On this week's episode of the Tennis.com Podcast, Kamau Murray is joined by the legendary tennis coaching pioneer Willis Thomas Jr., for a wide ranging conversation about his life in the game. Thomas Jr. discusses his experience as Arthur Ashe's doubles partner as a youth, and how he knew the future Wimbledon champ would be special. He also explains what it was like coaching some of the most influential women in tennis history such as Zina Garrison & Katrina Adams, and the challenges these & other women faced in their sport. It's a highly enlightening discussion about tennis, life, and paving the way for others.
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Tennis.com Podcast 2/15/22: Tennis Coaching Pioneer Willis Thomas Jr.

Kamau Murray is an established tennis coach and community leader who takes you inside the game you love. Tune in each week to hear Kamau interview prolific guests and players, and discuss what really goes on behind the scenes of the tennis tour.

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Dallas Open Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs joins the podcast to discuss the big news that his event is upgrading to a 500 level competition in 2025. Lebedevs discusses the planning that goes into such a great event, and how partnering with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys has helped elevate the tournament in the eyes of the fans and the players. And he discusses the importance for more tennis events in the United States, while explaining why new and innovative ideas are crucial for growing the game and increasing fan interest.
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Dallas Open Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs on the Game-Changing ATP 500 Coming To Texas in 2025

Tim Stallard, executive director of The Bush Tennis Center in Midland, Texas, joins the show for a conversation about how he developed a passion for the game and and for helping others over several decades of work. Stallard explains how he was drawn to tennis at a young age, got into coaching, and helped grow the sport in the southern region of the country. He discusses his experience at the Challenger level, and recalls a certain player he gave a wild card to before she became a global superstar.
Stallard also discusses why it was important to bring the pros to San Antonio, which is hosting the "International Team Tennis Championship" November 10-12. And the coach dives into what it was like coaching former all-star NFL quarterback Drew Brees and tennis hall-of-famer Andy Roddick during their formative years.
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Executive Director of The Bush Tennis Center Tim Stallard Talks Bringing The Pros The Texas

Former player and current coach Roger Smith joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from the Bahamas to living his dream on the pro tour. Smith details how he emerged from his small island with a tennis dream and explains how his college experience at Ohio State propelled him to high heights. He re-lives some of his favorite matches, such as his upset win over world #1 Ivan Lendl. And Smith explains why he was so drawn to coaching when he retired, and what his overarching message is to those he teaches. 
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Roger Smith's Journey From The Bahamas to Pro Tennis: Beating the World #1 and Teaching The Next Generations

Best selling author and award winning coach Frank Giampaolo returns to the podcast to discuss how athletes can master their emotions to achieve peak performance. Giampaolo breaks down the various roadblocks tennis players face, and how he and others are working hard to overcome these challenges and enable players to reach their full potential. The author has done extensive work with the Southern California Junior Tennis Organization, and has written books with lessons for players, parents, and those willing to learn about the mental side of the sport.
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Frank Giampaolo On The Mental Side of Tennis and Achieving Peak Performance

This week's guest on the Tennis.com Podcast is Eric Diaz, former Georgia Bulldogs player and current coach of rising American Alex Michelsen. Diaz discusses the lessons he learned from his father, legendary college coach Manny Diaz, and how he applies those teachings in his own career. He also details his history with Michelsen, his decision to turn pro early, and what makes the teenager special. Diaz, who's now based at the Coto Tennis Club in Southern California, also explains what a day in the life entails for the players in his program. 
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Tennis.com Podcast 2/15/22: Tennis Coaching Pioneer Willis Thomas Jr.

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