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Rajeev Ram is a 6-time Grand Slam doubles champion, former world #1, and now a retired tennis player. I spoke with Rajeev from Paris as he was covering the Paris Masters for Tennis Channel. We reflected on the results, routines, and relationships that shaped his incredible career. He gets detailed about doubles tactics, partner communication, and why the ATP’s current approach to doubles misses the simplest fix of all. Adjusting to live commentary and the “producer in your ear” realityThree career moments that stick outWhat clicked during the 2026 US Open semifinal run Exactly how to help a partner through serve strugglesThe most important lesson from his dad Why transitioning from singles to doubles is harder than it looks and what was most difficultDefining your server’s partner identity, plus drills to train poaching, reactions, and “deflecting” volleysRaj's scouting notes on the top 10 doubles players and what makes each of them so tough to faceReacting to proposed ATP doubles cuts and arguing that promotion comes before rule changesWhat retirement looks like now, from nonprofit work to why coaching full-time is not the plan for nowDonate and get involved in Rajeev's foundations. Rajeev Ram FoundationChristel House FoundationLearn more about Rajeev & follow: InstagramATP ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

JJ Tracy is coming off a huge Asian swing that includes an ATP 250 title in Hangzhou and his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai. He's currently ranked #31 on the ATP tour. We discuss how doubles teams build chemistry, in particular with his new partner, Francisco Cabral, why fundamentals still matter at the top, and what current ATP doubles changes could mean for players and fans.  What clicked in Asia and why results lag behind good practice weeksHis new partnership with Francisco CabralDoubles crowds in Hangzhou and Shanghai and how energy changes matchesHis post-Wimbledon partner changeTour lessons on mindset, taking time off, and defending points What his coach Andy Fitzell teaches through basics, shadow swings, and slow volley reps (I love this part!)How JJ rebuilt his backhand volley from singles habits to a doubles volley What he knows about ATP doubles plans and his reactionJJ’s take on 10-point match tiebreaks vs no-ad scoring One piece of advice for club doubles playersLearn more about JJ & follow: InstagramATP ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

In this episode, I break down the six most common poaching mistakes I see in club and pro doubles. From better positioning to what to read to smarter finishing, avoiding these mistakes will help you poach with confidence.  Why your starting position matters mostMoving too late & how to time it correctlyMoving sideways, something players at all levels doMaking contact too far back and why closer is betterVolleying back to the returner or baseline playerNo poaching enough! How often should you poach?You need to know the exceptions as well, when to cover the line and how to adjust to lobs. Follow poaching week on Instagram and look for different themes each week going forward! Announcements: Join me for a 2027 Dallas Open VIP Experience!1-night/2-day packages3-day/3-night packageOne of my favorite events of the year, Tennis Con 10 Starts soon! ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

I answer four doubles questions that members and listeners have sent in recently. These concepts can have a big impact on your game, from return sides to mid-match adjustments. How to choose return sides if you're not sure (great advice for captains)Winning return games as a teamTiming the net player’s movement to avoid getting hit on serveHow to train your opponent awareness to help with in-match game planningWhen to change your strategy if things aren't going rightI'll have more great interviews soon! Dallas/Fort Worth Doubles Strategy Camp - Oct. 24-25 - only 3 spots left!Miami Doubles Strategy Camp - Nov. 14-15 - AM & PM groups availableDallas Open Rally Trip - 4 OptionsRally in the {Lone} Star: 3-Day Package1-Night/2-Day PackageIf you do enjoy the podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen: Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

I've been busy traveling the last three weeks but am back with a strategy episode. Today I share the six doubles lessons I teach club players repeatedly across my camps, clinics, and match play. Fixing your net positioning to time the poach rightKeeping your eyes forwardWhere you miss your volleys on your racquetOpponent serve and overhead tendenciesPracticing like you playAdvice for players who "don't lob"Fixing even just one of these mistakes can have a huge impact on your doubles game! Here are a few upcoming doubles camps and Rally Trips. Dallas-Fort Worth Doubles Camp: October 24-25Miami Doubles Camp: November 14-15Indian Wells Rally Trip: March 2-5, 2027Dallas Open Rally Trip: coming soon... email me for details! ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Katerina Siniakova is the #1 doubles player on the WTA tour. She holds 11 Grand Slam titles in women's doubles, one in mixed doubles, and two Olympic Gold Medals. She is also a top 50 singles player. In this episode, I chat with her as she prepares for the US Open. We discussed US Open prep, mixed doubles, mindset shifts, lessons from her career so far, and partner skills that helped her already become one of the greatest doubles players of all time. Her practice routines early in the majorsPlayers who influenced her when she was youngRespect for doublesHow she shifted from a singles-first identity to taking real pride in doubles successWhy she thinks comparing singles and doubles players is unfairWhat she would change about the US Open mixed doublesHow she helps new partners feel confident and adjusts tactics to fit their strengthsHow she uses frustration without letting it take overAdvice to her younger selfQuick listener Q&A on doubles rules, her superpower, and least favorite SlamThis was an enlightening and fun conversation that I know you'll enjoy. Watch Katerina in the singles and doubles (with Taylor Townsend) at this year's US Open! Learn more about Katerina & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Coach Dan Kiernan returns to the show, this time with Tennis Tribe doubles writer Hanlon Walsh from the Cincinnati Open. They discussed Dan's role coaching an ATP and a WTA doubles player in the same tournament. You'll hear specifics on logistical planning, team communication, and the stat-driven ideas that create sustainable success. Balancing coaching duties across two players with different routinesDeciding which tournaments to play and why preparation often beats chasing pointsDan's 105% ruleHow Gaby Dabrowski's partnership with Luisa Stefani compares to her previous partnership with Erin RoutliffeWhy doubles teams split or stay togetherWhy "assumption-based communication" is dangerous - club players do this all the timeThe rankings and entry problem that forces creative partner choicesThe current women’s doubles landscape and why the majors reward top teams moreMen’s doubles narratives and how ATP governance and ego is creating unnecessary problemsLearn more about Dan & follow: InstagramCTC PodcastCTC Podcast on IG ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh chats with top-50 players Quinn Gleason and Ulrikke Eikeri right after their Cincinnati Open round-one win. They discuss the match, how their partnership has clicked, what it takes to break into 1000-level events, and why WTA doubles feels deeper than ever.  Match recap and the energy shift that wins the third setWhat aggression “on our terms” looks like in doublesQuinn’s ranking rise and the confidence of an experienced partnerUlrikke’s insanely tight string tensionHow the partnership started and how they learn week to weekThe reality of alternates and the fight to enter 1000-level tournamentsGoals for the rest of the seasonNorway travel tips from Oslo plus Midwest hidden gemsDream mixed doubles partners and the Olympics hurdleLearn more about Quinn & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipediaLearn more about Ulrikke & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Erin Routliffe and Aldila Sutjiadi are one of the hottest teams on the WTA Tour right now, having won the DC Open several weeks ago. Tennis Tribe doubles beat writer Hanlon Walsh caught up with Erin and Dila after their round one win in Cincinnati. They discussed the victory, their DC run, and their partnership. I especially liked Dila's thoughts on playing great doubles as an individual vs winning as a team. Executing a match plan early and surviving momentum swingsUsing return games to create constant pressureHow they handle deuce pointsBuilding confidence from the Washington, DC title runA career-shaping US Open match and a tense fan momentLessons from playing with different partners and managing emotions as a teamFavorite SEC memories and what college tennis teachesLiving in the South, from food to basketball and football cultureLearn more about Erin & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipediaLearn more about Aldila & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Matt Futterman is an award-winning sports journalist for The Athletic and New York Times. His new book is The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis. This is a fascinating conversation about the book and why professional tennis can feel uniquely brutal, even for the best players in the world. We talk through the childhood pipeline, the mental load of constant losing, and what separates the era of Serena, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic from the stars trying to survive now.  Why tennis players walk away at their peak in a way players in other sports don'tThe hidden costs of junior tennis: money, travel, isolation, and identityConditional love and pressure from family expectationsWhy “winning feels like relief” at the top and why that is dangerousResilience tools: staying present, bouncing back after bad points, learning under stressWhy legends struggle to retire and how greatness becomes a trapWhat the ATP doubles cuts get wrong about the real problemPractical ideas for doubles: format, scheduling, atmosphere, and rulesPurchase Matt's new book on Amazon: The Cruelest Game: Chasing Greatness in Professional Tennis Learn more about Matt & follow: InstagramTwitter/Xwww.mattfutterman.com ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

In this AMA episode, I answer Tennis Tribe member questions with simple doubles strategy rules for drop shots, overheads against lobbers, and cutting down double faults. I also share how I think about building a second serve you can trust, as well as starting and recovery positions at the net. Drop shot rules and the best place to hit drop shots fromWhy your drop shot doesn't have to land shortThe best overhead targetsWhen letting a lob bounce makes senseThe causes of double faults at club levelThe easiest way to simplify your 2nd serveMembers only: How to develop a reliable 2nd serve that doesn't get attackedMembers only: Where to start at the net and how to move during your partner's baseline rallyLearn more about all my upcoming camps and Rally Trips at thetennistribe.com/camps/. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Mark Ein is the owner of the DC Open, an ATP and WTA 500 tournament starting on July 25. I spoke with Mark the week leading up to the tournament about how he has built the DC Open into one of the premier 500-level tournaments in the world. We discuss doubles' role in the tournament, his passion for tennis, and plans for the 2026 tournament. Mark also shares his thoughts on the ATP doubles cuts.  Mark’s background in sports and business, starting as a ball kid at the tournamentWhy he features star-driven doubles teams and actively recruits singles players into doublesWhat the final week of tournament operations really looks like behind the scenes2026 upgrades to the fan experience including stadium upgrades, merch expansion, and the new “front porch” viewing areaWhy selling an all-day, all-week experience beats marketing individual players in tennisThe advantages of a combined ATP & WTA 500 level event and why it is rarer than fans thinkHow mic'd up doubles players can create must-watch social content and bring fans closer to strategyDoes ATP doubles cost his tournament money?Mark has some candid responses, and I appreciate his drive to promote and innovate our sport, something tennis needs. Be sure to watch the DC Open all next week! Learn more about Mark & follow: InstagramTwitter/XDC Open Tournament Page ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

I spoke with Coach Calvin Betton after a second Wimbledon doubles title in three years. Calvin coaches ATP #1, Henry Patten, as well as Luke Johnson. We discussed Henry's Wimbledon run with his doubles partner, Harri Heliovaara, as well as return strategy and the recent news about ATP doubles cuts.  Comparing the 2024 and 2026 Wimbledon runsWhy “no free points” matters more than any "tiebreaker system”Balancing aggressive returns vs high-percentage returns by matchup and player profileScouting a recent loss to Arevalo and PavicFinding the right level of focus so pressure builds for your opponents across a matchWhat the Wimbledon champions dinner is actually like behind the scenesCalvin's philosophy on the returner’s partner positioningHow he views his role as a coach - I loved this answerHenry’s speech after winning the Wimbledon FinalReactions on the Wimbledon grounds when the doubles cuts were announcedWhy framing doubles as a product problem ignores marketing and sport economicsEvidence from social media, ticketing, and packed courts that doubles has demandCalvin is always a joy to have on the show because he brings strong opinions and insights that make you think. Learn more about Calvin & follow: InstagramTwitterHost of the Tennis Unfiltered Podcast ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

Aldila Sutjiadi is the #36 WTA doubles player coming off a grass court title in Bad Homburg alongside Vera Zvonareva. I spoke with Aldila a few days before Wimbledon, so we discussed her preparation, recent title, and more. We talk through recovery choices, what actually creates doubles chemistry, and her health scare from a few years ago. Managing Wimbledon prep with smart on-site time and planned practice blocksHandling recovery day to day, including physio for specific painUnpacking the French Open cramp and the role of heat and hydrationWhat clicked with Vera Zvonareva in Bad HomburgZvonareva's communications style (I loved this part)Grass-court doubles fundamentals, including staying low, first volleys, and serve-plus-one patternsAdjusting quickly across many partners by leaning on a hybrid baseline and net gameReturning from a wrist injury and a sudden hearing-loss episode with vertigo and hospitalizationGrowing Instagram through wins, highlights, and connecting with Indonesian tennis fansAldila reached the second round in women's doubles and the quarterfinals in mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Follow Aldila on Instagram below and watch her throughout the 2026 season! Learn more about Aldila & follow: InstagramWTA ProfileWikipedia ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course

I talk with Dan Kiernan from Wimbledon about the proposed ATP doubles changes for 2028 and why doubles players feel blindsided by the messaging. We focus on transparency, intent, and respect, and what doubles players can realistically do next if leadership will not share clear facts. You'll also hear specific names who we believe may be pushing this agenda forward. Initial reactions from doubles players and coaches at WimbledonWhy “doubles isn’t sustainable” needs real definitions and dataHow ticket sales, streaming, sponsorship, and event value get misunderstoodRespect as the foundation for any doubles growth planWhy intent mattersHow ATP governance differs from the WTA approach to player inputWhat “closing the pathway” could mean for doubles specialistsLikelihood the 2028 plan moves forward and why a fight is comingPractical advice for players: awareness, answers, and sticking togetherWhy infighting helps leadership and weakens player leverage on revenueThis is a super informative conversation that I hope helps you better understand all the layers to this situation. Learn more about Dan & follow: InstagramControl The Controllables PodcastSotoTennis Academy ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox **Become a Tennis Tribe Member** Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more. Learn More & Sign Up Here **Other Free Doubles Content** Serve Strategy CheatsheetReturn Strategy CheatsheetServe Strategy 101 - Video Course