Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Control the Controllables

Fifteen months ago Toby Samuel was ranked 1,870 in the world, injured, out of college, and unable to get into the qualifying draw of a 15K.

This month he broke into the ATP top 100, made his Davis Cup debut at the Copper Box and won the first rubber for Great Britain to help them qualify for the Davis Cup Finals.

In 2025, Toby won 62 matches and climbed further up the rankings than any other male player in the world. He did it without fanfare, without headlines and by his own admission, still staying in the bedrooms at the National Tennis Centre.

This is a conversation about the mental side of the game more than anything else, and Toby's answer on competing is one of the best things we've had on this podcast. If you have a junior in your house, play them that bit twice!

In this episode:

• The Davis Cup call-up he wasn't expecting, and the most nervous he has ever been before a match.
• Losing the first set and finding a way back, and why that is now a pattern rather than a panic.
• "Everything is a choice." Toby on how he transformed the mental side of his game.
• What he says to his coaches before every single match, and why it has nothing to do with how he is hitting the ball.
• Why he has always preferred being the favourite, and what that has cost him against the top guys.
• Going from 1,870 in the world to the top 100 in fifteen months
• The bone bruising injury that wiped out his ranking, and the ATP Accelerator wildcard that turned it around
• Choosing South Carolina over Florida State, the decision that changed his career.
• What NIL money has done to college tennis, and why he thinks it needs a limit
• How he actually uses data, and the six-monthly meeting that shapes his development
• His honest view on the proposed ATP doubles changes
• The Quickfire Round

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Follow Control the Controllables: Instagram | YouTube | Website

Check out Tennis Athlete Here: https://www.sototennis.com/tennisathlete

Follow SotoTennis Academy Here: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis

Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

Two Retirements. Two Incredible Careers.

This week on Control the Controllables, we're marking the retirement of Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury, two of the finest doubles players of their generation and two of the most generous guests we´ve had on the show.

Between them: 6 major titles each. 4 men's doubles crowns together, including the Australian Open in 2020 and that remarkable US Open three-peat in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Joe became only the second British man ever to reach World Number 1, holding the position for 23 weeks. Rajeev picked up two Olympic silver medals, 32 ATP titles, 9 Masters titles.

Then this year, with barely any matches between them, they made the US Open semi-finals from nowhere. Form is temporary. Class is permanent.

We've gone back into the archives to pull out the moments from their episodes that we think every player, coach and parent should hear.

In this episode:

• Joe on the gap between belief and confidence, and why the two are not the same thing
• Rajeev on walking away from singles at 56 in the world to become a doubles specialist
• Following your heart when the decision is genuinely difficult, from college to retirement
• Why 11 partners in one year is the hardest way to build a career
• What Rajeev saw in Joe before anyone else did
• Joe on what he wants his legacy in British tennis to be
• Dan's challenge to British tennis: what happens when the Louis Cayer era ends?
• The Rajeev Ram Instagram post that everyone in this sport should read

Listen to Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury´s full episodes on CTC:

• Rajeev Ram - Multiple Grand Slam Champion
• Joe Salisbury - Double US Open Champion!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Follow CTC on Instagram
• Tennis Athlete - Online Strength & Conditioning for Performance Players
• SotoTennis Academy

What a US Open! We saw two new champions crowned in New York, plenty of our pre-tournament predictions were ripped up, and both draws gave us lots of storylines.

In our final Grand Slam Review episode of 2026, Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our panel:-

• Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
• Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid
• Coach, podcaster and former agent Johnny Delgado
• Kieron Vorster, Fitness Coach to Tem Henman, Dan Evans & Wayne Ferreria

As ever, this isn’t just a review of the results. The panel gets into the realities behind elite performance: handling pressure, managing expectations, coping with defeat, the role of parents and coaches, and what players at every level can learn from the very best in the game.

In this episode:

• Alexander Zverev finally gets his US Open moment beating Shelton in the final, and his emotional on-court speech about his mother and managing Type 1 diabetes.
• Ben Shelton´s breakthrough run to his first Grand Slam final
• Could 2027 give us a new “Big Three”? The panel discusses whether Zverev can now consistently challenge Alcaraz and Sinner.
• Rafael Jodar’s shock first-round exit despite being a dark-horse pick off the back of a career-best summer.
• Elena Rybakina defeats Aryna Sabalenka. Why Rybakina’s balance, composure and first-strike tennis caused Sabalenka so many problems in the final , and the panel discuss how the best players handle nerves differently.
• Serena Williams skipping press conferences again and the panel's take on tournaments letting stars off the hook.
• The strength of the women's draw: Zheng Qinwen's run through qualifying, Iva Jovic, Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff's continued dominance on and off the court
• The Djokovic debate: a first-round exit, falling out of the world's top 10 for the first time in over two decades, and whether he can still go deep in a Slam at 37.
• Wheelchair tennis: GB´s Alfie Hewett, Tokito Oda and the extraordinary standard at the top of the wheelchair game.
• Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison's men's doubles title, and the debate around the future and recognition of doubles tennis
• Katerina Siniakova keeps making history! Her continued dominance and double Golden Slam achievement.
• What happens next? The panel looks ahead to the remainder of 2026, including the race for year-end No.1, Holger Rune’s return, the Next Gen Finals and the WTA Finals.

There are plenty of disagreements, predictions and laughs along the way, but also some brilliant takeaways for players, parents and coaches on pressure, resilience, expectations and what really separates the very best when the biggest moments arrive.

🎧 Sit back and enjoy our US Open 2026 Review!

This episode is brought to you by Novellus: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Follow the Podcast here: Instagram | Facebook | Email us

SotoTennis Academy: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Follow the Podcast Here: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Follow Tennis Athlete Here: https://www.instagram.com/tennisathlete_sta/

Follow SotoTennis Academy Here: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/?hl=en

Email us: info@sototennis.com

US Open 2026 preview. Dan is joined by Freddie Nielsen, Denmark Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon doubles champion, Candy Reid live in New Yorks, and first-time guest Johnny Delgado, coach and podcaster.

In this episode:

• Are both the men’s and women’s draw wide open?
• Qinwen Zheng, Paris Olympic champion, coming through qualifying despite elbow surgery
• Stan Wawrinka getting a wildcard at the last minute and why the panel loves it
• Alcaraz, will he even make it to the court on day one and how far can he realistically go
• Men's and women's dark horse picks and winner predictions
• The Djokovic debate: can he recover match after match at nearly 40 and go deep in a slam?
• Debate around the future of doubles tennis

TennisAthlete provides age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete

Brought to you by Novellus: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

Follow the Podcast Here: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Follow Tennis Athlete Here: https://www.instagram.com/tennisathlete_sta/

Follow SotoTennis Academy Here: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/?hl=en

Email us: info@sototennis.com

You've drilled the technique. You've done the fitness. And still, in the match or the tiebreak, when you have chances to close out, something else takes over. That's not a skill you're missing. It's something that's never actually been measured, until now.

Click the link here for a FREE diagnostic: https://clutchquotient2026.scoreapp.com/

Ingrid Neel

Ingrid Neel was one of the most decorated US juniors of her generation, winning every Little Mo age group, a 10-and-under world championship in France, and the deciding match in the NCAA finals. Then came a slipped disc in Tokyo, wrist surgery, two and a half years away from the sport, and a ranking that dropped to zero.

A year on, she made the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, which was her best-ever Grand Slam result. On the court she loves most.

This episode is one of the most honest and warm conversations we've had on Control the Controllables. Ingrid speaks about injury, identity, friendship, family and what it really means to keep going when you've lost your relevance, your ranking and your answer to the question of who you are without the sport.

In this episode:

• Wimbledon quarterfinalist, reflecting on her best ever Grand Slam result a year after wrist surgery
• Being present at Wimbledon and the US Open while injured and not competing, and why it helped
• How she genuinely celebrated others' success while struggling herself
• Can you have true, real friendships in an individual sport and still be the ultimate competitor?
• The back injury that nearly ended her season in Tokyo, and how she won the tournament anyway
• The wrist surgery that made her question whether she'd ever play again
• Growing up in Minnesota, the Bollettieri Academy and Nick giving her open access
• Being a prodigy, winning every Little Mo age group and a 10-and-under world title in France
• Did the values her parents instilled help her, or hold her back?
• Self-worth, identity and who you are when the ranking says inactive
• Choosing to represent Estonia and the story of the grandmother she is named after
• The Quickfire Round

TennisAthlete provides age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete

Reaction to the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles event. Was it a success?

About Control the Controllables US Open Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest across the US Open fortnight, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds. Live on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Brought to you by Novellus: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

TennisAthlete delivers age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit https://linktr.ee/tennisathlete

Send your questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Follow the Podcast Here: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Follow Tennis Athlete Here: https://www.instagram.com/tennisathlete_sta/

Follow SotoTennis Academy Here: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/?hl=en

Day 1 of the Control the Controllables US Open Live series, recorded in New York City. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live across the US Open fortnight with tennis icons, coaches, players and special guests joining Dan from inside the grounds at Flushing Meadows.

In this episode:

• Will Boucek joins Dan live from New York
• The US Open Mixed Doubles new format - what changed, why, and whether it belongs at a Grand Slam
• 1st round picks and predictions across the full Mixed Doubles draw
• Doubles specialists vs singles stars and what it means for the sport
• Roger Federer on site at Flushing Meadows
• Dan's open coaching offer to Riley Opelka

About Control the Controllables US Open Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest across the US Open fortnight, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds. Live on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

TennisAthlete delivers age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete .

Follow the Podcast Here: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Follow Tennis Athlete Here: https://www.instagram.com/tennisathlete_sta/

Follow SotoTennis Academy Here: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/?hl=en

Email us: info@sototennis.com

Meet our panellists:

1. Denmark's Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen - currently coaching August Holmgren, who is in the final round of qualifying as we record.
2. GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.
3. Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.
4. Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid, Tennessee Vols alumna and one of the great voices of tennis.

The ATP is proposing to reshape men's doubles from 2028. Halved draws. Halved prize money. Doubles specialists effectively pushed out of the sport. In this episode, Dan takes on the proposals in a full debate segment, then reviews the fortnight at Wimbledon 2026 that has just wrapped up. Recorded after the Wimbledon Live series ended.

THE MAIN DEBATE: Should the ATP be allowed to kill men's doubles?

• The 2028 proposal in detail: doubles draws halved at Masters 1000s, prize money split shifted from 80-20 to 90-10 in favour of singles, Challenger Tour entry handed to singles players ahead of doubles specialists.

Our panelist discuss these proposals in depth.

In the Wimbledon 2026 Review:

• Sinner defends his title, 5th career Grand Slam, only 10th man in the Open Era to defend Wimbledon
• Linda Nosková becomes the youngest women's champion since Kvitova in 2011, in the first all-Czech final in the Open Era
• Arthur Fery's historic wildcard SF run, the deepest British men's Wimbledon run since Cameron Norrie in 2022
• Djokovic equals Federer's all-time record of 105 Wimbledon match wins
• Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid win their 7th Wimbledon men's wheelchair doubles title
• The 3 Czech Wimbledon women's champions in the last four years: Vondrousova (2023), Krejcikova (2024), and now Nosková (2026)
• The women's draw wide open: 10 different champions in 10 years, the longest streak in Wimbledon history

Timestamps

• 05:21 -Inside Sinner's fifth Slam: why he wins even when he's not at his best, and Vozzi breaks down his movement
• 09:06 - Arthur Fery's fairytale run: turning heroic losses into gritty wins, and what his future really looks like
• 16:36 - A new Alexander Zverev? How Roland Garros changed him, and dissecting that stunning first set of the final
• 22:14 - Djokovic at 39: the chase for 25, why his body can't do back-to-back matches anymore, and the Sinner semi
• 27:53 - Nosková's astonishing comeback from 6-2, 5-2 down, plus the truth about her "friendship" with Muchová
• 36:20 - The Doubles Debate Begins

About Control the Controllables

Hosted by Dan Kiernan, Director of SotoTennis Academy and coach to top ATP and WTA doubles players. Control the Controllables was voted x3 Best Tennis Podcast.

Day 11 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): the first-ever all-Czech Wimbledon women's singles final in the Open Era is set
• Karolína Muchova beats Coco Gauff 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(12-10) after saving a match point at 9-8 in the tiebreak, in 2h35m in 33 degree heat on Centre Court
• Linda Noskova beats Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first Grand Slam final
• The 10th different women's Wimbledon champion in 10 years is already guaranteed, the longest run in the tournament's history
• The men's doubles final is set: Heliovaara and Patten [1] vs Arévalo and Pavić [6], a repeat of last month's Queen's final
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Linda Noskova
• Mixed doubles winners Marcelo Arevalo and Jelena Ostapenko
• Gordon Reid joins the show, 7-time Wimbledon champion (1 singles, 6 doubles) and 30-time Grand Slam winner across singles and doubles in wheelchair tennis
• Gordon on winning the inaugural Wimbledon men's wheelchair singles title in 2016
• Gordon on preparing for that inaugural final the day after playing two matches, and the calm of relying on his usual routines
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Gordon Reid

Dear Dan: how Dan's team Dabrowski and Stefani are feeling going into their Court 1 semi-final

Tomorrow on the show: Day 12 delivers the men's singles semi-finals: Djokovic vs Sinner and Arthur Fery vs Alexander Zverev, plus Gaby Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani in their women's doubles semi-final on Court 1 at 1pm.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 10 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): Arthur Fery makes British tennis history and the semi-final line-up is confirmed
• Fery beats Flavio Cobolli 6-4, 7-6, 6-0 on Centre Court, only the 5th British man to reach a Wimbledon SF in the Open Era and only the second wildcard since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001.
• Alexander Zverev's straight-set dismantling of Taylor Fritz, and whether the French Open champion has now truly clicked into the next gear
• First-time Wimbledon semi-finalists Marta Kostyuk and Linda Noskova into the women's SFs, both under 25 and both playing career-best tennis
• Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool's title defence ends 6-2, 7-6 to Arévalo and Pavić, with Cash broken twice on serve
• A very personal Dan moment: Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani, the team Dan is coaching, into the women's doubles semi-finals with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Arthur Fery, the third time this fortnight, for the physical resilience of putting together the deepest British men's Wimbledon run in years
• Lee Childs joins the show on his 2003 Wimbledon run and playing 17-year-old Rafael Nadal in the second round on Court 13
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Lee Childs
• Dear Dan: how much time coaches actually spend watching other players' matches during a Slam, and how to strike the balance between focus and enjoyment in a Grand Slam quarter-final

Tomorrow on the show: Day 11 delivers Fery vs Zverev in the semi-finals, plus Djokovic vs Sinner on Centre Court, plus the doubles semi-finals across the men's, women's and mixed draws.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 9 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy)
• Sinner into his 10th Grand Slam semi-final at 24, one of only 5 players since 2000 to reach 10 men's singles semis at the majors before turning 25 alongside Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Alcaraz
• Sinner beats Struff to extend his Wimbledon winning streak to 12 and reach the semi-finals of his title defence
• Coco Gauff into her first Wimbledon semi-final with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Jessica Pegula, who was playing her first ever Centre Court match
• Karolina Muchova through past Naomi Osaka, setting up a Gauff vs Muchova semi-final and a chance for Gauff to extend her 6-1 head-to-head record
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Coco Gauff
• Patten and Heliovaara win their third consecutive 7-6 in the third
• Ken Skupski joins the show on coaching his younger brother Neal to the 2023 Wimbledon men's doubles title
• Ken on the emotional control it takes to sit in the box and be the calm face his brother needed on the biggest day of his career
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Ken Skupski
• Dear Dan: the process of a coach and pro player starting to work together, and what a dream recovery day at a Grand Slam actually looks like

Tomorrow on the show: Day 10 delivers the men's semi-finals, plus Dabrowski and Stefani in their women's doubles quarter-final on Court 2.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 8 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): Arthur Fery does it again, from two sets to one and a break down to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals
• Taylor Fritz cruises past Alexander Bublik
• The women's draw guaranteed to produce the 10th different champion in 10 years,
• Paolini won through 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 over Alexandra Eala
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Arthur Fery
• A big day in the men's doubles: Cash and Glasspool through in three, Arévalo and Pavić beat Rojer and Winegar, Krajicek and Middelkoop through the QFs, Skupski and Harrison out to the alternates
• Martin Lee joins the show, the 1995 Wimbledon boys' doubles champion with James Trotman, on the day that made front-page news ahead of Sampras beating Becker in the men's final
• Martin on Boris Becker's speech that night, when he said out loud he didn't know what was going on on Court One but it sounded "a lot more exciting than this court"
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Martin Lee
• Dear Dan: Mertens' upset of Rybakina and whether she's the real threat now, and how the men's doubles game has evolved since Dan's playing days

Tomorrow on the show: Day 9 brings the first men's quarter-finals of the fortnight, plus the Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani women's doubles action Dan is coaching on Court 12 at 1 pm 7th July so make sure to tune in to watch!

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 7 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): the world No. 1 out, the defending champion out, and Wimbledon 2026 guaranteed a first-time women's champion
• Naomi Osaka beats Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6(2) on Centre Court to reach her first ever Wimbledon quarter-final
• Karolina Muchova beats defending champion Barbora Krejcikova 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in an all-Czech thriller
• Jessica Pegula fights back from a set down to beat 18-year-old Iva Jovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-1
• Jan-Lennard Struff into his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final at 36, after Hubert Hurkacz retires hurt from two sets to love up
• Novak Djokovic through to the quarter-finals in another tough four-setter, closing on major title No. 25
• Felix Auger-Aliassime from a set down to beat Davidovich Fokina, on a collision course with Djokovic
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Naomi Osaka, the physical rebuild after motherhood, back to beating the World No. 1
• Jonathan Overend joins the show live from the BBC Radio 5 Live commentary box on Centre Court, mid-Sinner match, as the roof closes above him
• Jonathan takes Dan back to 7 July 2013 and the Andy Murray Wimbledon final, from the same seat he's sitting in tonight
• Jonathan on the extraordinary 40-love championship point game, why Djokovic might have been the favourite at 40-love, and how Andy Murray closed it out
• Dan on watching Ivan Lendl and Andy Murray from the box in the 2012 Australian Open semi-final and the moment he saw belief descend
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Jonathan Overend
• Dear Dan: which men's doubles teams look most dangerous heading into the QFs, and which doubles team from history would Dan most love to have coached

Tomorrow on the show: Manic Monday delivers all four men's quarter-finals from the top half of the draw, plus the Fery vs Dimitrov story that has all of British tennis holding its breath.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus Finance.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 6 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): a day of women's upsets and a British wildcard writing history on Court 18
• Iga Świątek out to Alexandra Eala 7-6, 6-2, the first Filipino ever into the second week of a Grand Slam
• Rybakina beaten by Elise Mertens 7-6, 6-1 on a poor day at the office, with only 42% of first serves in play
• Amanda Anisimova out to Madison Keys 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, last year's finalist gone
• Arthur Fery beats Zizou Bergs 2-6, 7-5, 2-6, 7-6, 7-6 in four and a half hours to become only the sixth British male in the last 40 years to reach Week 2 at Wimbledon
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Alexandra Eala, seven years at the Rafa Nadal Academy, her body and mind built for the biggest stage
• Danny Sapsford joins the show on his 1999 Wimbledon run through pre-qualifying, qualifying, and into the third round to face Pete Sampras on Court One
• Danny on why he decided not to warm up for the biggest match of his life, and what it was like standing across from Sampras' serve for the first time
• Danny on retiring at 30 to become an LTA coach, and the charity work through Bright Ideas for Tennis that has raised over £1 million and coached 30,000+ players
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Danny: his memory of standing on Centre Court behind Björn Borg as a kid, his favourite ever champion, and the strawberries and cream question
• The Andrew Foster story, the last British wildcard to make Week 2 at Wimbledon in 1993, whom Danny had run into that very day
• A special moment on the doubles side: Julian Rojer, 45 years old, five-time Slam doubles champion, into R3 with Theo Winegar in a properly told journeyman story
• Dear Dan: the next Grand Slam winner from the current generation, and Dan's favourite moment of Week 1

Tomorrow on the show: Jonathan Overend joins Dan, the broadcaster who commentated on Andy Murray's first Wimbledon title in 2013, ending Britain's 77-year wait for a men's singles champion.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

CTC Wimbledon Live: Day 5, Calvin Betton, the Doubles Battle and the "Older Boys" Doing Their Job

Day 5 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

Dan and Calvin talk on the fight for the future of doubles

There's a fight going on off the court this week that could reshape the sport for a generation. The ATP's proposed changes would cut doubles draws, shift the prize money split further in favour of singles, and effectively push doubles specialists out of the game. Dan shares his unfiltered take tonight, plus what current Wimbledon champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool said publicly today, and Calvin Betton's fired-up response.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): the older boys deliver as Sinner and Djokovic cruise into R4, while the young stars fall on grass
• Djokovic beats Rinderknech in four to equal Federer's all-time Wimbledon record of 105 match wins
• Sinner past Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 with 13 aces, into R4 for a fifth consecutive year
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Shintaro Mochizuki, the 2019 Wimbledon boys' champion turned qualifier turned R4-bound, seven matches in eight days at SW19
• Calvin Betton on coaching Patten and Heliövaara to the 2024 Wimbledon title, and being the "face of reason" in the box when everyone else was overwhelmed
• Calvin's unfiltered defence of doubles: why the ATP is a governing body not a business, why "not financially viable" doesn't hold up, and why the 2024 Wimbledon final was proof
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Calvin: the Agassi 1991 all-white moment, his Wimbledon guilty pleasure, and his one thing he'd change about The Championships
• Dear Dan: an insider tip for a first-time Wimbledon visitor, and what Dan actually loves about being a coach on the pro tour

Tomorrow on the show: Middle Saturday at Wimbledon, with Danny Sapsford joining Dan.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel.Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 3 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

A quick note: today's episode runs a little longer than usual as Dan and Freddie dive into the significant news emerging around proposed ATP doubles changes and what they could mean for the future of the sport.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): Krejcikova ends Mirra Andreeva's Wimbledon hopes, Dan's Bartunkova prediction comes good, and Jannik Sinner records his 95th Grand Slam win
• Bublik and Kyrgios lose to Arevalo and Pavic, sparking a passionate discussion with Freddie Nielsen on the future of doubles and the proposed ATP changes
• Dan Evans' retirement announcement, his unforgettable Washington title run, and why his career should be celebrated
• Freddie relives his 2012 Wimbledon title run with Jonathan Marray, including the famous "If Carlsberg did moments to live for" exchange before serving for the title
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Freddie
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Jenson Brooksby, completing one of tennis's most remarkable comeback stories
• Dear Dan: what separates the world's best doubles players, coaching Grand Slam finals, and Dan's favourite court at Wimbledon
• Tomorrow on the show: Jonny O'Mara joins Dan to preview Day 4 at SW19

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit: sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

Day 2 of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): the curse of the grass court champions, with Cerundolo and Shelton both out in round one, and Bergs surviving the Eastbourne final repeat
• Ben Shelton's stunning loss to Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6 in the final-set tiebreak
• Dan's "Two Jacobs" moment from the players' cafeteria, a story about Jakub Mensik and Jacob Fearnley that's worth the listen alone
• British comeback Tuesday, with Fearnley's two-set fightback against Michelsen, plus wins for Arthur Fery and Katie Swan
• Live updates from Serena Williams' Centre Court return against Maya Joint, recorded as the match was unfolding
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Katie Swan, coaching in Kansas eighteen months ago, World No. 1,114 in her rear-view mirror, back at Wimbledon and winning against the same player she beat eight years ago
• Erin Routliffe joins the show on her 2024 Wimbledon final run with Gaby Dabrowski
• Erin on facing Serena Williams twice in 12 days at Queen's and now Wimbledon, including the moment in their first meeting that she's still kicking herself over
• Erin's honest take on stepping away from tennis, working a "real job", and what brought her back
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Erin: childhood Wimbledon memories, Taylor Swift walk-on songs, the one thing she'd change about The Championships
• Dear Dan: the atmosphere in the players' area at a Slam, what makes Wimbledon different from every other tournament, and the physical quality that matters most on grass

Tomorrow on the show: Freddie Nielsen, 2012 Wimbledon men's doubles champion, joins Dan as Day 3 brings round-two action and the second wave of the British contingent into play.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy. Visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete, age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

The first episode of our Wimbledon 2026 daily live series, recorded inside the grounds on Day 1 of The Championships. Brought to you by Novellus.

Live every night at 9 pm UK across the Wimbledon fortnight, with Wimbledon champions, tennis icons and special guests joining Dan to break down the day's biggest stories from inside the grounds at SW19.

In this episode:

• Major Moments (brought to you by SotoTennis Academy): Raducanu and Draper both withdrew, Norrie beaten in five by qualifier Michael Zheng, and a brutal Day 1 for the British contingent
• Jannik Sinner survives a three-and-a-half-hour scare against Kecmanović, including the Centre Court fall that briefly stopped play
• TennisAthlete Player of the Day: Michael Zheng, the Columbia graduate ranked No. 144 who outlasted Norrie over four hours.
• Lloyd Glasspool joins the show on what it feels like coming back as defending champion, the surreal moment of seeing his face on the wall, and why he didn't celebrate the title the way everyone expected
• Lloyd's honest take on the British injuries
• The Wimbledon Quickfire with Lloyd: first memories, favourite British food, greatest grass-court players and the celebrity he'd want courtside
• Dear Dan: scouting opposition and the young players to watch this fortnight

Tomorrow on the show: Erin Routliffe joins Dan as Day 2 brings Katie Boulter, Jacob Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Jan Choinski, Toby Samuel, Billy Harris and Katie Swan into action, plus the Centre Court return of Serena Williams.

About Control the Controllables Wimbledon Live

Dan Kiernan and a different special guest every night, bringing you analysis from inside the grounds at Wimbledon. Wimbledon champions, tennis icons, players, coaches and analysts join across the fortnight. Live every evening at 9pm UK on the CTC YouTube channel. Episodes drop as podcasts the next morning wherever you get your podcasts.

Send your Dear Dan questions via Instagram @ctc.podcast or email info@sototennis.com.

Brought to you by Novellus Finance.

Major Moments segment brought to you by SotoTennis Academy -visit sototennis.com.

Player of the Day brought to you by TennisAthlete -age-appropriate, research-backed strength and conditioning programmes from proven S&C coaches. The platform Dan recommends for physical development. Visit sototennis.com/tennisathlete.

It is Wimbledon time! Dan is Joined by the ever present Freddie Nielsen, Denmark Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon doubles champion, and Kieran Vorster, S&C coach and one of the sharpest minds in the game, currently working with Henry Searle and Dan Evans among others.

There is plenty to get into before a ball has even been struck, from retirements and comebacks to doping bans and prize money rows.

You will have to listen to find out who they are backing, and there are a couple of calls in there that might surprise you!

Key talking points:

1. Dan Evans retires from singles and misses out on a Wimbledon singles wild card, with Kieran and Freddie paying tribute to his career and discussing what he brings to coaching, and whether the communication around the wild card decision was handled well.
2. Vondrousova was banned for four years after refusing a doping test outside her guaranteed whereabouts window, with the panel breaking down the rules, the context and whether the punishment fits the circumstances.
3. Wimbledon prize money is up twenty percent but Kieran has the actual numbers to show it still only represents around twelve percent of turnover, and why the players may be pushing for change in the wrong place.
4. Serena Williams gets a wild card into the singles draw and faces Maya Joint in the first round, with the panel debating whether she can win a match and what her return means for the sport.
5. Women's dark horses and winner picks across both draws, with some bold calls and a couple of genuine outside shouts you will not want to miss.
6. Men's draw highlights including Fritz versus Draper, Fonseca versus Felix Auger-Aliassime, Kyrgios and Bublik paired together in the doubles, and a fascinating and heated debate on whether Djokovic can go deep again.
7. The introduction of video review on the show courts at Wimbledon and what difference it will actually make.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and introduction

03:00 Dan Evans, his retirement and the wild card debate

10:00 Vondrousova and the four year doping ban

16:00 Wimbledon prize money and the twenty percent increase

24:00 Serena Williams wild card and first round draw

32:00 Women's dark horses and winner picks

42:00 Men's draw, dark horses and first round highlights

52:00 The Djokovic debate

56:00 Video review at Wimbledon and storylines to watch

Also, CTC Wimbledon Live Shows ARE BACK!. Live on YouTube and uploaded on all podcast platforms!

THE backstage pass to Wimbledon 2026, through the eyes of the coaches and insiders living it from the inside.

Each evening at 9 pm UK time throughout the fortnight!

Watch Live here: CTC YouTube

Segments include:

Wimbledon Stories - Where Wimbledon icons join as guests each episode to tell their most memorable championship stories!

The “Major” Moments - Talking about all the big talking points of the day's Wimbledon action! Brought to you by SotoTennis Academy.

Tennis Athlete’s Player Of The Day - Deciding the best player with the best performance of the day! Brought to you by Tennis Athlete.

Quick Fire Round - A Wimbledon-themed set of rapid questions!

Dear Dan - Where Dan answers your questions! Any questions, including the experience at Wimbledon, coaching advice, behind-the-scenes questions, anything you want!

Send in your questions for Dan via our live comment section or our Instagram DM:

CTC Instagram here 🔗

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Thank you everyone for listening!

Never miss a Wimbledon live show this fortnight!

This week Dan is joined by ATP pro Zach Svajda, fresh off a stunning run to the last 16 of Roland Garros 2026.

There he beat the heat, the occasion and a host of higher ranked players before falling to eventual finalist Flavio Cobolli in a fourth set tie break. Currently ranked 69 in the world with a career high of 62, Zach is 23 and only just getting started.

This is a genuinely special and emotional conversation. Zach opens up about the unconventional path that got him to top level tennis, from using a full size racket at age two to taking nearly five years away from junior tournaments, busting a host of tennis development myths along the way.

Zach also reflects movingly on the loss of his father to cancer and how that continues to shape why he plays.

Key talking points:

• Zach's remarkable Roland Garros run to the last 16 despite his lack of clay court experience.
• What it felt like inside the locker room in Paris the day Sinner went out.
• The unconventional development path set by his father
• Zach talks about the impact of the passing of his father and how he carries his memory and lessons with him on court.
• He tells us what is was like playing Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe at the US Open.
• His relationship with younger brother Trevor, a rising college star, and the prospect of the two one day facing off on tour.

A brilliant and honest conversation with a player on the rise. Make sure to give this one a listen.

Read full shownotes here.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Connect with us: Instagram | Website | Email
• Follow Zach on Instagram: @zachsvadja
• SotoTennis Academy

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Our Roland Garros 2026 Review Show is here!

What a fortnight in Paris it´s been, with two new Grand Slam Champions in Sascha Zverev & Mirra Andreeva.

Host Dan Kiernan is joined by Denmark Davis Cup Captain Freddie Nielsen and GB doubles coach Calvin Betton to look back on a quite extraordinary French Open.

Calvin joins us fresh from coaching Henry Patten and Harri Heliövaara to their third Grand Slam final and their first ever world number one ranking in men's doubles, so there is plenty to get stuck into from the off.

Key talking points:

• Henry and Harry reach the Roland Garros final and claim the world number 1 ranking, with Calvin giving an honest account of what went wrong on the day.
• Sinner's shock exit and whether it was truly an upset, or the inevitable result of an overcrowded schedule catching up with him.
• Fonseca versus Djokovic and whether Roland Garros 2026 was the moment a future Grand Slam champion announced himself on the biggest stage.
• Zverev wins his first Grand Slam but the panel debate whether men's tennis is currently lacking variety and real tactical depth.
• Mirra Andreeva wins the women's title age 19, plus the remarkable story of qualifier Maja Chwalinska reaching the final.
• The Italian tennis culture, Roland Garros and electronic line calling, plus a few strong opinions on how the tournament is run.

On to the grass!

This episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance

Connect with us:

• Instagram: ctc.podcast
• Website: www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk

Watch the full video version over on the Control the Controllables YouTube Channel

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Our CTC Live series continues from Roland Garros 2026! Host Dan Kiernan is joined by broadcaster Candy Reid and performance analyst Mike James to round up an extraordinary first week at the French Open.

From Fonseca's stunning comeback against Djokovic to Sinner's shock exit in the heat, the drama has been non-stop. Dan also gives us a first-hand account of being at the tournament with his players, including a brilliant moment with Landaluce after his 5hr 58 minute epic.

This is the place to go for a round-up of Roland Garros action from a coach's perspective.

Key talking points:

1. Jannik Sinner's shock exit to Cerundolo in the heat, with Mike noting odds of 12,500 to 1 on that result, and Candy raising an interesting theory about redheads and the MC1R gene explaining Sinner's struggles in extreme temperatures.
2. Fonseca's extraordinary comeback from two sets down to beat Novak Djokovic, with Dan sharing what it was like to witness that match in person sitting next to the Fonseca family, and the panel debating whether it was Novak's Roland Garros farewell.
3. Rafael Jodar continuing his run and the unprecedented state of the men's draw, with no former Grand Slam champion remaining in the last 16 for the first time since 1968.
4. The injury crisis gripping the tournament?
5. Marta Kostyuk beating Iga Swiatek and her remarkable mindset, with Mike sharing a powerful insight about her playing on the same day she received a photo of her family home being destroyed back in Ukraine.
6. The Vallejo umpire controversy, with the panel giving a balanced take and calling for the matter to be put to rest following his apology.

Each CTC Live episode streams on YouTube during the fortnight. Search Control the Controllables Podcast and follow our Instagram and Twitter for the latest live times!

Chapters 00:00 Welcome and tournament atmosphere from Paris

04:00 Sinner's exit, Hada's rise and the unprecedented men's draw

08:00 Fonseca vs Djokovic, a match for the ages

14:00 The injury crisis and the roof court debate

22:00 Marta Kostyuk's mindset and win over Swiatek

32:00 Women's draw quarter final preview

40:00 Sabalenka vs Osaka preview and what to expect

43:00 The Vallejo controversy

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast Twitter

(X): ctc__podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

Follow @ctc.podcast on Instagram to be the first to know when we are going live from Paris throughout the fortnight!

Watch the full video version over on the Control the Controllables YouTube channel.

Listen to Dan and guest Freddie Nielsen chat through all the action from Day 4 & 5 at Roland Garros, including the shock departure of Jannik Sinner.

They analyse what went wrong for Sinner, key upcoming matches, and who they think could now lift the trophy.

• Yannick Sinner's unexpected exit and the implications for men's singles
• With the men´s draw wide open, anyone from Felix to Zverev or Cerundolo could take the title
• Heat, mental fatigue, and injuries are influencing player performances more than ever
• Doubles draw controversies and rule changes affecting participation
• Emerging young talents and dark horses in the tournament

• Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.com
• Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

This episode is sponsored by Novellus Finance: https://www.novellusfinance.com/uk/

Our CTC Live series is back for Roland Garros 2026, bringing you first-hand updates from the courts of Paris!

Sponsored by Novellus Finance: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/

In this episode, Dan is joined by Calvin Betton, a 2 time Grand Slam-winning coach, live from the tournament, to break down the action from the first three days. They cover the extraordinary heat gripping Paris, the big seeds falling, integrity questions around the doubles draw, and some brilliant stories from inside the locker room and beyond.

This is the place to go for a quick round-up of Roland Garros action from a coach's perspective.

Key talking points:

1. Temperatures hitting 37 degrees Celsius in Paris and how the courts are staying surprisingly slow despite the heat, thanks to Roland Garros's unique watering and salting process.
2. Big names out early, including Taylor Fritz, Medvedev and Bublik, plus Jessica Pegula going out to Kim Birrell on day three.
3. The doubles draw integrity debate, with six first-round withdrawals and singles players pocketing prize money without hitting a ball.
4. The Serena Williams comeback rumours, with Calvin giving a frank take on wildcards, integrity and whether the sport should be rolling out the red carpet.
5. A brilliant exclusive Gael Monfils story from a five-a-side football game at the National Tennis Centre.
6. French youngster Kwame, born in 2009, is impressing on his Roland Garros debut and drawing comparisons to a young Wayne Rooney.

Each CTC Live episode streams on YouTube during the fortnight. Search Control the Controllables Podcast and follow our Instagram and Twitter for the latest live times!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome, the Paris heat and court conditions

06:30 Integrity in the doubles draw and prize money controversy

15:00 Serena Williams comeback rumours and the wildcard debate

22:00 Bublik's behaviour and a Medvedev tribute

30:00 Monfils, Wawrinka and the end of an era

36:00 French youngster Kwame and the next generation 40:00 Can anyone stop Sinner? The men's and women's draws were reviewed

Follow @ctc.podcast on Instagram to be the first to know when we are going live from Paris throughout the fortnight!

Watch the full video version over here: https://www.youtube.com/@ctc.podcast.

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.c...

Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

We're back for Roland Garros 2026! Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panellists, two of them live from Paris during qualifying week, to preview all the action we can expect from the clay courts over the next fortnight.

They discuss the Carlos Alcaraz injury situation and the wider player burnout debate, the future of US college tennis, and the prize money controversy making headlines at this year's tournament. Plus dark horses across both draws, key storylines to watch, and their winner predictions!

Meet our panellists:

1. Denmark's Davis Cup Captain and coach of August Holmgren, Freddie Nielsen
2. Performance analyst and coach Mike James making his panel debut!
3. Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid

Key talking points:

1. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from both Roland Garros and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, and the panel debate whether rising ball speeds, heavier balls and relentless scheduling are pushing players beyond their physical limits.
2. US college tennis is at a crossroads, with the Arkansas programme cuts a sign of things to come as NIL money floods into football and basketball and squeezes tennis budgets at major universities.
3. The panel share their genuine dark horse picks across both draws, with some bold names put forward on the men's side in particular.
4. Top players are reportedly refusing all non-mandatory press at Roland Garros as a prize money protest, and the panel debate whether they are targeting the right thing.

Will Yannick Sinner march to a dominant Roland Garros title, or will the wide open draws on both sides deliver a first-time Grand Slam champion? The panel have their say and there are some bold calls in there.

Who do you think will be this year's Roland Garros champions? Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter or drop us an email to let us know who you're backing!

Links mentioned in this episode:

1. Listen to: August Holmgren: Wimbledon Sensation and Challenger Champion
2. Listen to: Candy Reid, From the Court to CNN
3. Listen to: Mike James - A Numbers Game
4. Listen to: Freddie Nielsen & Jonny Marray Part One: Pre Wimbledon 2012

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Today´s episode is a tribute to one of sport's greatest minds Dr. Jim Loehr, who sadly passed away last month aged 83.

Dr. Loehr was one of the world’s leading performance psychologists and a true pioneer in mental fitness. Across a remarkable five-decade career, he worked with hundreds of elite athletes including Grand Slam champions Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario.

His work helped transform the way athletes viewed mental performance — not as a weakness, but as an essential part of achieving greatness.

We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr. Loehr onto the podcast in 2021, and his episode remains one of the most listened-to conversations on Control the Controllables.

In this special CTC Short, Dan reflects on Dr. Loehr’s impact on tennis and sport before revisiting a powerful clip from their original conversation.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Listen to Dr Jim Loehr´s episode in full
• Episode 120: Marcus Daniell
• High Impact Athletes
• SotoTennis Academy

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

What does it really take to coach at the very top of the game?

And how does a 32-year-old coach find himself leading the journey of one of the fastest-rising players in world tennis?

In this episode of Control the Controllables, we sit down with Maxime Tchoutakian, the coach of Vicky Mboko — a 19-year-old who has taken the tennis world by storm, breaking into the Top 10 in less than a year.

But Max’s story is just as compelling as the player he now coaches.

Ranked 530 in the world as a player, he took the US college route at Baylor University, rebuilt his career from scratch after COVID, and walked into the Mouratoglou Academy with no clear coaching plan, only to have one practice with Victoria Azarenka and receive a call from her agent 30 minutes later.

What he shares in this episode gives a rare, honest look at what it really means to operate inside the world's best tennis teams.

In this episode:

• What it was actually like telling a former World Number 1 how to improve her game at age 26.
• The moment Azarenka asked him to become her full-time coach and how scary that felt.
• Why adaptation is the single most important skill to survive life on the WTA tour.
• His honest take on whether coaches are paid well enough for what they sacrifice.
• What makes Victoria Mboko so special and why Max believes she will win multiple Grand Slams.
• The brutal truth about French tennis: why talented kids keep falling short when it matters most.
• His biggest coaching regret and why he wishes he'd trusted himself sooner.

CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

• Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/
• Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

A tribute to a British tennis legend.

This week on Control the Controllables, we're marking the retirement of one of Great Britain´s greatest ever players, Jamie Murray.

7 Grand Slam titles. 39 tour-level titles. World Number 1. Davis Cup Winner & Olympian. The man who put British doubles on the map and helped spark a generation of GB doubles players that continue to thrive on the tour today.

We went back into the archives to pull out one of our favourite moments from our episode with Jamie back in 2020. This short clip is a perfect reminder of just what a remarkable person and player he is.

In this episode:

• The story of Jamie's Wimbledon title age 21.
• Why zero expectation was the secret weapon that fuelled that Wimbledon run.
• How expectation and pressure change as a career develops.
• How he felt reaching World Number 1.
• Becoming Jamie, not just Andy Murray’s brother.
• Why Dan thinks his impact on tennis will contine.

From all of us at Control the Controllables, congratulations Jamie. What a career. What a legacy.

Control the Controllables episodes Jamie Murray features in:

Episode 13: Jamie Murray - From Dunblane to the top of the world!

Is Opelka Right - Should Doubles be Scrapped?

CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

• Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/
• Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

What does it really look like behind the scenes with the best players in the world?

This week on Control the Controllables, we sit down with Adam Jones -hitting partner to the world's best, doubles professional, and the man behind Forehands & Flat Whites, the Instagram account quietly taking over tennis feeds everywhere.

In 2026 alone, Jonesy has celebrated with the Australian Open women's champion on Rod Laver Arena, hit with Djokovic, Sinner and Rybakina and won his first professional doubles title.

From taking the bus to junior tournaments with his granddad on the Wirral, to camping on a golf course in Portugal because he couldn't afford the hotel, to warming up Alcaraz on Wimbledon centre court before the 2025 final. Adam's story is proof that your path doesn't have to look like everyone else's to be incredible.

What he shares in this episode gives a rare, unfiltered look at what it really takes to operate at the top of the game.

In this episode:

• What it’s REALLY like to hit with players like Alcaraz, Djokovic and Sinner.
• Adam opens up about growing up in Birkenhead and the family sacrifices that made his career possible.
• How elite players prepare — routines, habits, and attention to detail.
• How Elena Rybakina went out of her way to make Adam feel part of her Australian Open victory in a moment he'll never forget.
• Why Adam walked off the court six minutes into a hit with an unnamed American player.
• Lessons Adam has learned from being inside top players’ teams
• His honest reflection on success, rankings pressure and the mental hole he found himself in earlier in his career.
• Why personality, connection, and attitude can open doors in tennis

Follow Adam Jones on Instagram: @adam_jonesyyy123

CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

• Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/
• Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

What if you didn’t have to be a top junior to become a professional tennis player?

In this episode of Control the Controllables, we speak with Belgian professional tennis player Sander Gille, a Roland Garros finalist, Olympic competitor, Davis Cup player and former World No.18 in doubles.

Sander’s journey to the top of the game is anything but traditional. He wasn’t a standout junior, didn’t grow up expecting to turn professional, and at 17 he chose US college tennis simply to continue playing while earning a degree.

After college, Sander decided to give the professional tour a try — funding his early career through crowdfunding, league tennis, and relentless persistence. Years later, that journey led him to the Roland Garros final and the top of the ATP doubles rankings.

This episode is a powerful reminder that there are many different pathways to success in tennis.

In this episode:

1. Growing up playing multiple sports before choosing tennis
2. Why Sander never planned to become a professional player
3. The decision-making process behind his college career in the US and transitioning to professional tennis
4. How crowdfunding helped keep his career going early on.
5. How injuries shaped his focus from singles to doubles and lessons learned along the way.
6. Key insights on finding his game, mental resilience, and balancing success with authenticity.
7. Memorable experiences, including playing Andy Murray at the Olympics and reaching a Grand Slam final.
8. Reflections on partnership longevity, team dynamics, and future goals in doubles.

If you’re chasing a career in tennis or supporting someone who is, this is a story you need to hear.

CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Join us as we unpack the biggest storylines from the 2026 Australian Open!

From Osaka´s dramatic outfit entrance on Rod Laver Arena to Djokovic rolling back the years to take out Sinner in the semi-finals, we analyse the epic matches, player performances and behind-the-scenes moments in Melbourne.

Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panelists:

1. Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
2. Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.

Key Talking Points

1. Carlos Alcaraz becoming the youngest ever person to win the career Grand Slam.
2. Novak Djokovic proving he can still push for number 25.
3. Will Rybakina be the player to beat in the women´s game in 2026
4. The role of coaching, technical adjustments, and player development in modern tennis
5. The rise of British doubles dominance, with the current World No.1, 2 & 3 in men’s doubles being British.
6. The debate around camera coverage, player privacy, and the sport's media strategies after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek’s comments.
7. And our panelist give their predictions on what to expect for the upcoming season. Could we see the return of Serena?

CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES

Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com

This episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

We’re back for the Australian Open 2026!

Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panelists to preview all the action we can expect from Melbourne over the next fortnight. They discuss the standout players, popcorn match-ups and potential dark horses.

They also look at the impact of this years tennis balls for players, new 2026 partnerships in the doubles draws and give their predictions for this years winners!

Meet our Panelists:

1. GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.
2. Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
3. Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid
4. Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.

Will Jannik Sinner win his third straight Australian Open title? Or will Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest ever play to win the career Grand Slam. Meanwhile Venus Williams will become the oldest player to play the Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard into the women´s singles event.

Who do you think will be this year's Australian Open champions! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter or drop us an email to let us know who you're backing!

Links mentioned in this episode:

1. Listen to: Reaction to Alcaraz & Ferraro Split
2. Listen to: Andrea Vavassori: Why winning the US Open Mixed Doubles Title was so Important for Doubles

This episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

In this special episode of Control the Controllables, Dan Kiernan looks back at one of the most remarkable journeys in British tennis — Lloyd Glasspool’s rise to Year-End World No.1 in ATP Doubles, aged 32.

This episode is built around clips from Lloyd’s three previous appearances on the show, recorded across five pivotal years of his career.

From being ranked 150 in the world in doubles in 2020, to winning his first Grand Slam in front of a home crowd at Wimbledon in 2025, listen to Lloyd´s development as it happened.

A unique layer to this episode is Dan’s personal connection to Lloyd’s journey. Dan coached Lloyd at three key stages of his career — first as a junior in Birmingham, again at the start of his pro career at SotoTennis Academy, and later on the ATP doubles tour. Having witnessed Lloyd’s development across more than two decades, from a quiet junior to the year-end World No.1, makes this moment incredibly special.

Dan revisits:

1. Lloyd’s late specialisation, multi-sport childhood and the huge influence of gymnastics on his movement.
2. How Lloyd’s junior coaching focused on developing skills and creativity, not winning early.
3. The turning point of finding the right partnerships, and how understanding a partner under pressure became a competitive edge.
4. Winning Wimbledon, and the mindset shift from “good enough” to “I can win Slams”.
5. And finally, how those same controllables — energy, clarity, partnership and process — carried Lloyd to World No.1.

This episode is not about overnight success. It’s about patience, environment, people, doing the basics exceptionally well, and having fun along the way!

A must-listen for tennis players, coaches and parents.

Listen to the episodes mentioned in full:-

1. Episode 84 reflecting on his start in tennis from 2020
2. Episode 180 with Harri Heliövaara after competing in their 1st ATP Finals from 2022
3. Episode 261 with Julian Cash after becoming Wimbledon Champions from 2025.

Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Follow SotoTennis Academy on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

One of the most successful and emotionally connected player–coach partnerships in modern tennis has come to an end.

In this episode, Dan breaks down the split between world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz and his long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, analysing their statements, the timing, the power dynamics, and what it means for the 2026 season — including the ripple effect on rivals like Jannik Sinner.

Ferrero first spotted Alcaraz at age 14 near his academy in southeast Spain. Their official partnership began in 2018 and lasted 7 years.

Achievements together:

1. 24 tour-level titles
2. 6 Grand Slams
3. Youngest world No.1 in ATP history (US Open 2022)

This episode was originally recorded live on YouTube — watch the full video version here

Follow Control the Controllables on Instagram: @ctc.podcast

CTC Tiktok: @controlthecontrollables

CTC X: @ctc__podcast

Thanks for listening!

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Christian Harrison’s story isn’t your typical tennis journey. Formerly a top 200 singles player, his career has been repeatedly derailed by surgeries, setbacks, and a foot injury at Wimbledon 2022 that convinced him to walk away from singles altogether.

8 surgeries before age 25 would finish most players. Cristian just adjusted.

Now at 31, he’s producing the best tennis of his life on the doubles court. In 2025 Harrison has rocketed to world number 15 alongside partner Evan King. The pair started the year playing Challengers and ended it at the ATP Finals in Turin, after winning titles in Dallas and Acapulco, and having deep runs at Indian Wells, Madrid, and Roland Garros.

In today´s episode, Christian talks us through his journey including growing up in a tennis family - his Father Pat is a coach, and his brother Ryan Harrison won the French Open Mens Doubles in 2017. He also discusses the 2026 season which he´ll be playing with new partner and regular CTC guest Neal Skupski.

In this episode: 

• Christian reflects on his junior days which saw his family move from Louisiana to Texas to Florida for his tennis.
• How he kept going after 9 surgeries.
• Why his older brother Ryan Harrison was crucial in Christian's tennis development.
• Christian shares insights on coaching and player relationships, including the impact his Dad Pat has had on his career.
• Why he thinks 2025 has been such a successful year for him.
• Why he´s decided to play with GB´s Neil Skupski in 2026.

Follow us on Instagram and watch all episodes on YouTube! 

Control the Controllables is Hiring!

We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026.

Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

This week we sat down with Jody Maginley, a professional doubles tennis player and co-founder of The Changeover Podcast, one of the fastest-growing shows in tennis.

Jody takes us from growing up in Antigua (population ~90k) with limited access to high-level tennis, to navigating US college and chasing points and paychecks on the pro tour.

We get into the realities most fans never see; money, logistics, late-night travel and tough losses, and how that experience pushed him to build a platform that shines a spotlight on players outside the Grand Slam bubble.

Topics we get into:

• What it takes to go pro coming from a small island nation.
• Wild tour stories from life on the road.
• Why the US College tennis system still has major gaps.
• Jody´s motivation for setting up The Changeover Podcast.
• How the show went from zero views to interviewing names like Kyrgios & Tsitsipas.
• Early-stage podcast growing pains (production, consistency, distribution)
• How Jody funds his tennis career.
• We debate whether doubles gets enough respect from singles players.
• The mindsets, role models, and motivations that keep him improving

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Check out Jody´s show The Changeover Podcast
• Listen to the CTC guests discussed in this episode: Denmark´s August Holmgren, Pat Cash & Sir Andy Murray
• Follow Control the Controllables on Instagram & YouTube

Control the Controllables is Hiring!

We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026.

Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

It´s been said for many years that data and performance analytics in tennis is way behind other sports.

Not just for improving player performance but also fan engagement. One of the reasons for this is the inconsistency of how the data is presented across our industry.

TennisViz is trying to correct that.

Today we speak to Tm Corrie who is Head of Performance, Media and Broadcast for TennisViz. They provide data for coaches and the media for the ATP tour.

In the episode you´ll hear Tom and Dan share their own personal experiences as coaches of this side of the game. They dissect some of the highest profile rivalries and get behind the numbers as to why Carlos Alcaraz seems to have Jannick Sinners number currently.

We find out how their data is measured and uniformed across various ages and stages of development and who doesn’t want to know who has the ‘best’ serve in the world!?

Episode Highlights:

• Tom reflects on his coaching journey and the decision to transition into tennis data analysis. 
• The challenges and opportunities in modern tennis coaching and data analytics. 
• The significance of shot quality measures and their impact on coaching strategies and how it´s calculated.
• Tom gives us data-driven insight into who could explode on the ATP Tour in 2026.
• The role of technology in providing consistent and objective data for player development. 
• The future of tennis analytics and its potential to revolutionise the sport. 

Follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for the latest news and clips.

Don´t miss an episode! Sign up to our email list to get exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

In today´s episode, Dan is joined by sports journalist Candy Reid to chat through all the latest action from semi-finals day of the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

This episode was originally aired live on our Control the Controllables YouTube channel.

Listen to Dan & Candy discuss the dynamics of the event, recap matches, preview today´s semi-finals and answer questions from listeners. They also make their picks for who will win the singles and doubles titles!

What we do know is that we will have the 10th different winner of the singles event in 10 years tomorrow!

Episode Highlights:

• Dan & Candy discuss the pressures players face during the season and the role of coaches and support staff.
• They compare the differences in audience engagement and the overall atmosphere in Riyadh to the ATP Finals.
• How women´s tennis is changing, with more players capable of winning major titles.
• Why Demi Shuurs´ social media message indicates upcoming changes in women's doubles.
• Who to look out for in 2026.

Our WTA Finals LIVE Round-ups from Riyadh are brought to you by our Sponsor Novellus Finance

Follow the Control the Controllables Podcast on Instagram for all the latest on the show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

In today´s episode Dan is coming to us LIVE from the WTA Finals out in Saudi Arabia.

This is a replay of his live stream on our Control the Controllables YouTube channel, where he gave us a round-up all the action from the first 3 days of tennis in Riyadh.

Listen to behind-the-scenes insights into the event set-up, and how the top 8 singles players and doubles teams are looking. Dan also recaps of the singles and doubles matches so far.

Episode Highlights:

• Dan discusses the improvements made on site for the players since last year and some of the challenges.
• Why the players consider the WTA Finals a fifth major.
• Who is looking on form in Riyadh and who isn´t.
• Why encouraging young girls to attend the matches is important.
• Dan describes why he thinks women´s doubles is getting stronger and stronger.
• Dan answers your questions about the tournament location, the food in Riyadh and his ATP Finals predictions!

Follow the Control the Controllables Podcast on Instagram to find out details of our next LIVE from Riyadh, where you can ask questions to Dan about the event.

Anger, tears, frustration - all junior players have experienced this at some point on a tennis court - but these are not signs of weakness.

In this powerful episode, leading sports Psychologist Dr. Callum Gowling explains how emotion can fuel performance when it’s understood, not punished.

With decades of experience working with elite players and coaches, Dr. Gowling breaks down the real challenges tennis players face, from pressure and confidence to stress and relationships, and how honest conversations are the key to unlocking both performance and wellbeing.

This is a must-listen episode for players looking to sharpen their mindset, parents who want to better support their children, and coaches aiming to provide more than just technical guidance.

Episode Highlights:-

• How to build self-awareness and face mental challenges
• Why early mental development for players is as important as physical development
• The vital role of parents in an athlete’s journey
• Mindset strategies to handle stress, pressure, and setbacks
• Why maintaining a love for the sport matters most
• How acceptance can reduce stress sensitivity
• The never-ending journey of performance, growth, and perspective
• Why relationships between players, coaches, and parents are key

Watch the full conversation now on our CTC YouTube channel, and follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for the latest news and clips.

Don´t miss an episode! Sign up to our email list to get exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox.

About Dr Callum Gowling

Dr Callum Gowling is the founder of Liquid Sports Psychology which specialises in helping elite junior athletes thrive. Their unique approach, grounded in doctoral research, combines psychology with strong collaboration between players, parents, and coaches. The focus? Building resilience, self-awareness, and a love for the sport all while preparing juniors for the demands of high-level performance.

Listen to our very special US Open Review episode brought to you by Novellus, as we are joined by the 2025 Women’s Doubles Champions Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!

The pair who are coached by CTC Host Dan Kiernan, share their journey to their second Grand Slam title, and answer questions from our panellists and listeners.

Our panel also look back on the highs and lows of what was a very eventful 3 weeks at Flushing Meadows, which saw both Carlos Alcaraz & Aryna Sabalenka crowned Champions for the second time.

Joining Dan on our Grand Slam panel are:-

• Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
• Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid 
• GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.

• Erin and Gaby tell us how they celebrated their win in New York
• How they got through a tough QF match which saw them fight back from 6-0 2-1 down.
• Mixed doubles should be a merit-based entry system to ensure fairness.
• Who can possibly compete with Alcaraz and Sinner?
• The importance of mental resilience in overcoming challenges during tournaments.
• What happened to Medvedev, Tsitsipas and Zverev.
• Anisimova's emotional response to losing the final highlights the pressure of major tournaments.
• Coco Gauff's coaching changes may have added unnecessary stress before the US Open.

Plus many anecdotes from Gaby, Erin and the panel from throughout the fortnight! Enjoy!

Head to our CTC YouTube channel to watch the episode and follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for all the latest news and clips from the show!

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

A fortnight on from the much anticipated new mixed doubles format at the US Open, Dan chats to Andrea Vavassori on his win with fellow Italian, Sara Errani

As the only specialist doubles team invited to enter, they saw off some of the top singles tennis players in the world to successfully defend their US Open Mixed Doubles title.

In this live YouTube episode, Dan is joined by Vavassori to talk about the excitement surrounding the event, the energy from the crowds and why winning the event in New York was so important for the doubles game.

They also discuss the importance of social media in promoting doubles, and Andrea´s journey from growing up in Turin to a career high doubles ranking of 6 in the world.

He also answers questions from CTC listeners, including what he thinks are the key attributes to be a good doubles partner.

This is a great listen!

Episode Highlights:-

• They discuss the challenges of gaining respect for doubles players, and the need for stronger partnerships amongst players.
• The potential to create stars in doubles tennis and why building a brand is essential.
• Andrea shares insights on his journey as a player, and the dynamics of playing with Sara Errani.
• Why he decided to specialise in doubles when he was top 130 in the world in singles.
• How beneficial the Italian tennis community is by being supportive and close-knit.
• Andrea gives his advice for tennis players starting out on the Futures tour.

Head to our CTC YouTube channel to watch the live episode with Andrea.

You can also follow us here: Instagram | Tiktok | X

With the US Open getting underway today, we´re bringing you the Live YouTube episode of our US Open 2025 Preview

Dan was joined by CTC favourite and Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain Freddie Nielsen to look at what we can expect from the final Grand Slam of 2025.

Listen to them break down the best match ups in the draw, give their dark horses to watch out for and potential winners. Plus, how the unique atmosphere that Flushing Meadows provides can affect player performance.

Head to our CTC YouTube channel and remember to like & subscribe to listen to all of Dan´s LIVE updates from the US Open.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

The US Open Mixed Doubles has been the talk of tennis the past few days. The new format has been debated for months, and now it´s over, opinion is still divided!

Host Dan Kiernan jumps on to today´s CTC Short to recap the event in New York and look at why it has stirred up such strong feelings in the tennis world.

With Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beating Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud to sucessfully defend their title, Dan looks at why this feels like a victory for all doubles players.

What did you think of the new format? Message us on Instagram or send us an email to ctc.podcast@sototennis.com and let us know!

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

In today's episode, we have the Danish star August Holmgren. Straight after his incredible run at Wimbledon, reaching the 3rd round with 2 matches that lasted 5 sets across qualifying and main draw, before playing Alex De Minaur.

And directly following Wimbledon, he went on to win his next Challenger tournament in Granby. August attended the University of San Diego and advanced to the NCAA individual final, where he faced a certain Ben Shelton.

Reached a career high of 144 in the world and climbing every year. You guys will love his mindset on steady and consistent progress and blocking out the noise.

Talking points:

August’s incredible run at 2025 Wimbledon, making round 3 and playing Alex De Minaur.

The feeling of winning his 1st and most recent Challenger tour titles.

Growing up and playing tennis in Demark.

Battling through 2 matches that latest 5 sets at Wimbledon and winning them both.

Dealing with heat stroke and vomiting during a match.

Playing college and becoming the No. 1-ranked college player in the nation at the University of San Diego.

Playing Ben Shelton in the NCAA individual final.

How August fights and blocks out demons during his matches.

The main differences aspiring tennis players should know between the Future and Challenger tour.

Links mentioned in the episode -

Ep 108 Holger Rune: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/episode-108-holger-rune-no-doubt/

Ep 251 Adam Blicher: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/adam-blicher-getting-to-know-ourselves-rather-than-changing-ourselves/

Ep 254 Ethan Quinn: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/ethan-quinn-on-the-challenges-of-rising-up-the-atp-rankings/

Don't forget to head to our YouTube Channel and like and subscribe to watch clips and now full episodes of Control The Controllables: www.youtube.com/@ctc.podcast

Follow August Holmgren on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/augustholmgren/?hl=en

Thanks for listening!

Control The Controllables.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

In today´s episode we speak to American pro tennis player Tristan Boyer.

Tristan has a career high ranking of 109 in the world, and played college tennis at Stanford University.

He shares his experiences of moving up the rankings as he tries to break the ATP top 100. From playing Futures as a junior, to winning Challenger events after turning pro in February 2023, to playing top players like Tommy Paul and Alex De Minaur.

Episode Highlights:-

• Tristan reflects on the challenges of managing expectations during tough seasons.
• He shares insights on the role of coaches in his development.
• Tristen shares his thoughts on the non-negotiables for success in tennis. 
• Why the ability to play to your own strengths is crucial in tennis.
• Why he recommends College tennis for personal and tennis development.
• The differences in playing futures, challengers and ATP matches.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:-

• Episode 254: Ethan Quinn
• Episode 258: Taro Daniel
• Follow Tristan on Instagram
• SotoTennis Academy

Don´t forget to head to our CTC YouTube Channel to watch clips and full episodes from the show.

In today´s episode Dan speaks to 2025 Wimbledon Champions Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash.

Glasspool and Cash made history at SW19, becoming the first all-British pair to win the Mens Doubles title since 1936.

A week on from lifting their first Grand Slam trophy, they tell us all about their run to the title, how they are feeling and if it has sunk in yet.

Episode highlights:-

• What went through Lloyd´s mind as he served for the Championship.
• Julian talks us through how he almost had to withdraw with injury in the first round!
• How winning Queens & Eastbourne in the lead up to Wimbledon helped their confidence.
• Here how they celebrated ... and the now infamous 153 baby Guinness receipt.
• How this has changed their mindset moving forward into the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Catch all of our Wimbledon Live episodes on YouTube, and don´t forget to hit Subscribe to watch all the latest guests from the world of tennis.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Wimbledon 2025 did not disappoint!

From early upsets, unexpected runs by qualifiers (and alternates!), to two new Wimbledon champions in Sinner and Swiatek, it´s been an exciting 2 weeks at SW19!

And the sun shone throughout!

CTC Host Dan Kiernan went live on YouTube to review all of the action with our Grand Slam panellists:-

• Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
• Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.

Head to our CTC YouTube channel and hit Subscribe to listen to all of Dan´s LIVE updates from Wimbledon.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Our CTC LIVE series is back for Wimbledon 2025! Dan will be rounding up all the action from the Championships, joined by special guests from the world of tennis.

Who is winning each final?

These are shorter episodes that we´ll bring you throughout the tournament to provide you with insights and a round-up of the biggest talking points of the tournament.

Today, Dan is joined by two CTC fan favourites, Calvin Betton and Freddie Nielsen!

Episode Highlights:-

Reviewing the Men's Singles semi-finals

Reviewing the Women's Doubles semi-finals

Predictions and breakdown for the Finals this weekend

All the information you need to stay up to date with the action ahead of the finals!

Catch each episode live on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast' and following our Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest times!

If you have any questions you'd like Dan or our guests to answer live on the episode, please send them through any of our social media channels, sure to get back to you!

CTC Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast

CTC Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@controlthecontrollables

CTC X: www.x.com/ctc__podcast

Thanks for listening!

Control The Controllables.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete

Our CTC LIVE series is back for Wimbledon 2025! Dan will be rounding up all the action from the Championships, joined by special guests from the world of tennis.

These are shorter episodes that we´ll bring you throughout the tournament to provide you with insights and a round-up of the biggest talking points of the tournament.

Today, Dan is joined by Mel South, commentator and former WTA top 100 player. As well as Will Boucek, host of the Doubles Only podcast.

Episode Highlights:-

The amazing Men's doubles semi-finals were filled with many emotions, with Hijikata and Pel making the final after being alternates!

Dan's former player, Lloyd Glasspool making his 1st Wimbledon final.

Swiatek making the final dominantly.

An emotional Mixed doubles final with Siniakova winning her 1st Mixed doubles title alongside Sem Verbeek.

Dan's long-time favourite and dark horse, Amanda Anisimova, making her 1st Grand Slam final, beating the world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Prediction and analysis for the women's doubles semi-finals

Prediction and analysis for the Men's semi-finals.

Catch each episode live on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast' and following our Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest times!

If you have any questions you'd like Dan or our guests to answer live on the episode, please send them through any of our social media channels, sure to get back to you!

CTC Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast

CTC Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@controlthecontrollables

CTC X: www.x.com/ctc__podcast

Thanks for listening!

Control The Controllables.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.

TennisAthlete