Coach Unboxed EP18: John Williams, pro tour tennis coach of Taylor Townsend since 2021, having coached her through two doubles Grand Slams championships (Wimbledon and the Australian Open) and many other WTA titles and finals. John is also an entrepreneur, thought leader, and book author.

John shares about his New York upbringing through different sports and becoming an entrepreneur at age 16, leading multiple businesses and eventually landing in the fitness industry. He reflects on the start of his tennis journey as a fitness coach and how Taylor asked him to become her actual tennis coach, even with no playing background. John touches on the unique work they’ve done together as Taylor navigated pregnancy and returning to the tour, and how his philosophy of self-mastery combined with his competitiveness fosters his personal and professional growth.

About John Williams: Raised in Long Island, New York, John is the founder and Chief Clarity Coach at Elevate With John, an evolution-based organization at the pinnacle of human performance, coaching, and rehabilitation. He is also the founder and Chief Performance Officer at Axon Sport Performance, and has consulted for an array of iconic companies such as Nike, Mizuno, and Men’s Health Magazine.

John started in high-level performance tennis working with Grace Min, later meeting Donald Young, whom he traveled with to Grand Slams and ATP Masters 1000 events before connecting with Taylor Townsend. Through his organizations and the many sports he has been involved with, John has coached 1.5K individuals including Olympians and World Champions. His philosophy is captured in his book “The Champions Code: 5 Attributes of Winners.”

Follow John Williams on Instagram @elevatewithjohn and LinkedIn John Williams .

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: John Williams

Coach Unboxed EP17: Peter Lucassen, now coaching Botic Van de Zandschulp and having coached multiple top 30, 50 and 100 ATP players, as well as top ITF juniors. Peter played professionally and also collegiately at the University of Southern California, helping secure NCAA team championships.

Peter shares his journey from winning teenage years to challenging pros and his eventual transition to college tennis at USC, finding great success. He reflects on becoming a coach as he finished his studies while also starting his own tennis academy in California. Peter highlights his USTA work with some American greats and the building character while taking ownership of your journey. He closes with moving back to Amsterdam, his partnership with Botic and emphasizes family support and team communication in balancing a coaching career and personal life.

About Peter Lucassen: From the Netherlands, Peter Lucassen won the Dutch national championship in 14s and 18s, also reaching world #36 as a junior. He was ranked ATP #541 before accepting an offer to play two years of college tennis at USC. With his team, Peter won the NCAA Division I team championship and then helped the team as an assistant coach in winning two NCAA team championships in 2012, while founding Baseline Tennis Academy.

Now coaching Botic Van de Zandschulp, Peter has coached on tour for over a decade, working with top players including Ryan Harrison (#40), Steve Johnson (#37), Gael Monfils and Hailey Baptiste. He also guided Ernesto Escobedo from early juniors to #67 ATP, also having worked with talents like Fritz, Giron, among many others through the USTA development program. Peter is a proud husband and father of two.

Follow Peter Lucassen on Instagram @petertjelucassen and LinkedIn Peter Lucassen .

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo

Coach Unboxed EP16: Thomas Drouet, a former top junior player in France and pro in Monaco, who went from hitting partner at the Monte Carlo tournament to 3x Grand Slam winning coach. Thomas has led players to become #1 in doubles and has coached a top 10 and 4 top 25s in singles, winning 18 doubles titles including the WTA Finals and 6 singles titles between both tours. 

Thomas shares his journey from France to Monaco and the transition to pros in a new country, taking on hitting partner roles in Monte Carlo. He reflects on winning Wimbledon with Marion Bartoli and the six-year work with Timea Babos that also resulted in Grand Slam wins and many learnings as a coach. He delves into exploring the balance between singles and doubles success, the cultural adaptations required in the sport, and the impact of COVID-19. He finally shares the story behind creating The Cards Challenge game and new lessons learned by coaching his son.

About Thomas Drouet: Thomas became a hitting partner to tennis legends like Federer, Nadal, Soderling, Wawrinka and Monfils in Monte Carlo while playing pros. Starting as a coach on tour in 2011, he first worked with Bernard Tomic followed by Marion Bartoli, together winning the 2013 Wimbledon title and reaching the top 10. Later on, Thomas started coaching Timea Babos, leading her from outside of top 100 to top 25 in singles and to become #1 in doubles. Thomas has also coached former #12 Qiang Wang, #55 Jaqueline Cristian, among other top players.

Beyond his discipline both on and off the court, Drouet is passionate about infusing interactive techniques into coaching. This led him to pursuing an entrepreneurial path alongside coaching, introducing the first-ever interactive tennis card game, The Cards Challenge. Thomas is a proud father and avid cyclist.

Follow Thomas Drouet on Instagram @coachdrouet and LinkedIn Thomas Drouet . You can shop The Cards Challenge on the official website.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo

#CoachUnboxed EP15: Rob Steckley, a former Canada #1 and Davis Cup player, has coached 2 top 10s in doubles and 4 top 30s in singles, winning 4 Grand Slam doubles titles and 20+ WTA titles. With a creative mind and unique coaching style bringing fun to work, Rob has established himself as an out-of-the-box mentor and content creator in tennis.

Rob's journey is one of being a promising young talent to losing himself, quitting school and tennis, but ultimately working his way back to the sport and a better self. He chats about self-discovery, resilience, and taking chances in transforming a life and career. Rob shares how coaching became a natural fit and reflects on the different emotional dynamics and coaching styles between both tours. He then discusses his creative approach to pro tennis and content creation, illustrating how storytelling can enhance the player and tour experience through authenticity and exploration. 

About Rob Steckley: Rob was a top junior and became the #1 player in Canada before playing college tennis for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. After navigating some tough times in his life and leaving the sport, Rob was given a chance to go back to school at Lander University. He got his tennis level back and eventually reached the Davis Cup team. A shoulder injury led Rob to soon become a tour coach and has worked with Aleksandra Wozniak (#21), Sania Mirza (#27s, top 10 d), Lucie Šafářová (#5s #1d), Denis Shapovalov (#19), Anastasia Pavlyunchenkova and now Marina Stakusic. 

Rob led his players to achieve career-high rankings in both singles and doubles, winning 4 Grand Slam doubles titles (Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open and Roland Garros mixed), 18 doubles and 4 singles WTA titles. He also helped Lucie Šafářová reach the 2015 Roland Garros singles final. Rob is also a creative mastermind, leveraging his out-of-the-box mentality and fun coaching approaches at work. His work has been captured by major networks like New York Times, National Post, ESPN and Yahoo! Sports. He’s also the founder and CEO of Hopeless Talent.

Follow Rob Steckley on Instagram @robsteckley and LinkedIn Rob Steckley.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Unbox Sports

Coach Unboxed EP14: Yannick chats with Carlos Alberto Kirmayr, a former Brazilian #1 player and ATP #36 singles and #6 doubles, who as a coach has guided Gabriela Sabatini, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to top 3 WTA and a US Open championship (with Sabatini). He now leads his training center mentoring future generations of players and coaches.

They discuss Kirmayr’s California college tennis days, the challenges of “going pro” back in the ‘70s and enjoying tennis as a lifestyle on tour and in the later years as he matured. He talks about the Davis Cup making him known in Brazil, playing other legends and the natural transition into coaching pro players due to his affinity with the tour. Kirmayr shares more on building off-court dynamics that contributed to his players’ success and how continuous coaching education should be a priority at all levels.

About Carlos Alberto Kirmayr: Fondly known as “Kirma,” he has a career spanning 65+ years dedicated to tennis. He started playing at the age of 4 and at 17 set off to study in the U.S., winning several college titles. From that success, Kirmayr represented Brazil for 15 years in the Davis Cup (also as a coach and captain). He became #1 in Brazil and went on to reach #36 ATP in singles and #6 in doubles, winning 15 doubles titles and 14 runner-ups. Some of his best wins came against John McEnroe, Ilie Nastase, Ivan Lendl, among other greats.

Kirmayr eventually became a tour coach, winning the 1990 U.S. Open title with Gabriela Sabatini and guiding her, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to the top 3 WTA with combined 22 WTA singles titles and multiple Grand Slam semifinals. Fifteen years ago, Kirmayr opened this training center in Serra Negra, Brazil, offering a complete academic and tennis program for prospective college players. He has helped develop 200+ players, and also guided 5,000+ coaches through his advocacy and training, now continuing the work as the GPTCA National President of Brazil.   

Follow Carlos Kirmayr on Instagram @kirmayroficial and LinkedIn Carlos Kirmayr.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: CarlosKirmayr

Coach Unboxed EP13: Yannick chats with Bjorn Fratangelo, a former world #2 junior and top 100 ATP player, now coaching the newest Australian Open champion and once again top 10, Madison Keys. After a successful junior career winning the Roland Garros Boy’s title and Challenger tournaments at the pro level, Bjorn made the difficult decision to retire from playing due to an injury. Taking on a new tennis path by coaching his wife, Madison, he now finds himself in a position highly seasoned coaches still dream of: a Grand Slam champion.

They discuss Bjorn's family connection to tennis, the challenges he faced from very successful juniors to the professional circuit, and the importance of support systems in navigating his career. He reflects on his aspirations, the impact of his injury and how coaching became his new reality. Bjorn also talks about the dynamics with Madison and the full team, the work done before achieving peak performances and the need for a strong foundation in both personal and professional aspects of life to create more opportunities for success.

About Bjorn Fratangelo:From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bjorn started his tennis career early on being coached by his father. After moving to Florida to develop his game, Bjorn went on to become ITF world #2 and won the Roland Garros Boy’s Championship in 2011. His junior success led him to soon start his professional career and become a top 100 ATP player, winning four ATP Challenger titles and playing the main draw in all Grand Slams.

In 2023, Bjorn's struggles with a foot injury made him retire from his playing career. He then started helping out his wife and fellow pro player, Madison Keys, with her game after Roland Garros as she had recently split with her previous coach. Their long-lasting relationship off the court translated into a successful partnership on the court, together winning a few WTA titles and the 2025 Australian Open–Madison’s maiden Grand Slam–alongside a great team.

Follow Bjorn Fratangelo:on Instagram@bjornfrat and LinkedInBjorn Fratangelo.

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Production:Unbox Sports; Location:⁠Embarc Collective⁠;Music:⁠BongÔMusics⁠;Photo:ATP

Coach Unboxed EP12: Yannick chats with Martin Vilar, a seasoned tennis coach with 35+ years of experience on tour having coached 10 top 100 players and also worked with players in both the Davis Cup and BJK Cup for four different countries. @martinvilar

They discuss Martin's upbringing between Argentina and the U.S. and how he found his way to Europe, making it his home. Martin shares how getting involved in the club management side of tennis led him to a career in the pro tour. He also emphasizes the role of mental strength, the cultural differences he encounters while coaching players from various backgrounds and how speaking many languages has allowed him to truly understand and connect better with his players. He then reflects on the challenges faced by modern players, including maintaining a balanced life. 

About Martin Vilar: With almost four decades of experience as a tour coach, Martin has developed multiple tennis programs for juniors and professional players in European academies and for the Saudi Tennis Federation. As a private coach, he has guided players into the top 3 on both WTA (doubles) and ITF (juniors) tours, as well as 2 singles top 20s (Medina Garrigues, Bovina), 4 top 30s (Dulgheru, Leon) and 10 top 100s. He is now coaching top 50 Diane Parry.

Besides private coaching and academies, Martin has also been deeply involved in team competitions. In the Davis Cup, he worked with some of the Morocco and Algeria team players, and for the BJK Cup, he supported players representing Spain and France. He has been a reference among his peers and never hesitates to share his knowledge, and great life stories. 

Follow Martin Vilar on Instagram @martinvilar and LinkedIn Martin Vilar.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Unbox Sports

Coach Unboxed EP11: Yannick chats with Fernando Segal, a renowned tennis coach and innovator in the sport, being the founder of the Segal Institute and creator-director of the World Tennis Conference.

They discuss Segal's journey from Argentina, the cultural significance of tennis in the country, and the systematic approaches he has implemented across the world to develop players and coaches. Segal emphasizes the role of coaches in personal development, focusing on the emotional aspects of the sport while also addressing the challenges tennis faces in attracting and developing new talent. He concludes with the beginnings and impact of the World Tennis Conference, highlighting the transformative power of tennis when shared in scale.

About Fernando Segal: From Argentina, he has led his players to 16 junior Grand Slam championships and to become top 100 ATP/WTA. With his methodologies, he has trained more than 3,000 coaches through workshops, clinics and his influential roles in tennis federations globally. 

Currently, Fernando is the creator-director for the World Tennis Conference (WTC5 taking place March 27-30, 2025) and GPTCA National President for Argentina and Chile. As an entrepreneur, he has founded the IDTC Academies and the Segal Institute aiming to develop and impact the tennis industry at scale. Alongside his success on the court and business, Fernando has written 12 books on different topics of the sport.

Follow Fernando Segal on Instagram @fernandosegal and LinkedIn Fernando Segal.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo

Coach Unboxed EP10: Yannick chats with Facundo Lugones, ATP Coach of the Year in 2021 who guided his former college teammate from outside top 500 to a career best of #8 in the world ranking. @falugones 

They discuss Facundo's early influences in Argentina and strong family bonds that propelled him to compete. Facundo shares his path towards college tennis in the U.S., being a senior leader in the team and eventually developing a connection with a freshman teammate that went on to become an almost decade-long, coach-player partnership on the ATP Tour. He gives insights on pressures and expectations faced by players, particularly after a successful season, and what it means to him to still have the support of coaches who worked with him building unmeasurable respect for their contributions.

About Facundo Lugones: From Argentina, Facundo followed his family passion for the sport and went on to become a top 10 national player. After experiencing the professional tour, he played college tennis in the U.S. as a student-athlete for Texas Christian University (TCU) and started his coaching career by working with his former TCU teammate, Cameron Norrie.

Facundo led Cam from outside 500 ATP to #8 in the ATP Tour, having won a Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells among other stellar results. The outstanding season in 2021 rewarded him with ATP Coach of the Year, which was followed by Cam’s best Grand Slam result with semifinals in Wimbledon. Facundo remains a loyal partner to the TCU Horned Frogs, often practicing with and taking advice from the team there.

Follow Facundo Lugones on Instagram @falugones and LinkedIn Facundo Lugones

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Unbox Sports

Coach Unboxed EP9: Yannick chats with Kristof Vliegen, a former ATP top 30 who took his first player as a coach from unranked to a career-high ranking #21 and has now returned to Belgium for his next coaching chapter. @kristof_vliegen

They discuss Kristof’s unique introduction to tennis and his development as a junior just having fun with the sport. Kristof shares his pro experiences from Futures to the Davis Cup to reaching high rankings before being told an injury would not allow him to play anymore. He reflects on taking the entrepreneurial route by chance and eventually finding his way back to tennis through coaching guiding a few promising young players. Kristof also shares insights on his new coaching role and what it means to be back to his roots coaching a fellow Belgian.

About Kristof Vliegen: He reached career highs of #12 in singles and #4 in doubles ITF world rankings, winning the Wimbledon Boy’s doubles championship and making it to the quarterfinals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Transitioning into the ATP tour, he became a top 30 player and represented Belgium for eight years in the Davis Cup. 

In 2012, Kristof started what would become almost a decade-long partnership with Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, taking him from unranked all the way to #21 ATP with multiple titles. He has recently started coaching fellow Belgian Zizou Bergs, and he is also the director of a tennis, paddle and squash club in Belgium, BATD.

Follow Kristof Vliegen on Instagram @kristof_vliegen and LinkedIn.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo