Control the Controllables

In this week´s episode, we speak to former GB tennis player and TV presenter Dan Lobb.Dan played professionally for 2 years before joining Sky Sports as a presenter and later moving to GMTV. He was Sports Editor on ITV´s replacement breakfast programme Daybreak, before becoming co-presenter of the main show. He has since produced the heartwarming documentary Silver Servers, which tells the story of 4 players in their 80´s and 90´s who are still travelling the world competing in ITF events.Dan reflects on his experiences in the world of television and tennis, sharing insights from his time on the 2011 season of Strictly Come Dancing, and the importance of community in tennis. He also discusses his friendship with a remarkable tennis player called Leonid from Ukraine, and the lessons learned about controlling what one can do in life. Links Mentioned in this Episode:-Watch´s Dan´s Documentary ¨Silver Servers"Follow us on Instagram to keep up with all the latest episodes of Control the ControllablesHelp us Win Best Tennis Podcast!We´re so excited that Control the Controllables is a finalist at the Sports Podcast Awards! We´ve been nominated for Best Tennis & Racket Podcast and we´d love it if you could vote for us!Vote for us here (it only takes a couple of minutes) and spread the link around as much as you can! Thank you for all your support 🙏🏻

In this week´s episode we have the second edition of our CTC Real series, uncovering and exploring the real side of tennis.Dan discusses two of the biggest stories in tennis the past couple of weeks (and possibly of the year): Iga Swiatek´s failed doping test and Sir Andy Murray joining Djokovic´s coaching team. He´s joined by GB player Ben Jones who is currently No.214 in the world in doubles, who gives us some interesting stories about what life is really like on the Futures Tour. Ben also discusses the significance of having supportive fellow players to travel with.Dan is then joined by Sarah Borwell from Tennis Smart/Keystone Sports to talk about the new NCAA tennis structure. They discuss the impact of the changes in NCAA rules, the tournament calendar and scholarships on the future of college tennis.In this series, we'll be bringing you some of the stories you might not have spotted in the world of tennis, from the top level all the way down to the lowest level of professional tennis that rarely gets a mention. Let us know what you think of the series and what you would like to see on the next editions of the show!

In today´s episode, GB´s Jacob Fearnley shares his journey to becoming a top 100 ATP player, reflecting on the surreal experience of his recent success. Jacob graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) in May this year, with his team winning the NCAA´s. By October, he was ranked 98 in the world, winning 27 out of 28 ATP Challenger matches along the way.Jacob joins CTC host Dan Kiernan to discuss the challenges and triumphs he´s faced so far in his tennis journey. He shares insights from his experiences playing against top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Yannik Sinner as a junior, and what it was like taking on Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon this summer.Jacob also discusses:-The importance of naivety and lack of pressure starting out.The influence of his family, particularly his grandparents on his tennis journeyThe role of College Tennis in his development and it´s rise as a legitimate pathway for players.The significance of having supportive coachesThe importance of a strong mindset and goal setting, and the influence of Andy Murray on his career.This is a fascinating listen for players and parents!🛍️ DON´T MISS OUR BLACK FRIDAY OFFER 🛍️Unlock 20% Off Access Weeks at SotoTennis AcademyFrom 10am on Friday 29th November until 11:59pm on Monday 2nd December, you can enjoy 20% off an Access Week at SotoTennis Academy!This is the perfect opportunity to join Team Soto—whether you’ve been waiting for the right moment to train at the Academy, or you’re looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift for the tennis player in your life. But hurry—spaces are limited! Get your discount code here!

Our Final LIVE episode on the WTA Finals, reflecting on the action in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and talking about the positives and negatives from the tournament and how it was ran as well as looking back and Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe's WINNING the WTA Finals.This is the final of the shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Our FULL episode #240 with former CNN sports anchor Candy Reid who has incredible stories to tell and has interviewed superstars such as Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Tiger Woods and much more!In This Episode: Dan reflects on the WTA Finals held in Riyadh, discussing the event's successes, cultural insights, areas for improvement, and the importance of supporting women in sports. He emphasises the positive atmosphere among players, the need for better logistical arrangements, and the significance of building a supportive tennis culture in Britain. Dan also highlights the impact of the event on local communities and the importance of promoting women's achievements in sports.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Overview of the Event06:07 Cultural Insights and Personal Experiences11:54 Team Dynamics and Sportsmanship18:52 Impact of the Event on Saudi Arabia and Women's TennisYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

In today´s episode we speak to broadcaster and former CNN sports anchor Candy Reid.Candy shares her remarkable journey from a promising tennis player to a successful broadcaster, running a tennis academy, and now Commentator and Podcast Host.With years of experience in the industry, Candy has interviewed the biggest names in tennis—Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and many more! She shares the inside story of how she broke into sports broadcasting, her early days on the tennis court, and the dedication and sacrifices it took to rise to success at CNN.Packed with incredible stories, Candy recounts unforgettable moments, from dancing with Novak Djokovic to an entire day filming with Serena Williams. The conversation also touches on the pressures of competition, the common traits of successful athletes, the challenges of balancing career and family life, and the evolving role of women in sports media. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!Episode Links:Check out Candy’s podcast ‘Diary of a Professional Tennis Coach’ including the episode with Dan Kiernan whilst out in China. Listen here. SotoTennis AcademyWatch clips from the episode on YouTube

Day 12 and the final LIVE podcast from the WTA Finals in Riyadh. A special edition joined by the CHAMPIONS of the WTA Finals, Gaby Dabrowksi and Erin Routliffe hours after winning the finals match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!This is the final of the shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms and YouTube!In the Episode:Dan celebrates the achievements of beating Siniaková and Townsend 7-5 6-3 in the WTA FINALS FINAL joined with Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe, the newly crowned WTA Finals doubles champions. The discussion covers their journey through the tournament, their reflections on playing in Riyadh, and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. The champions answer questions sent in by our listeners via our social media and share insights into their preparation, the challenges they faced, and their future aspirations in tennis. The conversation highlights the significance of their victory in the context of women's tennis and the impact it has on inspiring future generations.Dan also wraps up the tournament, reflecting on Coco Gauff's resilient performance in the singles finals, how the tournament was ran, crowd atmosphere and final thoughts before going off to celebrate the victory!Chapters00:00 Celebrating Champions: WTA Finals Highlights04:03 Gaby and Erin Join to talk about them winning the WTA Finals!05:33 Gaby and Erin Answering Questions about the Victory and the Year11:32 Reflecting on Overcoming Challenges: The Journey to Victory17:09 Personal Moments: Celebrations and MemoriesYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 11 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up talking all about the big topics during the Finals. The night before the WTA Finals final for doubles and singles!Joined by elite tennis analyst for players such as Coco Gauff, Holger Rune, Stefanos Tsitsipas and more! Here to break down how Gauff made it to the final and improved her games, the doubles match in the final and much more in detailed analysis to listen out for!You can check out the video format of each of these LIVE podcasts on YouTube by searching 'Control the Contollables Podcast' all available NOW.Episode with Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe directly after WINNING the WTA Finals is also OUT NOW on our YouTube channel and will be out on all podcast platforms Sunday 10th November so watch out! These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms and YouTube!In This Episode:Dan and Mike discuss the highlights of the tennis tournament in Riyadh, focusing on the performances of Coco Gauff and Zheng. Mike James provides insights into Gauff's impressive play and her potential to dominate women's tennis. Dan also talks about the finals taking place and the emotions and feeling before a final!The conversation also touches on the ATP Finals and the dynamics of the tournament, including the unique atmosphere and fan engagement compared to other events!Chapters00:00 Welcome to Day 11 in Riyadh02:48 Coco Gauff's Impressive Performance11:47 Analyzing the Final Matchup of Gauff and Zheng and Gaby and Erins final match17:47 Insights on WTA Finals and Player Development and Mike congratulating Dan YouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 10 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up talking all about the big topics during the Finals joined by the agent of Andrey Rublev, Alex De Minaur and Daria Kasatkina, John Morris! Live from the ATP Finals in Turin!Watch LIVE at 8pm GMT DAILY during the WTA Finals on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms and YouTube!In This Episode:In this conversation, Dan is joined by John Morris, a sports agent, who provides insights into player management, the challenges faced by athletes, and the importance of being prepared for high-stakes matches. John Morris talks about what happens behind the scenes when one of his players, Daria Kasatkina, gets called up last minute for the WTA Finals.John Morris also talks about the feeling players such as Rublev and De Minaur have to end of year events such as the ATP Finals and the importance of these compared to Grand Slams. As well as his players aims for the year and how Novak Djokovic withdrawing effects his players.The discussion also touches on the cultural changes in Saudi Arabia regarding women's rights, the commercial opportunities for players, and the overall experience of the tournament in Riyadh compared to Turin.Dan also talks about the Gaby and Erins 3rd win in a row in the group stage as they get ready and prepare for their semi-finals battle against Melichar-Martinez and Perez!Predictions for the finals and reflections on the tournament's significance are also shared.Dan also discusses the audiences during the finals as well as Coco Gauff being one of the first to speak out about her concerns before coming to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.A really great insight into the behind the scenes of what happens when tennis players make it to these prestigious events in terms of sponsorships, reaching out to brands and much more!Chapters00:00 WTA Finals Overview and Key Matches02:57 Insights from John Morris on Player Management05:56 Performance Analysis: Players and Conditions08:45 ATP Finals Preview and Player Insights11:54 Commercial Importance of ATP Finals14:43 Cultural Impact of Tennis in Saudi Arabia17:47 Final Predictions and Closing ThoughtsYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 9 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up talking all about the big topics during the Finals joined by the sister of Erin Routliffe, Tara Routliffe.Watch LIVE at 8pm GMT DAILY during the WTA Finals on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on both all podcast platforms and YouTube!In This Episode:Dan is joined by Tara Routliffe who is also out in Riyadh and is here who share her experiences and insights from the WTA tournament in Riyadh. Tara discusses the luxurious treatment of players, the cultural adjustments required in Saudi Arabia, and the importance of humour and camaraderie within the team, sharing insight into Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski's training camp.Tara gives a great insight into a different perspective of being at the WTA Finals, supporting her sister and her experience of Riyadh. The conversation also discusses women's rights in the region, predictions for the tournament, and fan interactions, culminating in Tara's reflections on her time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Finishes with Dan reviewing the latest results, what this means for the rest of the tournament and player to look out for.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode02:29 Tara's Experience in Riyadh05:18 Insights on Women's Rights and Local Culture07:23 The Importance of Humor and Team Dynamics11:08 Quickfire Round: Experiences in Riyadh16:10 Predictions for the Tournament18:27 Fan Questions and Lighthearted Moments24:08 Tara's Favorite Moments and Reflections26:37 Wrap-Up and Future PlansYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 8 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up talking all about the big topics during the Finals including Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe's incredible comeback win against Paolini and Errani. Which also secures them top of the white group and therefore through to the semi-finals!Watch LIVE at 8pm GMT DAILY during the WTA Finals on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'! These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe! Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on both all podcast platforms and YouTube!In this episode:Dan Kiernan discusses the impressive rollercoaster match and comeback of Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe in their match against Paolini and Errani. He analyses their performance, the tactical shifts made during the match, and the importance of mindset in doubles tennis. The conversation also touches on the performances of other players, including Jess Pegula and Coco Gauff, and looks ahead to upcoming matches and tournament predictions.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Reflections on the WTA Finals and Gaby and Erins match09:20 Tactical Insights: Understanding Opponent Strategies18:24 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and PredictionsYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 7 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up talking all about the big topics during the Finals! Watch LIVE at 8pm GMT DAILY during the WTA Finals on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Make sure to check out the Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE out on both all podcast platforms and YouTube!In This Episode:Dan discusses the ongoing WTA finals in Riyadh, highlighting the challenges and lack of fan engagement and attendance during the matches in Riyadh, the performances of various players, and the emergence of superstars in tennis. He reflects on the importance of live sports and the need for better strategies to attract local fans, particularly in the context of the significant investment made in the event. The conversation also touches on the global representation of tennis players and the potential for growth in South America.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lack of attendance during matches 05:35 Tennis Matches and Player Performances11:44 Superstars of Tennis and Global Representation17:57 Future of Tennis in South America and Upcoming MatchesYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastTwitter (X): ctc_podcastTikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 6 WTA Finals Riyadh Round Up following Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe's 1st win of the WTA Finals!Watch LIVE at 8pm GMT DAILY during the Finals on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These are shorter episode aiming to provide a round up of the WTA Finals action in Riyadh with coach of WTA Finals doubles pair Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe!Joined by fan favourite and former Wimbledon Men's Doubles champion Frederik Nielsen to talk about the WTA Finals so far and comparing it to his ATP Finals experience when he played in the Finals.Make sure to check out our Asian Swing Review FULL EPISODE avaliable now on YouTube and all podcast platforms!In This Episode:Dan and Freddie discuss the days action at the WTA Finals from a coach and spectator perspective, with Freddie reflecting on their experiences in ATP Finals, the atmosphere of the events in Saudi, and analysing player performances, particularly focusing on Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. They delve into technical aspects of the players' games, offering insights on areas for improvement and the challenges of making changes to established techniques.And of course reflecting on Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe's 1st win in straight sets(7-6, 6-4).Chapters00:00 Welcome to the WTA Finals00:57 Freddie Nielsen's ATP Finals Experience02:42 The Atmosphere of Finals07:10 Analysing Current Matches and Players including Gaby and Erin's09:44 Coco Gauff's Performance and Potential17:47 Technical Insights on Player Development25:06 Match Previews and PredictionsYouTube: Control the Controllables podcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcastTiktok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Day 5 of our DAILY Riyadh Round Up during the WTA Finals and match play has begun!Watch each episode LIVE at 8pm GMT on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These shorter episode aim to bring DAILY insight into the behind the scenes of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!In This Episode:Dan and former CNN sports broadcaster Candy Reid discuss the ongoing WTA Finals, reviewing the matches from Day 1 of match play, analysing player performances and making predictions for upcoming matches.They delve into coaching changes, player dynamics, and the impact of doubles play on singles performance. The discussion highlights key players like Sabalenka, Gauff, and Pegula, while also exploring the strategies that may influence the outcomes of the tournament. Also reviewing the matches from the Singles Purple group.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the WTA Finals Live Stream04:21 Coaching Changes and Player Performances10:24 Doubles Match Preview and Player Dynamics16:13 Final Thoughts and PredictionsYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcast

Day 4 of our DAILY Riyadh Round Ups during the WTA Finals!Watch LIVE each day 8pm GMT on our YouTube channel 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These shorter episodes aim to bring DAILY insight into the behind the scenes of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!In this episode:Todays episode is focused around building the ULTIMATE WTA player by analysing various skills and attributes of top players, emphasising the significance of mentality and personality in tennis. Categories include:ServeBackhandForehandSlice Volleys and coming forwardDefence Personality Dan talks about the training of the day and players he has spoken to whilst out in Riyadh and the importance of innovation in sports. The conversation concludes by answering live viewers questions with thoughts on the future of players and the sport.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the WTA Finals05:07 Building the Ultimate WTA Player24:36 Recap of the Ultimate Player AttributesYouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcast

Day 3 we are joined by the Wimbledon winning pair in Henry Patten and Harri Heliövaara!Watch each episode LIVE on YouTube 8pm GMT DAILY on the 'Control the Controllables Podcast' YouTube channel.These are shorter episodes that aim to bring DAILY insight into the behind the scenes of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!In this episode:Dan discusses insights from media day at the WTA Finals and the importance players are putting into social media to grow their own following and tennis as a whole.Dan is also joined by Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten to discuss the differences between ATP Finals and WTA Finals as well as them recently qualifying for the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin!Episode concludes with both Henry and Harri answering fan questions submitted via our instagram 'ctc.podcast'.If you want to ask any questions about the WTA Finals out in Riyadh or to any future guests on the live shows don't hesitate to send them in!Chapters00:00 Welcome and Overview of the WTA Finals03:05 Media Day Insights and Player Experiences05:55 The Impact of Social Media on Tennis08:48 Introduction of Special Guests: Harry Heliovara and Henry Patten12:01 Reflections on the ATP Finals and Player Experiences15:05 The Importance of Social Media and Player Engagement17:57 Expectations and Experiences at the ATP Finals20:45 The Race to the ATP Finals and Its Significance24:03 Fan Questions and Player Insights26:43 Closing Thoughts and Future AspirationsLet us know what you are thinking of the LIVE episodes and always send in questions you have about the WTA Finals in Riyadh.Join us for tonights episode that will be a slightly later time of 9pm GMT building the ULTIMATE WTA player and answering any questions you have!YouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcast

In today´s epsiode we´re rounding up all the action from the 2024 Asian Swing.It´s back in the tennis calendar after its sudden halt in 2020, and it did not disappoint. From tantrums to the emergence of local talents, CTC host Dan Kiernan is joined by journalists and coaches who were out in China and Japan to discuss it all.Our panellists are:-British Journalist and former CNN anchor Candy ReidSports journalist and broadcaster Eleanor PrestonAnd CTC regular Calvin Betton, Coach of the 2024 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champions, Henry Pattern & Harri Heliovarra.Episode Highlights include:-Why regional heroes play a crucial role in the sport's popularity.Is the Asian swing too long for players' well-being?Women's rights and representation in tennis are ongoing conversations.How money influences decisions in tennis, including tournament locations.How Karolina Mukova's versatility makes her a player to watch in the future. Why young players' naivety can be both an asset and a challenge.Does the ATP needs a stronger code of conduct for player behaviour, after outbursts from Tsitsipas, Tiafoe and Zverev.Rafael Nadal's impact on the sport as he announces his retirement.➡️ Head to Youtube to listen Live to Dan from Riyadh every evening as he gives daily updates from the WTA Finals ⬅️

Day 2 of our LIVE Riyadh Round Ups!Watch LIVE each day on our YouTube channel 8pm GMT DAILY!Join us on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!These shorter episodes aim to bring DAILY insight into the behind the scenes of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!In this episode:Dan and guest Mike Digby discuss the WTA Finals in Riyadh, sharing insights about the players' experiences, the dynamics of the matches, and reflections on past tournaments. They analyse upcoming matches, player strategies, and the unique atmosphere of the finals in Saudi Arabia.The conversation also touches on venue improvements and the importance of fan engagement.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to WTA Finals and Riyadh Experience04:22 Insights from Mike Digby on WTA Finals09:14 Player Dynamics and Tournament Atmosphere14:23 Match Previews and Predictions19:09 Doubles Matchups and Tactical Insights24:15 Final Thoughts and Venue ImprovementsDay 3 WTA Finals Riyadh Round will be joined by 2024 Wimbledon Winning doubles pair Henry Pattern and Harri Heliövaara! Live on YouTube!Keep sending in your questions about the WTA Finals for Dan to answer LIVE!YouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcast

We are bringing you guys a BRAND NEW series of shows during the WTA Finals out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!In this series we will bring you guys shorter, daily round ups of the behind the scenes access of the WTA Finals, the training of all the top players, how the female players are treated and will not avoid the big topics!If you want to join in on the action LIVE then tune each day on our YouTube channel 'Control the Controllables podcast' where you can ask questions LIVE and be involved with a CTC podcast!Live 8pm GMT during the WTA Finals!In this episode:In this conversation, Dan Kiernan discusses the WTA Finals taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the event's setup, the political context surrounding it, and the experiences of players.Comparing the current tournament to previous ones in Cancun and Turin, emphasising the improvements in player treatment and event organisation. Also delving into the training and preparation required for the finals, the differences between the WTA Finals and Grand Slam tournaments, and the overall atmosphere among players. Concludes with insights on the draw and matchups, expressing optimism for the event's impact on women's tennis in the region.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Live Stream02:50 Insights from the WTA Finals in Riyadh12:24 Comparing Tournament Experiences: Riyadh vs Cancun18:07 Player Preparation and Tournament Dynamics26:04 The Draw and Match Expectations37:19 Closing Thoughts and Future EngagementsLet us know what to think of the new show by DM and messaging us!Join the Live on YouTube: Control the Controllables PodcastInstagram: ctc.podcastX: ctc_podcast

Back in April, we brought Control the Controllables to a fantastic live audience in London, diving into the future of professional tennis. We loved the buzz of the live show and we loved meeting so many of our regular listeners in person. With the Six King Slam recently concluded and the WTA Finals coming up next month in Saudi Arabia, it felt like the perfect time to release the full CTC LIVE episode.Our expert panel joining CTC Host Dan Kiernan on the night included:-CTC regular and former Wimbledon Champion, Freddie NielsenJohn Morris, the ´super agent´ to many stars including Andrey Rublev and the former agent to Nick KygriosJustin Sherring, the coach of Joe Salisbury and Jack Draper. During our live show we discussed Saudi Arabia's rising influence in tennis, the shifting power dynamics between governing bodies and players, and what these changes might mean for the sport's future. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in tennis? and what will this mean across all levels of the game?Listen to insightful discussions on the potential for an "Elite Tour" and the evolving landscape of tennis. Whether you're a player, coach, or passionate fan, there’s plenty to reflect on. Enjoy and join the conversation shaping the future of the game!▶️ Follow us on on YouTube to watch clips from the evening.

Louis Cayer is one of the most successful coaches in tennis.He´s transformed doubles in Great Britain, guiding 3 British players to World Mens doubles number 1 and coaching players to a whopping 19 Grand Slam titles!It´s no surprise that his chat with CTC host Dan Kiernan back in 2021 is still our 2nd most listened to episode, and is too good not to bring back to you.Listen to Louis discuss the evolution of doubles, and how to pick the right partner. He also shares his top 3 tips for doubles players of all levels. There are some gems in here, as there always is when talking to Louis. Enjoy!Listen to more from Louis in his full episode here.Follow Control the Controllables on Instagram

It´s International Podcast Day, and we have a great guest for this special episode in Yasmin Clarke.Yasmin is a coach, athlete mentor and commentator. A former pro player, she was GB junior number 1 before quitting tennis at the age of just 19.She chats to CTC host Dan Kiernan about the challenges faced by female coaches in a male-dominated sport, the importance of family support, and the cultural shifts needed to create more opportunities for women in coaching roles. This is a great listen for anyone interested in all aspects of the tennis world from a perspective that isn’t normally given a big enough voice. Episode Highlights:-Yaz discusses her experiences with early success, winning multiple junior championships The importance of mental health, and the need for a supportive environment in sports. She reflects on the pressures of competition, the significance of enjoying the journey, and the evolution of tennis culture, particularly regarding college tennis as a pathway for player development. She discusses the dynamics of coaching within families, particularly her relationship with her brother, Great Britain´s Jay Clarke.To mark International Podcast Day today, we´ve picked out some of our favourite quotes from our CTC guests! Head over to our Instagram to watch!🎙️

Just over 2 years ago, we spoke to GB´s Jack Draper who at 20, had just broken into the world´s top 100 ATP rankings.Fast forward to 2024, and Jack has moved up to 20 in the world, reaching his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open this month. To mark this, we wanted to bring you a clip from Jack´s episode of Control the Controllables back in June 2022.In this CTC Short, listen to Jack talk about the danger of outcome goal setting, and the importance of good people setting the right environment to grow and develop.🎧 Listen to all of Episode 166 with Jack Draper🎥 Watch the Control the Controllables Podcast on You Tube

Today's episode wraps up the final Grand Slam of the year. Our panel discusses all things US Open, and there were certainly lots of storylines for us to get stuck into! With two new US Open Champions in Jannik Sinner & Aryna Sabalenka, GB´s Dan Evans winning the longest ever match at Flushing Meadows and GB´s Mika Stojsavljevic winning the Girls title, New York did not disappoint!Davis Cup Captain Freddie Nielsen and coach of Wimbledon Men´s Doubles Champion Henry Pattern, Calvin Betton join our host, Dan Kiernan to give a unique perspective on the events of the US Open 2024.And find out if their pre-tournament predictions were right?!Episode Highlights:-Is there an asterix on Jannick Sinner´s title given his recent failed drug tests?Will Sabelenka continue to be a dominant force in tennis and can any other player keep up with her going into the final couple of months of the season?An interesting take on the drop in form of Carlos AlcarazTalking points of the men's final. Taylor Fritz or Taylor Swift?Coaching whilst the match goes on, a good thing or not?Our panelists share their opinions on what good coaching looks like from the sidelines of a match court.Review, comment, like and follow the podcast on all platforms!Tag us @ctc.podcast and enjoy the episode.Links Mentioned in this EpisodeControl the Controllables: Website | Instagram | EmailSotoTennis Academy

In today´s episode we speak to Damian Hughes from the High Performance Podcast. Damian is a best selling author and international speaker who excels in building high performance cultures. He´s worked with Sale Sharks, Warrington Wolves, England and GB Rugby League team, and his podcast with Jake Humphrey has hosted some of the top names in sport.Dan chats to Damian about:-How his Father created a high performing culture.How he was given an education on world class coaching watching his Dad and other top coaches in the boxing world.Imposter Syndrome and ways of dealing with it.The shift in understanding that mental fitness is as important as physical fitness.Damian´s 3 non-negotiables.Plus many more captivating stories that Damian and Dan share together. Links Mentioned in this EpisodeWatch Damian´s TED TalkFind out more about Damien´s High Performance Coaching DaysSotoTennis AcademyFollow us on Instagram

With the final Grand Slam of 2024 about to get underway on Monday, we´ve brought our amazing panelists together to discuss all things US Open.The tennis world has been talking about one thing only in the run up to New York - men´s world number 1 Jannik Sinner being cleared of doping, after testing positive twice for clostebol.Davis Cup Captain Freddie Nielsen and S&C Coach Kieron Vorster join CTC Host Dan Kiernan to discuss the story which has divided tennis this past week. They also give their predictions and players to watch in today´s episode.Will in-form Jessica Pegula continue her recent form to claim her first Grand Slam or will Coco Gauff manage her defend her title at Flushing Meadows? Can Djokovic build on his Olympic Gold to win back-to-back US Open titles? Whoever ends up lifting the trophies, we are in for a brilliant fortnight!Send us your thoughts and predictions by tagging in @ctc.podcast on Instagram on all social media platforms!

This week on CTC, we welcome to the show coach of 31 time Grand Slam champion Alfie Hewett, Craig Allen!Craig is a fantastic and generous guest, telling the great story of how he came to coach Alfie, giving his opinions on all things wheelchair tennis, and telling us about his experience coaching some of the brightest juniors in the UK, including Alistair Filmer and Lewis Burton.This one is a must listen for all young coaches as Craig shares his invaluable advice from 35 years of experience, as well as sharing a little about how to get into pro-level coaching without necessarily being a professional yourself.Craig's insight and passion for the game of wheelchair tennis is also endearing and fantastic to see so enjoy the episode!Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter and check out our YouTube to let us know what you're thinking, and to check out exclusive video clips of all our podcasts!Alfie Hewett on Episode 202 hereThe Vodafone advert is hereLewis Burton on Episode 113 hereAlistair Filmer on Episode 134 here

This week we welcome back to the show 31-time Grand Slam champion, but first time singles wheelchair Wimbledon champion Alfie Hewett. On Episode 202 of CTC, Alfie spoke to us about his tennis dreams, and top of the list after two finals defeats in a row was clinching that elusive Wimbledon singles title.Now chasing a career golden slam at this year's Paralympics later this month, Alfie comes on to talk all about his recent success, his ambitions for the summer, and whether the US Open is making a mistake by cancelling the wheelchair event this year.Listen to Episode 202 of CTC hereFollow us on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our revamped YouTube channel as well to catch unfiltered and never-seen-before clips from our latest episodes

This week we bring to you a brand new format requested on CTC. With this new show, we'll be bringing to you some of the stories you might not have spotted in the world of tennis, from the top level all the way down to the lowest level of professional tennis that rarely gets a mention. In this first edition, we explore everything that's been happening in this first 6 months of the year, discussing the one handed backhand, tennis players retiring, college tennis and so much more, as well as bringing you a load of exciting sections, uncovering statistics you never knew you needed.Every edition of this series, we'll be bringing on someone toiling on the fringes of the ATP Tour and Dan will quiz them on their experiences of some of the crazier and wilder things happening in tennis' version of the Wild West. This week, we welcome Finn Bass, ranked 1100 in the world ATP singles, and 800 in doubles.Let us know what you think of this brand new series and give us some ideas of what you would like to see on the next editions of the show!Some links from the episode:Our socials: Instagram | Twitter | YouTubeFinn's tweet is here

What a brilliant two weeks of Wimbledon that was! And as always Dan is here with the usual amazing panel to discuss all things SW19. We also have some amazing guest appearances from the most iconic final of this Grand Slam!Our panelists are: Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion Freddie Nielsen.GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten.Our panel debate and dissect a range of the cutting edge topics at the forefront of the tennis world, including doubles' role in tennis with Wimbledon winning players and coaches, Novak Djokovic's tournament and where is women's tennis going next!And we want to hear your opinions on this! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter and check out our YouTube to let us know what you're thinking, and to check out exclusive video clips of all our podcasts!

As we enter Finals weekend here at Wimbledon, we look back to Episode 188, when we welcomed our first singles Wimbledon champion to the show, the one and only Pat Cash!As we wait to see whether new champions will be crowned on the world famous Centre Court, Pat gives an amazing insight into what it's like to try and lift the famous title as he did, beating Ivan Lendl in straight sets 37 years ago in 1987.This episode has great advice for both players and coaches on how to lift yourself to become a true champion, so we hope you enjoy!Check out our socials for more clips of this episode and so many more, as well as behind the scenes content as Dan coaches as Wimbledon:Follow us on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our revamped YouTube channel as well to catch unfiltered and never-seen-before clips from our latest episodes

Wimbledon is here! Once again, Dan has brought together another amazing panel of CTC regulars to discuss all of the storylines taking place around the most historic tennis tournament in the world, from former champions returning to take the crown, to controversial qualifying moments and heartwarming wildcards!Our amazing panelists are:Wimbledon always throws up some unexpected surprises and we're excited to see what 's new this year!Let us know what you think, Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram and @ctc__podcast on Twitter to let us know your opinions!Check out our YouTube as well for exclusive longer video clips from all of our newest episodes!

In this week's instalment, we bring you someone at the very cutting edge of player development at the USTA, who had a fantastic playing career herself, Megan Moulton Levy!Having reached the top 50 in the world in doubles, and the top 250 in singles, all whilst being just 5 feet tall in a game which is fast becoming dictated by height, Megan brings a unique perspective to developing a young tennis player. From stories about her own process, growing up going to boarding school in Switzerland and on to US college, to her current roles on the board of the USTA and as Head of Player Development at the JTCC, Megan really has been behind the scenes at all levels of tennis, which makes for a fascinating interview!Some links from the episode:Our socials: Instagram | Twitter | YouTubeEric Butorac's Episode is hereOur Female Tennis Empowerment Episodes: Sue Anstiss | Olivia Nicholls

What an incredible two weeks of tennis we've had to enjoy! Iga Swiatek winning her third consecutive Roland Garros title, and Carlos Alcaraz becoming the youngest player ever to win 3 Grand Slams on three different surfaces. We've brought back our amazing panel to react with Dan to all this and more.Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion Freddie Nielsen.GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten.Women's tennis stalwart who recently won her 1000th match on the tour Emily Webley SmithTop tennis strength and conditioning coach and CTC legend Kieron VorsterOur panel debate and dissect a range of the cutting edge topics at the forefront of the tennis world, including scheduling, Rafa Nadal's retirement and much more!And we want to hear your opinions on this! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter and check out our YouTube to let us know what you're thinking, and to check out exclusive video clips of all our podcasts!

The second Grand Slam of 2024 is finally underway! We´ve brought our panel back together to preview everything we can expect from the French Open.Dan is joined this year by:Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion Freddie Nielsen.GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten.Women's tennis stalwart who recently won her 1000th match on the tour Emily Webley SmithTop tennis strength and conditioning coach and CTC legend Kieron VorsterThey discuss all of the big storylines coming into this year's Roland Garros tournament, from saying goodbye to a 14-time champion to the upcoming Olympics, as well as giving their insight on some of the up and coming stars to look out for.We want to hear who you think will be this year's French Open champions!  Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter and check out our YouTube to let us know who you´re backing!Check out Emily's amazing charity triathlon here!

This week we welcome back to the show another one of our classic guests, it’s seven-time NCAA national champion winning coach with the team at UCLA, Valorie Kondos Field.Valorie initially appeared on Episode 62 of Control the Controllables, soon after her viral Ted Talk, ‘Why Winning Doesn’t Always Equal Success,’ and she shared her experience coaching in a sport that she didn't grow up playing or coaching in, and talked about her plans after she retired from UCLA in 2018.In this edition, Valorie returns to talk about her experience since then and how that has shaped the way she has cultivated her philosophy on coaching and life.Valorie also talks about writing her new book, an update to her first book, Life is Short, Don't Wait to Dance, where she discusses a possible return to coaching and her experience of motivating athletes to compete at the top level whilst experiencing personal trauma, in her case this was breast cancer in 2014.Once again, Valorie is an incredible listen for coaches and playing a life, bringing her experience of a whole career of learning the art of coaching to the episode.Connect with us:Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the latest news on Control the Controllables Podcast!Valorie’s social media: Instagram - TwitterEpisode 62 of Control the ControllablesValorie’s Ted TalkCTC YoutubeSotoTennis Academy: Instagram | X | Website

Tennis is being disrupted, whether we like it or not! As we prepare to debate this in our first ever Control the Controllables Live Show on April 19th, never has it been clearer that we need to sit up and listen.Today´s episode is a new extract from Dan´s chat with Jonathan Overend a few weeks ago. They trade opinions on the Saudi Arabian influence on tennis, the future of doubles, and the topic of our upcoming live show - The Great Tennis Shake-up: Is the new ‘Elite Tour’ good for tennis?The new tour being is proposed by the Grand Slams and would see only around 100 players compete in a streamlined calendar.But what does all this mean for the tennis industry? Join Dan at the Tileyard in London on 19th April as he debates this in our first Live Show with special guests..John Morris - Tennis super-agent at the heart of these discussionsFreddie Nielsen - 2012 Wimbledon doubles champion and Danish Davis Cup captainGaby Dabrowski - 2023 US Open champion and WTA Board MemberCalvin Betton - ATP doubles coachIf you can’t join us in person, don’t worry, you can still follow online live on the night and ask your questions directly to the panel. ⇨ Get your tickets and find out more about the event! ⇦

We´re excited to announce that Control the Controllables is coming to London! We´re hosting our first LIVE SHOW on Friday 19th April 2024. This is your chance to come and join CTC Host Dan Kiernan and our special guests as they debate one of the hottest topics in tennis right now: Is the new ‘Elite Tour’ good for tennis.You´ll also have the chance to ask your own questions to Dan and our guests, live at the event.The new tour being proposed is backed by the Grand Slams and would see only the top players compete in a reduced number of tournaments for an exponential rise in prize money.Join us at Tileyard in London, as we discuss the biggest potential shake up we've ever seen in tennis, and what it means for those of us working in the sport.Can´t make it to London on April 19th? You can also join us online on the night. Book your tickets here!In today´s episode, you can hear more details from Dan about the Live Show and our exciting panellists. You can also head to our Instagram for more details.We look forward to seeing you there!

In today´s episode we speak to top British tennis coach, Justin Sherring.Justin has had the distinction of bringing through some of the brightest young tennis players of British tennis’ current golden generation including Jack Draper, Johanna Konta, and former doubles World Number 1 Joe Salisbury.Justin is currently working with Salisbury on the ATP tour and took some time to chat to Dan about how he´s developed some of the best British Players of the past 15 years.Justin shares his coaching philosophies, including the importance of learning how to bring the best out of your player, and tells lots of stories along the way including talking himself onto court with Nick Bollettieri!Tennis coaches and parents, this is not an episode to be missed!Links Mentioned in this Episode:-#166: Jack Draper - GB´s Rising Star on the ATP Tour #132: Joe Salisbury - Double US Open Champion!#102: Louis Cayer- The Doubles Guru#100: Nick Bollettieri - The Godfather of TennisFollow CTC on Instagram: @ctc.podcast

To mark International Women´s Day, we have author, podcaster, presenter, campaigner, triathlete and all-round inspiration Sue Anstiss on the show.Sue has been campaigning for women in sport for over 20 years through her organisation Fearless Women, receiving an MBE for her service. More recently, Sue has released her book, Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport in 2021. This was commissioned as a documentary by Netflix in 2023, which she directed and was susequently nominated for a Broadcast Sport Award.Sue has also got her own podcast, The Game Changers, on which female elite sports stars share their stories, including top tennis players like Caroline Wozniacki.Sue has come on the show as part of our Women’s Tennis campaign here at SotoTennis Academy, as she talks to Dan about her work fighting for gender equality in sport, and what we can do to help.Sue has had a great career making real change in women’s sport and she makes this episode a fantastic listen.Connect with us:-Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the latest news on Control the Controllables Podcast!Listen to more of Sue on The Game Changers PodcastFInd out more about The Women´s Sport CollectiveSue’s Socials: Instagram | Twitter

In this week’s episode we are speaking to British doubles player Olivia Nicholls.Olivia is a former Wimbledon mixed doubles semi-finalist and a role model for young players looking to make it on the tour. She took the non-traditional route of going to Loughborough University in the UK, as opposed to US college or going pro, and has built a remarkable career as a doubles player on the tour.Olivia has reached a career high ranking of 59 in the world, with appearances in the main draw of all four Grand Slams. She´s represented her country on the biggest stage at the BJK Cup Finals in 2022, losing out in the tightest possible fashion against Sam Stosur and former world number 1 Storm Hunter.She is a guest who has epitomised the mantra of this podcast ‘control the controllables,’ and is a fantastic listen.Episode Highlights include:-Life on the tour for those not at the top of the gameIs US college the best route to make it pro?What it’s like to compete at the biggest international tennis tournaments in the worldHer Wimbledon mixed doubles run with Jonny O’Mara in 2022Announcing Our First Live Podcast! Join us for a live recording of Control the Controllables on April 19th 2024 in London!We´re so excited to be coming to the UK for our first live show! Dan will be joined by a panel of pro players, coaches and agents to discuss The Great Tennis Shake Up: Is the new ´Elite Tour´ good for tennis?Keep an eye on our Instagram for more details in the next few days!

In today’s episode we welcome the voice of tennis for his second appearance on the show, it´s Jonathan Overend!Jonathan speaks to us in a week where Sky Sports are launching their own tennis channel in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports Tennis. Jonathan is a major part of the team they have in place to deliver their promise of 24/7 coverage from all of the ATP & WTA events. Jonathan had some beautiful words for the late Mike Dickson, the tennis correspondent at the Daily Mail for the last 30 years who we devastatingly lost during this years Australian Open.He also shares his top commentary secrets, and look out for who he thinks could be dominating women´s tennis over the next few years.This is not an episode to miss. CTC Wins Best Tennis Podcast!Control The Controllables has won Best Tennis Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards for the third year in a row!The winners are voted for by listeners, and there were some amazing tennis podcasts in the category this year, so this really is very special to us. If you took the time to vote for us, thank you, we are so grateful!

We´re reviewing all the action from the 2024 Australian Open in today´s episode.What a way to start the year of tennis, as Aryna Sabalenka didn’t drop a set on the way to her second consecutive Australian Open title. Jannik Sinner shocked the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic and performing a miraculous fightback against Daniil Medvedev to lift his first ever major title, and become the youngest winner since Djokovic himself in 2008!Here to round up the past two weeks in Melbourne alongside CTC host Dan Kiernan who was at the event, we have our panel of experts:Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion and (most importantly!) CTC regular Freddie Nielsen.GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Pattern.They discuss their risky picks from our Aussie Open Preview episode, whether eras really do come to an end, all of the 35 five set matches that happened over the two weeks, and whether the Australian Open has finally got it right with their 15 day schedule.Let us know what you thought of the event and anything you would like to hear Dan discuss on the podcast about anything in the tennis world! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or email us.🎧 Join the Control the Controllables team as a Podcast Intern in 2024

Today we welcome British doubles specialist and Grand Slam quarter-finalist turned coach and commentator, Colin Fleming.Colin reached a career high of 17 in the world in doubles, consistently reaching the main draws of Grand Slams. He represented GB in the Davis Cup and at the Olympics before turning his expertise to coaching, then commentating. He now covers some of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world for Eurosport, Sky Sports and the BBC.Colin has partnered some of the biggest names in British and world tennis, including both Jamie and Andy Murray, Ken Skupski, and Rohan Bopanna, and chats to Dan about life as a doubles specialist at the top level.They also discuss Tennis Scotland and the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open 2024.Colin brings a wealth of stories, experience and laughs, as well as some more emotive stories as well, so this is an all round entertaining episode and a must-listen! Read full shownotes here.Help us Win Best Tennis Podcast!We´re so excited that Control the Controllables is a finalist at the Sports Podcast Awards! We´ve been nominated for Best Tennis & Racket Podcast and we´d love it if you could vote for us! Vote for us here (it only takes a couple of minutes) and spread the link around as much as you can! Thank you for all your support 🙏🏻

The first Grand Slam of 2024 is finally underway! We´ve brought our panel back together to preview everything we can expect from the Australian Open.Control the Controllables host Dan Kiernan is in Melbourne this year, and is joined by:-US Open Doubles Champion and top 10 WTA doubles player, Gaby DabrowskiDenmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion Freddie Nielsen.GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Pattern.They discuss the "popcorn-ready" match-ups, the dark horses to look out for and their picks for the titles, plus what they think will be the main storylines in tennis in 2024.We want to hear who you think will be this years Australian Open Champions!  Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or email us and let us know who you´re backing!Vote for us at the Sports Podcast Awards!We´ve been nominated again for Best Tennis and Racket Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards, and we´d love it if you could help us win!You can vote here for Control the Controllables, it only takes a couple of minutes. Thanks so much for your support 🙏🏻

In today´s CTC Short we bring you a true stalwart of the tennis tour and someone who is calling time on his career after this year’s Australian Open- it´s former US Open quarter finalist and Episode 25 guest John Millman.Over the span of a 15 year professional tennis career, John Millman has established himself as one of the most consistent and hard-working players on the tour, being a constant in the top 100 ATP Rankings. In 2018 he reached a career high of 33 after a remarkable run to the quarter finals of the US Open, beating Roger Federer.We spoke to John in June 2020 and he went detail on the unseen side of tennis, describing the hard yards required to get to tennis’ top table, and how to stay there when you are playing the biggest names in the sport. In this clip, John also reflects on his career, going into detail on how his goals and his measure of success changed as he progressed further up the rankings and got older.John Millman is the embodiment of everything Control the Controllables stands for, working hard and maximising your potential, and his retirement is a fitting opportunity to reflect on al the lessons this podcast can teach! Read full shownotes here.Vote for us at the Sports Podcast Awards!We´d love it if you could help us win Best Tennis & Racket Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards! We´re so excited to be a finalist at this years awards. You can vote for us here 🙏🏻Links Mentioned in this Episode:-#25: John Millman - The Journeyman...or is he? #130: Craig Tiley - Leading from the Front

As 2023 draws to a close, we´ve sat down to look back at some of our most memorable moments of the Control the Controllables Podcast this year.From Sir Andy Murray agreeing to be our Special Guest for our 200th episode, to winning Best Tennis Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards, and having 6 Grand Slam Champions in one episode, we´ve had some very special moments this year.Listen to CTC Host Dan Kiernan and producer Vicki Kiernan chat through their favourite clips and biggest learnings of 2023 in our final episode of the year.Thank you so much for listening to the show and wishing you Happy New Year and all the best for 2024! 🎧 Join the Control the Controllables team as a Podcast Intern in 2024🗳️ Vote for us in the Sports Podcast Awards!

In our third CTC Short we have a clip from our 200th Episode with Sir Andy Murray.CTC Host Dan Kiernan spoke to Andy back in August 2023, and unsurprisingly, it is our most listened to episode to date.Andy gave us lots of takeaways, including how important he feels it is for aspiring players to watch full matches, and not just the highlights reel.In this clip, Andy explains how watching tennis helped him and how he wished he´d had time to do it more during his career.It´s one of many great learnings from Andy Murray´s chat with Dan. You can listen to the full episode here.Read full show notes.CTC is a Finalist at the Sports Podcast Awards!We´re so excited to announce that we´ve made the final shortlist in the category Best Tennis and Racket Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards! The winner is voted for by the public, which makes it even more special. We we would be so grateful it if you could take a moment to vote for Control The Controllables here!As always, thank you so much for your support! 🌟

In today´s episode we welcome someone who´s been at the heart of tennis as the BBC’s Tennis Correspondent for over ten years, Russell Fuller.Russell has worked his way up through the ranks of tennis media, working for the BBC World Service presenting Sportsworld, before earning his big break commentating on his first Wimbledon Final in 2013, when Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to become Champion for the first time. Russell has gone on to be the voice of British tennis’ greatest moments, including the Davis Cup win in 2015, and Emma Raducanu’s shock victory at the US Open in 2021.In this episode, Russell takes Dan behind the scenes of the top level of tennis journalism, revealing how tennis players interact with the media, as well as what the future could hold, as he lifts the lid on his latest article on Saudi Arabian influence in tennis.There is no one better to give you insight on some of our sport’s greatest moments than someone who has witnessed them first hand, so this is a great listen, but especially for those looking to get “under the bonnet” of tennis, as we do on Control the Controllables.Read full shownotes here. Enjoyed the episode? We´d love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review here!You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for all the latest on Control the Controllables!Find Russell on Twitter here.

Welcome to the 2nd of our CTC Podcast Shorts. In this clip, we have former top-5 doubles and top-40 singles player turned US Davis Cup captain and coach Tom Gullikson.Tom appeared on Episode 110 of Control the Controllables in April 2021, and talked about playing in the Golden era of US tennis in the 70´s and 80´s.His twin brother Tim Gullikson was Pete Sampras´ coach before he passed away in 1996 to brain cancer. In this clip, Tom speaks about the influence Tim had on Sampras´ career and how he still impacts his own coaching philosophy now.Tom is a powerful speaker and an inspirational story-teller. This is a special listen.Read full shownotes here.

In today´s episode we welcome 2002 Australian Open Champion and former world number 7 Thomas Johansson!Thomas began his career in the heyday of Swedish tennis, preceded and surrounded by legends such as Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg. As a result, he went under the radar until his career defining run at the Australian Open in 2002. He beat 9th seed Marat Safin to become the first male player seeded 16th to win a major in the Open Era.He is one of only 7 players to win the Men´s title in Melbourne since 2000!Thomas has since gone on to have a fantastic career as a coach, working with top 10 tour level players like David Goffin and most recently Sorana Cirstea, who knocked out world number 4 Elena Rybakina at the 2023 US Open.Thomas gives us some great stories from his time at the top of the game, and explains why he thinks building a team was the most successful formula for Swedish tennis.Read full shownotes here.Links mentioned in this Episode:-Follow Thomas on Instagram | Twitter Thomas’ charities:https://www.tapprabarn.se/https://zbfoundation.se/ SotoTennis Academy