Doubles Only Tennis Podcast
- Épisodes
- 304
- Parution
- toutes les deux semaines
- Dernier épisode
- 12 Nov 2026
À propos du podcast
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.
Épisodes 304
Hsieh Su-wei & Jelena Ostapenko: Partner Therapy, Su-wei's Strings, Penko's Aura, & More
I spoke with Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko at the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells. It will be hard not to laugh during this one... We discussed their chemistry, game styles, competitive quirks, and …
Notes de l’épisode
I spoke with Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko at the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells. It will be hard not to laugh during this one... We discussed their chemistry, game styles, competitive quirks, and doubles.
- What makes their partnership so great
- If their different playing styles can throw off opponents
- The last time Su-wei had her racquet restrung
- Ostapenko’s facial expressions
- Mixed doubles
- The round robin format and the stress of “three chances to win or lose"
- Ostapenko's quick take on coaching after retirement
- How to make doubles more popular and more visible
Watch the 2026 WTA Finals on Tennis Channel all week long.
Learn more about Hsieh & follow:
Learn more about Jelena & follow:
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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**Chapitres (11)
Rajeev Ram Interview: Retirement, Breaking Down the Top 10, Reaction to Doubles Cuts, & More
Rajeev Ram is a 6-time Grand Slam doubles champion, former world #1, and now a retired tennis player. I spoke with Rajeev from Paris as he was covering the Paris Masters for Tennis Channel.We reflected on the …
Notes de l’épisode
Rajeev Ram is a 6-time Grand Slam doubles champion, former world #1, and now a retired tennis player. I spoke with Rajeev from Paris as he was covering the Paris Masters for Tennis Channel.
We reflected on the results, routines, and relationships that shaped his incredible career. He gets detailed about doubles tactics, partner communication, and why the ATP’s current approach to doubles misses the simplest fix of all.
- Adjusting to live commentary and the “producer in your ear” reality
- Three career moments that stick out
- What clicked during the 2026 US Open semifinal run
- Exactly how to help a partner through serve struggles
- The most important lesson from his dad
- Why transitioning from singles to doubles is harder than it looks and what was most difficult
- Defining your server’s partner identity, plus drills to train poaching, reactions, and “deflecting” volleys
- Raj's scouting notes on the top 10 doubles players and what makes each of them so tough to face
- Reacting to proposed ATP doubles cuts and arguing that promotion comes before rule changes
- What retirement looks like now, from nonprofit work to why coaching full-time is not the plan for now
Donate and get involved in Rajeev's foundations.
Learn more about Rajeev & follow:
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**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**Chapitres (11)
JJ Tracy: The Asian Swing, His New Partnership, & Lessons Learned Early in His Career
JJ Tracy is coming off a huge Asian swing that includes an ATP 250 title in Hangzhou and his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai. He's currently ranked #31 on the ATP tour.We discuss how doubles teams …
Notes de l’épisode
JJ Tracy is coming off a huge Asian swing that includes an ATP 250 title in Hangzhou and his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai. He's currently ranked #31 on the ATP tour.
We discuss how doubles teams build chemistry, in particular with his new partner, Francisco Cabral, why fundamentals still matter at the top, and what current ATP doubles changes could mean for players and fans.
- What clicked in Asia and why results lag behind good practice weeks
- His new partnership with Francisco Cabral
- Doubles crowds in Hangzhou and Shanghai and how energy changes matches
- His post-Wimbledon partner change
- Tour lessons on mindset, taking time off, and defending points
- What his coach Andy Fitzell teaches through basics, shadow swings, and slow volley reps (I love this part!)
- How JJ rebuilt his backhand volley from singles habits to a doubles volley
- What he knows about ATP doubles plans and his reaction
- JJ’s take on 10-point match tiebreaks vs no-ad scoring
- One piece of advice for club doubles players
Learn more about JJ & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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6 Poaching Mistakes: Nearly Everyone Makes At Least Two!
In this episode, I break down the six most common poaching mistakes I see in club and pro doubles. From better positioning to what to read to smarter finishing, avoiding these mistakes will help you poach with …
Notes de l’épisode
In this episode, I break down the six most common poaching mistakes I see in club and pro doubles. From better positioning to what to read to smarter finishing, avoiding these mistakes will help you poach with confidence.
- Why your starting position matters most
- Moving too late & how to time it correctly
- Moving sideways, something players at all levels do
- Making contact too far back and why closer is better
- Volleying back to the returner or baseline player
- No poaching enough! How often should you poach?
You need to know the exceptions as well, when to cover the line and how to adjust to lobs.
Follow poaching week on Instagram and look for different themes each week going forward!
Announcements:
- Join me for a 2027 Dallas Open VIP Experience!
- One of my favorite events of the year, Tennis Con 10 Starts soon!
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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**
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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**Chapitres
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Q&A: Choosing Return Sides, When to Change Strategies, Studying Opponents, & More
I answer four doubles questions that members and listeners have sent in recently. These concepts can have a big impact on your game, from return sides to mid-match adjustments.How to choose return sides if …
Notes de l’épisode
I answer four doubles questions that members and listeners have sent in recently. These concepts can have a big impact on your game, from return sides to mid-match adjustments.
- How to choose return sides if you're not sure (great advice for captains)
- Winning return games as a team
- Timing the net player’s movement to avoid getting hit on serve
- How to train your opponent awareness to help with in-match game planning
- When to change your strategy if things aren't going right
I'll have more great interviews soon!
- Dallas/Fort Worth Doubles Strategy Camp - Oct. 24-25 - only 3 spots left!
- Miami Doubles Strategy Camp - Nov. 14-15 - AM & PM groups available
- Dallas Open Rally Trip - 4 Options
If you do enjoy the podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen:
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**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**Chapitres
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6 Doubles Lessons from Camp: Framed Volleys, Opponent Tendencies, Practice Mistakes, & More
I've been busy traveling the last three weeks but am back with a strategy episode. Today I share the six doubles lessons I teach club players repeatedly across my camps, clinics, and match play.Fixing your …
Notes de l’épisode
I've been busy traveling the last three weeks but am back with a strategy episode. Today I share the six doubles lessons I teach club players repeatedly across my camps, clinics, and match play.
- Fixing your net positioning to time the poach right
- Keeping your eyes forward
- Where you miss your volleys on your racquet
- Opponent serve and overhead tendencies
- Practicing like you play
- Advice for players who "don't lob"
Fixing even just one of these mistakes can have a huge impact on your doubles game!
Here are a few upcoming doubles camps and Rally Trips.
- Dallas-Fort Worth Doubles Camp: October 24-25
- Miami Doubles Camp: November 14-15
- Indian Wells Rally Trip: March 2-5, 2027
- Dallas Open Rally Trip: coming soon... email me for details!
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**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**Chapitres
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Katerina Siniakova: On Respect for Doubles, Her Early-Career Mindset Shift, & Lessons Learned
Katerina Siniakova is the #1 doubles player on the WTA tour. She holds 11 Grand Slam titles in women's doubles, one in mixed doubles, and two Olympic Gold Medals. She is also a top 50 singles player.In …
Notes de l’épisode
Katerina Siniakova is the #1 doubles player on the WTA tour. She holds 11 Grand Slam titles in women's doubles, one in mixed doubles, and two Olympic Gold Medals. She is also a top 50 singles player.
In this episode, I chat with her as she prepares for the US Open. We discussed US Open prep, mixed doubles, mindset shifts, lessons from her career so far, and partner skills that helped her already become one of the greatest doubles players of all time.
- Her practice routines early in the majors
- Players who influenced her when she was young
- Respect for doubles
- How she shifted from a singles-first identity to taking real pride in doubles success
- Why she thinks comparing singles and doubles players is unfair
- What she would change about the US Open mixed doubles
- How she helps new partners feel confident and adjusts tactics to fit their strengths
- How she uses frustration without letting it take over
- Advice to her younger self
- Quick listener Q&A on doubles rules, her superpower, and least favorite Slam
This was an enlightening and fun conversation that I know you'll enjoy. Watch Katerina in the singles and doubles (with Taylor Townsend) at this year's US Open!
Learn more about Katerina & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Dan Kiernan on Coaching Roles, Partnership Breakups, His 105% Rule, The Top of WTA Doubles, & More
Coach Dan Kiernan returns to the show, this time with Tennis Tribe doubles writer Hanlon Walsh from the Cincinnati Open.They discussed Dan's role coaching an ATP and a WTA doubles player in the same …
Notes de l’épisode
Coach Dan Kiernan returns to the show, this time with Tennis Tribe doubles writer Hanlon Walsh from the Cincinnati Open.
They discussed Dan's role coaching an ATP and a WTA doubles player in the same tournament. You'll hear specifics on logistical planning, team communication, and the stat-driven ideas that create sustainable success.
- Balancing coaching duties across two players with different routines
- Deciding which tournaments to play and why preparation often beats chasing points
- Dan's 105% rule
- How Gaby Dabrowski's partnership with Luisa Stefani compares to her previous partnership with Erin Routliffe
- Why doubles teams split or stay together
- Why "assumption-based communication" is dangerous - club players do this all the time
- The rankings and entry problem that forces creative partner choices
- The current women’s doubles landscape and why the majors reward top teams more
- Men’s doubles narratives and how ATP governance and ego is creating unnecessary problems
Learn more about Dan & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Quinn Gleason & Ulrikke Eikeri: Cincy R1, Their Partnership, Max String Tensions, & More
Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh chats with top-50 players Quinn Gleason and Ulrikke Eikeri right after their Cincinnati Open round-one win.They discuss the match, how their partnership has …
Notes de l’épisode
Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh chats with top-50 players Quinn Gleason and Ulrikke Eikeri right after their Cincinnati Open round-one win.
They discuss the match, how their partnership has clicked, what it takes to break into 1000-level events, and why WTA doubles feels deeper than ever.
- Match recap and the energy shift that wins the third set
- What aggression “on our terms” looks like in doubles
- Quinn’s ranking rise and the confidence of an experienced partner
- Ulrikke’s insanely tight string tension
- How the partnership started and how they learn week to week
- The reality of alternates and the fight to enter 1000-level tournaments
- Goals for the rest of the season
- Norway travel tips from Oslo plus Midwest hidden gems
- Dream mixed doubles partners and the Olympics hurdle
Learn more about Quinn & follow:
Learn more about Ulrikke & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Erin Routliffe & Aldila Sutjiadi: Cincy R1, The DC Title, Winning as a TEAM, & More
Erin Routliffe and Aldila Sutjiadi are one of the hottest teams on the WTA Tour right now, having won the DC Open several weeks ago.Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh caught up with Erin and Dila …
Notes de l’épisode
Erin Routliffe and Aldila Sutjiadi are one of the hottest teams on the WTA Tour right now, having won the DC Open several weeks ago.
Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh caught up with Erin and Dila after their round one win in Cincinnati. They discussed the victory, their DC run, and their partnership. I especially liked Dila's thoughts on playing great doubles as an individual vs winning as a team.
- Executing a match plan early and surviving momentum swings
- Using return games to create constant pressure
- How they handle deuce points
- Building confidence from the Washington, DC title run
- A career-shaping US Open match and a tense fan moment
- Lessons from playing with different partners and managing emotions as a team
- Favorite SEC memories and what college tennis teaches
- Living in the South, from food to basketball and football culture
Learn more about Erin & follow:
Learn more about Aldila & follow:
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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**
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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**Chapitres
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The Cruelest Game with Matt Futterman: Why Players Quit, Their Childhoods, and Happiness Compared to Other Sports
Matt Futterman is an award-winning sports journalist for The Athletic and New York Times. His new book is The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis.This is a fascinating conversation about the …
Notes de l’épisode
Matt Futterman is an award-winning sports journalist for The Athletic and New York Times. His new book is The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis.
This is a fascinating conversation about the book and why professional tennis can feel uniquely brutal, even for the best players in the world.
We talk through the childhood pipeline, the mental load of constant losing, and what separates the era of Serena, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic from the stars trying to survive now.
- Why tennis players walk away at their peak in a way players in other sports don't
- The hidden costs of junior tennis: money, travel, isolation, and identity
- Conditional love and pressure from family expectations
- Why “winning feels like relief” at the top and why that is dangerous
- Resilience tools: staying present, bouncing back after bad points, learning under stress
- Why legends struggle to retire and how greatness becomes a trap
- What the ATP doubles cuts get wrong about the real problem
- Practical ideas for doubles: format, scheduling, atmosphere, and rules
Purchase Matt's new book on Amazon: The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis
Learn more about Matt & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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AMA: Dropshots, Overheads, Fixing Double Faults, & Developing a 2nd Serve
In this AMA episode, I answer Tennis Tribe member questions with simple doubles strategy rules for drop shots, overheads against lobbers, and cutting down double faults.I also share how I think about building a …
Notes de l’épisode
In this AMA episode, I answer Tennis Tribe member questions with simple doubles strategy rules for drop shots, overheads against lobbers, and cutting down double faults.
I also share how I think about building a second serve you can trust, as well as starting and recovery positions at the net.
- Drop shot rules and the best place to hit drop shots from
- Why your drop shot doesn't have to land short
- The best overhead targets
- When letting a lob bounce makes sense
- The causes of double faults at club level
- The easiest way to simplify your 2nd serve
- Members only: How to develop a reliable 2nd serve that doesn't get attacked
- Members only: Where to start at the net and how to move during your partner's baseline rally
Learn more about all my upcoming camps and Rally Trips at thetennistribe.com/camps/.
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**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**Chapitres
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DC Open Preview with Owner Mark Ein: Doubles Field, Mic'd Up Players, ATP Costs, & More
Mark Ein is the owner of the DC Open, an ATP and WTA 500 tournament starting on July 25. I spoke with Mark the week leading up to the tournament about how he has built the DC Open into one of the premier …
Notes de l’épisode
Mark Ein is the owner of the DC Open, an ATP and WTA 500 tournament starting on July 25. I spoke with Mark the week leading up to the tournament about how he has built the DC Open into one of the premier 500-level tournaments in the world.
We discuss doubles' role in the tournament, his passion for tennis, and plans for the 2026 tournament. Mark also shares his thoughts on the ATP doubles cuts.
- Mark’s background in sports and business, starting as a ball kid at the tournament
- Why he features star-driven doubles teams and actively recruits singles players into doubles
- What the final week of tournament operations really looks like behind the scenes
- 2026 upgrades to the fan experience including stadium upgrades, merch expansion, and the new “front porch” viewing area
- Why selling an all-day, all-week experience beats marketing individual players in tennis
- The advantages of a combined ATP & WTA 500 level event and why it is rarer than fans think
- How mic'd up doubles players can create must-watch social content and bring fans closer to strategy
- Does ATP doubles cost his tournament money?
Mark has some candid responses, and I appreciate his drive to promote and innovate our sport, something tennis needs. Be sure to watch the DC Open all next week!
Learn more about Mark & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Wimbledon Champion Coach Calvin Betton on the Title Run, Champions' Dinner, Return Strategy, & ATP Doubles News
I spoke with Coach Calvin Betton after a second Wimbledon doubles title in three years. Calvin coaches ATP #1, Henry Patten, as well as Luke Johnson. We discussed Henry's Wimbledon run with his doubles …
Notes de l’épisode
I spoke with Coach Calvin Betton after a second Wimbledon doubles title in three years. Calvin coaches ATP #1, Henry Patten, as well as Luke Johnson. We discussed Henry's Wimbledon run with his doubles partner, Harri Heliovaara, as well as return strategy and the recent news about ATP doubles cuts.
- Comparing the 2024 and 2026 Wimbledon runs
- Why “no free points” matters more than any "tiebreaker system”
- Balancing aggressive returns vs high-percentage returns by matchup and player profile
- Scouting a recent loss to Arevalo and Pavic
- Finding the right level of focus so pressure builds for your opponents across a match
- What the Wimbledon champions dinner is actually like behind the scenes
- Calvin's philosophy on the returner’s partner positioning
- How he views his role as a coach - I loved this answer
- Henry’s speech after winning the Wimbledon Final
- Reactions on the Wimbledon grounds when the doubles cuts were announced
- Why framing doubles as a product problem ignores marketing and sport economics
- Evidence from social media, ticketing, and packed courts that doubles has demand
Calvin is always a joy to have on the show because he brings strong opinions and insights that make you think.
Learn more about Calvin & follow:
- Host of the Tennis Unfiltered Podcast
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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**
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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**Chapitres
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Aldila Sutjiadi Interview: Wimbledon Prep, Partner Conversations, Indonesia Tennis, & Her Medical Scare
Aldila Sutjiadi is the #36 WTA doubles player coming off a grass court title in Bad Homburg alongside Vera Zvonareva. I spoke with Aldila a few days before Wimbledon, so we discussed her preparation, recent …
Notes de l’épisode
Aldila Sutjiadi is the #36 WTA doubles player coming off a grass court title in Bad Homburg alongside Vera Zvonareva. I spoke with Aldila a few days before Wimbledon, so we discussed her preparation, recent title, and more.
We talk through recovery choices, what actually creates doubles chemistry, and her health scare from a few years ago.
- Managing Wimbledon prep with smart on-site time and planned practice blocks
- Handling recovery day to day, including physio for specific pain
- Unpacking the French Open cramp and the role of heat and hydration
- What clicked with Vera Zvonareva in Bad Homburg
- Zvonareva's communications style (I loved this part)
- Grass-court doubles fundamentals, including staying low, first volleys, and serve-plus-one patterns
- Adjusting quickly across many partners by leaning on a hybrid baseline and net game
- Returning from a wrist injury and a sudden hearing-loss episode with vertigo and hospitalization
- Growing Instagram through wins, highlights, and connecting with Indonesian tennis fans
Aldila reached the second round in women's doubles and the quarterfinals in mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Follow Aldila on Instagram below and watch her throughout the 2026 season!
Learn more about Aldila & follow:
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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**
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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**Chapitres
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Reactions to the ATP Plans to Cut Doubles with Dan Kiernan
I talk with Dan Kiernan from Wimbledon about the proposed ATP doubles changes for 2028 and why doubles players feel blindsided by the messaging. We focus on transparency, intent, and respect, and what doubles …
Notes de l’épisode
I talk with Dan Kiernan from Wimbledon about the proposed ATP doubles changes for 2028 and why doubles players feel blindsided by the messaging. We focus on transparency, intent, and respect, and what doubles players can realistically do next if leadership will not share clear facts.
You'll also hear specific names who we believe may be pushing this agenda forward.
- Initial reactions from doubles players and coaches at Wimbledon
- Why “doubles isn’t sustainable” needs real definitions and data
- How ticket sales, streaming, sponsorship, and event value get misunderstood
- Respect as the foundation for any doubles growth plan
- Why intent matters
- How ATP governance differs from the WTA approach to player input
- What “closing the pathway” could mean for doubles specialists
- Likelihood the 2028 plan moves forward and why a fight is coming
- Practical advice for players: awareness, answers, and sticking together
- Why infighting helps leadership and weakens player leverage on revenue
This is a super informative conversation that I hope helps you better understand all the layers to this situation.
Learn more about Dan & follow:
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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.
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The ATP Doubles Debate with Ben Rothenberg: Should They Cut Doubles?
The ATP is rumored to be shrinking men’s doubles draws and shifting prize money over to singles, part of what has been a slow retreat from doubles over the past few decades.I don't agree with the decision …
Notes de l’épisode
The ATP is rumored to be shrinking men’s doubles draws and shifting prize money over to singles, part of what has been a slow retreat from doubles over the past few decades.
I don't agree with the decision and wanted to talk with someone who understands the ATP's side. Ben Rothenberg is a journalist who broke the news about the potential plans yesterday. He's also been on the show before (listen here).
Ben shares what he knows about what's happening, and the case the ATP has to make such a decision. I attempt to analyze the business logic, the marketing failures, and what it would take for doubles to grow without relying on singles stars.
We discuss:
- The reported draw size reductions at Masters 1000 and other ATP events
- Product 28 and why 2028 becomes a turning point
- Prize money reallocation from doubles to lower-ranked singles players
- Crowding, practice court access, and tournament footprint as drivers
- Why late-round doubles is valued more than early rounds
- Tennis TV production issues and how the viewing experience shapes demand
- Singles specialization and why the ATP singles players rarely play doubles
- The chicken and egg problem of marketing doubles
- What makes a “star” in tennis
- Social media and highlight restrictions that limit player promotion
- Whether a smaller doubles circuit could create more prominence
I'm not exactly satisfied with the conclusion of this conversation, but I want to keep it going to help move tennis and doubles forward.
Feel free to react by posting to Ben (@BenRothenberg) and me (@WillBoucek) on Twitter.
Learn more about Ben & follow:
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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**Chapitres
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Anna Danilina Interview: Ad Court Returning, Developing Belief, Lessons from Coaches, & Her Sweet Tooth
Anna Danilina, a 4-time major finalist and 2023 US Open mixed doubles champion, is ranked #6 in the world in doubles. She and Aleksandra Krunic are the #2 team in the 2026 race to the WTA Finals. I spoke with …
Notes de l’épisode
Anna Danilina, a 4-time major finalist and 2023 US Open mixed doubles champion, is ranked #6 in the world in doubles. She and Aleksandra Krunic are the #2 team in the 2026 race to the WTA Finals. I spoke with her recently as she prepared for Wimbledon.
We discussed her development over the last several years, mental resets during matches, and how to create belief in yourself. She also shares tactical details you can steal for your own matches, including mixed doubles adjustments and an ad-court return drill that makes big serves feel slower.
- Her favorite off-court things to do at tournaments
- Influences from watching great champions and what she studies in elite doubles play
- Playing doubles on grass
- Building belief through repetition, preparation, and proof in practice
- College tennis benefits and her time at Florida
- How she decided to focus on doubles full-time after trying to do both
- Why her partnership with Alex clicks and how they approach Grand Slams
- The spontaneous mixed doubles sign-in that led to a US Open title with Harri Heliovaara in 2023
- Ad-court return tips and advice
- What could help pro doubles draw bigger crowds
Anna has become one of the WTA's top doubles players a great one to study. Watch her this week at Wimbledon and throughout the 2026 season!
Learn more about Anna & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Albano Olivetti Interview: The 160 MPH Serve, Team Chemistry, Grass vs Clay, & More
Albano Olivetti is the #22-ranked doubles player on the ATP tour. He recently won a grass court title in Halle and owns the record for the 2nd fastest serve of all time.In this brief conversation, we unpack …
Notes de l’épisode
Albano Olivetti is the #22-ranked doubles player on the ATP tour. He recently won a grass court title in Halle and owns the record for the 2nd fastest serve of all time.
In this brief conversation, we unpack what really wins on fast courts and why he and his partner, Theo Arribage, feel confident right now. Albano shares practical serve and return lessons, plus his perspective on building a doubles partnership that keeps getting better.
- What they learned from 's-Hertogenbosch that helped them win the Halle ATP 500 Title
- What changes when you move from clay to grass, especially with the bounces and slice
- The story behind his 160 mph serve and why the ATP doesn't count it
- Serve advice for people who are not close to 7 feet tall 😆
- Committing to doubles after COVID and why it fit his game
- Learning from fellow French doubles star, Nicolas Mahut - improving return technique, and using simple return patterns
- How he's made steady ranking progress
- Handling different vs consistent partners on tour
- What makes his chemistry with Theo work, from tactics to technical adjustments - they have four titles in 2026
- Goals for the season, with the ATP Finals as the target
- Honest thoughts on making pro doubles more popular and what support is missing
Follow Albano on Instagram below and watch him play this year on Tennis Channel Plus and Tennis TV.
Learn more about Albano & follow:
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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.
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Return Deep Dive: The Best Targets, Backhands, Lobs, Handling Power, Spin, Variety, & More
This is another AMA episode where I focus on the return of serve. Perhaps the most important shot in doubles, and certainly the least practiced.I break down why the return of serve is misunderstood and how I …
Notes de l’épisode
This is another AMA episode where I focus on the return of serve. Perhaps the most important shot in doubles, and certainly the least practiced.
I break down why the return of serve is misunderstood and how I think about practicing and implementing effective returns. I also dig into consistency, targets, patterns, deuce vs ad court, and tactics for the return.
- Why returns and groundstrokes are not the same thing.
- One common mistake that you should fix to reduce return errors.
- The two biggest return priorities.
- Crosscourt vs down-the-line vs lob returns.
- What to look for to determine your best return options.
- Members Only: How to handle variety - fast, slow, spin, flat, and weak 2nd serves.
- Members Only: How to cut your return errors from the deuce court.
- Members Only: A practice plan for improving your returns.
Become a Tennis Tribe Member to access the full episode.
Upcoming Camps & Trips:
- Dallas-Fort Worth Doubles Strategy Camp: August 15-16, 2026
- NYC Doubles Strategy Camp: September 3-4, 2026
- Rally Trip: US Open - September 4-7, 2026
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**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**Chapitres
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AMA: Baseline Role, Backhand Volley Fix, How to Beat 2-up, & More
This AMA episode covers a variety of topics, including net position, formations, and strategy frameworks. A few of the lessons are from a tight mixed doubles match that I recently played, while the others are …
Notes de l’épisode
This AMA episode covers a variety of topics, including net position, formations, and strategy frameworks. A few of the lessons are from a tight mixed doubles match that I recently played, while the others are from Tennis Tribe Members.
- When is I-formation a bad idea?
- Why I recently told my partner to stand in two different positions on my return points.
- When should the baseline player change something? (including how to handle inactive partners at net)
- Members only: My backhand volley pops up and floats every time. How do I fix it?
- Members only: How and when to add new strokes to your game. In this case, a semi-western forehand.
- Members only: What to do against two tall players who rush the net.
- Members only: The deuce court returner has a great crosscourt forehand. What should we do?
We only have 2 rooms left for the Rally Trip at the US Open!
If you're interested and want to sign up for the Doubles Camp from September 3-4, you can email me: [email protected].
If you're not a Tennis Tribe member and want this full episode, learn more and sign up here.
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**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**Chapitres
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Mental Toughness, Strategies for Nervous Players, & Misconceptions with Greg Kusnierz
Greg Kusnierz is a mental performance coach who works with junior and adult tennis players seeking to play better under pressure. Most tennis coaches' and mental gurus' advice about nerves turns me …
Notes de l’épisode
Greg Kusnierz is a mental performance coach who works with junior and adult tennis players seeking to play better under pressure. Most tennis coaches' and mental gurus' advice about nerves turns me off, but Greg's approach is practical and has actually helped my players on the court.
We discuss why every tennis player gets nervous and how to turn that energy into better decisions instead of tighter swings. We also share practical tools you can use between points so your match level looks more like your practice level.
- Why nerves show up for every human and how they look different across players
- What mental toughness means as a trainable skill, not a personality trait
- How to measure pressure
- The biggest misconceptions about nerves, pressure, and mental coaching
- Why “just play more matches” and “be positive” fail as advice
- How the Three R method helps you re-frame fast
- How changing your wording shifts your focus from outcomes to controllable actions
- The BFS between points reset: breathing, feel, statement
- Doubles specific advice: acknowledge your partner, ask questions, communicate under stress, be a cheerleader
Greg will be joining our US Open Rally Trip, where he'll present as a guest speaker. Early bird pricing is available through June 14!
Learn more about Greg & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Nicole Melichar-Martinez: Warmup & Practice Routines, On-Court Smiling, Clay Season, & Food Rec
We catch up with Nicole Melichar-Martinez from Rome and unpack the day-to-day life behind WTA doubles, from gym sessions and practice blocks to physio, massage, and travel logistics. We also zoom out on the …
Notes de l’épisode
We catch up with Nicole Melichar-Martinez from Rome and unpack the day-to-day life behind WTA doubles, from gym sessions and practice blocks to physio, massage, and travel logistics. We also zoom out on the clay season, her Stuttgart win, team chemistry, and the mindset shift Nicole is making to stay present when momentum flips fast.
- Favorite clay-season meal in Stuttgart and the no-menu restaurant experience
- How a Rome tournament day is structured from gym to practice
- How tour physios and tournament massage work, including booking and priority
- What clicked in Stuttgart with Samsonova, and why indoor clay suits her game
- How doubles prep changes when partners are singles-focused
- Billie Jean King Cup, the Olympics, and playing for Team USA
- What makes Siniakova and Townsend so tough, and how to scout a streaking team
- What she's doing on the court to help her play better under pressure and enjoy the moments (you should do this too!)
Nicole has advanced to the Rome quarterfinals alongside Cristina Bucsa. Be sure to follow along throughout the rest of the year. You can watch all her doubles matches on Tennis Channel Plus.
Learn more about Nicole & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Marcus Daniell Interview: Doubles Advice, Career Reflections, and Effective Giving with High Impact Athletes
Marcus Daniell is an Olympic Bronze Medalist and former top 35 ATP doubles player who reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the Australian Open. He also founded High Impact Athletes, a company that …
Notes de l’épisode
Marcus Daniell is an Olympic Bronze Medalist and former top 35 ATP doubles player who reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the Australian Open. He also founded High Impact Athletes, a company that connects professional athletes with high-impact charities.
Gaby Dabrowski recently launched a fundraising campaign with HIA called Gaby's Games for Good to help protect women and girls from violence.
👉 DONATE TO GABY'S CAMPAIGN HERE
This episode digs into charities, giving, and, of course, doubles!
- How Gaby’s Games for Good works and how the 1 in 3 Fund makes a huge difference in protecting women and girls
- Why Marcus shifted from singles to doubles and what he would change about that timeline
- The “Chapel of Bull$&*t” lesson from coach David Sammel
- How to train full mental presence in short bursts
- What Marcus’s doubles style looks like and how to beat him
- The Tokyo Olympic bronze story with Michael Venus and what he did when he felt burnt out
- A practical three-step approach to handling nerves in tiebreakers and closing moments
- Net positioning tips for the server’s partner and the returner’s partner
- What could make pro doubles more popular, including stable teams and better storytelling
- Why High Impact Athletes exists and how effective giving can multiply the impact of each dollar
I learned a ton in this one, especially as Marcus described his Olympic story. I also hope you'll join me in donating below.
HIA Links:
Learn more about Marcus & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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3 Lessons from Tennis Summit 2026 with Mehrban Iranshad
Mehrban Iranshad is the founder of Tennis Summit, an online tennis conference for club players who want to improve. I've presented at the conference for four years in a row and have a presentation this …
Notes de l’épisode
Mehrban Iranshad is the founder of Tennis Summit, an online tennis conference for club players who want to improve. I've presented at the conference for four years in a row and have a presentation this year on doubles formations (live now).
Sign up for here to watch my presentation. You'll also get access to lessons from other coaches like Paul Annacone, the former coach of Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, 19x grand slam champion Gigi Fernandez, Jonathan Stokke, and more.
In this podcast, Mehrban covers his 3 favorite lessons from Tennis Summit so far.- The best volley targets from Peter Freeman.
- Anticipation tips from Louis Cayer.
- Australian formation benefits from... me 🙂
I also discussed a few other doubles strategies in this one. If you're serious about improving your game, do not miss this opportunity to learn for free.
Sign up for Tennis Summit here.-----
**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**Chapitres
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AMA: Frustrating Partners, Attacking I-Formation, Practice Themes, Lobs, and more...
In this AMA episode, I answer questions from players I've coached recently, as well as Tennis Tribe Members.You'll learn how to respond when an opponent has a clear pattern that keeps beating you, an …
Notes de l’épisode
In this AMA episode, I answer questions from players I've coached recently, as well as Tennis Tribe Members.
You'll learn how to respond when an opponent has a clear pattern that keeps beating you, an in-depth breakdown of I-Formation, practice ideas, and how to play with non-strategically minded partners.
The first 3 are free to all, while you'll need to become a member for the last 3.
- How to handle someone who hits sharp angles.
- What to do if someone keeps lobbing the return vs the I-formation.
- How to play doubles with a partner who isn't interested in strategy and just "smacks the ball."
- Member only: The best way to attack the I-formation, and what to consider.
- Member only: All the different ways to cover the lob after you get a short, approach shot.
- Member only: 12+ themed practice ideas for a 90-minute clinic, and how I think about planning drills.
If you're in the Miami area and want to sign up for my doubles camp on April 18-19, we do have a couple of spots left. Shoot me an email (will[at]thetennistribe.com) or sign up here.
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**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**Chapitres
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Andy Fitzell Interview: Knowing Your Partner's Brain Type, Learning as a Coach, Serve Changes, & More
Andy Fitzell is the coach of rising US doubles stars JJ Tracy and Robert Cash. I spoke with Andy at Indian Wells to unpack how a pro team actually prepares, competes, and keeps improving when the margins are …
Notes de l’épisode
Andy Fitzell is the coach of rising US doubles stars JJ Tracy and Robert Cash. I spoke with Andy at Indian Wells to unpack how a pro team actually prepares, competes, and keeps improving when the margins are almost invisible.
We dig into scouting, training plans, partner psychology, and what tennis needs to change for doubles to get the attention it deserves.
- Match-day practice and routines at Indian Wells
- The use of film for both scouting and technical improvement
- Learning doubles through Vic Braden, Steve Smith, and other coaching mentors
- Developing JJ and Robert as individuals and as a team
- Using brain typing to tailor coaching, improve communication, and reduce friction
- Changing serve technique and improving net play with video, rationale, and practice
- Why change feels hard, and how daily reps overwrite old habits
- Managing expectations after breakout results and staying with the process
- Learning from losses by reviewing video and spotting repeatable patterns
- The doubles scoring system and what could make doubles more popular
Andy is a walking encyclopedia of tennis knowledge, so I'm sure I'll have him on again in the future. Be sure to watch JJ Tracy and Robert Cash on Tennis TV and TC Plus this year!
Links:
Learn more about Andy & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Jan Zielinski & Luke Johnson: On-Court Emotions, Partnership Dynamics, Good Practice, Mixed Doubles, & More
Jan Zielinski and Luke Johnson are both top 30 ATP doubles players who recently reached the Australian Open semifinals. I sat down with them at Indian Wells to talk about what clicked early in their new …
Notes de l’épisode
Jan Zielinski and Luke Johnson are both top 30 ATP doubles players who recently reached the Australian Open semifinals. I sat down with them at Indian Wells to talk about what clicked early in their new partnership, the season so far, and more. We spoke about emotional intensity, brutally close losses, mixed doubles, and why doubles still isn’t marketed like the product it can be.
- What “great practice” looks like and why small gains matter
- How the partnership forms and how offseason training actually works
- Early-season lessons from Australia plus grit in tight moments
- Building points for your partner instead of chasing hero shots
- Sets versus drills and how to use match data fast
- Where Jan's on-court emotion comes from, plus the benefits and downsides
- Their crazy loss in Acapulco and how they process it
- Mixed doubles strategy with Hsieh Su-wei (they won two Grand Slams in 2024)
- What to change about US Open mixed doubles access
- Why ATP doubles marketing lags, plus simple fixes like better highlights
Jan and Luke are one of the most entertaining teams to watch on the pro tour, with amazing return skills, impressive volleys, and highlight points. Watch them throughout the 2026 season on Tennis TV and Tennis Channel Plus.
Learn more about Jan & follow:
Learn more about Luke & follow:
- ATP Profile
- Wikipedia
- Previous interviews with Luke:
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**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**Chapitres
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David Collins Interview: Volley Drills, 3 Fears at the Net, & Developing Doubles Players
David Collins is the coach of Grand Slam-winning ATP doubles players John Peers and Michael Venus. I spoke with him at Indian Wells to get practical advice about doubles training, from tour-level first-volley …
Notes de l’épisode
David Collins is the coach of Grand Slam-winning ATP doubles players John Peers and Michael Venus. I spoke with him at Indian Wells to get practical advice about doubles training, from tour-level first-volley reps to simple technique fixes that instantly change your net game. We also dig into why club players fear the net, how to build a better doubles player over a year, and what pro doubles needs to grow.
- How John Peers preps the day before a match with scouting, serve-plus-one priorities, and specific volley patterns
- Michael Venus’s injury update, return plan, and what a long rehab block demands
- The catch-to-volley drill that keeps the hand in front and stops the shoulder turn that causes late contact
- A high-speed server's partner drill that trains angle volleys, poaches, split-step timing, and lob awareness
- A simple development plan for club doubles players that sharpens strengths while raising weak areas
- The three net fears and concrete fixes for passing lanes, lobs, overheads, and getting jammed
- Why pro doubles struggles for visibility, and what better streaming and promotion could change
- How to pair partners at the club level by matching comfort zones and contrasting skills
Upcoming Doubles Camps:
- Dallas-Fort Worth: https://thetennistribe.com/camps/fort-worth/
- Miami: https://racksandraquets.com/pages/miami-doubles-strategy-weekend-with-will-boucek
Learn more about David & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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Jeff Coetzee Interview: Developing Belief, Overcoming Losses, Serve Drill, & the AO Run
Coach Jeff Coetzee is one of the top doubles minds in our sport. He reached a career high of #12 in the world during his playing career, and has since coached some of the best doubles teams on tour, including …
Notes de l’épisode
Coach Jeff Coetzee is one of the top doubles minds in our sport. He reached a career high of #12 in the world during his playing career, and has since coached some of the best doubles teams on tour, including Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal.
Today, he coaches the top WTA doubles team in 2026, Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic. I spoke with Jeff at Indian Wells to unpack their season so far and how he's helped develop Danilina into the player she is today. One of the topics we focus heavily on is belief.
- Early-season surge built on defined roles and aggression
- Training the net player to disrupt and own first volleys
- Belief built through daily target serving and measured wins
- Timing poaches and varying return patterns against singles hitters
- Practicing volleys from behind the service line for real points
- Post‑match debriefs tailored to player personalities
- Seven-in-a-row serve drills to simulate pressure
- Playing to win with a lead, not protecting it
- Learning from finals losses to break through in Doha
- Ideas to promote and grow doubles
Jeff's team is still in the tournament at Indian Wells, so be sure to watch them on Tennis Channel Plus throughout the weekend and the 2026 season.
Learn more about Jeff & follow:
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**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**Chapitres
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