 6-2.

We discussed how they took momentum after going down an early break in the first set. Then I asked them how they game plan against a player like Shuko Aoyama who takes away the net. Elise also shares where she gets her ridiculously effective lob. I really liked her answer here. They talk a bit about having a lefty-righty combo, and Storm answers some questions about her plans for 2024 as she tries to balance a singles and doubles career.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter are the #2 seeds at this year's WTA Finals in Cancun. This is a short conversation with them after their 1st round match where they defeated Aoyama & Shibahara 6-4 6-2.

We discussed how they took momentum after going down an early break in the first set. Then I asked them how they game plan against a player like Shuko Aoyama who takes away the net. Elise also shares where she gets her ridiculously effective lob. I really liked her answer here. They talk a bit about having a lefty-righty combo, and Storm answers some questions about her plans for 2024 as she tries to balance a singles and doubles career.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara are the #3 seeds at this year's WTA Finals in Cancun. This is a short conversation with them after their 1st round match where they defeated Krawczyk & Schuurs 7-5 6-2, winning 9 of 9 deciding points.

We ask the Japanese pair how they played the big points so well, what they did to adjust to the courts (they have a higher bounce than usual), and their plans for 2024.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara are the #3 seeds at this year's WTA Finals in Cancun. This is a short conversation with them after their 1st round match where they defeated Krawczyk & Schuurs 7-5 6-2, winning 9 of 9 deciding points.

We ask the Japanese pair how they played the big points so well, what they did to adjust to the courts (they have a higher bounce than usual), and their plans for 2024.

**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

Matthew Futterman (@MattFutterman) is an award-winning tennis journalist who has worked for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and now, The Athletic. He has authored two books and is working on a third, about tennis, called "The Cruelest Game".

This episode is a little different. You're not going to get doubles strategy out of this one, but you will get some deep insights into the world of pro tennis, why it isn't as popular in the US, and why doubles, specifically, has struggled.

Matt has covered our sport for the better part of the last two decades interviewing singles stars like Novak Djokovic, doubles specialists like Austin Krajicek, and more. We discuss ideas on how tennis might change the format of doubles to make it more appealing. He also explains why Novak Djokovic is such a fascinating player and person.

Matt shares three stories of his that you should read:


🎾  Follow Matt on Twitter
🎾  Sign up for Tennis Stories at The Athletic


**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides off

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

Matthew Futterman (@MattFutterman) is an award-winning tennis journalist who has worked for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and now, The Athletic. He has authored two books and is working on a third, about tennis, called "The Cruelest Game".

This episode is a little different. You're not going to get doubles strategy out of this one, but you will get some deep insights into the world of pro tennis, why it isn't as popular in the US, and why doubles, specifically, has struggled.

Matt has covered our sport for the better part of the last two decades interviewing singles stars like Novak Djokovic, doubles specialists like Austin Krajicek, and more. We discuss ideas on how tennis might change the format of doubles to make it more appealing. He also explains why Novak Djokovic is such a fascinating player and person.

Matt shares three stories of his that you should read:


🎾  Follow Matt on Twitter
🎾  Sign up for Tennis Stories at The Athletic


**Doubles Strategy Courses** 

**Doubles Ebooks** These guides off

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere

2nd serve points only account for about 35% of points in doubles, but it's crucial to have a good 2nd serve strategy. Your goal should be to win 50% or more of your 2nd serve points.

In this episode, I share some ideas on improving your 2nd serve strategy for doubles players with strong, medium, and... WEAK 2nd serves.

  • When should you use formations on 2nd serves?
  • Is it okay to poach or fake on a 2nd serve?
  • What should you do if your partner has a weak 2nd serve and the opponent is crushing it at you?

You'll learn tactics and game plans for handling all those situations and more.

  • Sign up for Tennis Con 7 for 40+ free lessons from top tennis coaches. This week only!
  • My new Doubles Training Product will be on sale Wednesday, November 8
  • Email me if you're attending the WTA Finals - will[at]thetennistribe.com


League Doubles Training Masterclass is 30% off through Sunday 11/19.

**Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the best doubles tactics for serving, returning, rallying, and approaching so that you’ll have a winning plan for every point.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

More description

2nd serve points only account for about 35% of points in doubles, but it's crucial to have a good 2nd serve strategy. Your goal should be to win 50% or more of your 2nd serve points.

In this episode, I share some ideas on improving your 2nd serve strategy for doubles players with strong, medium, and... WEAK 2nd serves.

  • When should you use formations on 2nd serves?
  • Is it okay to poach or fake on a 2nd serve?
  • What should you do if your partner has a weak 2nd serve and the opponent is crushing it at you?

You'll learn tactics and game plans for handling all those situations and more.

  • Sign up for Tennis Con 7 for 40+ free lessons from top tennis coaches. This week only!
  • My new Doubles Training Product will be on sale Wednesday, November 8
  • Email me if you're attending the WTA Finals - will[at]thetennistribe.com


League Doubles Training Masterclass is 30% off through Sunday 11/19.

**Doubles Strategy Course** This video course will teach you the best doubles tactics for serving, returning, rallying, and approaching so that you’ll have a winning plan for every point.


**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy.

***

Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at
TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/.

***

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** 


**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.


**Other Free Doubles Content**

Extract Knowledge
Listen elsewhere
Show details
Episodes
282
Transcripts
134
48% coverage
Missing transcripts
148
With chapters
122