The Functional Tennis Podcast

How much time should your child spend on court and when does more practice stop helping?

Coach Piotr Sierzputowski returns to the Functional Tennis Podcast to discuss one of the questions I hear most often from parents. Focusing on players aged 16–18, we explore his approach to training hours, why the quality of each session matters, and why adding more practice isn’t always the answer.

We chat about group versus individual training, balancing tennis with fitness and school, and recognising when a player needs more recovery. We also catch up on his coaching journey and the...

Jonas Eriksson, aka Tennisnerd, is back for our annual racket catch-up on the Functional Tennis Podcast.

We discuss why the new Babolat Pure Aero has divided opinion, why players are stocking up on the 2023 version, and whether Wilson can take the crown in our Racket of the Year vote.

We also get into the latest from Head, Dunlop and Tecnifibre, why some pros switch back to their old rackets, and the balance between power, spin, control and comfort. Plus, Jonas talks about his Toroline string collaboration and reveals the racket he’d reach for with a...

What makes the HEAD Prestige so special, and where does it fit in today’s game?

I am joined by Max Defregger, HEAD’s Global Business Unit Manager for Tennis Rackets, Bags and Accessories, to celebrate 25 years of the iPrestige and explore the two rackets marking the occasion: the iPrestige MP 2.0 and the Prestige Limited.

Max takes us behind the scenes of bringing a classic back, explaining what HEAD wanted to preserve from the original and how the more forgiving Prestige Limited offers a modern interpretation of that familiar feel.

We discuss:

Ryan Peniston left his family at just 13 years old to move to France and pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player. After five years there, he moved to the United States to play college tennis at the University of Memphis spending nine formative years away from home.

In this episode, Ryan reflects on the sacrifices involved and whether he would make the same decision again. He also discusses reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 123, defeating Casper Ruud at Queen’s, playing at Wimbledon and the injuries that have disrupted his career.

We al...

College tennis has never been stronger on court… but behind the scenes, major changes are happening.

In this episode, I’m joined by ITA CEO Dave Mullins to break down what’s really going on in US college tennis right now.

We discuss NIL deals, players getting paid, why some universities are cutting tennis programmes, and whether the current system is sustainable long term.

We also chat about:

While at the Italian Open in Rome with ASICS, I got the chance to sit down with Luciano Darderi for this mini episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast.

Luciano talks about growing up between Argentina and Italy, being coached by his dad, and why his family sacrificed so much to help him pursue professional tennis. He also shares what changed as he climbed the rankings, what separates the very best players from the rest, and what it actually feels like practising and competing against players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

We also chat about...

In this short episode from the Italian Open in Rome, I sit down with Mattia Bellucci for a quick chat about his journey from an average junior career to breaking into the ATP Top 100.

Mattia talks about growing up in Italy, being coached by his dad, why he decided to stop focusing on juniors and jump into Futures events early, and what changed once he started competing at ATP level. He also shares what it feels like playing in Rome in front of the Italian crowd and his move to becoming an official ASICS Tennis athlete this...

What does it actually take to compete at the top level in under-12 tennis today?

In this episode, I’m at the IMG Future Stars in Greece, where some of the best young players in the world come together to compete, learn, and experience life at a high-performance event.

I sit down with Sebastian Lavie to get his perspective as a coach on what’s changed over the last few years, what stands out at this level now, and what players really need if they want to progress.

We talk about the level of t...

I tried something new.

For a long time, I’ve talked about starting a YouTube channel where I get back on court and test myself against players better than me. The reality is, I never really had the time to do it properly.

Now I’ve finally started.

In this first video, I take on one of Ireland’s best players, Sinead Lohan, to see how I stack up and to explore the level difference.

This is the first of many, and I’m still figuring out the format, so I’d really a...

Over the past 12 months, I’ve been working with biomechanics researcher Dr Nick Busuttil to better understand one simple question…

Does the Functional Tennis Saber actually improve your game?

In this episode, we dive into the findings from that research and what really happens when players train with a constraint racket.

We discuss how the Saber influences stroke mechanics, why players may initially feel less accurate, and how that “useful struggle” can actually help build better timing, contact awareness and more consistent strokes over time.

Nick also explains why tools like the Sabe...

Marc Polmans is now ranked inside the top 60 in doubles after making the Australian Open doubles final but he still sees himself as a singles player.

In this episode, we talk about the reality of balancing singles ambition with doubles opportunity, and how one Grand Slam run can shift your season financially, mentally, and strategically.

Marc shares:

Justin Van Malderen from Luxilon is back on the Functional Tennis Podcast.

At the 2025 US Open, 55% of the Top 100 were using Luxilon strings. In this episode, we discuss why.

We talk about falling string tensions on tour, how modern powerful rackets are changing string demands, and why today’s aggressive baseline game requires more durability and control than ever.

We also dive into why I chose Luxilon Element for the FT99 racket, how it compares to 4G and Alu Power, and who it’s best suited for.

Justin shares insight into Saba...

In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Yuhi Tanigaki, Product Manager for Tennis Footwear at ASICS, to go behind the scenes of the new Solution Speed FF4.

Yuhi plays a central role in shaping ASICS tennis shoes, working closely with designers, researchers, professional athletes, and recreational players to turn feedback into real on court performance.

We cover what actually goes into building a modern tennis shoe and how small changes can make a big difference.

In this episode, we discuss:

A brief catchup with whats been going on at Functional Tennis

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, Fabio chats with Jonas Eriksson, better known as Tennis Nerd, the go-to voice in the tennis world for rackets.

With the Functional Tennis Racket of the Year competition underway, Fabio and Jonas break down the most talked-about rackets of 2025, what to expect from the 2026 launches, and why so many pros are playing with blacked-out frames. They also dive into Wilson’s upcoming Pure Aero-style spin racket, shifts in pro player trends, and what makes the modern racket scene more competitive than ever.

If you love tennis gear talk, th...

This week I’m joined once again by Dutch ATP player Jesper de Jong, who has continued his steady rise on the professional circuit.

Since our last chat, Jesper has broken into the top 100, reached his first ATP final at the Swedish Open, and played a key role for the Netherlands in Davis Cup. We talk about what feels different now that he’s inside the top 100, the lessons he’s learned from the tour grind, and how he balances results with enjoying the process. Jesper also shares insights from training blocks in Bali, the unforgettable match that s...

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined once again by Portuguese player Jaime Faria, who continues to make strides on the ATP Tour.

Since our last chat, Jaime has broken into the top 100, won two Challenger titles, and battled through Grand Slam qualifying winning 11 of his last 12 matches and even sneaking into the US Open as a lucky loser. One of the standout moments of his year was facing Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, an experience that gave him a clear view of what it takes to compete with the very best.

...

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined once again by Garry Cahill, one of Ireland’s most respected coaches, former Davis Cup captain, and Performance Director at Tennis Ireland.

In this episode, Garry dives into the realities of tennis parenting and why every family’s journey is unique. He explains why no two kids are the same, why parents shouldn’t try to copy someone else’s pathway, and how circumstances from finances to geography to coaching support, make every story different.

We also talk about the challenges parents face in the early year...

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined by John Williams, coach and mentor to world number 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend.

John’s approach to coaching is anything but conventional. He doesn’t just build tennis players, he builds characters. In this chat we talk about the characteristics he looks for in players, how his outside-the-box thinking shapes their development, and why mindset and life skills are just as important as technique.

Key Topics

🎾 The traits that separate good players from great ones

🧠 Why developing character is as important as developin...

In this episode, I chat with 17-year-old American wheelchair tennis player Charlie Cooper, a rising star who’s already claimed 2 junior wheelchair singles Grand Slam titles.

Born with spina bifida, Charlie’s journey into tennis started with local clinics and has now taken him to the top levels of junior competition. He shares how making the decision to go full-time in 2023 completely changed his development, both mentally and physically.

We talk about the improvements he’s seen since going all in, the structure of wheelchair tennis, his tournament experiences, and what he hopes to achieve in the...

🎙️ This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Dasha Vidmanova, the former US College #1 player and 2024 NCAA singles, doubles, and team champion.

Born in Moscow and raised in Prague, Dasha’s journey through tennis has been anything but linear. From nearly walking away from the sport to becoming a dominant force in college tennis, she now has her sights set on making waves on the pro tour.

We chat about:

📍 How college tennis reignited her passion for the game

🎓 Why she initially didn’t plan to turn pro

💪 Learning t...

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by American ATP player Aleks Kovacevic, currently ranked #77 ATP

Aleks takes us through his surprising journey to the pro tour, from not thinking he’d ever go pro to finding belief during college and climbing the ATP rankings, including a big win over world #5 Andrey Rublev. He opens up about learning to lose, building confidence, and handling pressure on tour.

We also dive into his one-handed backhand, how he approaches training and improvement, and why he’s added the Functional Tennis Saber to his warmup to hel...

In this episode, I speak with Clinton Coleman, Senior Scout at IMG Tennis, who helped discover and guide some of the sport’s brightest young talents, including Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Eala, Mirra Andreeva at 11. Clinton shares what he really looks for in juniors, why mindset often matters more than strokes, and how parents can either help or hinder a player’s development. We also chat about the biggest scouting misconceptions and what separates good from great in today’s tennis landscape.

This week I’m joined by Luca Van Assche, one of France’s top young players and a former Roland Garros junior champion. We chat about his fast rise to the ATP top 70, what it really takes to make the jump from juniors to the pros, and how Futures helped build his resilience and confidence. Luca opens up about the pressure of expectations, how he’s managing a ranking drop, and why balancing university studies with tennis keeps him grounded. There’s loads of insight here into how belief, hard work, and enjoying the game really shape a career.

🗣️...

Liam Broady returns to the Functional Tennis Podcast to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of his 11-year pro journey. From dealing with a concussion just before Wimbledon to learning how to separate self-worth from rankings, Liam opens up on the mental battles that come with life on tour. He also shares what a conversation with Pep Guardiola taught him, and why sacrifices though tough are worth it in the long run.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes:

1. “You’ve got to be willing to make sacrifices that people don’t see.”

2. “You have to learn not to tie your...

In this episode, I’m joined by rising Argentine star Francisco Comesaña, currently sitting inside the ATP top 70. Francisco shares the grind of coming up through Futures with no funding, how a mindset shift helped him break through, and what it was like beating top names like Rublev and Zverev. We also talk about his first Slam experience at Wimbledon, what it’s like playing on grass for the first time, and why belief, fueled by hard work has been the key to his rise.

✅ 5 Takeaway Points

1. Breaking through in Argentina is tough without sponsor...

The return of Joe O'Dwyer to the Function Tennis Podcast marks a significant occasion, as it has been five years since his previous appearance. In this enlightening conversation, O'Dwyer, a seasoned ATP and WTA coach, reflects upon his extensive career on the tour, which began in 1999 and has traversed through various eras of tennis. He recounts his experiences coaching notable players such as Robbie Ginepri and Alexander Stevenson, shedding light on the mental fortitude required to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. The discussion delves into the often-overlooked realities of life on the tour, emphasizing the...

In this episode, Lorenzo Petrucci, performance coach to WTA top-20 player Liudmila Samsonova, shares his journey from a tennis-playing student in Milan to working alongside some of the sport’s top talent. He reveals how success on tour is about far more than hitting balls, it’s about managing pressure, building smart routines, and knowing when (and how) to push. From insights learned under Ricardo Piatti to the importance of on-court collaboration with tennis coaches, Lorenzo gives an entire look into elite tennis's mental and physical demands.

🗣️ 3 Key Quotes:

1. “It’s not about how good you are—it’s...

In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast, host Fabio Molle interviews Pol Toledo, coach of Paula Badosa, discussing her journey, training methodologies, and challenges on the WTA Tour. Pol shares insights into his coaching philosophy, the impact of statistical analysis, and the importance of mental resilience in elite tennis. He also reflects on his transition from player to coach, his longstanding relationship with Badosa, and the challenges of managing injuries and performance on the tour.

5 Key points

Today I chat with Chris Lewitt, who recently updated his book, "Secrets of Spanish Tennis 2.0." Chris, a distinguished coach with extensive experience in the Spanish tennis system, elucidates ten pivotal lessons derived from his interactions with renowned Spanish coaches. These principles not only encapsulate the essence of Spanish tennis training but also offer actionable strategies for players and coaches alike. Throughout our discussion, Chris emphasizes the critical importance of footwork, mental resilience, and the tactical utilization of topspin in achieving success on the court. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies that have propelled Spanish players...

Today I chat with coach and author Adam Bilcher, who recently published a book called Winning Words. The book focuses on how good communication can improve tennis coaching, highlighting the importance of respect and understanding between coaches and players. Drawing from his experience with the Danish Tennis Federation and his podcast series, Adam shares insights into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching. The book is a helpful guide for both coaches and parents, showing how better communication can help players reach their full potential. In this conversation, we explore the key ideas from Adam’s book and discuss ho...

Fabio Molle sits down with Rene Zandbergen to discuss the exciting launch of the new ASICS Gel Resolution X tennis shoe at the ASICS Tennis Summit in Melbourne. Rene shares insights about his role in the shoe's development, emphasizing the shoe's enhanced comfort and innovative features, such as the Dyna Lacing system that allows for a customizable fit. The conversation delves into the extensive testing process with top players, highlighting how their feedback shaped the final product. Rene also addresses the shoe's durability and performance, making it an ideal choice for both competitive players and coaches who spend long...

I randomly came across the Yonex popup while in Melbourne and inside Darren Cahill (Coach of Jannik Sinner) was having a Q&A with some people so I joined in briefly.

Darren a former player has previously worked with Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi and Simona Halep.

The sound quality is lower than normal as I only had my phone and it was no...

Let's learn about Swing Speed, modern tennis and the New Tecnifibre T-Fight which has just launched.

The next-gen forehand has evolved and requires faster swing speed and more manoeuvrability. Tecnifibre has been tracking this with their tecnilab programme and today the head customizer Dieter Calle joins me alongside the Tecnifibre Chief Marketing Office Matthieu Bauduin to discuss why and how it has changed and how the. new T-Fight is aligned to these changes.

If you're interested in tennis and equipment there is plenty to learn in this episode and a new racket to consider for...

Jesper De Jong, a rising Dutch tennis player, shares his journey from a young athlete to competing on the world stage, including his experiences qualifying for his first Grand Slam and playing against top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. With a steady rise in rankings and a strong team behind him, Jesper emphasizes the importance of consistency and hard work in achieving his goals. He discusses the challenges of balancing training in a beautiful yet distracting location like Bali, while also reflecting on the camaraderie fostered by training with teammates. Jesper candidly reveals the impact of his...

Czech tennis player Linda Noskova joins Fabio Molle to discuss her impressive rise in the WTA rankings, achieving a spot in the top 25 by maintaining a consistent mindset and dedication to continuous improvement. At just 20 years old, Linda reflects on her journey since winning the French Open junior title in 2021 and shares insights on the importance of playing junior tournaments as a foundation for success. She emphasizes the significance of having realistic goals and the long journey it takes to transition from juniors to the professional circuit. Linda also touches on the supportive Czech tennis landscape, which has historically...

Jaime Faria, a promising 21-year-old Portuguese tennis player, has made an impressive leap in his career, climbing from a rank of 411 to a career-high 116 this year. Despite not being the top junior in Portugal and facing tough competition, Jaime chose to remain with the Portuguese Tennis Federation rather than pursue college tennis in the U.S. His journey is marked by an incredible run that includes winning four Futures titles and two Challenger titles, showcasing his determination and talent. In our conversation, Jaime opens up about his rise through the rankings, the support he received from the federation, and...

Join me, Fabio Molle, as I share my top 13 favorite products for tennis players that make perfect gifts for the upcoming season. From rackets to shoes, grips to training aids, I've curated a list that caters to every tennis enthusiast, whether they are just starting or are seasoned players.

One of the highlights of this episode is the Bablot Pure Aero, which has been voted our Racket of the Year for the second consecutive year, alongside the Wilson Blade as a close second. I also dive into my personal favourites from Asics shoes. Plus, I’ll touch on...

What does it truly mean to "make it" as a tennis player? In this episode, I delve into this question with Belgian player Kimmer Coppejans, a former junior French Open champion who reached the top 100 for a brief period. Kimmer shares his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis, including the mental challenges he faced, such as the yips and the struggle to regain confidence after injuries. He discusses the importance of consistency and the evolving landscape of the sport, where even players ranked outside the top 100 can pose serious threats. Additionally, Kimmer reflects on balancing life...

French tennis player Laurent Lokoli joins the Functional Tennis Podcast to share his journey through the highs and lows of professional tennis. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on individual game styles rather than just results, advising young players to stay true to their strengths. Throughout the conversation, Laurent discusses players' challenges on the circuit, including mental health and the pressures of consistency at different levels, from futures to the ATP tour. He reflects on his experiences qualifying for Grand Slams and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the sport. As he looks ahead to his future, Laurent expresses...