Just Play

Ryan and Andy discuss the UK's LTA Tournament competition structure. Focusing mainly on juniors, they look at whether it does accommodate all, focusing on the beginning of everyone's journey at your first venue whether it be a club or a park, and whether it is easy to compete and fair? Is ranking / WTN the most important thing or should it be about the enjoyment and love of the game? Should we be comfortable being uncomfortable and putting a little 'pressure' on players to see if they thrive or survive? We discuss!

It's a critical time for outdoor tennis clubs in the U.K. Is the landscape shifting because of Padel and Pickleball becoming more accessible and easier to play, so what do Outdoor Tennis clubs need to do more / less of to continue pace with these up and coming sports and potentially ones on the horizon also! We discuss

In this episode we discuss the recent change of sponsorship for British player Emma Raducanu. She once was affiliated and sponsored by Nike, but her change to Uniqlo makes her a Global Ambassador for the brand, so is this a good move long term for her and potentially other players follow suit? Is it all about the money or having more input into what you wear? We discuss!

A fun one today where we try and pick from different era's and game styles, to see who we think we most resemble from the tennis tour. Past and present, we really look at all aspects from the physical to the mental side of the game, but do we feel like any of our game is like the current day players like Alcaraz and Sinner?! Listen to find out!

We discuss in today's pod a little more about Grand Slams and how they all differ in terms of applying for tickets - does this contribute to tennis being accessible or non accessible when you want to go and watch the pro's? Surely we want as many people to have a fantastic experience and all want to go, but does price also play quite a bit factor?

We discuss are certain nations stronger in producing a bigger pool of players / better players by producing something we don't know about? Why isn't it for example one nation doesn't have 50% of the top 100 just purely with their nations players, or is it just not that easy? We discuss!

We take a look at the Australian Open 2026 Singles Quarter Finalists where we haven't seen too many upsets so far and in for some scintillating matches to come. Who do we think will make it to the final four or will there be a surprise or two along the way?

We begin this year by taking a look at the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026. The Battle of the Sexes - was it a gimmick or have we now got more eyes on our sport and the 1 Point Slam won by Aussie Jordan Smith! Is it a good format or could Ryan & Andy make it better for next year?

Happy Christmas to everyone! Ryan and I look at the 2026 season, and we try and make some bold predictions for who is winning the Grand Slams. We don't know who will be in form, who will get injured, but do we back some outsiders or is it going to be the same players in contention for titles in 2026 - listen and find out!

Today's Pod we discuss having 1:1 private lessons. They are possibly the best way to improve your tennis, you, a coach, and time to really have areas of your game improved no end! But what happens if you have a player who thinks they are good at something and actually, they need help in that area and does it differ from Adults to Juniors?