Advertise on podcast: The Functional Tennis Podcast

Jonas Eriksson, aka Tennisnerd, is back for our annual racket catch-up on the Functional Tennis Podcast. We discuss why the new Babolat Pure Aero has divided opinion, why players are stocking up on the 2023 version, and whether Wilson can take the crown in our Racket of the Year vote. We also get into the latest from Head, Dunlop and Tecnifibre, why some pros switch back to their old rackets, and the balance between power, spin, control and comfort. Plus, Jonas talks about his Toroline string collaboration and reveals the racket he’d reach for with a big match on the line. Plenty of racket chat to help you weigh up your next switch or appreciate what’s already in your bag.

What makes the HEAD Prestige so special, and where does it fit in today’s game? I am joined by Max Defregger, HEAD’s Global Business Unit Manager for Tennis Rackets, Bags and Accessories, to celebrate 25 years of the iPrestige and explore the two rackets marking the occasion: the iPrestige MP 2.0 and the Prestige Limited. Max takes us behind the scenes of bringing a classic back, explaining what HEAD wanted to preserve from the original and how the more forgiving Prestige Limited offers a modern interpretation of that familiar feel. We discuss: The iPrestige’s memorable 2001 season, including Goran Ivanišević’s Wimbledon triumph.The differences between the two new rackets and who each is designed for.Racket development, molds and professional player customisation.Why Prestige still has a place in an era of power and topspin.A hint of what HEAD has planned for the Prestige’s 40th anniversary in 2027. Whether you grew up playing with a Prestige or are curious about its loyal following, this episode explores the appeal of one of tennis’s most recognisable racket lines.

Ryan Peniston left his family at just 13 years old to move to France and pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player. After five years there, he moved to the United States to play college tennis at the University of Memphis spending nine formative years away from home. In this episode, Ryan reflects on the sacrifices involved and whether he would make the same decision again. He also discusses reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 123, defeating Casper Ruud at Queen’s, playing at Wimbledon and the injuries that have disrupted his career. We also explore the financial and mental realities of professional tennis, his recovery from a lower-back stress fracture, his work with Young Lives vs Cancer and his early experiences in commentary and punditry. Hope you enjoy! Fabio

College tennis has never been stronger on court… but behind the scenes, major changes are happening. In this episode, I’m joined by ITA CEO Dave Mullins to break down what’s really going on in US college tennis right now. We discuss NIL deals, players getting paid, why some universities are cutting tennis programmes, and whether the current system is sustainable long term. We also chat about: Why more international players are choosing the college pathwayHow college tennis is producing stronger ATP and WTA players than everThe growing financial pressures inside college athleticsWhy Olympic sports are under threatThe future of NCAA tennisWhat players and parents should know before choosing the college route Whether you’re a junior player, parent, coach, or tennis fan, this episode gives a real insight into one of the biggest shifts happening in tennis development today.

While at the Italian Open in Rome with ASICS, I got the chance to sit down with Luciano Darderi for this mini episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast. Luciano talks about growing up between Argentina and Italy, being coached by his dad, and why his family sacrificed so much to help him pursue professional tennis. He also shares what changed as he climbed the rankings, what separates the very best players from the rest, and what it actually feels like practising and competing against players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. We also chat about Luciano becoming an official ASICS athlete after previously buying and wearing their shoes himself, and how a pair of ASICS shoes helped him through a difficult foot injury period before his breakthrough run on tour. A short episode, but plenty of insight into life at the top level of the game.

In this short episode from the Italian Open in Rome, I sit down with Mattia Bellucci for a quick chat about his journey from an average junior career to breaking into the ATP Top 100. Mattia talks about growing up in Italy, being coached by his dad, why he decided to stop focusing on juniors and jump into Futures events early, and what changed once he started competing at ATP level. He also shares what it feels like playing in Rome in front of the Italian crowd and his move to becoming an official ASICS Tennis athlete this year after previously buying and wearing their shoes himself. Mattia now wears the Solution Speed FF 4 and explains why he made the switch from the Resolution line. This episode was recorded while I was in Rome with ASICS, who brought me over for a few days around the tournament. I also recorded a short chat with Luciano Darderi, which will be live in the coming days.

What does it actually take to compete at the top level in under-12 tennis today? In this episode, I’m at the IMG Future Stars in Greece, where some of the best young players in the world come together to compete, learn, and experience life at a high-performance event. I sit down with Sebastian Lavie to get his perspective as a coach on what’s changed over the last few years, what stands out at this level now, and what players really need if they want to progress. We talk about the level of the players, how the event has evolved, and the realities of junior development today. Sebastian’s player, Tatiana Na, also joins us briefly during the conversation, giving a small insight into what it’s like competing at this level. If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pathway in tennis, this will give you a good feel for what’s actually happening at the top end of junior tennis right now. 🎾 Check out episode 2 of my YouTube series where I test my level against better players. I take on Peter Buldorini, a 21-year-old ATP 900, in two champions tiebreaks. Watch now by tapping here.

I tried something new. For a long time, I’ve talked about starting a YouTube channel where I get back on court and test myself against players better than me. The reality is, I never really had the time to do it properly. Now I’ve finally started. In this first video, I take on one of Ireland’s best players, Sinead Lohan, to see how I stack up and to explore the level difference. This is the first of many, and I’m still figuring out the format, so I’d really appreciate your feedback. You can watch the full video here

Over the past 12 months, I’ve been working with biomechanics researcher Dr Nick Busuttil to better understand one simple question… Does the Functional Tennis Saber actually improve your game? In this episode, we dive into the findings from that research and what really happens when players train with a constraint racket. We discuss how the Saber influences stroke mechanics, why players may initially feel less accurate, and how that “useful struggle” can actually help build better timing, contact awareness and more consistent strokes over time. Nick also explains why tools like the Saber can promote adaptability in your game, act as a circuit breaker in training, and how coaches and players can use it effectively in practice and warm ups. If you’ve ever wondered whether training aids actually work or if they’re just gimmicks, this episode will give you a clear, science backed perspective. You can download the full research report here. And if you have any questions after listening, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram here or you can email me here. I hope you enjoy the episode. Fabio

Marc Polmans is now ranked inside the top 60 in doubles after making the Australian Open doubles final but he still sees himself as a singles player. In this episode, we talk about the reality of balancing singles ambition with doubles opportunity, and how one Grand Slam run can shift your season financially, mentally, and strategically. Marc shares: From not being in the draw to Aussie Open finalistThe difference between Futures and Challenger levelWhy ranking points at Slams change everythingHis recent racket switch from the Pure Drive to the Pure Aero and how it compares to Wilson’s “Python” prototypeWhether he’d choose college tennis if starting again todayAnd why the Functional Tennis Saber is useful for doubles players An honest look at the grind of pro tennis and the career decisions players constantly face. Enjoy Fabio

Justin Van Malderen from Luxilon is back on the Functional Tennis Podcast. At the 2025 US Open, 55% of the Top 100 were using Luxilon strings. In this episode, we discuss why. We talk about falling string tensions on tour, how modern powerful rackets are changing string demands, and why today’s aggressive baseline game requires more durability and control than ever. We also dive into why I chose Luxilon Element for the FT99 racket, how it compares to 4G and Alu Power, and who it’s best suited for. Justin shares insight into Sabalenka’s unique setup, the reality of sustainable strings, and how Luxilon competes as a family business in a market dominated by major global brands. Plus, Justin is offering a €500 Functional Tennis voucher to one listener who fills out Luxilon’s string questionnaire. Tap here to fill it out and the last submission date is on March 31st. If you care about your setup and want to understand what makes a difference at the highest level, this one’s for you. Enjoy Fabio

In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Yuhi Tanigaki, Product Manager for Tennis Footwear at ASICS, to go behind the scenes of the new Solution Speed FF4. Yuhi plays a central role in shaping ASICS tennis shoes, working closely with designers, researchers, professional athletes, and recreational players to turn feedback into real on court performance. We cover what actually goes into building a modern tennis shoe and how small changes can make a big difference. In this episode, we discuss: How long it really takes to develop a tennis shoe from first idea to retailWhat stayed consistent from the original Solution Speed and what has evolvedThe key updates in the Solution Speed FF4 and how they affect feel and movementHow ASICS balances speed, comfort, and durability without adding weightThe role of athlete feedback, including insights from Belinda BencicDifferences between what professional players and recreational players valueWhy ASICS sees the FF4 as an evolution rather than a complete redesignWhich type of player the Solution Speed FF4 is built for This episode is a deep dive into tennis footwear design and a rare look at how performance products are actually created behind the scenes.

A brief catchup with whats been going on at Functional Tennis Podcast breakNew Saber EditionsThe FT99New 2027 productsTariff complicationsPodcast guests

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, Fabio chats with Jonas Eriksson, better known as Tennis Nerd, the go-to voice in the tennis world for rackets. With the Functional Tennis Racket of the Year competition underway, Fabio and Jonas break down the most talked-about rackets of 2025, what to expect from the 2026 launches, and why so many pros are playing with blacked-out frames. They also dive into Wilson’s upcoming Pure Aero-style spin racket, shifts in pro player trends, and what makes the modern racket scene more competitive than ever. If you love tennis gear talk, this one’s for you, and if you want info on all the rackets, check them out at Tennis Warehouse Europe and check out Jonas's YouTube account if you want in-depth reviews on the rackets. This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being. To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/ Find us on Social Media: Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

This week I’m joined once again by Dutch ATP player Jesper de Jong, who has continued his steady rise on the professional circuit. Since our last chat, Jesper has broken into the top 100, reached his first ATP final at the Swedish Open, and played a key role for the Netherlands in Davis Cup. We talk about what feels different now that he’s inside the top 100, the lessons he’s learned from the tour grind, and how he balances results with enjoying the process. Jesper also shares insights from training blocks in Bali, the unforgettable match that sealed his top 100 spot, and what he’s learned from his girlfriend, a professional speed skater. If you’re curious about the mindset and habits behind steady, sustainable progress, this episode is a great listen. Fabio This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being. To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/ Find us on Social Media: Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis