Going Pro by ATA

In this episode of of the Going Pro Podcast we have professional tennis player Omar Jasika.

At the age of 26 Omar has already had a large amount of experience on the tour. His junior US Open Championship singles and doubles title catapulted him into the limelight as the media got a hold of this young talent. By the age of 21 he’d already had 2 Australian Opens under his belt. 

After a bout of burn out Omar has been working his way back onto the tour and has two successful years on the ITF and Mens Challenger tour, working him back to a ranking of 230.

He has his head screwed on a ready to push towards the top 100. Omar speaks about stories from the tour, that huge week at the US open as a junior, the mindset needed to go to the highest and managing a relationship while travelling the world.

This conversation is super engaging and gives fantastic insights to life as a professional tennis player embarking on making it to the top 100.

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Welcome to another special episode of the Going Pro podcast with our host Luke Sebastiani. In this episode, we have a remarkable guest who has navigated the highs and lows of the tennis world with extraordinary resilience and success.

Li has a unique journey that transcends the boundaries of the tennis court. From dealing with the pressures of winning and losing under the watchful eye of his father to the lessons from his short stint in coaching we gain great insight into this fascinating tennis journey.

His return to pro tennis kicks off thanks to the introduction of the UTR tour which is the catalyst for a triumphant comeback. He also explains the realities of the futures and challenger circuit in great detail and we delve into the intricate details of his epic Australian Open wildcard as well as the financial struggles and sacrifices on tour.

Li's path also takes a spiritual turn as he shares the profound impact of becoming a born-again Christian and how it shaped his mindset on and off the court. Please join us as Li opens up about the delicate balance between having goals and staying focused on oneself while navigating the competitive landscape of professional tennis. He leaves us with valuable advice for aspiring players, emphasising the importance of mindset, and staying true to one's path.

Without further ado, please enjoy this insightful conversation with Li Tu.

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In our most recent episode of the Going Pro podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with cricketing legend Greg Blewett for an enthralling conversation. Transporting us back to his debut test for Australia, Greg shares the strategies behind blocking out external noise and navigating the intricate mind games of batting.

This insightful exchange delves into the core of handling pressure with effective techniques and tools, as Greg openly reflects on his illustrious career. This episode also offers a rare glimpse into what sets cricketing greats apart, with Greg recounting experiences alongside giants of the game and revisiting his historic double hundred alongside Steve Waugh.

Beyond the boundaries, Greg provides a contemporary perspective on the financial landscape of cricket in Australia, discussing the setups at State Level and in the Big Bash. From the ICC's fixture challenges to the evolving world of T20 contracts, he reveals eye-opening figures from the IPL and the substantial earnings of cricket's top players.

And, of course, this episode features the podcast's standout moment – a clip titled "Pretty Shitty" which you will have to hear for yourself to believe!

Greg and host Luke dissect the highs and lows that define the cutting-edge world of professional cricket in a captivating exploration into professional sport and the power of the mind.

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Welcome to another episode of the Going Pro Podcast, featuring an insightful conversation with Alex Hynes from T Movement. Our host Luke hits it off with Alex given his high performance tennis background. This creates some very interesting dialogue and it starts with discussing the crucial dynamics between racquet work and footwork in professional tennis and exploring how grip influences stance and tactics and in particular movement patterns.

He then brings attention to the deficiencies even within iconic figures like Roger Federer, and emphasizes that individualised athlete capabilities can always be improved. The conversation delves into the essence of skilled movement, but showcases personal encounters highlighting the mindset of players like Kyrgios post-triumph at the AO Juniors and sheds light on Australian pro tour athlete struggles, such as those of John Millman.

The conversation emphasises the necessity of healthy discussions for athlete progression, and the episode reveals the effort required to hone skills, highlighting the role of strength training, plyometric exercises, and effective programming.

Standards, culture, winning, and continual improvement take centre stage, underscoring the importance of reputation building for program growth. The discussion stresses the pivotal role of tennis coaches in enhancing footwork and it is something our industry could certainly improve from.

This episode of the Going Pro Podcast encapsulates nuanced tennis training, focusing on the important relationship between movement techniques and footwork while advocating holistic athlete development. Explore the core principles driving athletic success and the significance of reinforcing concepts for effective skill retention and watch you or your athletes become world class 'movers'.

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Welcome to the Going Pro podcast, where host Luke Sebastiani chats to special guest Gary Winter, the Director of W Sports and Media and an expert in athlete representation.

In this episode, Gary shares his profound insights on sports management and the commercial side of sport. He underlines the significance of learning from mistakes early on in your career and shares the reality of life as a sports manager.

Listeners will delve into how sports managers generate revenue and their role in talent identification, with Gary shedding light on the ever-important influence of social media in the sporting landscape and the business opportunities that can emerge when done right.

Throughout this engaging conversation, you'll be treated to captivating stories, including how Dan Evans went from controversy to becoming a valued client and the story of how they handled the Kyle Chalmers incident and the story of his exceptional ability to thrive under the intense scrutiny on the Olympic stage.

Gary will also discuss how innovative methods and campaigns can support Olympic athletes and how the power of financial freedom can provide athletes with choices when it comes to coaching. Scheduling and endorsements.

In the competitive world of sports management, athletes spare no effort, and there are so many real life journeys in this chat that speak to that! This was an all encompassing conversation on sports management - one that will give the listeners a behind the scenes look at the commercial realities of sport at the highest level.

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Join us in this insightful episode of the Going Pro Podcast as Luke sits down with travelling coach and founder of the Adelaide Tennis Academy, Matt Teivans. With a deep-rooted friendship and professional partnership, Luke and Matt delve into the world of player development, drawing on Matt's extensive experience and journey in the game.

Hear how Matt's background in biomechanics, honed during an internship at Harvard, has shaped his understanding of building a strong foundation for player growth and how this leads into building gamestyle for individual players. As a former Division 1 college tennis player, Matt's insights are further enriched by his extensive travels to prestigious junior events like the Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl, offering a unique perspective on player progression.

Matt's global adventures extend to the world's most renowned tennis academies, including Rafa Nadal's, Mouratoglous, and IMG, where he has nurtured and refined his coaching philosophy. Discover the wisdom behind his philosophy of fostering solid ball-hitting skills as the cornerstone of player development and how this is such a vital role for each coach.

The conversation evolves as Matt and Luke explore the fine line between teaching and coaching, unraveling the intricacies of managing relationships while upholding high standards. Gain valuable insights into building enduring trust with athletes over the long term and adapting coaching approaches to suit different stages of development.

From here we unearth the secrets of the world's top tennis academies and Matt reveals the integral role of mindset in holistic player growth, emphasising the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Tune in for an intriguing episode with Matt Teivans on understanding how a passion can turn into mastery on and off the court. Learn how this dedication helped found the Adelaide Tennis Academy and build a professional career in coaching and a professional journey into player development.

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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.