The Functional Tennis Podcast

• Luca Van Assche: Building Belief, Beating Pressure, and Loving the Grind

  This week I’m joined by Luca Van Assche, one of France’s top young players and a former Roland Garros junior champion. We chat about his fast rise to the ATP top 70, what it really takes to make the jump from juniors to the pros, and how Futures helped build his resilience and confidence. Luca opens up about the pressure of expectations, how he’s managing a ranking drop, and why balancing university studies with tennis keeps him grounded. There’s loads of insight here into how belief, hard work, and enjoying the game really shape a career.🗣️ 3 Key Quotes 1. “You can win 20 junior Slams and not win matches in the pros.” 2. “Sometimes you’re in a bad place and you say, maybe just one year as a normal person would be nice.” 3. “If you’re not 100 percent from the first point, you’re out in 40 minutes.”✅ 5 Takeaway Points: • Winning a junior Slam is just the beginning, not the end goal • Futures helped him build confidence and mental focus • The ATP level demands intensity from the very first point • Balancing school and tennis adds purpose beyond rankings • Long-term goals fuel motivation during tough stretchesThis podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/Find us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

  --------  

  32:50
• Sacrificing Will Pay Off in the End – Liam Broady | Ep. 256

  Liam Broady returns to the Functional Tennis Podcast to reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons of his 11-year pro journey. From dealing with a concussion just before Wimbledon to learning how to separate self-worth from rankings, Liam opens up on the mental battles that come with life on tour. He also shares what a conversation with Pep Guardiola taught him, and why sacrifices though tough are worth it in the long run.🗣️ 3 Key Quotes: 1. “You’ve got to be willing to make sacrifices that people don’t see.” 2. “You have to learn not to tie your self-worth to your ranking.” 3. “You don’t get to the top without a few scars.”✅ 5 Takeaway Points: • Mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness • Sacrifices are part of long-term success • Separating identity from results is crucial for mental health • Injuries can strike at the worst times, even when you’re ready • Lessons from other sports (like football) can fuel growth in tennisThis podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/Find us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

  --------  

  55:43
• Belief Built Through Hard Work with Francisco Comesaña (ATP 70)

  In this episode, I’m joined by rising Argentine star Francisco Comesaña, currently sitting inside the ATP top 70. Francisco shares the grind of coming up through Futures with no funding, how a mindset shift helped him break through, and what it was like beating top names like Rublev and Zverev. We also talk about his first Slam experience at Wimbledon, what it’s like playing on grass for the first time, and why belief, fueled by hard work has been the key to his rise.✅ 5 Takeaway Points 1. Breaking through in Argentina is tough without sponsors or early exposure. 2. Belief and mindset are often more important than talent. 3. Playing Futures is a grind that can break many players mentally. 4. Big wins against players like Rublev and Zverev gave him confidence he belongs. 5. Long-term goals include becoming a better person first, and reaching the top 30.🗣️ 3 Key Quotes 1. “The most important thing was that I started to believe in myself.” 2. “Sometimes players are stuck because of mindset, not level.” 3. “Since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in Grand Slams.”This podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/Find us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennisYouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

  --------  

  22:22
• "It takes a village - The Return of Coach Joe O'Dwyer on the Functional Tennis Podcast

  The return of Joe O'Dwyer to the Function Tennis Podcast marks a significant occasion, as it has been five years since his previous appearance. In this enlightening conversation, O'Dwyer, a seasoned ATP and WTA coach, reflects upon his extensive career on the tour, which began in 1999 and has traversed through various eras of tennis. He recounts his experiences coaching notable players such as Robbie Ginepri and Alexander Stevenson, shedding light on the mental fortitude required to succeed in the highly competitive world of professional tennis. The discussion delves into the often-overlooked realities of life on the tour, emphasizing the psychological challenges and the grind that players endure week after week. O'Dwyer poignantly articulates the importance of mental resilience, echoing the sentiments of fellow coaches regarding the necessity for players to possess unwavering determination to navigate the rigors of professional tennis. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for aspiring players and coaches alike, offering insights into the complexities of coaching at the highest level, and the various pathways that can lead to success in the sport.Takeaways: Joe O'Dwyer shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience coaching on the ATP and WTA tours, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience for aspiring players. The journey through junior tennis to professional levels often involves overcoming significant mental and physical challenges, which can define a player's career trajectory. O'Dwyer highlights the critical role of a supportive coaching team and the necessity for players to develop not only technical skills but also mental fortitude in competitive environments. The podcast revisits the narrative of Conor Nyland's success, showcasing how individual stories can inspire and shape perceptions of Irish tennis on the global stage. The conversation includes reflections on the rigorous demands of the professional tour, where physical stamina and mental strength are equally paramount for success. Finally, O'Dwyer underscores the notion that success in tennis is often a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring dedication, patience, and a willingness to adapt in the face of adversity. 🗣️ 3 Key Quotes: 1. “He didn’t ask if they had a forehand—he asked if they were mentally strong enough.” 2. “Just because you played the tour doesn’t mean you can coach.” 3. “It takes a village—and a lot of money—to build a top player.”⸻✅ 5 Takeaway Points: 1. Mental resilience is the #1 trait needed to survive the tour grind. 2. Talent is common—coaching and structure make the real difference. 3. Parental pressure can derail even the most talented juniors. 4. The college pathway is a strong option—if done right. 5. Tennis has a hidden dark side, including gambling and Adderall abuse.Hope you enjoy itFabioThis podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/Find us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok:

  --------  

  58:58
• Lorenzo Petrucci - Performance trainer of WTA top 20 Liudmila Samsonova

  In this episode, Lorenzo Petrucci, performance coach to WTA top-20 player Liudmila Samsonova, shares his journey from a tennis-playing student in Milan to working alongside some of the sport’s top talent. He reveals how success on tour is about far more than hitting balls, it’s about managing pressure, building smart routines, and knowing when (and how) to push. From insights learned under Ricardo Piatti to the importance of on-court collaboration with tennis coaches, Lorenzo gives an entire look into elite tennis's mental and physical demands.🗣️ 3 Key Quotes: 1. “It’s not about how good you are—it’s about understanding who you have in front of you.” 2. “The best fitness coaches are the ones who understand tennis.” 3. “You must be clear. The player doesn’t allow you to be in doubt.”✅ 5 Takeaway Points: 1. Success in tennis depends heavily on mental resilience and communication. 2. Strength and conditioning must align with on-court movements, not just gym work. 3. Understanding each player’s physical and emotional needs is key to long-term progress. 4. Female and male players require different training and recovery strategies. 5. A cohesive and collaborative support team makes all the difference.Hope you enjoy itFabioThis podcast is sponsored by ASICS. ASICS is a Japanese company founded in 1949 to give more people the opportunity to experience how sports and movement can have a positive impact on mental well-being.To learn more about ASICS visit their website here: https://www.asics.com/nl/en-nl/sports/tennis/Find us on Social Media:Instagram: Instagram.com/FunctionalTennisTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

  --------  

  42:47

More Sports podcasts

Trending Sports podcasts

About The Functional Tennis Podcast