Podcast
Control the Controllables
Hosted by Dan Kiernan · EN
Dan Kiernan, Director of SotoTennis Academy in Spain has created a podcast to entertain, educate and energise the tennis community. Hear Dan pick the brains of professional tennis players, coaches, parents, and others involved in High Performance Tennis.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
French Open Live Breakdown! Talking about the 1st few days of action in Paris. W/ Calvin Betton.
2d ago00:45:42Summary readyOur CTC Live series is back for Roland Garros 2026, bringing you first-hand updates from the courts of Paris!Sponsored by Novellus Finance: https://novellusfinance.com/uk/ In this episode, Dan is joined by Calvin Betton, a 2 time Grand Slam-winning coach, live from the tournament, to break down the action from the first three days. They cover the extraordinary heat gripping Paris, the big seeds falling, integrity questions around the doubles draw, and some brilliant stories from inside the locker room and beyond.This is the place to go for a quick round-up of Roland Garros action from a coach's perspective.Key talking points:Temperatures hitting 37 degrees Celsius in Paris and how the courts are staying surprisingly slow despite the heat, thanks to Roland Garros's unique watering and salting process.Big names out early, including Taylor Fritz, Medvedev and Bublik, plus Jessica Pegula going out to Kim Birrell on day three.The doubles draw integrity debate, with six first-round withdrawals and singles players pocketing prize money without hitting a ball.The Serena Williams comeback rumours, with Calvin giving a frank take on wildcards, integrity and whether the sport should be rolling out the red carpet.A brilliant exclusive Gael Monfils story from a five-a-side football game at the National Tennis Centre.French youngster Kwame, born in 2009, is impressing on his Roland Garros debut and drawing comparisons to a young Wayne Rooney.Each CTC Live episode streams on YouTube during the fortnight. Search Control the Controllables Podcast and follow our Instagram and Twitter for the latest live times!Chapters 00:00 Welcome, the Paris heat and court conditions 06:30 Integrity in the doubles draw and prize money controversy 15:00 Serena Williams comeback rumours and the wildcard debate 22:00 Bublik's behaviour and a Medvedev tribute 30:00 Monfils, Wawrinka and the end of an era 36:00 French youngster Kwame and the next generation 40:00 Can anyone stop Sinner? The men's and women's draws were reviewedFollow @ctc.podcast on Instagram to be the first to know when we are going live from Paris throughout the fortnight!Watch the full video version over here: https://www.youtube.com/@ctc.podcast.YouTube: Control the Controllables Podcast Website: https://www.controlthecontrollables.c... Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.com
SummaryFrench Open 2026 Preview
6d ago01:27:33Summary readyWe're back for Roland Garros 2026! Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panellists, two of them live from Paris during qualifying week, to preview all the action we can expect from the clay courts over the next fortnight.They discuss the Carlos Alcaraz injury situation and the wider player burnout debate, the future of US college tennis, and the prize money controversy making headlines at this year's tournament. Plus dark horses across both draws, key storylines to watch, and their winner predictions!Meet our panellists:Denmark's Davis Cup Captain and coach of August Holmgren, Freddie NielsenPerformance analyst and coach Mike James making his panel debut!Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy ReidKey talking points:Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from both Roland Garros and Wimbledon with a wrist injury, and the panel debate whether rising ball speeds, heavier balls and relentless scheduling are pushing players beyond their physical limits.US college tennis is at a crossroads, with the Arkansas programme cuts a sign of things to come as NIL money floods into football and basketball and squeezes tennis budgets at major universities.The panel share their genuine dark horse picks across both draws, with some bold names put forward on the men's side in particular.Top players are reportedly refusing all non-mandatory press at Roland Garros as a prize money protest, and the panel debate whether they are targeting the right thing.Will Yannick Sinner march to a dominant Roland Garros title, or will the wide open draws on both sides deliver a first-time Grand Slam champion? The panel have their say and there are some bold calls in there.Who do you think will be this year's Roland Garros champions? Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter or drop us an email to let us know who you're backing!Links mentioned in this episode:Listen to: August Holmgren: Wimbledon Sensation and Challenger ChampionListen to: Candy Reid, From the Court to CNNListen to: Mike James - A Numbers GameListen to: Freddie Nielsen & Jonny Marray Part One: Pre Wimbledon 2012Mentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryCTC Short: Remembering Dr. Jim Loehr — The Sports Psychologist Who Changed Tennis Forever
1w ago00:21:33Summary readyToday´s episode is a tribute to one of sport's greatest minds Dr. Jim Loehr, who sadly passed away last month aged 83.Dr. Loehr was one of the world’s leading performance psychologists and a true pioneer in mental fitness. Across a remarkable five-decade career, he worked with hundreds of elite athletes including Grand Slam champions Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario.His work helped transform the way athletes viewed mental performance — not as a weakness, but as an essential part of achieving greatness.We were incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr. Loehr onto the podcast in 2021, and his episode remains one of the most listened-to conversations on Control the Controllables.In this special CTC Short, Dan reflects on Dr. Loehr’s impact on tennis and sport before revisiting a powerful clip from their original conversation.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Listen to Dr Jim Loehr´s episode in fullEpisode 120: Marcus DaniellHigh Impact AthletesSotoTennis Academy"Treatment of others is the gold standard of a fulfilled and satisfying life." - Dr. Jim LoehrMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryMaxime Tchoutakian: Coaching Vicky Mboko & Life on the WTA Tour
4w ago01:20:05Summary readyWhat does it really take to coach at the very top of the game?And how does a 32-year-old coach find himself leading the journey of one of the fastest-rising players in world tennis?In this episode of Control the Controllables, we sit down with Maxime Tchoutakian, the coach of Vicky Mboko — a 19-year-old who has taken the tennis world by storm, breaking into the Top 10 in less than a year.But Max’s story is just as compelling as the player he now coaches.Ranked 530 in the world as a player, he took the US college route at Baylor University, rebuilt his career from scratch after COVID, and walked into the Mouratoglou Academy with no clear coaching plan, only to have one practice with Victoria Azarenka and receive a call from her agent 30 minutes later.What he shares in this episode gives a rare, honest look at what it really means to operate inside the world's best tennis teams.In this episode:What it was actually like telling a former World Number 1 how to improve her game at age 26.The moment Azarenka asked him to become her full-time coach and how scary that felt.Why adaptation is the single most important skill to survive life on the WTA tour.His honest take on whether coaches are paid well enough for what they sacrifice.What makes Victoria Mboko so special and why Max believes she will win multiple Grand Slams.The brutal truth about French tennis: why talented kids keep falling short when it matters most.His biggest coaching regret and why he wishes he'd trusted himself sooner.CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.comMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryCTC Short: British Doubles Pioneer – Celebrating Jamie Murray’s Legacy
Apr 1700:18:46Summary readyA tribute to a British tennis legend.This week on Control the Controllables, we're marking the retirement of one of Great Britain´s greatest ever players, Jamie Murray.7 Grand Slam titles. 39 tour-level titles. World Number 1. Davis Cup Winner & Olympian. The man who put British doubles on the map and helped spark a generation of GB doubles players that continue to thrive on the tour today.We went back into the archives to pull out one of our favourite moments from our episode with Jamie back in 2020. This short clip is a perfect reminder of just what a remarkable person and player he is.In this episode:The story of Jamie's Wimbledon title age 21.Why zero expectation was the secret weapon that fuelled that Wimbledon run.How expectation and pressure change as a career develops.How he felt reaching World Number 1.Becoming Jamie, not just Andy Murray’s brother.Why Dan thinks his impact on tennis will contine.From all of us at Control the Controllables, congratulations Jamie. What a career. What a legacy.Control the Controllables episodes Jamie Murray features in:Episode 13: Jamie Murray - From Dunblane to the top of the world!Is Opelka Right - Should Doubles be Scrapped?CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.comMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryAdam Jones: Inside Life as a Hitting Partner to the World’s Best
Apr 201:16:29Summary readyWhat does it really look like behind the scenes with the best players in the world?This week on Control the Controllables, we sit down with Adam Jones -hitting partner to the world's best, doubles professional, and the man behind Forehands & Flat Whites, the Instagram account quietly taking over tennis feeds everywhere.In 2026 alone, Jonesy has celebrated with the Australian Open women's champion on Rod Laver Arena, hit with Djokovic, Sinner and Rybakina and won his first professional doubles title.From taking the bus to junior tournaments with his granddad on the Wirral, to camping on a golf course in Portugal because he couldn't afford the hotel, to warming up Alcaraz on Wimbledon centre court before the 2025 final. Adam's story is proof that your path doesn't have to look like everyone else's to be incredible.What he shares in this episode gives a rare, unfiltered look at what it really takes to operate at the top of the game.In this episode:What it’s REALLY like to hit with players like Alcaraz, Djokovic and Sinner.Adam opens up about growing up in Birkenhead and the family sacrifices that made his career possible.How elite players prepare — routines, habits, and attention to detail.How Elena Rybakina went out of her way to make Adam feel part of her Australian Open victory in a moment he'll never forget.Why Adam walked off the court six minutes into a hit with an unnamed American player.Lessons Adam has learned from being inside top players’ teamsHis honest reflection on success, rankings pressure and the mental hole he found himself in earlier in his career.Why personality, connection, and attitude can open doors in tennisFollow Adam Jones on Instagram: @adam_jonesyyy123CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.comMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummarySander Gillé: The Unconventional Path to the Top of Professional Tennis
Mar 1301:27:04Summary readyWhat if you didn’t have to be a top junior to become a professional tennis player?In this episode of Control the Controllables, we speak with Belgian professional tennis player Sander Gille, a Roland Garros finalist, Olympic competitor, Davis Cup player and former World No.18 in doubles.Sander’s journey to the top of the game is anything but traditional. He wasn’t a standout junior, didn’t grow up expecting to turn professional, and at 17 he chose US college tennis simply to continue playing while earning a degree. After college, Sander decided to give the professional tour a try — funding his early career through crowdfunding, league tennis, and relentless persistence. Years later, that journey led him to the Roland Garros final and the top of the ATP doubles rankings.This episode is a powerful reminder that there are many different pathways to success in tennis.In this episode:Growing up playing multiple sports before choosing tennisWhy Sander never planned to become a professional playerThe decision-making process behind his college career in the US and transitioning to professional tennisHow crowdfunding helped keep his career going early on.How injuries shaped his focus from singles to doubles and lessons learned along the way.Key insights on finding his game, mental resilience, and balancing success with authenticity.Memorable experiences, including playing Andy Murray at the Olympics and reaching a Grand Slam final.Reflections on partnership longevity, team dynamics, and future goals in doubles.If you’re chasing a career in tennis or supporting someone who is, this is a story you need to hear.CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.comMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryAustralian Open 2026 Review
Feb 301:31:22Summary readyJoin us as we unpack the biggest storylines from the 2026 Australian Open!From Osaka´s dramatic outfit entrance on Rod Laver Arena to Djokovic rolling back the years to take out Sinner in the semi-finals, we analyse the epic matches, player performances and behind-the-scenes moments in Melbourne.Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panelists:Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie NielsenTop S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.Key Talking PointsCarlos Alcaraz becoming the youngest ever person to win the career Grand Slam.Novak Djokovic proving he can still push for number 25.Will Rybakina be the player to beat in the women´s game in 2026The role of coaching, technical adjustments, and player development in modern tennisThe rise of British doubles dominance, with the current World No.1, 2 & 3 in men’s doubles being British.The debate around camera coverage, player privacy, and the sport's media strategies after Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek’s comments.And our panelist give their predictions on what to expect for the upcoming season. Could we see the return of Serena?CONNECT WITH CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLESWebsite: https://www.controlthecontrollables.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/Email us: ctc.podcast@sototennis.comThis episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.Mentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryAustralian Open 2026 Preview
Jan 1701:37:39Summary readyWe’re back for the Australian Open 2026!Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panelists to preview all the action we can expect from Melbourne over the next fortnight. They discuss the standout players, popcorn match-ups and potential dark horses. They also look at the impact of this years tennis balls for players, new 2026 partnerships in the doubles draws and give their predictions for this years winners!Meet our Panelists:GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie NielsenSports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.Will Jannik Sinner win his third straight Australian Open title? Or will Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest ever play to win the career Grand Slam. Meanwhile Venus Williams will become the oldest player to play the Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard into the women´s singles event.Who do you think will be this year's Australian Open champions! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter or drop us an email to let us know who you're backing!Links mentioned in this episode:Listen to: Reaction to Alcaraz & Ferraro SplitListen to: Andrea Vavassori: Why winning the US Open Mixed Doubles Title was so Important for DoublesThis episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.Mentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
SummaryLloyd Glasspool´s Journey to ATP Doubles No.1
Dec 3100:49:06Summary readyIn this special episode of Control the Controllables, Dan Kiernan looks back at one of the most remarkable journeys in British tennis — Lloyd Glasspool’s rise to Year-End World No.1 in ATP Doubles, aged 32.This episode is built around clips from Lloyd’s three previous appearances on the show, recorded across five pivotal years of his career.From being ranked 150 in the world in doubles in 2020, to winning his first Grand Slam in front of a home crowd at Wimbledon in 2025, listen to Lloyd´s development as it happened.A unique layer to this episode is Dan’s personal connection to Lloyd’s journey. Dan coached Lloyd at three key stages of his career — first as a junior in Birmingham, again at the start of his pro career at SotoTennis Academy, and later on the ATP doubles tour. Having witnessed Lloyd’s development across more than two decades, from a quiet junior to the year-end World No.1, makes this moment incredibly special.Dan revisits:Lloyd’s late specialisation, multi-sport childhood and the huge influence of gymnastics on his movement.How Lloyd’s junior coaching focused on developing skills and creativity, not winning early.The turning point of finding the right partnerships, and how understanding a partner under pressure became a competitive edge.Winning Wimbledon, and the mindset shift from “good enough” to “I can win Slams”.And finally, how those same controllables — energy, clarity, partnership and process — carried Lloyd to World No.1.This episode is not about overnight success. It’s about patience, environment, people, doing the basics exceptionally well, and having fun along the way!A must-listen for tennis players, coaches and parents.Listen to the episodes mentioned in full:-Episode 84 reflecting on his start in tennis from 2020Episode 180 with Harri Heliövaara after competing in their 1st ATP Finals from 2022Episode 261 with Julian Cash after becoming Wimbledon Champions from 2025.Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFollow SotoTennis Academy on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Train Smarter Anywhere: Strength & Conditioning for Tennis Players On the Go 🎾For players who don’t always have access to in-person coaching, progress doesn’t have to stop. TennisAthlete is an online Strength & Conditioning platform, designed specifically for tennis players who want structured, affordable and flexible training. Wherever they are in the world. TennisAthlete helps you stay consistent, improve performance, and train with purpose. Train smarter. Anywhere.TennisAthlete
Summary