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Christo van Rensburg, former world #5  in doubles and tournament director of the WTA 250 ATX Open, joins the show for the third time. In this episode, we preview the 2024 ATX Open and learn a few new doubles lessons from Christo. The ATX Open is entering year two on the WTA Calendar, and fans can expect some exciting changes at the event. The field includes Vika Azarenka, Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, Taylor Townsend, Caty McNally, and more. After previewing this year's tournament, we dive into doubles. Christo is one of my favorite coaches for his ability to explain his lessons in an easy-to-understand and actionable way for students. You'll learn: Why do so many players struggle at the net?What Federer and Nadal can teach us about court position in doubles.Mental tips for players who get nervous during matches or tiebreakers.Be sure to watch the ATX Open on Tennis Channel Plus. You can also get tickets or volunteer at ATXOpen.com. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. Net Play Strategy for Doubles - The Masterclass: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/net-play-strategy-for-doubles25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/

Will Blumberg is the #93 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour. He was a 10-time All-American at North Carolina and made the finals of the 2024 Dallas Open where this conversation was recorded. Will and I sat down on his day off in Dallas to discuss his career, the pro doubles tour, and strategy. You'll learn: Why Will and his partner, Rinky Hijikata, switched return sides after the 1st set - I almost never see this at the pro level.How he picks up his energy for 10-point tiebreakers.What adjustments he makes with different doubles partners - he played with nine partners in 2023.The difference between the body-forehand vs body-backhand serve.Will also shares the advice he gives his fiancee and mom to help them in their adult league doubles matches, as well as what he did in practice that day in Dallas. At the end, we discuss the popularity of doubles. Keep an eye on Will Blumberg throughout this season as I don't expect him to stay outside the top 50 for much longer. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. Net Play Strategy for Doubles - The Masterclass: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/net-play-strategy-for-doubles25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/

Neal Skupski is one of the best doubles players in the world over the last several years. He's a 3-time Wimbledon Champion, winning 2 mixed titles (2021, 22) and 1 men's title (2023), former world #1, and a recent Australian Open mixed doubles finalist. He is currently the #8 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour. I spoke with Neal on a day off for him at the 2024 Dallas Open. In this episode, we dive deep into his practice drills and routines, including specific tactics that apply to real match situations for doubles. You'll learn: A defensive volley drill that Neal & his partner, Santiago Gonzalez, worked on that day.The best target when you're at the baseline & the other 3 players are at the net.Their routine for practicing serves & returns.How Neal uses analytics & how the LTA provides data for him and other British doubles players.We also discuss mixed doubles strategy, including his partnership with Desirae Krawczyk who has two Wimbledon titles with Neal. Then I ask about how his relationship with Ken Skupski, Neal's brother, former teammate, and current coach, works so well. At the end, Neal shares his thoughts on making doubles more popular. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. Net Play Strategy for Doubles - The Masterclass: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/net-play-strategy-for-doubles25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/

This is an AMA (ask me anything) episode on net play strategy. My new Masterclass on net play strategy for doubles is live and on sale through Sunday so I wanted to answer your questions on the topic to kick off the launch. I answer 7 of your questions about net play including: What to do when you're playing lobbers and don't have opportunities at the net?How to improve your volley reactions.Tactics for mixed doubles for the lady at the net.If the ball lands around the service line, do you close the net or back up?and more...If you enjoy this episode, let me know, and I'll do more AMAs in the future. The Masterclass is 30% off through Sunday 2/11! Learn more & enroll below. Net Play Strategy for Doubles: The Masterclass----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Quinn Gleason is the WTA's #107 ranked doubles player. She reached the top 100 for the first time in 2023. Quinn played college tennis at Notre Dame. I chatted with Quinn during the Australian Open while she was wrapping up some off-season training. In this conversation, we discuss the balance of managing a WTA and ITF schedule since Quinn qualifies for some but not all WTA events.  We also discuss Quinn's off-season preparations and the impact of the ever-changing ITF and WTA landscape on players like her. Quinn also shares: How WTA players choose doubles partners from week to week.What her ideal doubles partner's skill-set would include.Her experience playing in front of a packed house on Grandstand at the US Open against Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula.What she thinks she needs to take the next leap into the top 50. I loved her answer to this.How she's improving her forehand return by training with a shorter backswing.Finally, we discuss Quinn's favorite tournament, books, and tackle the challenges and potential of doubles, advocating for increased visibility and popularity of the sport. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/quinn-gleason-interview/ **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**  New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Peter Lebedevs joins the show for the 3rd time as the Dallas Open enters year three as an ATP 250 tournament. Peter is the tournament director for the tournament and an accomplished tennis coach as well. You'll get a sneak peek of what to expect from this year's Dallas Open and a look at the 2025 event which is moving to the Dallas Cowboys practice facility along with an upgrade to an ATP 500. Nearly all the top American men's players will be at this year's tournament: Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Rielly Opelka, Chris Eubanks, and Ben Shelton. I'll be attending the tournament this year but will spend much of my time on the doubles courts... obviously 😉 Previous Dallas Open doubles winners include Michael Venus & Jamie Murray (2023) and Marcelo Arevalo & Jean-Julien Rojer (2022). The draw is usually strong with several up-and-coming teams to watch. We also discuss how to develop volley and net skills as a doubles player. Why club players struggle with volleys more than groundstrokes.Two new volley drills to improve your transition and offensive volleys.How to add confidence to your net game in 3 months.Peter also coaches top 100 WTA doubles player, Catherine Harrison, who has been on the podcast previously. We get an update on her career as well. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/peter-lebedevs-interview/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Styrling Strother is an innovative tennis coach who trains junior players and adults to transform the way they practice and think about the match court. He is a Tennis Performance Trainer (TPT) with the International Tennis Performance Association (ITPA), a PTR Professional Coach, a best-selling author, and the founder of Styrling Strother Tennis, a player development program located in Cary, North Carolina. This episode will totally shift your practice habits, and inject fun into your doubles matches. Styrling shares some transformational ideas with me in this episode. Why you should NOT look at the ball after you hit.A new way to think about the game score that helps you maintain focus and concentration (Momentum Scoring System).Innovative doubles drills that will better help you win matches.What you should be thinking when you make an error.Why opponent-based thinking is the #1 thing to learn for tennis players (and why it's so hard).We also discuss his new book, The Art of Winning Tennis, which offers strategies that change the way you see the court. I'm about halfway done with the book and it's already got me thinking about adjustments for my next match. As we dissect the traditional practice court paradigm, you'll discover why it's critical to move beyond technique to the strategic 'where, when, and why' of each shot. You'll learn to embrace the pressure of in-match scenarios through our in-depth analysis of scoring and drill modifications that mimic match conditions. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/styrling-strother-interview **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Joel Myers is a USPTA Elite Professional tennis coach, the 2021 USPTA San Diego Pro of the Year, and the tennis director at Coronado Tennis Center in San Diego, California. He also is a former Division 1 college player from Australia with professional aspirations before injuries ended his career early. Joel also has nearly 120,000 followers on Instagram (@joel_myers_tennis), where he shares his coaching advice. In this episode, Joel and I discuss club-level doubles tactics, from common positional errors to shot selection, and more. Joel covers specific skills that 3.0 to 4.0 level players need to develop.How to build confidence at the net.The annoying ending problem of dealing with pushers.Winning with a partner whose skill set may not match your own.How to use the slice approach shot effectively.Overcoming the hurdles of adjusting long-held habits.You'll also hear Joel and I debate if the better player should play deuce or ad, weighing the psychology of high-pressure points against the advantage of more return opportunities. You'll get plenty of actionable doubles advice in this episode. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/joel-myers-interview/ *** **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training**Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Ben Rothenberg is one of the most prolific and influential tennis journalists of the last several decades. He covered tennis for the New York Times for over 10 years, has contributed to The Racquet, and has been featured on BBC, CNN, and many other major news networks. I wanted to have Ben on to talk doubles and discuss his new book, Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power & Her Voice. I recently listened to Ben on Craig Shapiro’s podcast where he said he thinks “doubles is in a position that’s not sustainable.” In this conversation, we discuss: The problems facing the doubles tour including the lack of star power, poor marketing, small fan bases at many tournaments, and more.What the ATP & WTA might do to help doubles.What doubles players need to do to grow their fan base and help the sport.Why the Bryan Brothers were so successful in “marketing” themselves and doubles.Ben also has lots of great stories that he shares with me. I’d encourage tennis fans, anyone involved in professional tennis, and especially ATP and WTA doubles players to listen to this episode. Whether you agree with Ben or not, he has opinions worth listening to as someone who understands our sport so well. In my opinion, many of the ideas should be taken into consideration by both the tours and the players, particularly as the rumors around Saudi Arabia enter the scene. Follow Ben: Twitter | InstagramBen’s new book, releasing January 9, 2024: Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her VoiceBen hosts the No Challenges Remaining PodcastFull shownotes for this episode here: Ben Rothenberg Interview ----- **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/

Jonathan Stokke is a former tennis player at Duke where he was an All-American in doubles. He played in the US Open twice and coached at Duke for several years after playing. He now resides in South Carolina where he coaches junior players and adults. I wanted to have Jonathan on the podcast because of a lesson I saw him give at Tennis Con 7. He's one of those great coaches who is crystal clear with his instruction and makes his lessons actionable for those who watch. His Instagram account has over 87,000 followers and for good reason. In this conversation, we discuss: How to read your opponent's serve & adjust your return position accordingly.The problem with your serve toss (including a drill to fix it).What high percentage tennis actually means, and why most people don't understand this.The mentality to have against lobbers, plus advice from Rajeev RamJonathan also shares a story from college when he and a partner used three different plays to get the same result. They basically fooled their opponents into thinking they were using variety. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/jonathan-stokke-interview **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

Carlos Martinez is the coach of top 20 WTA doubles players, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez. He also coaches WTA singles star Karolina Pliskova. Carlos was a top junior player in Colombia, where he grew up in Bogota, before playing college tennis for division 1 teams, Western Michigan and Jackson State. Carlos is one of the best mental coaches I’ve ever been around and you’ll learn a lot from this discussion that will help you become mentally stronger on the court. We discuss: The best drills and games to use in practice to simulate in-match pressure.How to stop worrying about outcomes and focus on your process instead.What to do when you get nervous. Off season training and creating improvement game plans for a top 10 doubles team.Carlos also shares his goals for 2024, his favorite tournament, and how to grow professional doubles. See the shownotes for this episode here: https://www.thetennistribe.com/carlos-martinez-interview **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons

The ability to transition to the net in doubles is an underrated skill to have. It's also something doubles players rarely practice. This episode covers common mistakes I see on the half-volley and the approach shot, as well as several drills you can use to practice your transition game. You'll learn the best ways to serve & volley, return & volley, and get to the net during a rally. Support the show by shopping through these links: Tennis Tribe's 40+ Best Tennis GiftsShop on AmazonShop Holiday Sales at Tennis Warehouse Mentioned in this episode: Rick Macci InterviewJorge Capestany's transition game (video)Daniel Nestor Interview **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tacticsLeague Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics:  https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/Net Play Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/net-play-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/*** Download your free doubles guide to learn how to force errors and get more easy volleys at TheTennisTribe.com/doubles-guide/. *** Tennis Gear reviews: The best racquets, shoes, bags, & moreRead our written doubles lessons hereSubscribe to our YouTube Channel for video lessons