British tennis player Katie Swan opens up about one of the toughest periods of her career — battling chronic back injuries, dropping out of the rankings, losing financial support, and questioning whether she would ever return to professional tennis.After reaching a career-high ranking near the Top 100 and competing in Grand Slam qualifying — including Wimbledon — Katie found herself sidelined for over a year, playing just two tournaments in 14 months. At one point, she had stopped training and taken a coaching job in the US.In this honest and revealing conversation,

Katie discusses:

Managing long-term back injuriesThe mental toll of setbacks and “PTSD” from pain

Starting again with zero ranking at $15K ITF events

The financial reality of professional tennis

Differences between the men’s and women’s tours

Learning to accept where you are

Reigniting belief after almost quitting

She also shares insights into her playing style, match toughness, adjusting tactics mid-match, and how she rebuilt her ranking in 2025.

If you're an aspiring tennis player, coach, or athlete navigating setbacks, this episode is full of perspective and resilience.🎾

Hosted by Luke Sebastiani

🎙 Going Pro Podcast

#KatieSwan#TennisComeback#ProfessionalTennis#Wimbledon#GrandSlam#ITFTour#TennisPodcast#WomenInSport#InjuryComeback#GoingPro

0:00 – Career-high ranking, injuries & almost quitting

3:30 – Managing pain, setbacks & rebuilding mentally

6:00 – Starting again from $15Ks with no ranking

9:00 – Match toughness, tactics & adapting mid-match

11:30 – Men’s vs Women’s tour differences

13:00 – Financial realities of professional tennis

17:00 – Reigniting the fire & chasing Grand Slams again

Rinky Hijikata joins Going Pro by ATA for an in-depth conversation on what it truly takes to compete on the ATP Tour.In this episode, Rinky opens up about:Life on the ATP Tour and why there are no easy matchesHis development across clay, grass, and hard courtsHow he handles pressure moments and stays clutchThe importance of serve, scheduling, and long seasonsBuilding a clear “brand” of tennisLessons from his coach Mark Draper (Shark)Wimbledon doubles success and representing Australia in Davis CupWhy staying healthy is his biggest focus moving forwardThis is a must-watch for:🎾 Aspiring juniors🎾 College & Futures players🎾 Coaches and high-performance environments🎾 Anyone curious about the reality of professional tennisRinky’s ability to explain the mental, tactical, and physical demands of the ATP Tour makes this one of the most insightful episodes we’ve released.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and experts inside elite tennis.0:00 – Introduction & Rinky’s ATP Tour experience0:32 – “There are no easy matches on tour”1:09 – Why he committed to developing on clay2:38 – Learning point construction & court craft3:41 – Biggest improvements in his game this year5:19 – What separates the very best players6:10 – Scheduling, surfaces & mini peaks8:44 – Working with coach Mark Draper (Shark)11:59 – Defining Rinky’s “brand” of tennis13:18 – Staying clutch in pressure moments17:22 – Wimbledon doubles & Davis Cup moments19:09 – Injuries, health & goals moving forward#RinkyHijikata #ATPTour #ProfessionalTennis #AustralianTennis #GoingProByATA#TennisPodcast #ATPPlayers #TennisMindset #TennisDevelopment #HighPerformanceTennis#TennisCoaching #RoadToATP #EliteTennis #TennisLife #DavisCup

In this third conversation, Calum shares the raw reality of walking away from pro tennis, transitioning into full-time coaching, and then making the decision to come back — freer, stronger, and with nothing to lose.We dive into:The emotional weight of quitting after a lifetime in tennisBeing ranked inside the top 150 while still losing moneyCoaching juniors vs working at the “pointy end” of the sportHow time away made his tennis better, not worseThe mental freedom that comes from removing financial pressureLife on tour, relationships, YouTube, and documenting the processWhy reps, positioning, and intention matter more than talentThis episode is an honest look at the grind behind professional tennis, the unseen sacrifices, and why sometimes stepping away is the only way forward.🎾 If you love real stories about the pro pathway, this one hits deep.#ProTennis #TennisPodcast #GoingPro #TennisJourney#AustralianTennis #ATPChallenger #TennisLife#TennisComeback #LifeOnTour #TennisMindset#BehindTheScenesTennis #DoublesTennis #tenniscoaching 0:00 – Why Challenger-level tennis needs more attention3:06 – Ranked 140… and still losing money5:36 – Walking away from pro tennis7:04 – Holding players accountable to their dream10:48 – Why most players won’t become pros13:03 – The moment I knew I had to come back14:22 – How coaching changed my work ethic19:41 – Coming back and winning faster than expected20:21 – “Everything feels like a bonus now”24:25 – How the right partner changed everything32:46 – The financial stress nobody sees in pro tennis

In this episode, professional tennis player Dane Sweeny breaks down the exact mindset shift that helped him go on an incredible run — winning titles, beating top players, and translating Futures success into Challenger-level wins.Dane explains why winning became secondary, how prioritising courage over fear simplified his game, and what it actually feels like to play in a true flow state. He also opens up about the influence of his dad, the technical footwork changes that unlocked his aggression, and why losing certain matches confirmed he was finally on the right path.This conversation is a must-watch for players, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental side of high performance.🎾 Topics covered:Why playing courageously mattered more than winningFlow state vs fear-based tennisHow confidence is built before results comeTranslating Futures success to Challenger levelThe difference between speed and real movementLessons from tough losses and big winsTimestamps: 0:00 – Dane Sweeny’s comeback: from No. 700 to knocking on the Top 2002:00 – Career high, confidence collapse & walking away from tennis4:05 – Time away, rediscovering the love for the game6:40 – Returning with clarity: kindness, process & commitment7:55 – Pain, breakup & the mental turning point10:55 – Tennis as self-mastery: moving toward fear, not away17:40 – Entering the zone: courage over winning21:40 – The influence of his dad & simplifying everything23:10 – Footwork, aggression & why his game evolved27:55 – Challenger success, lessons from losses & what’s next#DaneSweeny #ProTennis #ATPTour #TennisComeback #TennisMindset #ATPChallenger #AustralianTennis #tennispodcast #TennisMentalGame #FlowState #HighPerformance#ProfessionalAthlete #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology

In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, I sit down with Caroline Martin, associate professor, tennis player, coach, and one of the world’s leading experts in tennis biomechanics. Her research focuses on how technique, physical attributes, equipment, and environment shape performance and long-term player health.Caroline breaks down:- Why the serve is the most biomechanically complex stroke in tennis- How to tailor serving technique to different body types- The most common biomechanical patterns that lead to shoulder, back, and wrist injuries- How coaches can develop a biomechanical eye- Why French tennis produces such diverse playing styles- The role of video analysis in player development- Practical, accessible on-court drills to improve performance- How future tennis training will rely more on data, mechanics, and individualisationWhether you’re a coach, parent, developing athlete, or tennis fan, this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of how biomechanics elevates performance while protecting players over the course of a season — and a career.🎾 If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and Share — it helps us bring more world-class tennis minds to the show.Instagram: @caromartin_tennisWebsite: caromartin-tennis.com

00:00 Caroline's Journey into Biomechanics

02:44 The Art of Serving: Key Principles

08:11 Tailoring Serves to Player Attributes

13:32 Common Biomechanical Issues in Serving

15:49 Improving Biomechanical Awareness for Coaches

19:15 The Unique French Tennis Approach

21:37 Biomechanics Beyond the Serve

24:25 Practical Drills for Coaches

27:01 Player Engagement in Biomechanical Analysis

29:16 Future Trends in Tennis Biomechanics

When Shane Liyanage founded Data Driven Sports Analytics, he changed the way the tennis world thought about performance. In this in-depth conversation, Shane reveals how data-driven coaching is reshaping tennis — from elite players like Ons Jabeur to the next generation of athletes looking to gain a competitive edge.

We discuss the evolution of analytics in tennis, how to understand player behavior under pressure, and why short points often decide matches. Shane also explains why practice must mirror match conditions, and how communication and adaptability are the true keys to success for both players and coaches.

Whether you’re a coach, player, or sports performance enthusiast, this episode will open your eyes to the future of tennis — where data and intuition work hand-in-hand to unlock potential.

🔗 Connect with Shane Liyanage🌐 Website: ddsportsanalytics.com📸 Instagram: @data_driven_sports_analytics

📺 YouTube: Shane Liyanage – DDSA Performance Data Science in Tennis

🎙️ Going Pro by ATA — where the world’s best coaches, players, and innovators share what it really takes to go pro.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – The Evolution of Analytics in Tennis

02:55 – Understanding Player Behavior Under Pressure

06:02 – Shane’s Journey into Tennis Analytics

08:50 – Mirroring Match Conditions in Practice

15:00 – Adapting Game Styles Based on Data

17:57 – The Success Story of Ons Jabeur

23:59 – Adapting Communication and Coaching Styles

31:13 – The Future of Player Development

37:12 – Key Performance Indicators for Young Players

43:26 – How to Get Started with Data Analytics

#TennisAnalytics #ShaneLiyanage #GoingProByATA #DataDrivenCoaching #SportsAnalytics #TennisTraining #PlayerDevelopment #TennisPerformance #MatchPreparation #TennisCoach #SportsScience #HighPerformanceTennis #PlayerBehavior #FutureOfTennis #AmbidextrousPlayers

In this Part 1 of Going Pro by ATA’s conversation with Matt Hobba, owner of Rackets and Strings — Adelaide’s leading racquet sport specialist — we dive deep into the world of tennis gear and performance setups.Matt shares his expertise on how to choose the right racquet, the evolution of strings and materials, and what separates a good setup from a professional one. Whether you’re a developing junior, performance player, or coach, this episode breaks down what really matters when it comes to racquets, strings, and setup.🎾 In Part 1:How Rackets and Strings became Adelaide’s hub for tennis playersThe evolution of racquet technologyJunior racquets: what to use and when to upgradePower vs control: finding the right racquet for your gameThe truth behind pro stock racquets and custom setupsStrings explained — tension, feel, and spin potential📺 Part 2 coming soon 📱 Follow Rackets and Strings:Instagram – @racketsandstringsWebsite – racketsandstrings.com.au🎙️ Follow Going Pro by ATA:Instagram – @adelaidetennisacademyYouTube – @GoingProbyATASpotify – Going Pro by ATA⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Who is Matt Hobba and Rackets & Strings2:40 – How racquet and string technology has evolved7:00 – Choosing the right racquet for juniors and performance players12:00 – Pro stock racquets and what really makes them different17:30 – Why strings matter more than you think23:00 – Common mistakes players make with their setup27:00 – Final thoughts🔖 Hashtags#Tennis #GoingProPodcast #RacketsAndStrings #MattHobba #TennisGear #TennisStrings #TennisRacquet #AdelaideTennis #TennisAustralia #TennisEquipment #GoingProbyATA

What happens when a professional tennis player turns entrepreneur? Rubin Statham, former ATP pro, created Pro Stringer — the world’s most innovative portable restringing machine — now trusted by players across the globe.In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, Rubin shares his journey from the highs of professional tennis to building a business that’s set to transform the sport forever. From battling life after tennis, to finding purpose through innovation, to developing the groundbreaking Pro Stringer Cybex, Rubin gives us a rare look into the future of stringing technology and the mindset of an athlete-turned-entrepreneur.🌍 Pro Stringer Website: https://pro-stringer.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22749538536&gbraid=0AAAAA_bx-_phdj6c1NxOTUb2VHpOPGVjb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5l1P3mQDDxHTzKJamK9M7XfSxDrtuquvT5JM8I6JsM8F_Br4clyj0aAkdXEALw_wcB📸 Pro Stringer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myprostringer?igsh=eDliZWZlcW9pbG55🔥 Topics covered:- Memorable moments from Rubin’s tennis career- The addictive nature of competition- The origins of Pro Stringer and solving a personal problem- The challenges of product development & feedback from players- The evolution of Pro Stringer machines leading to Cybex- AI’s role in tennis and stringing technology- The importance of ownership in an athlete’s performance👉 Whether you’re a tennis player, entrepreneur, or sports tech enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with insights on innovation, resilience, and chasing purpose beyond the court.⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Memorable Moments in Tennis Career03:02 – The Addictive Nature of Winning05:48 – The Journey of Pro Stringer09:05 – The Birth of a Business Idea11:47 – Challenges and Iterations in Development15:09 – Balancing Tennis and Entrepreneurship20:53 – Feedback and Continuous Improvement26:57 – The Evolution of Pro Stringer Machines35:47 – Innovating Tennis Stringing Technology39:00 – The Future of Portable Stringing Machines44:12 – Market Competition and Unique Positioning52:14 – Investment and Development Challenges56:00 – The Importance of Ownership in Performance01:03:01 – Final Thoughts and Future Directions#Tennis #RubinStatham #ProStringer #TennisInnovation #SportsTech #TennisEquipment #AthleteEntrepreneur #GoingProPodcast #TennisLife #AIinSports

Australian professional tennis player Andrew Harris opens up in this candid interview about the real challenges of life on tour. From being a top junior, becoming an NCAA Doubles Champion at Oklahoma, breaking into the Top 150 in singles and Top 100 in doubles, to ultimately facing injuries, financial struggles, and tough career decisions, Andrew tells the unfiltered story of what it’s really like to chase a tennis dream.In this conversation, Andrew Harris discusses:- The impact of injuries on his professional career- How college tennis saved him from burnout and gave him a pathway- The truth about money in doubles (why even top 100 players struggle)- His thoughts on the future of doubles tennis- The challenges and advantages of a one-handed backhand- Transitioning into coaching and helping the next generationIf you’ve ever wondered what the tennis world looks like behind the rankings and highlight reels, this episode gives you the inside story.📌 Timestamps00:00 – Andrew's Junior Tennis Journey03:09 – The Impact of Family on Tennis Career06:08 – Transitioning to College Tennis09:04 – The Importance of College in Tennis Development11:51 – Injuries and Their Impact on Career15:09 – Playing Style and Match Confidence18:03 – The One-Handed Backhand: Strengths and Limitations21:04 – Variety in Playing Styles24:10 – The Evolution of Tennis Post-COVID32:19 – Transitioning from Singles to Doubles37:34 – The Future of Doubles in Tennis41:09 – Financial Viability of Doubles44:05 – Memorable Matches and College Tennis46:51 – Aussie Tennis Culture and Development50:28 – Coaching Transition and Insights57:40 – Working with Players: Strategies and Communication#Tennis #AndrewHarris #CollegeTennis #ProTennis #TennisPodcast #DoublesTennis #TennisLife

Renowned tennis coach Marc Sophoulis opens up about the real work behind developing champions — from mentoring young athletes to navigating modern parenting dynamics and building high-performance mindsets.Drawing from decades of elite coaching experience, Marc shares the pivotal moments that shaped his coaching philosophy, the importance of making mistakes, and why building strong human relationships comes before winning titles.Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on how to develop competitive, adaptable, and self-reliant individuals — both on and off the court.

🎧 What You'll Learn:The influence of mentorship on coaching successHow to set expectations and build lasting coach-athlete trustThe evolving role of parenting in modern sportPractical tips for creating a high-performance training cultureWhy problem-solving and decision-making are non-negotiable skills

#TennisCoach #HighPerformance #AthleteDevelopment #TennisParents #CoachingPhilosophy #MarcSophoulis #MentalToughness #PlayerDevelopment #TennisMindset #SportsMentorship