Control the Controllables

In today´s episode we´re bringing you the 3rd edition of our CTC Real series, delving into the real side of tennis.

Host Dan Kiernan discusses the biggest stories in tennis in the past week including:-

• Janik Sinner's controversial 3-month ban for doping
• The changes to the mixed doubles event at the US Open
• Stefan Vukov´s (former long-term coach to Elina Rybakina) suspension from the WTA tour.

ATP Doubles Coach Calvin Betton joins Dan to give his take on what the new mixed doubles format at Flushing Meadows means for doubles players and the sport as a whole. Meanwhile Irish Coach Pete Bothwell shares some humorous and challenging stories from his time on the Futures Tour.

Dan also rounds up all the action from the NCAA Indoor Championships, plus more players to watch for 2025.

We´d love to hear from you! Leave us a rating and review here!

You can also email the show and make sure you follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok for all the latest on 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

We all know how financially demanding it is for players to get started in professional tennis.

In today´s episode, we speak to British tennis player and Youtuber Felix Mischker who´s found a different way to fund his pro career.

Felix was a junior when his Dad started a YouTube channel about him and his brother Lucian´s tennis. He now documents his life on tour to more than 230,000 subscribers!

The content he produces for his channel Tennis Brothers, not only helps support his career, but is inspiring the younger generation of players, and giving him some pretty awesome experiences.

Episode Highlights:-

• Felix tells us about the birth of Tennis Brothers
• How he balances content creation and his training/travel.
• His non-negotiables for aspiring tennis players
• Felix discusses the future of tennis and content creation
• How he deals with the pressure of public expectations
• What it´s like to play and film with top pro players like Tsitipas, Rune, Thiem and more!

Check out Felix´s YouTube channel Tennis Brothers and subscribe to Control the Controllables while you´re there!

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 this episode, we´ve brought our Grand Slam panel back together to review all the action from the 2025 Australian Open!

Host Dan Kiernan is joined by Davis Cup captain Freddie Nielsen and top S&C Coach Kieran Vorster to discuss the key performances and memorable moments from Melbourne Park, including Jannik Sinner's dominance, Madison Keys' unexpected victory and the Danielle Collins fund!

They also analyse Novak Djokovic's return to form and the implications of Andy Murray's coaching role, and there´s a little bit of tennis trivia too!

The panel also discuss:-

• The emergence of young talents in the men´s game.
• The importance of team chemistry on success.
• The significance of stability and continuity in a players team.
• The role of characters in the sport.
• The dynamics of women's tennis
• The panel give us their predictions for the mens and womens game for 2025 and the potential matchups to look forward to.

Let us know what you thought of the first Grand Slam of 2025 and anything you would like to hear Dan discuss on the podcast this year!

Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or email us.

🎧 Join the Control the Controllables team as a Podcast Intern in 2025

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

Our CTC LIVE series is back for the Australian Open, rounding up all the action from Dan's first-hand experience in Melbourne!

In this episode, Dan discusses the latest matches, such as Zverev v Tommy Paul, Baddosa reaching her 1st Grand Slam semi-final as well as both doubles teams of Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus and Erin Routliffe both reach doubles semi-finals!

Dan shares insights on surprising tournament outcomes, the emergence of young talents, predictions for the doubles events and answers questions from our listeners!

Also talking about Iga Świątek being unfazed by her drug ban and dominating her opponents, dropping only 11 games total on the way to the AO quarter-final.

This is the place to get a quick summary of the events at the Australian Open from a coach's perspective.

These shorter episodes aim to provide a round-up of the Australian Open action in Melbourne with Dan Kiernan, coach of doubles pairs Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus and Nikola Mektić!

Make sure to check out the Australian Open PREVIEW FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Australian Open Round Up

05:56 Surprises and Highlights of the Tournament

11:51 Young Talents and Future Stars

17:35 Iga's Journey and Being Unfazed by the Controversy

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast

Twitter (X): ctc_podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

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

Our CTC LIVE series is back for the Australian Open, rounding up all the action from Dan's first-hand experience in Melbourne!

In this episode, Dan breaks down the action over the last couple of days from Melbourne. Talking about Medvedev and Tiens late night 5 set brawl of a match, Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic's exit of the slam, Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe fighting back to advance to round 3 and so much more that has happened!

This is the place to go to get a quick summary of the events at the Australian Open from a coach's perspective.

Also in this episode, Dan is joined by a special guest. The former coach to Pat Cash who won Wimbledon in 1987 and our very own Dan Kiernans former coach, we have the legendary Ian Barclay joining this episode to give his insight and perspective at the 2025 Australian Open.

Each episode is LIVE on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast' and following our Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest times of going LIVE on YouTube!

These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round-up of the Australian Open action in Melbourne with Dan Kiernan, coach of doubles pairs Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus and Nikola Mektić!

Make sure to check out the Australian Open PREVIEW FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and update on Venus, Mektic, Dabrowksi and Routliffe

02:46 Young Guns and Tournament Insights reflecting on the last couple days

06:02 The Legend Ian Barclay Joins the Conversation

12:01 Davis Cup Culture and Future Stars

15:45 Advice for Young Players and Grand Slam Preparation and predications

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast

Twitter (X): ctc_podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

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

Our CTC LIVE series is back for the Australian Open, rounding up all the action from Dans first-hand experience in Melbourne!

Today, Dan breaks down the day's action in Melbourne, including Gaby Dabrowski and Erins Routliffes' battle of a first round, Naomi Osakas looking strong, Jack Draper POWERING through back-to-back five-set thrillers, and much more.

As well as being joined by tennis coach Ollie Cores, who has been working at the practice courts at the Australian Open this year, organised courts for the game's biggest stars. Here to give his unique insight into the slam and what it is like to work there.

Each episode LIVE on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast' and following our Instagram and Twitter (X) for the latest times of going LIVE on YouTube!

These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round-up of the Australian Open action in Melbourne with Dan Kiernan, coach of doubles pairs Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe and Michael Venus and Nikola Mektić!

Make sure to check out the Australian Open PREVIEW FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms!

Chapters

00:00 Highlights of the Matches

05:45 The Role of Coaches and Players and Meeting Andy Murray again

08:59 Commentary Insights and Experiences

11:54 Emerging Talents in Tennis

15:07 Ollie Cores Joins to Talk about Challenges on the Practice Courts

17:53 Crowd Dynamics and Player Performance

20:46 Ollie's Australian Open Experience as Someone Working at the Slam

23:44 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast

Twitter (X): ctc_podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

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

Our CTC LIVE series is back for the Australian Open! Rounding up the action from Dans first-hand expirence in Melbourne!

Today Dan is joined by British doubles player Marcus Willis to give his players persepctive of the 2025 Australian Open and also to talk about having to pull out of the mens doubles event because his doubles partner, No. 52 in the world Cameron Norrie picking up an injury.

Each episode LIVE on YouTube by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast' and following our instagram and twitter (X) for the latest times of going LIVE on YouTube!

These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the Australian Open action in Melbourne with Dan Kiernan, coach of doubles pairs Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe as well as Michael Venus and Nikola Mektić!

Make sure to check out the Australian Open PREVIEW FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms!

In This episode:

Dan Kiernan and Marcus Willis delve into the Australian Open. They discuss Emma Raducanu's 1st round win against Ekaterina Alexandrova and if the form Stefanos Tsitsipas is temporsary or permanent.

As well as the emotional challenges faced by Nick Kyrgios, and the inspiring story of Marcus Willis journey in tennis.

The conversation also touches on the financial realities of being a professional player and predictions for the tournament's outcome.

A great listen to stay up to date with tennis and the 2025 Australian Open with people such as Dan and guests at the event that have behind the scenes access to what they don;t show you on tv!

Many listener question are answered LIVE during the episode with a shout out! If you want to be named and have your question read out in the next LIVE episode during the Australian Open Round Ups submit your questions to our instagram @ctc.podcast or join us LIVE and talk to Dan whilst he is in Melbourne!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Melbourne and Tennis Updates

02:47 Emma Raducanu: The Rising Star's Journey

05:23 Stefanos Tsitsipas: Current Form and Future Prospects

08:23 Marcus Willis Joins the Conversation

11:27 Nick Kyrgios: The Enigma of Tennis

14:18 Marcus Willis: Reflections on Career and Challenges

17:13 Financial Realities of Professional Tennis

20:07 The Australian Open Experience

23:07 Final Thoughts and Predictions

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast

Twitter (X): ctc_podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

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

Our CTC LIVE series is back for the Australian Open!

More episode will be coming throughout the 2 weeks of the opening slam of the year with breakdowns of the behind the scenes of the event, talking points and will be joined by many incredbile guests from the world of tennis!

Each episode LIVE on YouTube 11am GMT by searching 'Control the Controllables Podcast'!

These are shorter episodes aiming to provide a round up of the Australian Open action in Melbourne with Dan Kiernan, coach of doubles pairs Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe as well as Michael Venus and Nikola mektić!

Make sure to check out the Australian Open PREVIEW FULL EPISODE out on all podcast platforms!

In this episode:

Summary

Coach Dan Kiernan shares insights from the Australian Open 2025 so far, discussing the dynamics of practice, player entitlement, and the emotional journey of qualifiers.

He highlights the importance of player development, particularly focusing on Irina Sabalenka's unique slice technique, and reflects on the emerging talents in tennis.

Many listener question are answered LIVE during the episode with a shout out! If you want to be named and have your question read out in the next LIVE episode during the Australian Open Round Ups submit your questions to our instagram @ctc.podcast or join us LIVE and talk to Dan whilst he is in Melbourne!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Australian Open 2025

08:15 Player Development: The Sabalenka Slice

15:18 Alex Di Minaurs Slam Chances

22:12 New Doubles Teams and Their Potential

YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast

Instagram: ctc.podcast

Twitter (X): ctc_podcast

TikTok: Control the Controllables Podcast

Thank you everyone for listening!

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

We´re just a few hours away now from the first Grand Slam of the 2025 tennis calendar.

We´ve brought our panel back together to preview what we can expect from the Australian Open.

Joining Control the Controllables host Dan Kiernan to discuss everything from the Djokovic-Murray team-up, Nick Kyrgios´ return to Grand Slam tennis, players to watch and their picks for the titles, are:-

• Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Mens Doubles Champion Freddie Nielsen.
• GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Wimbledon Champions Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.
• Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid

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!

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 🙏🏻

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

With 2024 coming to an end, we´re looking back at some of our favourite moments of the Control the Controllables Podcast.

Listen to Host Dan Kiernan and producer Vicki Kiernan share clips from some of the standout stories and key learnings from our amazing guests this year.

They chat through some of their special moments including hosting our first Live Show in London in April, to daily Lives on YouTube from the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia, and winning the Best Tennis & Rackets Podcast at the Sports Podcast Awards!

A big thank you to listening to the show, and wishing you a Happy New Year and a healthy and happy 2025!

🎧 Join the Control the Controllables team as a Podcast Intern in 2025

🗳️ Vote for us in the Sports Podcast Awards!

Head here for links to our favourite moments of 2024 and to find out what are your most listened to episodes of the year ❤️

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