Rajeev Ram is our guest for the second episode of Baseline Intelligence. Rajeev is ranked 4th in the ATP Doubles Rankings after a fantastic 2021 season where he (and partner Joe Salisbury) reached the Australian Open final, the semifinals of Wimbledon and won the US Open.

We talk:

3:42 - How he maintains his emotional energy throughout a long season

5:04 - Managing 10 point tiebreakers

11:10 - What he and Joe need to work on to finish as the top ranked doubles team

12:40 - What it's like preparing for a grand slam final

16:00 - How the game of doubles is changing

21:30 - What makes a great doubles partner

27:20 - What it means to be a "performer"

31:45 - How to avoid burnout

**sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com

18th ranked Jessica Pegula joins us for the first episode of Baseline Intelligence. She recently wrapped up a career year by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2021 Australian Open and jumping 44 spots in the WTA Rankings.

We talk:

1:55 - What she credits her jump in the rankings to

7:25 - How 1% improvement makes all the difference

10:35 - What she counts as a bad error

14:45 - Her most basic tactic in a match

21:36 - What she did as a junior that helped her become a pro

23:56 - What she would do differently as a junior player

34:34 - Tells us about practice "tickles"

38:10 - Why she feeds her dogs so much before she goes on the road

**Sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.com

Welcome to the Baseline Intelligence podcast! Each episode will feature a prominent player or coach who will share what they've learned throughout their careers. We'll discuss their strategies, techniques, mindsets, fitness plans, and anything else they consider when trying to be great at the game we all love. My hope is that each episode will help you learn something new and improve your game without even hitting a tennis ball.