Going Pro by ATA

What happens when you combine a tennis coach's eye with a PhD in biomechanics?In this episode of Going Pro, I sit down with Nick Busuttil — a tennis coach, researcher and biomechanics expert who works at the intersection of tennis, sports science, technology and high-performance coaching.Nick has conducted extensive biomechanics research, worked with high-level players and teams, and has a unique understanding of both the research laboratory and the tennis court.We dive deep into how biomechanics and data can actually be used to improve tennis performance — and, perhaps more importantly, when technology can get in the way.Nick explains what an ideal biomechanics-informed training environment could look like, including force plates, IMUs, video analysis and pressure-based tasks.We also discuss:🎾 Why a player's technique can change depending on the target they're trying to hit🎯 Why cones may not be the best way to measure serve accuracy📊 Why tennis is entering a “Moneyball era” through faster and better feedback loops🧠 The difference between refining movement and actually developing skill⚡ Why serve speed doesn't necessarily mean serve efficiency or effectiveness🔬 What Nick's PhD research discovered about training tools such as Grip Fixer👀 The surprising role of vision and gaze when using the Functional Tennis Saber🔥 Why disrupting a player's routine can help get them out of autopilot📈 How Nick combines biomechanics, match data, training footage and coach observations when working with high-level players⚾ What tennis can learn from baseball and the relationship between intention, movement and performance⚠️ And why Nick believes technology can sometimes do MORE HARM THAN GOODOne of the biggest themes throughout our conversation is the difference between collecting information and actually using information to make a player better.For Nick, the goal isn't simply to collect more data. It's about creating the right feedback loop, filtering the noise and identifying the few things that will actually move performance forward.If you're a tennis coach, player, parent, analyst or simply interested in how technology and sports science are changing tennis, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.🎙️ GOING PRO by Adelaide Tennis AcademySubscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, performance experts and people working behind the scenes in tennis.#Tennis #TennisCoaching #Biomechanics #SportsScience #TennisTraining #HighPerformanceTennis #TennisCoach #TennisResearch #TennisTechnology #TennisPerformance #goingpro 00:00 – Intro: Meet Nick Busuttil & His Biomechanics Journey01:29 – What Does a Biomechanics Expert Actually Do on Court?05:32 – Why Pressure Changes Your Tennis Technique09:12 – The Future of Tennis Research: From Lab to Real Match Play13:01 – Tennis Is Entering the “Moneyball Era”16:29 – Can Training Tools Actually Change Your Tennis?18:52 – What Nick’s PhD Found About Grip Fixer22:43 – The Science Behind the Functional Tennis Saber28:49 – How Nick Uses Data to Understand Pro Players39:22 – Why Serve Speed ≠ Serve Effectiveness41:35 – Are You Refining Movement or Developing Skill?44:25 – Why Technology Can Do More Harm Than Good

Alexandra Osborne joins Going Pro by ATA for one of our most honest conversations yet about what it really takes to build a career in professional tennis.Alexandra is an Australian professional tennis player from Sydney who has transitioned into becoming a doubles specialist after playing college tennis at Arizona State University.But her journey is anything but conventional.Alexandra only started playing tennis at around 11½ years old before rapidly progressing through the junior ranks, earning a scholarship to Meriden and eventually making her way to Arizona State. At college, she experienced the highs of winning a Pac-12 Championship and becoming an All-American, but also the frustration of working incredibly hard without securing a regular singles spot.After college, she pursued professional tennis and eventually transitioned towards doubles. In this conversation, Alexandra opens up about the realities of life on tour — including the financial pressure, constant uncertainty, crazy travel, injuries, and the mental challenges that come with trying to make a living as a professional tennis player.Perhaps most surprisingly, Alexandra reveals that she seriously considered finishing her tennis career in 2026.Instead, she decided to take things week by week — and has gone on to have the best year of her career.We also get into the role faith has played in changing her perspective on tennis, why she now competes with more freedom and joy, her incredible story of being called to play Venus Williams at short notice, and why she believes doubles could be crucial to the future of tennis.We discuss:🎾 Starting tennis at 11½ and catching up🎓 The reality of college tennis in America🔥 Winning a Pac-12 Championship & becoming an All-American💰 The financial reality of professional tennis✈️ The insane travel and uncertainty of life on the doubles tour🧠 Mental health, pressure and identity in professional sport🙏 Faith, purpose and competing with freedom🏆 Why Alexandra nearly quit tennis👑 Playing Venus Williams and Alex Eala🤝 Why doubles matters to the future of tennis📈 How tennis can better support professional players📱 Social media, player branding and growing doubles🎾 Why Australia has historically produced so many great doubles playersIf you're a junior player, parent, coach or simply interested in what professional tennis is really like behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Going Pro by ATA for more conversations with professional players, coaches and people working behind the scenes of the tennis world.00:00 – Intro: Alexandra Osborne & Her Journey00:50 – Starting Tennis at 11½ Years Old03:30 – The College Tennis Journey at Arizona State14:50 – Making the Transition to Professional Tennis21:51 – Why Alexandra Nearly Quit Tennis26:06 – Finding Purpose Beyond Tennis Results38:50 – The Financial Reality of Professional Tennis41:16 – Life on Tour & The Venus Williams Story48:27 – The Future of Professional Doubles52:37 – Why Doubles Matters to the Future of Tennis57:35 – How Tennis Could Better Support Doubles Players01:02:24 – Why Doubles Players Need to Be “Rogue”#Tennis #ProfessionalTennis #AlexandraOsborne #DoublesTennis #GoingPro

Australian tennis star Marc Polmans returns to the Going Pro Podcast after one of the biggest years of his career.After reaching the Australian Open Doubles Final, making the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Final, winning back-to-back ATP titles and climbing to World No. 23 in doubles, Marc shares what life is really like on tour.But this episode goes much deeper than tennis.We discuss the growing controversy surrounding the ATP's proposed changes to professional doubles, why many players are worried about the future of the sport, how difficult it really is to climb the doubles rankings, and whether doubles is being given the respect it deserves.Marc also opens up about:- Winning the Australian Open Wild Card and reaching the final- Life travelling on the ATP Tour- Training alongside the world's best players- Playing doubles with Alexander Bublik- Financial realities of professional tennis- The sacrifices required to chase the dreamIf you're passionate about tennis, coaching, player development or simply want to understand what life is really like behind the scenes on the ATP Tour, this episode is for you.🎾 Subscribe for more conversations with professional Tennis players.#Tennis #ATPTour #MarcPolmans #AustralianOpen #Doubles #ProfessionalTennis #TennisPodcast #GoingProPodcast #HighPerformance #ATP #TennisCoaching #grandslam 00:00 Introduction & Marc's Incredible Season03:00 Why He Chose Doubles (And Never Planned To)05:40 Life on the ATP Tour & Training with the World's Best11:25 The Reality of Professional Doubles15:45 The ATP Controversy: Is Doubles Under Threat?23:10 Can Rule Changes Save Professional Doubles?31:00 Australian Open Success & The Financial Reality of Tennis35:00 Finding Partners, Alexander Bublik & Life on Tour41:00 What's Next for Marc Polmans?44:00 The Sacrifices Behind a Professional Tennis Career

What if the biggest thing holding back your tennis isn't your technique?In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, I sit down with Richard Brice (Tennis Hacker) to explore the world of brain-based tennis training, visual performance, coordination, focus, and the hidden systems that influence how you move, track the ball, and perform under pressure.Richard shares how a serious mountain bike accident led him into applied neurology and ultimately transformed his own tennis. After six months off court with a separated collarbone, he returned with better timing, cleaner ball striking, and a completely different understanding of performance.We discuss:• Why some players struggle to improve despite practicing hard• The connection between vision, balance, coordination and performance• Why focus and concentration might not be a mindset problem• Brain training exercises used by professional players• How Richard learned to play tennis left-handed after injury• Why some players constantly mistime the ball• The effects of screens and technology on tennis performance• How brain-based training can impact life beyond sportWhether you're a coach, parent, competitor, or serious tennis player, this conversation will challenge the way you think about performance development.🎾 Follow Richard Brice (Tennis Hacker)YouTube: Tennis HackerWebsite: tennishacker.net🎙️ Going Pro by ATAHosted by Luke SebastianiIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another tennis player.

Danish professional tennis player Carl Emil Overbeck joins Going Pro by ATA to discuss his incredible transition from college tennis at Cal to the professional tour.Carl shares how he arrived at college with just one ATP point, transformed his game from a grinder into an aggressive attacking player, and rapidly climbed the ATP rankings after graduating.We discuss:• Life as a professional tennis player• The transition from college tennis to the ATP Tour• Growing up alongside Holger Rune• Lessons from Futures and Challenger events• Building confidence against higher-ranked opponents• Denmark's growing tennis culture• The mindset needed to keep improvingCarl recently reached Challenger quarterfinals in Australia and continues his climb up the ATP rankings.If you're an aspiring tennis player, coach, parent, or fan of the professional game, this episode provides an honest look into what it takes to build a career in professional tennis.🎾 Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches and experts from around the world.#GoingProByATA #TennisPodcast #ATP#Tennis #ATP #ATPTour #CollegeTennis #TennisPodcast #HolgerRune #TennisLife #TennisTraining #ProfessionalTennis #GoingProByATA

00:00 From Unknown Junior to College Tennis01:41 The Coach Who Changed His Game05:00 Learning to Believe Against Top Players06:12 Down 5-2 with Match Points Against Him07:26 The Brutal Reality of Turning Pro09:48 What Holger Rune Was Like Growing Up11:27 ATP Ranking Jump: 900 to 52013:40 Dating Another Professional Tennis Player15:00 Why Rankings Don't Matter16:13 What Separates Challenger-Level Players

Desiree Krawczyk joins the podcast to give an inside look into the world of professional doubles tennis.Desiree is a 4-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, former World No. 7 in doubles, Wimbledon champion, Olympic athlete, and one of the best doubles players in the world.In this episode, we dive into:The pressure of professional doubles tennisWhy mixed doubles helped transform her gameHow partnerships really work on tourThe business side of changing doubles partnersConfidence, leadership & handling pressureFunny behind-the-scenes stories from the WTA TourLife travelling the world as a professional athleteWhy being “comfortable being uncomfortable” mattersDesiree also shares lessons about communication, teamwork, adapting to different personalities, and why enjoying life off court has actually helped her perform better on court.If you enjoy tennis, sports psychology, high performance, or behind-the-scenes conversations from professional sport, this episode is for you.#DesireeKrawczyk #TennisPodcast #WTA #DoublesTennis #GrandSlam #Wimbledon #Tennis #SportsPsychology #HighPerformance #AustralianOpen #MixedDoubles #TennisLife #GoingProByATA #AthleteMindset #tennistraining 00:00 Intro & Desiree’s Grand Slam Career Journey03:54 How Mixed Doubles Changed Her Confidence & Game Style06:15 Match Pressure, Flow State & Becoming Comfortable Uncomfortable09:01 The Reality of Doubles Partnerships & Tour Relationships14:03 Playing Style, Risk Taking & Leadership in Doubles Tennis18:26 Funny Tour Stories & Learning to Adapt to Different Personalities22:40 Exploring the World & Avoiding the “Robotic” Tour Lifestyle24:18 Handling Losses, Confidence & Mental Resilience28:11 What Separates Top Players & Advice for Young Athletes32:14 Life Lessons from Tennis, Final Reflections & Outro

Blake Ellis takes us inside the reality of professional tennis — from winning the Australian Open Junior Doubles title to navigating the brutal transition into the pro tour.In this episode, Blake breaks down:The right balance between junior and pro eventsWhat it actually takes to transition into the men’s gameHow he approaches pressure moments on courtHis aggressive serve + volley playing styleThe challenges of injury, confidence, and returning to competitionHow the protected ranking system really worksAnd the mindset required to build a career in professional tennisThis is a must-watch for any aspiring player, coach, or tennis fan who wants a real look behind the scenes of the pro tour.🎾 Hosted by Going Pro by ATA🔗 SPONSOR: https://racketsandstrings.com.auThis episode is brought to you by Rackets and Strings – Adelaide’s leading racket specialist.👉 In-store + online, expert advice, and demo gear available.#tennis #protennis #tennisplayer #atptour #tennislife#tennistraining #tenniscoach #tennistips #tennismindset #athletelife#GoingPro #ATA #adelaidetennis00:00 Intro00:28 Junior Career & Grand Slams01:02 Junior vs Pro Tour – What Matters03:37 First Experience on the Pro Tour05:03 Playing Style & Identity06:06 Handling Pressure Moments07:00 Winning a Title (Swan Hill)08:07 Singles vs Doubles Balance10:26 How to Transition to the Net14:42 Where to Attack Opponents16:04 Returning from Injury18:17 Life Outside Tennis20:30 Planning the 2026 Season23:18 Protected Ranking Explained

Professional tennis player James Duckworth joins the Going Pro by ATA podcast to talk about life on the ATP Tour.Duckworth has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level of professional tennis, reaching the Top 50 in the world, representing Australia in the Davis Cup, and battling through the realities of the ATP Challenger Tour.In this conversation we discuss:• What it takes to stay in the Top 100 for years• The brutal depth of the Challenger Tour• How pro players deal with losing streaks and doubt• Career highlights including the Australian Open• Financial realities of professional tennis• Lessons for young players chasing the pro dreamIf you enjoy tennis insights from professional players, coaches, and experts, subscribe to the channel for more episodes of Going Pro by ATA.#JamesDuckworth#ATPTour#TennisPodcast#ProfessionalTennis#ChallengerTour#GoingProPodcast#TennisCoaching#TennisPlayers#TennisInsights#ATPPlayers

0:00 Intro & Audio Note0:36 Introducing James Duckworth1:30 Staying in the Top 100 for Years2:28 Adapting to the Modern Game4:49 Scheduling the ATP Tour Season6:39 ATP Challenger Tour vs ATP Tour8:27 Dealing with Losing Streaks & Mental Challenges12:24 Career Highlights & Breakthrough Moments13:40 The Financial Reality of Pro Tennis15:36 Influential People in His Career17:03 Final Thoughts

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