Fathers, Coaches, and the Fragile Power of Bloodlines

/in , ,

Fathers, Coaches, and the Fragile Power of Bloodlines in Tennis

D.H. Lawrence and Sigmund Freud made careers analyzing the undercurrents of family life—obsessions, rivalries, love twisted by proximity. But even they might have been stunned by the emotional chess match that unfolds when a parent becomes a full-time tennis coach on the pro tour.

It’s not just a family bond anymore. It’s a partnership under floodlights, fueled by expectation and exposed to global scrutiny. In that world, the line between unconditional love and professional accountability gets dangerously thin.

The Experiment: Tsitsipas and Ivanišević

In 2025, Goran signed on for a trial run with Stefanos Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist struggling to rediscover his form. Ivanišević, a Hall of Fame player and seasoned coach, saw potential—but he had one condition: Apostolos Tsitsipas, Stefanos’ father, had to step away.

It didn’t last long. After a few early losses and public friction over preparation and team culture, Stefanos returned to Apostolos. The emotional familiarity was too powerful to let go.

But that comfort comes with a price.

Bloodlines and Blind Spots

Tsitsipas’ career has been a case study in the dual edge of paternal coaching. Apostolos has spent a decade at his son’s side—traveling, training, and even micromanaging in-match tactics from the box. In 2024, Stefanos snapped, ejecting his father mid-match in Montreal, later blaming him for stagnation and a misfiring forehand. It was an ugly breakup. But less than a year later, he was back.

Why?  Because sometimes the person who raised you is still the one who knows you best—your rhythms, fears, moods, triggers. As Apostolos put it: “I can feel when his mindset starts changing.” That kind of closeness can be irreplaceable—or suffocating.

When It Works

Casper Ruud and his father, Christian, have found a rare balance. Their relationship is relaxed, peer-like. Between matches, they bond over golf, road trips, and shared jokes. Christian coached his son as a child, stepped aside during Casper’s development in Spain, and then returned—not as a controlling figure, but as a trusted guide.

Ben and Bryan Shelton offer another model. Bryan coached Ben through childhood and college, but only joined the tour full-time in 2023. Now, he’s more hands-off: letting fitness coaches run conditioning, skipping dinners so Ben can hang out with friends. The key? Trust and space.

And Alexander Zverev, coached by his father and brother, offers comic relief: “Off the court, I spend zero time with my father. That’s a starting point.” It’s a dynamic that works for them—but not without tension.

The Pioneers: Venus, Serena, and Steffi

This isn’t just a story of sons and fathers. Long before the Tsitsipas saga, Richard Williams was crafting something revolutionary with his daughters, Venus and Serena. He had no pedigree, no federation approval. But he had a vision—and a refusal to compromise.

His relationship with his daughters wasn’t flawless, but it was grounded in empowerment. When Serena eventually added coaches like Patrick Mouratoglou, it wasn’t rejection—it was evolution. Richard never left the foundation.

Then there’s Steffi Graf, who won 22 Grand Slams with her father Peter guiding her rise. But Peter’s controlling behavior, both on and off the court—including a scandal over mismanaged earnings—eventually forced a rupture. Graf kept winning, but she did so by stepping into her independence, privately and professionally.

What’s Really at Stake

These relationships all hinge on a central tension: autonomy versus guidance. As young adults, players need to make their own decisions—to mess up, to rebound, to own their process. But when Dad is coach, critic, and emotional anchor, that space can shrink.

Tsitsipas admitted as much after the breakup: “I’ve been feeling more in control of my own emotions… That’s what gives me the freedom of feeling more alive.” But then the losses piled up, and the freedom felt less like liberation and more like isolation. So he went back.

Wrap

The father-coach role isn’t inherently doomed—or destined for success. It depends on emotional intelligence, timing, boundaries, and a shared willingness to adapt. The best partnerships evolve. The troubled ones get stuck in childhood roles, replayed on match courts.

Even Freud might have needed a toilet break to sort this one out.

Vale Big Tony

/in ,

Vale Big Tony

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the life of Big Tony — a man whose presence was as solid and generous as the cliffs he loved to climb.

A schoolteacher, bushwalker, climber, and proud father — we met Tony and Jackie on a trip through the Kimberley in 2019. What an adventure that was: four-wheel driving the rugged Gibb River Road from Darwin to Broome, often sleeping on the ground, gazing up at the endless night sky, sharing stories and laughter beneath the stars.

The service at St Stephen’s in Kurrajong, nestled in Tony’s beloved Blue Mountains, was packed to the rafters. The hall overflowed with ex-schoolmates, canoe club members in their bright turquoise jackets, climbers, travelers, and friends from every chapter of his life. A full house for a full life.

Jackie, his beloved wife of 41 years, was the steady heart of the day. Steph, their daughter, delivered a deeply moving tribute — eloquent, brave, and loving. As Rob whispered, “a hard act to follow.” Andrew, Tony’s son, was ever-present — in the recollections, in the warmth of those around him, in the legacy his dad leaves behind.

Wildflowers filled the church and later  at the wake at the Kurrajong Bowlo, a fitting echo of the wild beauty Tony loved so dearly.

Both of us felt embraced by the community, and honored to be part of such a meaningful farewell.

Rest well, Big Tony. You lived large, loved deeply, and reminded us all to look up at the stars a little longer.

Reinventing Mixed Doubles: A New Era at the US Open

/in , ,

25 Teams Enter Reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship

A total of 25 teams have officially entered the reimagined US Open Mixed Doubles Championship.

On July 28, the top eight teams will earn direct entry into the main draw—not for their doubles prowess, but based purely on their combined singles rankings. That’s right—no track record as a team, no doubles chemistry required. Just individual star power.

This format flips the script, spotlighting raw talent and high-profile names over tested partnerships. It’s less about traditional doubles strategy, more about marquee matchups and unexpected pairings. In short, it’s part tournament, part celebrity exhibition.

The remaining eight teams will be selected via wild card, with announcements coming soon. If you thought mixed doubles was all finesse and teamwork—think again.

US Open Mixed 2025

Tennis Coach of the Year… and It’s a Robot

/in , ,

Meet the Future of Tennis: Tenniix AI Robot

Imagine a hitting partner who never misses a session, never complains, never gets tired, and always does exactly what you want — no questions asked.

Tenniix, is the world’s first vision-based AI tennis robot — a revolutionary training partner built to elevate your performance, sharpen your skills, and simulate match play like never before.

Precision Meets Intelligence

T-APEX Tenniix uses advanced vision and UWB hybrid tracking to deliver pinpoint ball placement and real-time responsiveness. With over 1,000 built-in drills, it covers every aspect of your training — from baseline consistency to net reflexes.

Smart, Lightweight, and Mobile

Weighing just 15.4 lbs, this ultra-portable unit travels easily and adapts seamlessly to any court — hard, clay, or grass. Whether you’re training at home or prepping courtside, Tenniix moves with you.

Personalized Coaching On-Demand

Experience smart match mode that simulates real opponents and challenges your tactical awareness. Voice and gesture controls allow hands-free operation, keeping your rhythm uninterrupted.

Choose Your Perfect Fit

  • Basic – $699

  • Pro – $999

  • Ultra – $1,499
    Each model offers progressive levels of features, from standard drills to full-court dynamic simulation — all at a fraction of the cost of hiring a pro full-time.

Available July 2025

 

Next Gen: Victoria Mboko

/in , ,

Next Gen: Victoria Mboko

Victoria Mboko isn’t just winning matches—she’s changing how young players approach the game. At just 18, the Canadian rising star is handling her first Grand Slam like a seasoned vet, ripping backhands past top players and treating major moments like business as usual.

After bulldozing through qualifying and knocking out a former Wimbledon quarterfinalist in her French Open debut, Mboko followed it up by taking down Eva Lys in straight sets. That’s not luck. That’s a game—and a mindset—built to last.

Family First: The Mboko

The Mboko family isn’t just part of her support system—they’re the foundation of everything she’s doing right now. Her parents, Cyprien and Godée, made the leap from war-torn Congo to North America, enduring years of separation before settling in the Toronto area. Her father worked overnight shifts to get his kids to training. That’s not a detail—it’s a defining trait of this story.

Victoria is the youngest of four, all of whom played tennis. Her sister Gracia, now a private equity consultant, played at the University of Denver. Her brother Kevin is a coach. The expectations were high, but so was the support. At nine years old, Victoria stepped into a women’s tournament—just because there was an open spot. She lost 6-0, 6-0 to her sister, but walked off like the result should’ve been reversed.

Why Her Game Works

Lightning Feet, Locked-In Mind

Mboko’s footwork is sharp—prep steps, split steps, recovery, all on point. She’s not just fast, she’s balanced, which gives her time and freedom to strike. Movement wins on clay, and she’s already in the conversation with the best.

Mentally, she’s using classic sports psychology techniques—reframing pressure, staying in the present, even using “pretend it’s not a Slam” tactics to keep herself loose and aggressive.

Shot Variety and Smart Adjustments

Though she leans toward aggressive baseline play, Mboko’s also shown flashes of clay-court savvy—mixing in drop shots, slices, and some surprisingly disruptive forehand touch shots. That’s not instinct. That’s high-level tactical awareness.

Habits That Power Performance

Every day starts early: breakfast, warm-up, 30-minute hit, then time alone. These aren’t rituals for show—they’re identity-based habits, straight from the Atomic Habits playbook. She’s building repeatable success with systems, not superstition.

What Mboko Can Teach Every Competitive Player

Victoria Mboko isn’t just a next gen player —she’s a walking blueprint for how to do things right. Here’s what you should be learning from her playbook:

  • Play Big, Think Small
    She treats major matches like just another day at the office. That’s not downplaying the moment—it’s owning it. Reframing pressure is a skill, and she’s mastering it early.

  • Let Your Feet Set the Tone
    Her movement isn’t just quick—it’s efficient. Clean footwork keeps her balanced, in control, and ready to strike. Want consistency? Start with your balance.

  • Build Your Day Like You Build Your Game
    From wake-up to match time, Mboko’s routine is dialed. No wasted energy, no surprises. It’s not superstition—it’s system. Want results? Lock in your process.

  • Train the Mind Like the Body
    She doesn’t just hit balls—she works on staying present, brushing off mistakes, and resetting fast. That’s elite-level emotional control, and it wins matches.

  • Lean Into Your People
    Her family keeps her grounded, not distracted. A strong circle isn’t hype—they’re your buffer from chaos. If your support crew isn’t helping you stay calm and sharp, re-evaluate.

Wrap

Mboko’s rise isn’t magic. It’s movement, mindset, and habits—executed with purpose, every single day.

The Last Shot: Pete’s Frame of Rafa’s Farewell

/in , ,

The Last Shot: Pete’s Frame of Farewell

In the quiet crescendo of a historic career, Rafael Nadal took the stage one final time at his fifth farewell — not with a racket in hand, but with words, memories, and gratitude. It wasn’t a match. It was a moment.
Behind the scenes stood Pete — a true Manly boy and longtime ATP photographer — the silent historian of the tour. For years, Pete has captured the thunderous forehands, the silent struggles, the raw elation of champions. But at Rafa’s presentation, it was Pete who found himself unexpectedly within the story.
One photo said it all: Rafa center stage, emotion in his eyes… and in the background, a figure with a camera — Pete — caught mid-frame, forever embedded in the memory he was trying to preserve.
In that image, the lines between subject and storyteller blurred. It was a quiet tribute not just to Rafa’s journey, but to the unsung artists like Pete who frame greatness, one shutter click at a time.
This wasn’t just Rafa’s goodbye. It was a nod to those who make goodbyes unforgettable.

Djokovic’s 100th Title

/in , ,

Novak Djokovic’s Historic 100th Title

Another Week, Another Record

On Saturday in Switzerland, Novak Djokovic etched his name even deeper into tennis history, clinching his 100th ATP singles title at the Geneva Open.

In classic Djokovic fashion, he outlasted Hubert Hurkacz 5-7, 7-6(2), 7-6(2) — and now, all eyes turn to Roland Garros.

The Century Club: Djokovic Joins Legends

With this win, Djokovic becomes just the third man in the Open Era to reach 100 ATP titles — joining the ranks of:

  • Roger Federer (103)

  • Jimmy Connors (109)

He now trails Federer by four titles, and Connors by ten — a race worth watching as Djokovic nears 40.

Beyond the Numbers

Djokovic’s greatness isn’t just in volume. His résumé redefines the ceiling of the sport:

  • 24 Grand Slam titles (a men’s record)

  • The only man to win all four majors, all nine ATP Masters 1000s, the ATP Finals, and Olympic gold

  • Most ATP Masters 1000 titles

  • Most Tour Finals titles (7)

 

Master of All Surfaces

  • Hard courts? Tied with Federer at 71 titles.

  • Clay? Trails only Nadal.

  • Grass? Dominant at Wimbledon.

Djokovic is the rare player whose greatness transcends surface, era, and opponent.

Longevity and Excellence

Djokovic turned 38 the same week he lifted trophy #100.

His career is a case study in resilience, evolution, and sustained dominance:

  • Titles in 19 countries

  • Spanning two decades

  • Wins over every great of his era — from Federer and Nadal to Murray and beyond

He’s also survived — and thrived — in the tightest moments, like saving championship points in the 2019 Wimbledon epic vs Federer.

Before Sinner, There Was Nino

/in ,

Before Sinner, There Was Nino — The Original Italian Icon

As Jannik Sinner dazzles in Paris this week with fearless shot-making and modern finesse, it’s worth remembering that Italy’s sporting legacy was once defined by a very different kind of fighter—Nino Benvenuti, who passed away this week.

Remembering Nino Benvenuti — A Life Well Lived, A Legacy That Endures

True greatness in sport isn’t just about rankings or results.
It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you rise—on and off the stage.

Nino Benvenuti was a master of all three.

An Olympic Icon

His gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics wasn’t just a victory—it was a cultural moment.

Beating out a young Cassius Clay (yes, Muhammad Ali) for the tournament’s Best Boxer title, Nino became a symbol of Italian pride.

He once said, “That medal lasts forever.” And it has.

A Champion with Depth and Dignity

Benvenuti captured world titles in two divisions and posted a career record of 82–7–1 with 35 knockouts.
But his true greatness? It wasn’t in the stats.

Think all-court player in a boxer’s body—sharp, adaptable, composed under fire.

He read Hemingway. He walked into fights to Beethoven’s Ninth. He acted in films.
Off the canvas, he was a symbol of elegance and empathy.

His lifelong friendship with former rival Emile Griffith remains one of the most powerful bonds in sport—a fighter lifting another through life’s toughest rounds.

Lessons for Every Competitor

Like a player who shows grace in defeat and humility in victory, Nino reminded us:

Sport is a mirror of character.

When Carlos Monzon died, Nino didn’t just attend his funeral—he carried the casket.

Wrap: Legacy Is More Than Wins

Nino Benvenuti’s life reminds us that your legacy isn’t just your titles.
It’s the dignity you show and the people you lift along the way.

Next Gen: Tyra Grant

/in , ,

Next Generation: Tyra Grant Follows Sinner’s Path in Italy

17-year-old Tyra Grant—one of America’s most promising young players—has officially chosen to represent Italy.

Where Her Tennis Journey Began

Grant was born in Rome to an American father and an Italian mother, and raised in Vigevano, near Milan. She developed her game at the Piatti Tennis Center, the same elite academy that helped shape world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
In 2023, Grant moved to Florida to train at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Since then, she’s captured three junior Grand Slam doubles titles and reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 356.

Switching Allegiances

The WTA confirmed that Grant’s change of national representation will take effect at the 2025 Italian Open, where she’s been granted a wild card into the main draw. Just last week, she competed under the U.S. flag in Madrid. In Rome, her name will be listed with the Italian tricolore.
This move follows a trend seen in athletes like Naomi Osaka and Eileen Gu—opting to represent countries with fewer top-tier competitors and more room to shine. Italy currently has only three women ranked in the WTA top 100, compared to 18 from the U.S.

Choosing Her Path

Grant’s decision reflects both opportunity and personal connection. Fluent in Italian and rooted in her heritage, she’s spoken about how meaningful it was to train alongside other Black players at the USTA campus in Orlando—an experience that brought a new sense of community to her tennis journey.

What’s Next?

With her new national representation confirmed and a wild card entry into the Italian Open, Grant is preparing for her next steps on familiar ground. Her journey reflects the increasingly global nature of tennis and the personal choices that shape a player’s path.

US NSMTA Tournament Schedule

/in , ,
NSMTA Spring Update – Tournament Schedule
The spring clay court season is in full swing. A major success was the NMTA National Clay Court Championships in Columbus, GA, which featured strong participation, excellent hospitality, and growing prestige. Bocage Racquet Club in Baton Rouge added prize money to further elevate their event.
Upcoming clay events include:
  • Atlanta Senior Invitational
  • Southern Open
  • Jerry Kirk Memorial Team Tournament
  • Hilton Head Cup
  • NMTA Champions Memorial Classic (July 4)
On the West Coast, the hard-court season begins with:
  • Lakewood Tennis Center Championships
  • Pacific Coast Senior & Family Championships at the Berkeley Tennis Club (recognized as NorCal’s Tournament of the Year)
Looking ahead:
  • The inaugural NMTA National Indoor Championships will be held July 23–27 at the new Leftwich Tennis Center in Memphis, TN—an ideal summer venue thanks to its climate-controlled environment.
Additional highlights:
  1. USTA has announced the 2025 Masters Championships, set for December 18–21 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, FL. This event will be a USTA L2 and ITF MT700 (closed to US players). The top 8 players in each age division, based on the USTA National Standings List, will be selected.
  2. Players aged 60–70 are eligible to compete in the ITF World Individual Championships in Palm Beach Gardens. This MT1000 event will award USTA Level 1 points to US players. Registration is available directly through the ITF.
For a competitive and community-driven tennis experience this season, these events represent the best opportunities in senior and masters tennis.

Web Updates | April 28, 2025

/in ,

Web Updates

Davidovich Fokina: S— Tennis

/in , ,

Davidovich Fokina: “Today Was a Very S— Match”

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina didn’t mince words after a chaotic three-set win over Jack Draper at the Monte Carlo Masters: 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.

The match was a mess—ten breaks of serve, streaky momentum swings, and missed chances galore.

Despite the win, Davidovich Fokina wasn’t exactly thrilled. He apologized to his team post-match, admitting:

“My mind was saying me a lot of bulls—.”

When a Dutch interviewer tried to spin it as “amazing,” the Spaniard shot back:

“I think you are lying. Today was a very s— match.”

Draper contributed ten double faults, and both players struggled to convert when in control of points. Instead of long, tactical exchanges, the match devolved into early errors and missed opportunities.

Still, match data showed Davidovich Fokina slightly outperformed his average.

In the end, maybe “s— tennis” is just a matter of perspective.

Alexandra Eala

/in ,

Eala: An Inevitable Breakthrough

Alexandra Eala’s remarkable performance at the 2025 Miami Open should not be dismissed as a an isolated breakthrough. Rather, it stands as a defining moment in the trajectory of a young career already marked by extraordinary potential and growing promise.
Despite falling in a three-set semifinal, 7-6(3) 5-7, 6-3, to world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, Eala’s performance has left an indelible impression on the tennis world. The 19-year-old wild card from the Philippines, ranked No. 140, took out three former Grand Slam champions—Ostapenko, Keys, and Swiatek—on her way to the semifinal.
“She takes the ball super early, uses angles well, hits that line forehand, and competes hard,” said Pegula. “All those things are going to take her far.”
Eala was in control for large stretches of the match against Pegula, forcing Pegula to claw her way out of pressure points repeatedly. Her flat, skidding groundstrokes stayed low on the hard courts, giving her opponents little time to react. She attacked second serves from inside the baseline, dictated rallies with aggressive court positioning, and executed deft drop shots and drive volleys with precision.
Her aggressive mindset, however, isn’t just about power—it’s about presence. As her coach Joan Bosch said:
“She doesn’t lose the court. She plays close, on the line.”

A Foundation Built for Success

Eala’s journey began at age 13 when she left her home in the Philippines to train at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Spain. That commitment to elite development has paid dividends. She captured the U.S. Open junior title just three years later and has been climbing steadily through the professional ranks since.
Bosch, who has worked with former world No. 1 Carlos Moyá, has coached Eala individually for the past two years. His goal for 2025 was a spot in the top 100.
“I expected her to do it, but not in March,” Bosch admitted.
Eala’s success in Miami wasn’t a result of a radical change in technique or style. Instead, it was a culmination of years of work—refining shot selection, mastering court sense, and building confidence in big moments. Her uncanny ability to anticipate shots and redirect play has always been there. In Miami, it all came together.

A Player Built for the Big Stage

What made Eala’s week so compelling wasn’t just who she beat—but how she played. She looked unfazed under pressure, often outmaneuvering more experienced players with tactical depth and unrelenting competitiveness.
She displayed maturity far beyond her age, handling victories and her eventual loss to Pegula with grace and perspective.
“The feelings on court were there—the confidence, the will, and the drive,” Eala said. “To have a week like this, the stars need to align. And they did.”
Eala was scheduled to play lower-tier events in Europe this month. Now, she’s on a different path—one that includes main draws, marquee matchups, and the expectations that come with being a rising star on the WTA Tour.

What Comes Next

If Eala can stay healthy and continue building on this momentum, her ranking will rise—and fast. The foundation she’s built at the Nadal Academy, paired with her aggressive yet intelligent style, makes her a genuine contender for deep runs in top-tier events.
She isn’t a one-week wonder. She’s a player built for the long game.

Alexandra Eala

Sydney Badge 2025 Draws

/in , ,

Sydney Badge 2025 Season Draws Released

Sydney Badge has officially announced the match draws for the 2025 season.

Since navigating the Tennis NSW website can be challenging, we’ve made things easier by sharing direct Match Centre links below.

Please note: you’ll need to log in with your Tennis NSW account to access the draws.

Click here for Badge Draws.

 

 

 

 

 

Game, Set, Stalemate

/in ,

Game, Set, Stalemate

Pro Tennis is at a standstill after a major disagreement between the sport’s biggest organizations.
On one side are the leaders of the ATP and WTA tours, Andrea Gaudenzi and Steve Simon. On the other are the four Grand Slam tournaments—Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open, and the U.S. Open. The tours recently proposed a bold new plan to reshape professional tennis: fewer tournaments, better pay for players, and a more unified way to govern the sport.
But the Grand Slams aren’t on board.
The proposal, sent on March 16, suggested cutting the number of top-level events from 118 to around 75. It maintained the four Grand Slam tournaments and ten elite ATP/WTA 1000 events, while also keeping a larger slate of 500 and 250-level competitions. The Slams responded with a short, pointed letter rejecting the idea. Their main criticism? The plan didn’t solve the long-standing leadership and governance issues that continue to stall progress.
Instead, the Grand Slams want something more radical: a streamlined calendar featuring just 30 top-tier events and an extended offseason to give players more recovery time.
This back-and-forth isn’t new. The two sides have spent the past year in regular talks, but the divide remains deep. While the tours believe their unified board structure would make decision-making faster and more efficient, the Slams argue it only adds to the confusion and continues to overload players and fans with too many events.
Fueling the tension is a new legal battle. The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, has filed a lawsuit accusing the sport’s main governing bodies of operating like a cartel—limiting opportunities, stifling competition, and hurting both players and fans.
For now, the talks are at a standstill. The Grand Slams have made it clear: unless there’s serious commitment to structural reform, they’re not moving forward.