Control the Controllables

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’ teamsHis 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 tennisFollow Adam Jones on Instagram: @adam_jonesyyy123CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: [email protected]

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:Growing up playing multiple sports before choosing tennisWhy Sander never planned to become a professional playerThe decision-making process behind his college career in the US and transitioning to professional tennisHow crowdfunding helped keep his career going early on.How injuries shaped his focus from singles to doubles and lessons learned along the way.Key insights on finding his game, mental resilience, and balancing success with authenticity.Memorable experiences, including playing Andy Murray at the Olympics and reaching a Grand Slam final.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 CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: [email protected]

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:Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie NielsenTop S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.Key Talking PointsCarlos Alcaraz becoming the youngest ever person to win the career Grand Slam.Novak Djokovic proving he can still push for number 25.Will Rybakina be the player to beat in the women´s game in 2026The role of coaching, technical adjustments, and player development in modern tennisThe rise of British doubles dominance, with the current World No.1, 2 & 3 in men’s doubles being British.The debate around camera coverage, player privacy, and the sport's media strategies after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek’s comments.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 CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: [email protected] episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.

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:GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie NielsenSports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid 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:Listen to: Reaction to Alcaraz & Ferraro SplitListen to: Andrea Vavassori: Why winning the US Open Mixed Doubles Title was so Important for DoublesThis episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.

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:Lloyd’s late specialisation, multi-sport childhood and the huge influence of gymnastics on his movement.How Lloyd’s junior coaching focused on developing skills and creativity, not winning early.The turning point of finding the right partnerships, and how understanding a partner under pressure became a competitive edge.Winning Wimbledon, and the mindset shift from “good enough” to “I can win Slams”.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:-Episode 84 reflecting on his start in tennis from 2020Episode 180 with Harri Heliövaara after competing in their 1st ATP Finals from 2022Episode 261 with Julian Cash after becoming Wimbledon Champions from 2025.Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFollow SotoTennis Academy on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

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:24 tour-level titles6 Grand SlamsYoungest world No.1 in ATP history (US Open 2022)This episode was originally recorded live on YouTube — watch the full video version hereFollow Control the Controllables on Instagram: @ctc.podcastCTC Tiktok: @controlthecontrollablesCTC X: @ctc__podcastThanks for listening!

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 [email protected].

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 improvingLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Check out Jody´s show The Changeover PodcastListen to the CTC guests discussed in this episode: Denmark´s August Holmgren, Pat Cash & Sir Andy MurrayFollow Control the Controllables on Instagram & YouTubeControl 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 [email protected].

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.

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

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 challengesWhy early mental development for players is as important as physical developmentThe vital role of parents in an athlete’s journeyMindset strategies to handle stress, pressure, and setbacksWhy maintaining a love for the sport matters mostHow acceptance can reduce stress sensitivityThe never-ending journey of performance, growth, and perspectiveWhy relationships between players, coaches, and parents are keyWatch 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 GowlingDr 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 NielsenSports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.Episode Highlights:-Erin and Gaby tell us how they celebrated their win in New YorkHow 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!

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 PreviewDan 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.

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 [email protected] and let us know!

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.podcastFollow August Holmgren on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/augustholmgren/?hl=enThanks for listening!Control The Controllables.

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 QuinnEpisode 258: Taro DanielFollow Tristan on InstagramSotoTennis AcademyDon´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.