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.
32episodes
Episodes
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CTC 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
SummaryCTC LIVE: Reaction To Alcaraz & Ferrero Split
Dec 1800:30:37Summary readyOne of the most successful and emotionally connected player–coach partnerships in modern tennis has come to an end.In this episode, Dan breaks down the split between world number 1 Carlos Alcaraz and his long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, analysing their statements, the timing, the power dynamics, and what it means for the 2026 season — including the ripple effect on rivals like Jannik Sinner.Ferrero first spotted Alcaraz at age 14 near his academy in southeast Spain. Their official partnership began in 2018 and lasted 7 years.Achievements together:24 tour-level titles6 Grand SlamsYoungest world No.1 in ATP history (US Open 2022)This episode was originally recorded live on YouTube — watch the full video version hereFollow Control the Controllables on Instagram: @ctc.podcastCTC Tiktok: @controlthecontrollablesCTC X: @ctc__podcastThanks for listening!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
SummaryFrom Louisiana to the ATP Finals: A Tennis Family’s Journey with Christian Harrison
Dec 1501:32:31Summary readyChristian Harrison’s story isn’t your typical tennis journey. Formerly a top 200 singles player, his career has been repeatedly derailed by surgeries, setbacks, and a foot injury at Wimbledon 2022 that convinced him to walk away from singles altogether. 8 surgeries before age 25 would finish most players. Cristian just adjusted.Now at 31, he’s producing the best tennis of his life on the doubles court. In 2025 Harrison has rocketed to world number 15 alongside partner Evan King. The pair started the year playing Challengers and ended it at the ATP Finals in Turin, after winning titles in Dallas and Acapulco, and having deep runs at Indian Wells, Madrid, and Roland Garros.In today´s episode, Christian talks us through his journey including growing up in a tennis family - his Father Pat is a coach, and his brother Ryan Harrison won the French Open Mens Doubles in 2017. He also discusses the 2026 season which he´ll be playing with new partner and regular CTC guest Neal Skupski. In this episode: Christian reflects on his junior days which saw his family move from Louisiana to Texas to Florida for his tennis.How he kept going after 9 surgeries.Why his older brother Ryan Harrison was crucial in Christian's tennis development.Christian shares insights on coaching and player relationships, including the impact his Dad Pat has had on his career.Why he thinks 2025 has been such a successful year for him.Why he´s decided to play with GB´s Neil Skupski in 2026.Follow us on Instagram and watch all episodes on YouTube! Control the Controllables is Hiring!We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026.Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.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
SummaryFrom Antigua to the Pro Tour: Jody Maginley’s Tennis Journey and Podcast Success
Nov 3001:45:27Tap to summarizeThis week we sat down with Jody Maginley, a professional doubles tennis player and co-founder of The Changeover Podcast, one of the fastest-growing shows in tennis.Jody takes us from growing up in Antigua (population ~90k) with limited access to high-level tennis, to navigating US college and chasing points and paychecks on the pro tour. We get into the realities most fans never see; money, logistics, late-night travel and tough losses, and how that experience pushed him to build a platform that shines a spotlight on players outside the Grand Slam bubble.Topics we get into:What it takes to go pro coming from a small island nation.Wild tour stories from life on the road.Why the US College tennis system still has major gaps.Jody´s motivation for setting up The Changeover Podcast.How the show went from zero views to interviewing names like Kyrgios & Tsitsipas.Early-stage podcast growing pains (production, consistency, distribution)How Jody funds his tennis career.We debate whether doubles gets enough respect from singles players.The mindsets, role models, and motivations that keep him improvingLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Check out Jody´s show The Changeover PodcastListen to the CTC guests discussed in this episode: Denmark´s August Holmgren, Pat Cash & Sir Andy MurrayFollow Control the Controllables on Instagram & YouTubeControl the Controllables is Hiring!We´re offering a university student the chance to spend their placement year working on the Control the Controllables Podcast here in Spain. Applications are open now for the Podcast Placement role starting in September 2026.Find out more about the role and how to apply here. Or you an email the team at ctc.podcast@sototennis.com.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
Transcribe →What Data is Making a Real Difference on the ATP Tour with Tom Corrie
Nov 1101:33:49Tap to summarizeIt´s been said for many years that data and performance analytics in tennis is way behind other sports. Not just for improving player performance but also fan engagement. One of the reasons for this is the inconsistency of how the data is presented across our industry.TennisViz is trying to correct that.Today we speak to Tm Corrie who is Head of Performance, Media and Broadcast for TennisViz. They provide data for coaches and the media for the ATP tour.In the episode you´ll hear Tom and Dan share their own personal experiences as coaches of this side of the game. They dissect some of the highest profile rivalries and get behind the numbers as to why Carlos Alcaraz seems to have Jannick Sinners number currently.We find out how their data is measured and uniformed across various ages and stages of development and who doesn’t want to know who has the ‘best’ serve in the world!?Episode Highlights:Tom reflects on his coaching journey and the decision to transition into tennis data analysis. The challenges and opportunities in modern tennis coaching and data analytics. The significance of shot quality measures and their impact on coaching strategies and how it´s calculated.Tom gives us data-driven insight into who could explode on the ATP Tour in 2026.The role of technology in providing consistent and objective data for player development. The future of tennis analytics and its potential to revolutionise the sport. Follow us on Instagram @ctc.podcast for the latest news and clips.Don´t miss an episode! Sign up to our email list to get exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered straight to your inbox.
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