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Alexandra Osborne joins Going Pro by ATA for one of our most honest conversations yet about what it really takes to build a career in professional tennis.Alexandra is an Australian professional tennis player from Sydney who has transitioned into becoming a doubles specialist after playing college tennis at Arizona State University.But her journey is anything but conventional.Alexandra only started playing tennis at around 11½ years old before rapidly progressing through the junior ranks, earning a scholarship to Meriden and eventually making her way to Arizona State. At college, she experienced the highs of winning a Pac-12 Championship and becoming an All-American, but also the frustration of working incredibly hard without securing a regular singles spot.After college, she pursued professional tennis and eventually transitioned towards doubles. In this conversation, Alexandra opens up about the realities of life on tour — including the financial pressure, constant uncertainty, crazy travel, injuries, and the mental challenges that come with trying to make a living as a professional tennis player.Perhaps most surprisingly, Alexandra reveals that she seriously considered finishing her tennis career in 2026.Instead, she decided to take things week by week — and has gone on to have the best year of her career.We also get into the role faith has played in changing her perspective on tennis, why she now competes with more freedom and joy, her incredible story of being called to play Venus Williams at short notice, and why she believes doubles could be crucial to the future of tennis.We discuss:🎾 Starting tennis at 11½ and catching up🎓 The reality of college tennis in America🔥 Winning a Pac-12 Championship & becoming an All-American💰 The financial reality of professional tennis✈️ The insane travel and uncertainty of life on the doubles tour🧠 Mental health, pressure and identity in professional sport🙏 Faith, purpose and competing with freedom🏆 Why Alexandra nearly quit tennis👑 Playing Venus Williams and Alex Eala🤝 Why doubles matters to the future of tennis📈 How tennis can better support professional players📱 Social media, player branding and growing doubles🎾 Why Australia has historically produced so many great doubles playersIf you're a junior player, parent, coach or simply interested in what professional tennis is really like behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Going Pro by ATA for more conversations with professional players, coaches and people working behind the scenes of the tennis world.00:00 – Intro: Alexandra Osborne & Her Journey00:50 – Starting Tennis at 11½ Years Old03:30 – The College Tennis Journey at Arizona State14:50 – Making the Transition to Professional Tennis21:51 – Why Alexandra Nearly Quit Tennis26:06 – Finding Purpose Beyond Tennis Results38:50 – The Financial Reality of Professional Tennis41:16 – Life on Tour & The Venus Williams Story48:27 – The Future of Professional Doubles52:37 – Why Doubles Matters to the Future of Tennis57:35 – How Tennis Could Better Support Doubles Players01:02:24 – Why Doubles Players Need to Be “Rogue”#Tennis #ProfessionalTennis #AlexandraOsborne #DoublesTennis #GoingPro

Australian tennis star Marc Polmans returns to the Going Pro Podcast after one of the biggest years of his career.After reaching the Australian Open Doubles Final, making the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Final, winning back-to-back ATP titles and climbing to World No. 23 in doubles, Marc shares what life is really like on tour.But this episode goes much deeper than tennis.We discuss the growing controversy surrounding the ATP's proposed changes to professional doubles, why many players are worried about the future of the sport, how difficult it really is to climb the doubles rankings, and whether doubles is being given the respect it deserves.Marc also opens up about:- Winning the Australian Open Wild Card and reaching the final- Life travelling on the ATP Tour- Training alongside the world's best players- Playing doubles with Alexander Bublik- Financial realities of professional tennis- The sacrifices required to chase the dreamIf you're passionate about tennis, coaching, player development or simply want to understand what life is really like behind the scenes on the ATP Tour, this episode is for you.🎾 Subscribe for more conversations with professional Tennis players.#Tennis #ATPTour #MarcPolmans #AustralianOpen #Doubles #ProfessionalTennis #TennisPodcast #GoingProPodcast #HighPerformance #ATP #TennisCoaching #grandslam 00:00 Introduction & Marc's Incredible Season03:00 Why He Chose Doubles (And Never Planned To)05:40 Life on the ATP Tour & Training with the World's Best11:25 The Reality of Professional Doubles15:45 The ATP Controversy: Is Doubles Under Threat?23:10 Can Rule Changes Save Professional Doubles?31:00 Australian Open Success & The Financial Reality of Tennis35:00 Finding Partners, Alexander Bublik & Life on Tour41:00 What's Next for Marc Polmans?44:00 The Sacrifices Behind a Professional Tennis Career

What if the biggest thing holding back your tennis isn't your technique?In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, I sit down with Richard Brice (Tennis Hacker) to explore the world of brain-based tennis training, visual performance, coordination, focus, and the hidden systems that influence how you move, track the ball, and perform under pressure.Richard shares how a serious mountain bike accident led him into applied neurology and ultimately transformed his own tennis. After six months off court with a separated collarbone, he returned with better timing, cleaner ball striking, and a completely different understanding of performance.We discuss:• Why some players struggle to improve despite practicing hard• The connection between vision, balance, coordination and performance• Why focus and concentration might not be a mindset problem• Brain training exercises used by professional players• How Richard learned to play tennis left-handed after injury• Why some players constantly mistime the ball• The effects of screens and technology on tennis performance• How brain-based training can impact life beyond sportWhether you're a coach, parent, competitor, or serious tennis player, this conversation will challenge the way you think about performance development.🎾 Follow Richard Brice (Tennis Hacker)YouTube: Tennis HackerWebsite: tennishacker.net🎙️ Going Pro by ATAHosted by Luke SebastianiIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another tennis player.

Danish professional tennis player Carl Emil Overbeck joins Going Pro by ATA to discuss his incredible transition from college tennis at Cal to the professional tour.Carl shares how he arrived at college with just one ATP point, transformed his game from a grinder into an aggressive attacking player, and rapidly climbed the ATP rankings after graduating.We discuss:• Life as a professional tennis player• The transition from college tennis to the ATP Tour• Growing up alongside Holger Rune• Lessons from Futures and Challenger events• Building confidence against higher-ranked opponents• Denmark's growing tennis culture• The mindset needed to keep improvingCarl recently reached Challenger quarterfinals in Australia and continues his climb up the ATP rankings.If you're an aspiring tennis player, coach, parent, or fan of the professional game, this episode provides an honest look into what it takes to build a career in professional tennis.🎾 Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches and experts from around the world.#GoingProByATA #TennisPodcast #ATP#Tennis #ATP #ATPTour #CollegeTennis #TennisPodcast #HolgerRune #TennisLife #TennisTraining #ProfessionalTennis #GoingProByATA 00:00 From Unknown Junior to College Tennis01:41 The Coach Who Changed His Game05:00 Learning to Believe Against Top Players06:12 Down 5-2 with Match Points Against Him07:26 The Brutal Reality of Turning Pro09:48 What Holger Rune Was Like Growing Up11:27 ATP Ranking Jump: 900 to 52013:40 Dating Another Professional Tennis Player15:00 Why Rankings Don't Matter16:13 What Separates Challenger-Level Players

Desiree Krawczyk joins the podcast to give an inside look into the world of professional doubles tennis.Desiree is a 4-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, former World No. 7 in doubles, Wimbledon champion, Olympic athlete, and one of the best doubles players in the world.In this episode, we dive into:The pressure of professional doubles tennisWhy mixed doubles helped transform her gameHow partnerships really work on tourThe business side of changing doubles partnersConfidence, leadership & handling pressureFunny behind-the-scenes stories from the WTA TourLife travelling the world as a professional athleteWhy being “comfortable being uncomfortable” mattersDesiree also shares lessons about communication, teamwork, adapting to different personalities, and why enjoying life off court has actually helped her perform better on court.If you enjoy tennis, sports psychology, high performance, or behind-the-scenes conversations from professional sport, this episode is for you.#DesireeKrawczyk #TennisPodcast #WTA #DoublesTennis #GrandSlam #Wimbledon #Tennis #SportsPsychology #HighPerformance #AustralianOpen #MixedDoubles #TennisLife #GoingProByATA #AthleteMindset #tennistraining 00:00 Intro & Desiree’s Grand Slam Career Journey03:54 How Mixed Doubles Changed Her Confidence & Game Style06:15 Match Pressure, Flow State & Becoming Comfortable Uncomfortable09:01 The Reality of Doubles Partnerships & Tour Relationships14:03 Playing Style, Risk Taking & Leadership in Doubles Tennis18:26 Funny Tour Stories & Learning to Adapt to Different Personalities22:40 Exploring the World & Avoiding the “Robotic” Tour Lifestyle24:18 Handling Losses, Confidence & Mental Resilience28:11 What Separates Top Players & Advice for Young Athletes32:14 Life Lessons from Tennis, Final Reflections & Outro

Blake Ellis takes us inside the reality of professional tennis — from winning the Australian Open Junior Doubles title to navigating the brutal transition into the pro tour.In this episode, Blake breaks down:The right balance between junior and pro eventsWhat it actually takes to transition into the men’s gameHow he approaches pressure moments on courtHis aggressive serve + volley playing styleThe challenges of injury, confidence, and returning to competitionHow the protected ranking system really worksAnd the mindset required to build a career in professional tennisThis is a must-watch for any aspiring player, coach, or tennis fan who wants a real look behind the scenes of the pro tour.🎾 Hosted by Going Pro by ATA🔗 SPONSOR: https://racketsandstrings.com.auThis episode is brought to you by Rackets and Strings – Adelaide’s leading racket specialist.👉 In-store + online, expert advice, and demo gear available.#tennis #protennis #tennisplayer #atptour #tennislife#tennistraining #tenniscoach #tennistips #tennismindset #athletelife#GoingPro #ATA #adelaidetennis00:00 Intro00:28 Junior Career & Grand Slams01:02 Junior vs Pro Tour – What Matters03:37 First Experience on the Pro Tour05:03 Playing Style & Identity06:06 Handling Pressure Moments07:00 Winning a Title (Swan Hill)08:07 Singles vs Doubles Balance10:26 How to Transition to the Net14:42 Where to Attack Opponents16:04 Returning from Injury18:17 Life Outside Tennis20:30 Planning the 2026 Season23:18 Protected Ranking Explained

Professional tennis player James Duckworth joins the Going Pro by ATA podcast to talk about life on the ATP Tour.Duckworth has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level of professional tennis, reaching the Top 50 in the world, representing Australia in the Davis Cup, and battling through the realities of the ATP Challenger Tour.In this conversation we discuss:• What it takes to stay in the Top 100 for years• The brutal depth of the Challenger Tour• How pro players deal with losing streaks and doubt• Career highlights including the Australian Open• Financial realities of professional tennis• Lessons for young players chasing the pro dreamIf you enjoy tennis insights from professional players, coaches, and experts, subscribe to the channel for more episodes of Going Pro by ATA.#JamesDuckworth#ATPTour#TennisPodcast#ProfessionalTennis#ChallengerTour#GoingProPodcast#TennisCoaching#TennisPlayers#TennisInsights#ATPPlayers 0:00 Intro & Audio Note0:36 Introducing James Duckworth1:30 Staying in the Top 100 for Years2:28 Adapting to the Modern Game4:49 Scheduling the ATP Tour Season6:39 ATP Challenger Tour vs ATP Tour8:27 Dealing with Losing Streaks & Mental Challenges12:24 Career Highlights & Breakthrough Moments13:40 The Financial Reality of Pro Tennis15:36 Influential People in His Career17:03 Final Thoughts

British tennis player Katie Swan opens up about one of the toughest periods of her career — battling chronic back injuries, dropping out of the rankings, losing financial support, and questioning whether she would ever return to professional tennis.After reaching a career-high ranking near the Top 100 and competing in Grand Slam qualifying — including Wimbledon — Katie found herself sidelined for over a year, playing just two tournaments in 14 months. At one point, she had stopped training and taken a coaching job in the US.In this honest and revealing conversation, Katie discusses: Managing long-term back injuriesThe mental toll of setbacks and “PTSD” from pain Starting again with zero ranking at $15K ITF events The financial reality of professional tennis Differences between the men’s and women’s tours Learning to accept where you are Reigniting belief after almost quitting She also shares insights into her playing style, match toughness, adjusting tactics mid-match, and how she rebuilt her ranking in 2025. If you're an aspiring tennis player, coach, or athlete navigating setbacks, this episode is full of perspective and resilience.🎾 Hosted by Luke Sebastiani 🎙 Going Pro Podcast #KatieSwan#TennisComeback#ProfessionalTennis#Wimbledon#GrandSlam#ITFTour#TennisPodcast#WomenInSport#InjuryComeback#GoingPro 0:00 – Career-high ranking, injuries & almost quitting 3:30 – Managing pain, setbacks & rebuilding mentally 6:00 – Starting again from $15Ks with no ranking 9:00 – Match toughness, tactics & adapting mid-match 11:30 – Men’s vs Women’s tour differences 13:00 – Financial realities of professional tennis 17:00 – Reigniting the fire & chasing Grand Slams again

Rinky Hijikata joins Going Pro by ATA for an in-depth conversation on what it truly takes to compete on the ATP Tour.In this episode, Rinky opens up about:Life on the ATP Tour and why there are no easy matchesHis development across clay, grass, and hard courtsHow he handles pressure moments and stays clutchThe importance of serve, scheduling, and long seasonsBuilding a clear “brand” of tennisLessons from his coach Mark Draper (Shark)Wimbledon doubles success and representing Australia in Davis CupWhy staying healthy is his biggest focus moving forwardThis is a must-watch for:🎾 Aspiring juniors🎾 College & Futures players🎾 Coaches and high-performance environments🎾 Anyone curious about the reality of professional tennisRinky’s ability to explain the mental, tactical, and physical demands of the ATP Tour makes this one of the most insightful episodes we’ve released.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and experts inside elite tennis.0:00 – Introduction & Rinky’s ATP Tour experience0:32 – “There are no easy matches on tour”1:09 – Why he committed to developing on clay2:38 – Learning point construction & court craft3:41 – Biggest improvements in his game this year5:19 – What separates the very best players6:10 – Scheduling, surfaces & mini peaks8:44 – Working with coach Mark Draper (Shark)11:59 – Defining Rinky’s “brand” of tennis13:18 – Staying clutch in pressure moments17:22 – Wimbledon doubles & Davis Cup moments19:09 – Injuries, health & goals moving forward#RinkyHijikata #ATPTour #ProfessionalTennis #AustralianTennis #GoingProByATA#TennisPodcast #ATPPlayers #TennisMindset #TennisDevelopment #HighPerformanceTennis#TennisCoaching #RoadToATP #EliteTennis #TennisLife #DavisCup

In this third conversation, Calum shares the raw reality of walking away from pro tennis, transitioning into full-time coaching, and then making the decision to come back — freer, stronger, and with nothing to lose.We dive into:The emotional weight of quitting after a lifetime in tennisBeing ranked inside the top 150 while still losing moneyCoaching juniors vs working at the “pointy end” of the sportHow time away made his tennis better, not worseThe mental freedom that comes from removing financial pressureLife on tour, relationships, YouTube, and documenting the processWhy reps, positioning, and intention matter more than talentThis episode is an honest look at the grind behind professional tennis, the unseen sacrifices, and why sometimes stepping away is the only way forward.🎾 If you love real stories about the pro pathway, this one hits deep.#ProTennis #TennisPodcast #GoingPro #TennisJourney#AustralianTennis #ATPChallenger #TennisLife#TennisComeback #LifeOnTour #TennisMindset#BehindTheScenesTennis #DoublesTennis #tenniscoaching 0:00 – Why Challenger-level tennis needs more attention3:06 – Ranked 140… and still losing money5:36 – Walking away from pro tennis7:04 – Holding players accountable to their dream10:48 – Why most players won’t become pros13:03 – The moment I knew I had to come back14:22 – How coaching changed my work ethic19:41 – Coming back and winning faster than expected20:21 – “Everything feels like a bonus now”24:25 – How the right partner changed everything32:46 – The financial stress nobody sees in pro tennis

In this episode, professional tennis player Dane Sweeny breaks down the exact mindset shift that helped him go on an incredible run — winning titles, beating top players, and translating Futures success into Challenger-level wins.Dane explains why winning became secondary, how prioritising courage over fear simplified his game, and what it actually feels like to play in a true flow state. He also opens up about the influence of his dad, the technical footwork changes that unlocked his aggression, and why losing certain matches confirmed he was finally on the right path.This conversation is a must-watch for players, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental side of high performance.🎾 Topics covered:Why playing courageously mattered more than winningFlow state vs fear-based tennisHow confidence is built before results comeTranslating Futures success to Challenger levelThe difference between speed and real movementLessons from tough losses and big winsTimestamps: 0:00 – Dane Sweeny’s comeback: from No. 700 to knocking on the Top 2002:00 – Career high, confidence collapse & walking away from tennis4:05 – Time away, rediscovering the love for the game6:40 – Returning with clarity: kindness, process & commitment7:55 – Pain, breakup & the mental turning point10:55 – Tennis as self-mastery: moving toward fear, not away17:40 – Entering the zone: courage over winning21:40 – The influence of his dad & simplifying everything23:10 – Footwork, aggression & why his game evolved27:55 – Challenger success, lessons from losses & what’s next#DaneSweeny #ProTennis #ATPTour #TennisComeback #TennisMindset #ATPChallenger #AustralianTennis #tennispodcast #TennisMentalGame #FlowState #HighPerformance#ProfessionalAthlete #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology

In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, I sit down with Caroline Martin, associate professor, tennis player, coach, and one of the world’s leading experts in tennis biomechanics. Her research focuses on how technique, physical attributes, equipment, and environment shape performance and long-term player health.Caroline breaks down:- Why the serve is the most biomechanically complex stroke in tennis- How to tailor serving technique to different body types- The most common biomechanical patterns that lead to shoulder, back, and wrist injuries- How coaches can develop a biomechanical eye- Why French tennis produces such diverse playing styles- The role of video analysis in player development- Practical, accessible on-court drills to improve performance- How future tennis training will rely more on data, mechanics, and individualisationWhether you’re a coach, parent, developing athlete, or tennis fan, this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of how biomechanics elevates performance while protecting players over the course of a season — and a career.🎾 If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and Share — it helps us bring more world-class tennis minds to the show.Instagram: @caromartin_tennisWebsite: caromartin-tennis.com 00:00 Caroline's Journey into Biomechanics 02:44 The Art of Serving: Key Principles 08:11 Tailoring Serves to Player Attributes 13:32 Common Biomechanical Issues in Serving 15:49 Improving Biomechanical Awareness for Coaches 19:15 The Unique French Tennis Approach 21:37 Biomechanics Beyond the Serve 24:25 Practical Drills for Coaches 27:01 Player Engagement in Biomechanical Analysis 29:16 Future Trends in Tennis Biomechanics

When Shane Liyanage founded Data Driven Sports Analytics, he changed the way the tennis world thought about performance. In this in-depth conversation, Shane reveals how data-driven coaching is reshaping tennis — from elite players like Ons Jabeur to the next generation of athletes looking to gain a competitive edge. We discuss the evolution of analytics in tennis, how to understand player behavior under pressure, and why short points often decide matches. Shane also explains why practice must mirror match conditions, and how communication and adaptability are the true keys to success for both players and coaches. Whether you’re a coach, player, or sports performance enthusiast, this episode will open your eyes to the future of tennis — where data and intuition work hand-in-hand to unlock potential. 🔗 Connect with Shane Liyanage🌐 Website: ddsportsanalytics.com📸 Instagram: @data_driven_sports_analytics 📺 YouTube: Shane Liyanage – DDSA Performance Data Science in Tennis 🎙️ Going Pro by ATA — where the world’s best coaches, players, and innovators share what it really takes to go pro. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The Evolution of Analytics in Tennis 02:55 – Understanding Player Behavior Under Pressure 06:02 – Shane’s Journey into Tennis Analytics 08:50 – Mirroring Match Conditions in Practice 15:00 – Adapting Game Styles Based on Data 17:57 – The Success Story of Ons Jabeur 23:59 – Adapting Communication and Coaching Styles 31:13 – The Future of Player Development 37:12 – Key Performance Indicators for Young Players 43:26 – How to Get Started with Data Analytics #TennisAnalytics #ShaneLiyanage #GoingProByATA #DataDrivenCoaching #SportsAnalytics #TennisTraining #PlayerDevelopment #TennisPerformance #MatchPreparation #TennisCoach #SportsScience #HighPerformanceTennis #PlayerBehavior #FutureOfTennis #AmbidextrousPlayers

In this Part 1 of Going Pro by ATA’s conversation with Matt Hobba, owner of Rackets and Strings — Adelaide’s leading racquet sport specialist — we dive deep into the world of tennis gear and performance setups.Matt shares his expertise on how to choose the right racquet, the evolution of strings and materials, and what separates a good setup from a professional one. Whether you’re a developing junior, performance player, or coach, this episode breaks down what really matters when it comes to racquets, strings, and setup.🎾 In Part 1:How Rackets and Strings became Adelaide’s hub for tennis playersThe evolution of racquet technologyJunior racquets: what to use and when to upgradePower vs control: finding the right racquet for your gameThe truth behind pro stock racquets and custom setupsStrings explained — tension, feel, and spin potential📺 Part 2 coming soon 📱 Follow Rackets and Strings:Instagram – @racketsandstringsWebsite – racketsandstrings.com.au🎙️ Follow Going Pro by ATA:Instagram – @adelaidetennisacademyYouTube – @GoingProbyATASpotify – Going Pro by ATA⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Who is Matt Hobba and Rackets & Strings2:40 – How racquet and string technology has evolved7:00 – Choosing the right racquet for juniors and performance players12:00 – Pro stock racquets and what really makes them different17:30 – Why strings matter more than you think23:00 – Common mistakes players make with their setup27:00 – Final thoughts🔖 Hashtags#Tennis #GoingProPodcast #RacketsAndStrings #MattHobba #TennisGear #TennisStrings #TennisRacquet #AdelaideTennis #TennisAustralia #TennisEquipment #GoingProbyATA

What happens when a professional tennis player turns entrepreneur? Rubin Statham, former ATP pro, created Pro Stringer — the world’s most innovative portable restringing machine — now trusted by players across the globe.In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, Rubin shares his journey from the highs of professional tennis to building a business that’s set to transform the sport forever. From battling life after tennis, to finding purpose through innovation, to developing the groundbreaking Pro Stringer Cybex, Rubin gives us a rare look into the future of stringing technology and the mindset of an athlete-turned-entrepreneur.🌍 Pro Stringer Website: https://pro-stringer.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22749538536&gbraid=0AAAAA_bx-_phdj6c1NxOTUb2VHpOPGVjb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5l1P3mQDDxHTzKJamK9M7XfSxDrtuquvT5JM8I6JsM8F_Br4clyj0aAkdXEALw_wcB📸 Pro Stringer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myprostringer?igsh=eDliZWZlcW9pbG55🔥 Topics covered:- Memorable moments from Rubin’s tennis career- The addictive nature of competition- The origins of Pro Stringer and solving a personal problem- The challenges of product development & feedback from players- The evolution of Pro Stringer machines leading to Cybex- AI’s role in tennis and stringing technology- The importance of ownership in an athlete’s performance👉 Whether you’re a tennis player, entrepreneur, or sports tech enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with insights on innovation, resilience, and chasing purpose beyond the court.⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Memorable Moments in Tennis Career03:02 – The Addictive Nature of Winning05:48 – The Journey of Pro Stringer09:05 – The Birth of a Business Idea11:47 – Challenges and Iterations in Development15:09 – Balancing Tennis and Entrepreneurship20:53 – Feedback and Continuous Improvement26:57 – The Evolution of Pro Stringer Machines35:47 – Innovating Tennis Stringing Technology39:00 – The Future of Portable Stringing Machines44:12 – Market Competition and Unique Positioning52:14 – Investment and Development Challenges56:00 – The Importance of Ownership in Performance01:03:01 – Final Thoughts and Future Directions#Tennis #RubinStatham #ProStringer #TennisInnovation #SportsTech #TennisEquipment #AthleteEntrepreneur #GoingProPodcast #TennisLife #AIinSports