Welcome back to the Going Pro podcast! In this episode, our host Luke Sebastiani sits down with talented ATP pro Thomas Fancutt.

In this captivating conversation we dive into the challenging realities of the future and challenger tour, providing an authentic glimpse into the hustle and determination required to succeed on the professional circuit.

Tom humbly opens up about the finances of a top 400 tennis player, shedding light on the lesser-known financial struggles and realities that aspiring tennis pros face. We'll also explore how players manage their finances while striving to achieve greatness on the court, offering valuable insights for those looking to pursue a professional tennis career.

Tom's journey in tennis has also had a profound impact on his interpersonal skills, transforming him into a more adept and comfortable communicator off the court. The lessons learned through the tennis journey extend far and wide, providing invaluable life skills that contribute to personal growth.Tom shares the changes in his approach and mindset that led him to go all in and reach even higher heights in his career -This raw and honest account offers encouragement and motivation for aspiring athletes facing crossroads and tough times in their own careers.

Speaking of commitment, we'll witness the transformations that have taken place in Tom's journey since he took that leap forward in the last year and explore the power of dedication and hard work, proving that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey of growth and improvement.

At this point we then discuss the little things that make a big difference in an athlete's performance. We'll delve into the importance of pre-match journaling, a practice that has proven to be a game-changer for many, including Tom. These rituals and habits play a crucial role in mental preparation and focus before stepping onto the court and we also hear abiut 'The Serve Box,' where Tom generously shares expert insights into serving techniques, strategies, and how he's honed this crucial aspect of his game. This insider knowledge provides a unique perspective for tennis enthusiasts and aspiring players alike.

The reason this episode remains so intriguing is the insider's perspective we receive and this is thoroughly highlighted when Tom recounts his experiences facing formidable opponents like the skilled Nishioka, offering a glimpse into the intensity and challenges of competing at the highest level and what separates the good from the great.

Lastly, we hear how important environment is and discover the profound impact of surrounding yourself with top-level players like Kubler - emphasizing that there's no magic dust to success; it's all about hard work, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness.

Don't miss this engaging and inspiring episode, packed with motivation, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of professional tennis. Join us as we take an inspiring journey through the highs and lows of the pro circuit, uncovering the secrets to surviving and thriving on one of the toughest sports journeys in the word - the men's professional circuit.

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In this episode Luke sits down with Olympic athlete and Commonwealth gold medalist, Jess Stenson. In this truly inspiring conversation we delve into the depths of Jess's remarkable journey, exploring the themes of mindset, perseverance, and resilience and unpack how these traits have fuelled her success and contributed to the person she is today.

We begin this episode by reliving Jess's most challenging race, the Gold Coast Marathon; Here she shares the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced across this race and how she discovered and tapped into her inner strength to overcome doubt. Jess' ability to embrace the power of her mind to push past her limits is a fascinating insight for our listeners.

Taking us deeper into the world of elite athletics, Jess vividly recounts the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where her shift in approach proved pivotal in winning the gold medal. She reveals the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the outcome, and how staying true to her training and unwavering belief propelled her to new heights.

Jess loves to represent her country at the highest level and continues to leave a lasting legacy in the world of athletics. Her unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and inspiring others serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, perseverance, and an unwavering refusal to give up, anything is possible.

Join us as we unlock the secrets of a champion's mindset with Jess Stenson, and discover how her extraordinary story can empower you to unleash your full potential.

This was one of our most honest and candid conversations to date - Do not miss this episode!

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In this very special episode, Luke welcomes his close friend Oli Zafaridis, a former exceptional soccer player at the elite level. Oli's expertise lies in the realms of movement, nutrition, and performance, and he offers a distinct perspective and philosophy in this field. Throughout the conversation, Oli shares valuable insights and recommendations, particularly focusing on supplementation for achieving peak performance.

This discussion is entertaining and free flowing but extremely robust at the same time - Oli stresses the importance of seeking assistance from mentors, and highlights that everyone can benefit from guidance and support and explores the idea that fortune favours the brave, encouraging listeners to take bold steps in their pursuits.

Moreover, they delve into the world of tennis as a unique lens for self-discovery, emphasising how the sport can help individuals uncover their true selves. The conversation then turns to Oli's major passion and they highlight the significance of coordination and rhythm as essential pillars for reducing injuries and Luke's background and passion for the same field leads to very insightful discussion.

Furthermore, they explore the crucial aspect of understanding the biomechanical connections within the body, specifically within the context of tennis. By comprehending how different parts of the body work together, athletes can optimise their performance. Oli highlights the role of rhythm in enhancing efficiency and explains how a lack of rotation in the body can have long-term consequences for athletes.

As the episode processes Oli provides practical insights on incorporating a movement-based approach to decrease injuries and improve performance over time. These actionable tips serve as valuable tools for listeners looking to enhance their athletic abilities and overall well-being.

This is very high level advice - this is a great episode for anyone looking to find that extra 1 %.

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Welcome to a heartwarming and uplifting episode of the Going Pro Podcast. In this conversation our host Luke Sebastiani sits down with Stephen Shirley, whose story of resilience and journey through polycystic kidney disease is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In this episode, Stephens emphasises the importance of cultivating a warrior mindset to face adversity, reminding us all that we possess an inner strength far stronger than what we may think or know. Despite facing his own challenges, Stephen carries an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the incredible support he has received in his life and pays tribute to the power of second chances and why kindness should be instilled and practiced so we can all live better and more fulfilling lives. In an episode like no other, Stephen offers his wisdom on instilling humbleness and patience in our children, encouraging us to nurture these vital qualities within the younger generation to ensure we leave the world a better place.

Throughout the conversation, Stephen shares his experiences of enduring severe suffering and emerging stronger on the other side - a theme that remains strong and consistent throughout this conversation. He highlights the significance of establishing boundaries in our lives, a practice that can empower us to navigate hardships with resilience and self-care.

The conversation then moves into his corporate career and we get an insight into his experience as the General Manager of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Stephen reveals the central strategy that contributes to their success and how they have forged an undeniable reputation in the AFL. Additionally, he touches upon the unforgettable moment when the iconic anthem "Never Tear Us Apart" played before a home game, igniting a surge of pride and unity among their entire organisation.

Join us for an uplifting and enlightening conversation as we celebrate Stephen Shirley's journey of strength and triumph. Prepare to be inspired and motivated as we discover the transformative power of resilience and gratitude in the face of life's challenges.

In this engaging conversation, our host Luke Sebastiani sits down with his sister Lauren. In this episode we explore Laurens journey from studying and becoming a physio to then pivoting her expertise and experience into starting Studio Spring - a dynamic pilates clinic. They cover various topics, starting with the issue of burnout in physiotherapy and the challenges that arise from studying a degree and entering a profession that you realise may not be for you. Luke and Lauren then delve into the origins of Studio Spring, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the moments that shaped the business into what is today and ultimately how she was nudged into finding her passion.

This idea of maintaining a strong company culture is a consistent theme and we hear how her attention to detail and articulate nature is critical to ensure they get the best fit and the highest quality instructors on their team. Their is strong emphasis from Lauren on the importance of creating an environment that reflects the studio's values and goals, and like any good organisation this doesn't just happen by luck.

Lauren's passion and dedication to Studio Spring shines through and we hear about her hopes for the brand's longevity and their strategy on how they plan to positively influence the pilates industry moving forward.

Overall, this inspiring and informative conversation provides a deep dive into Lauren's journey, from transitioning from physiotherapy to co-founding Studio Spring, this episode offers a ton of valuable lessons; we think university graduates, particularly in the field of physiotherapy and aspiring entrepreneurs will find immense value from the insights in this episode.

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This conversation is an inspiring story and one that digs a little deeper than previous episodes. We hear about Daniel’s upbringing and how he was adopted to Australia from the Philippines in a period where this wasn’t extremely forthcoming. Through reflection Daniel acknowledges that he’s lived a privileged life in comparison to his ‘previous life’ and shares a number of stories that touch on resiliency and struggle but also optimism and knowing your identity.

This is an incredible story that leads into his passion for sport and then into coaching and mentoring athletes at the highest level. We delve into his professional career and in particular his Tennis background where he recalls a number of moments within the Australian Davis cup squad - His experience and recollection of working with the biggest names in Australian Tennis including Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios and Alex De Minaur is one the listeners will gravitate to. Daniel oozes credibility, but for us it's his down to earth nature that makes this chat captivating.

This is an outstanding episode and a story that is certainly worth sharing. We are appreciative for Daniel peeling the layers back and chatting to us in one of most honest and raw conversations to date on this podcast – This is an incredible conversation with huge amounts of value.

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In this episode Luke chats to his great mate, business partner and ATA co-director Theo Dalkos.

This conversation offers a fascinating insight into the Tennis journey; it all started competing as a junior in Adelaide and watching Lleyton Hewitt transcend to the big time, life then pivoted with university and a full time move into an executive corporate career at the ATO that is still going 20 years on. This coincided with raising a family and becoming a devoted dad and loving husband. Theo now manages and mentors many aspiring athletes and coaches, and offers a refreshing yet simple approach to maximising your time in the sport.

Time and experience is the catalyst for a unique perspective and one we are sure the listeners will be glued to. Theo's passion shines through in this conversation and Luke extracts some real gems for the audience in a super practical episode.

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In this dynamic episode Luke unpacks the details of Corey's serious but all familiar junior tennis journey -Through this discovery it becomes apparent that Corey's perseverance, dedication and love for the sport led to playing division 1 college tennis in the U.S. Corey's reflection on his junior career provides an honest insight into how consuming the sport can be and offers some practical solutions and insights into how one can navigate the tennis landscape for an adolescent athlete.

After becoming familiar with Corey's tennis background we learnt about the evolution of Vacay Swimwear and how the skills Corey learnt in tennis culminated in starting and building out an internationally recognised men's fashion label with his business partner - Jordy Kallos. This is an inspiring story and one that draws on commitment, team work, dedication and timing.

This is an extremely practical episode - sit back and enjoy!

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In this special episode our host Luke Sebastiani had the privilege of chatting to Tennis Australia physical performance coach Andrew Furner.

Andrews extensive background in performance and coaching is rare but its his strategic approach combined with his business acumen that becomes evident throughout this conversation; the way he packages up a number of stories and examples is really insightful and his practical frameworks provide clarity amongst the chaos. Andrews articulate nature and multi faceted approach to building resilience in the developing athlete is world class!

Get your pen and paper ready for this one - Tennis in SA is truly lucky to have this guy involved. Welcome Andrew Furner!

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Director of Adelaide Tennis Academy, Luke Sebastiani, and Terry Rogers, Creative Director and Creator of 4RT, explore how to navigate and find success in today's ever changing climate.