Rajeev Ram joins me for the first time in 2025. He's coming off a Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati with new partner, Nikola Mektić.

Rajeev shares insights on building team chemistry in doubles partnerships. He offers a nuanced perspective on the singles vs doubles player debate and provides practical advice on net play strategy, return tips, and career longevity. We also discussed:

• Fishes
• Building team chemistry quickly in a new partnership
• Explains his "two-by-four" analogy for effective net play as server's partner
• Could Sinner beat two doubles players by himself?
• Insights on return positioning and taking away specific serve patterns
• Plans for the rest of 2025
• Details recovery strategies and skill maintenance as a 41-year-old professional

We also get to some of your questions from Twitter/X and Instagram at the end. Rajeev always has thoughtful answers and great tips for club-doubles players so I know you'll enjoy this one.

Learn more about Rajeev & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Twitter/X

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Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

At the Cincinnati Open, I spoke with the current #1 doubles team on the ATP tour.

Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash's win streak ended at 22 in Cincinnati. We discuss their dominant run on the ATP doubles tour and the mental approach that has led to their success. The pair shares insights into their tiebreaker tactics, physical and mental challenges during their streak, and the fundamentals of what makes a successful doubles partnership.

• Strategies for tiebreakers, including energy management and focusing on team identity
• Why mental fatigue is the biggest challenge for Lloyd during their run
• Working with coaches Barry Fulcher and Luke Hammond on mentality and controllable factors
• Keys to successful doubles partnerships: positioning, communication, and emotional support
• Different approaches when facing singles players versus doubles specialists
• Building confidence from success
• The importance of promoting doubles through media and tournament opportunities

Keep watching as Lloyd and Julian at this year's US Open, where they look to capture a 2nd straight major title.

Learn more about Lloyd & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram

Learn more about Julian & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• Previous episode with Julian (July 2025)

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

I spoke with ATP & WTA Coach, Dan Kiernan, in Cincinnati about life as a professional coach, doubles drills, practice sets, and more. This episode will help you rethink how you practice.

Dan works with multiple players on different teams, not uncommon for doubles coaches, so you'll get insights into what his day-to-day responsibilities look like.

• Dan's daily schedule can involve up to 7-8 hours of court time, plus meetings, court bookings, academy management (Soto Tennis Academy), podcasts, and more
• How practice courts are reserved at tournaments
• Practice drills focus on offensive and defensive positioning rather than neutral play
• The "overhead drill" helps players master both offensive overheads and defensive lobs
• The amount of practice time dedicated to serving and returning will be jaw-dropping for club players to hear
• Practice sets serve different purposes depending on team needs and tournament context

I love the topic of game development and practicing with a purpose, and I'm always learning from coaches like Dan. Dabrowski and Routliffe are in the semifinals in Cincinnati, which you can watch on Tennis Channel Plus.

Previous Episodes with Dan Kiernan:

• Dan Kiernan Interview: GROWTH, Coaching ATP Doubles, Aggressive vs Consistent Returns, & an Illegal Volley Drill - April 5, 2023
• Coach Dan Kiernan Interview at the WTA Finals - November 5, 2023
• Coach Dan Kiernan Shares Stories from the WTA Finals, 2nd Set Adjustments, Positive Mindset, & More - November 20, 2024
• Doubles Special: Problems, Solutions, & the Future of the Pro Doubles Tour with Dan Kiernan - March 27, 2025

Learn more about Dan & follow:

• Dan's Podcast - Control the Controllables | Twitter | Instagram
• Soto Tennis Academy | Twitter

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

Former Top 70 WTA doubles player Catherine Harrison returns to the show to share her journey recovering from multiple injuries over the past few seasons. We discuss her recent decision to focus exclusively on doubles moving forward.

Catherine came to Fort Worth, Texas, last week, where we spent two days of intensive on-court doubles training. We discussed the key takeaways from the training and more.

• Simple tactical improvements from two days of training.
• Doubles drills that she found helpful.
• Why spreading the service box is generally more effective than body serves.
• Her extensive warm-up routine takes a ground-up approach to injury prevention.
• Importance of proper training blocks between tournaments when recovering from injury.
• Setting both process-oriented and outcome-oriented goals for comeback.
• Dream women's and mixed doubles partners.
• Her mixed feelings about the new US Open mixed doubles format.

Follow Catherine's comeback journey as she aims to return to the Grand Slam level by next year's US Open.

Learn more about Catherine & follow:

• WTA Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Previous episode with Catherine (February 2023)

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

This is a free preview of a Tennis Tribe member episode. To hear the full episode, become a member at thetennistribe.com/memberships.

In this episode, I answer three questions from Tennis Tribe members and followers.

• FREE: How to beat unconventional or unorthodox players.
• Why there is no "right way" to hit a tennis ball.
• Topspin can be overrated.
• Members: All the options you have when the opponent hits a lob, and when to use each.
• One of the most underpracticed shots for club players (it's not the overhead).
• Members: How to win with a super weak partner and hold their serve.
• and more...

Members can access the full episode through this page.

New York City Events during the US Open

• Doubles Camp August 30-31
• Rally Trip September 2-4

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

The rising American doubles team of JJ Tracy and Robert Cash share their journey from winning the NCAAs at Ohio State in 2024 to becoming ATP doubles title winners in Los Cabos in 2025. They've climbed to #59 and #62 in the world this year from outside the top 140.

You'll learn what's clicked for them recently, and get to know them as individuals and as a team.

• Working with new coach Andy Fitzell has helped refine their game and contributed to back-to-back titles
• Balancing a lighthearted approach and ability to joke during matches while maintaining an intense work ethic
• The differences between Challenger and ATP Level doubles
• Both players credit Ohio State coaches Ty Tucker and Justin Kronauge for instilling their strong work ethic
• How Robert shares "direct feedback" with JJ during matches
• Their strategy for playing well in tiebreakers
• Future goals
• Racquet changes and customization

The more interviews I do like this, the more I realize how much team chemistry and partnership dynamics matter. These two provide a great example of what a strong partnership looks like. Watch JJ and Robert throughout the rest of the 2025 season as they continue their doubles journey.

Learn more about JJ & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram

Learn more about Robert & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

I watched a lot of Wimbledon doubles over the past few weeks. In this episode, I share 4 strategy lessons from the Championships. Watching professional doubles can help you learn new tactics, positioning, movement, and strategy that you can apply to your own game.

• Practice specific shots to counter your upcoming opponents' preferred tactics, as demonstrated by Wimbledon Champions, Elise Mertens & Veronika Kudermetova.
• When you have the baseline advantage, stay patient and consistent.
• At the net, moving first often wins.
• The importance of dedicated serve and return practice, including a serve game you can play against yourself.

I'm co-hosting two US Open experiences, including a doubles camp (August 30-31) and an all-inclusive luxury vacation (September 2-4). Learn more and sign up for each below.

• Doubles Camp (August 30-31): https://thetennistribe.com/camp/
• Rally Trip (September 2-4): https://www.therosegoldgroup.com/

Check out memberships at thetennistribe.com/memberships to access premium content and improve your doubles game.

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

World #23 Olivia Nicholls joins us fresh off her first title with partner Tereza Mihalíková in Berlin. She discusses her career-high ranking, steady rise in doubles, and shares insights on overcoming challenges throughout her career journey.

• Defeating Roland Garros Champs, Errani and Paolini, in Berlin, breaking their 13-match win streak, including tactical adjustments
• On developing a belief in her game to beat any team
• Overcoming four consecutive first-round losses during the clay season
• Working with coach Craig Veal (previous podcast guest)
• 2025 goals and the WTA Finals
• Mixed doubles success with Henry Patten, making semifinals in Australia and quarterfinals at Roland Garros
• Thoughts on the US Open mixed doubles changes that prioritize singles rankings

Olivia's dedication and work ethic are super impressive, and she shows how consistency pays off. Watch her this week at Wimbledon and throughout the rest of 2025.

Learn more about Olivia & follow:

• WTA Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Twitter/X

-----

**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

Julian Cash is ranked #12 on the ATP Doubles Tour, has four titles in 2025, and is currently #3 in the race to the ATP Finals. In this conversation, he shares the story of his impressive rise in professional doubles, his successful partnership with Lloyd Glasspool, thoughts on college tennis, mixed doubles, and more.

• How his partnership with Lloyd Glasspool is built on aligned goals, complementary playing styles, and balancing each other's energy levels
• Breaking down their semifinal match against Skupski and Salisbury, navigating 40mph wind gusts on grass
• Achieving consistent improvement by better handling different scenarios rather than drastically changing his game
• Setting the doubles Challenger record in 2022 with Henry Patten by winning 10 titles
• A valuable lesson he's learned about opponents that you can apply to your own game (this is my favorite part)
• Working with coach Louis Cayer on positioning and giving himself "two chances to win"
• College tennis experience at Mississippi State and Oklahoma State, and the growing trend of players focusing purely on doubles
• Thoughts on the mixed doubles at the US Open
• Making pro doubles more popular through increased exposure and better storytelling around players

Julian was one of the more thoughtful players I've interviewed so I know you'll enjoy this one.

Learn more about Julian & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Twitter/X

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

Neal Skupski, the #11 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour and three-time Wimbledon champion, discusses his partnership with Joe Salisbury, their recent Roland Garros finals run, and more.

I spoke with Neal during his off day in Eastbourne, where he was preparing for the quarterfinals. He and Joe won that match and are now in the semis.

• Working through the chemistry and tactical adjustments of a new partnership
• The significant adjustments required to transition from clay to grass
• Is grass Neal's best surface?
• Having a positive "performer" mentality - a term used by many of the British players and coaches
• What "take it one point at a time" means to Neal, and how he implements that mentality
• Thoughts on the mixed doubles format changes at the US Open

We didn't have time to get to all your Instagram/Twitter questions, but I'll try to get Neal back later this year for more.

Learn more about Neal & follow:

• ATP Profile
• Wikipedia
• Instagram
• Twitter/X

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course