Control the Controllables

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 Finance

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete

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 challenges
• Why early mental development for players is as important as physical development
• The vital role of parents in an athlete’s journey
• Mindset strategies to handle stress, pressure, and setbacks
• Why maintaining a love for the sport matters most
• How acceptance can reduce stress sensitivity
• The never-ending journey of performance, growth, and perspective
• Why relationships between players, coaches, and parents are key

Watch 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 Gowling

Dr 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 Nielsen
• Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid 
• GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.

• Erin and Gaby tell us how they celebrated their win in New York
• How 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!

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete

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 Preview

Dan 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete

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!

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete

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.podcast

Follow August Holmgren on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/augustholmgren/?hl=en

Thanks for listening!

Control The Controllables.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete

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 Quinn
• Episode 258: Taro Daniel
• Follow Tristan on Instagram
• SotoTennis Academy

Don´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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾

For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop.

TennisAthlete