Over the past 12 months, I’ve been working with biomechanics researcher Dr Nick Busuttil to better understand one simple question…

Does the Functional Tennis Saber actually improve your game?

In this episode, we dive into the findings from that research and what really happens when players train with a constraint racket.

We discuss how the Saber influences stroke mechanics, why players may initially feel less accurate, and how that “useful struggle” can actually help build better timing, contact awareness and more consistent strokes over time.

Nick also explains why tools like the Saber can promote adaptability in your game, act as a circuit breaker in training, and how coaches and players can use it effectively in practice and warm ups.

If you’ve ever wondered whether training aids actually work or if they’re just gimmicks, this episode will give you a clear, science backed perspective.

You can download the full research report here.

And if you have any questions after listening, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram here or you can email me here.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Fabio

Marc Polmans is now ranked inside the top 60 in doubles after making the Australian Open doubles final but he still sees himself as a singles player.

In this episode, we talk about the reality of balancing singles ambition with doubles opportunity, and how one Grand Slam run can shift your season financially, mentally, and strategically.

Marc shares:

1. From not being in the draw to Aussie Open finalist
2. The difference between Futures and Challenger level
3. Why ranking points at Slams change everything
4. His recent racket switch from the Pure Drive to the Pure Aero and how it compares to Wilson’s “Python” prototype
5. Whether he’d choose college tennis if starting again today
6. And why the Functional Tennis Saber is useful for doubles players

An honest look at the grind of pro tennis and the career decisions players constantly face.

Enjoy

Fabio

Justin Van Malderen from Luxilon is back on the Functional Tennis Podcast.

At the 2025 US Open, 55% of the Top 100 were using Luxilon strings. In this episode, we discuss why.

We talk about falling string tensions on tour, how modern powerful rackets are changing string demands, and why today’s aggressive baseline game requires more durability and control than ever.

We also dive into why I chose Luxilon Element for the FT99 racket, how it compares to 4G and Alu Power, and who it’s best suited for.

Justin shares insight into Sabalenka’s unique setup, the reality of sustainable strings, and how Luxilon competes as a family business in a market dominated by major global brands.

Plus, Justin is offering a €500 Functional Tennis voucher to one listener who fills out Luxilon’s string questionnaire. Tap here to fill it out and the last submission date is on March 31st.

If you care about your setup and want to understand what makes a difference at the highest level, this one’s for you.

Enjoy

Fabio

In this episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined by Yuhi Tanigaki, Product Manager for Tennis Footwear at ASICS, to go behind the scenes of the new Solution Speed FF4.

Yuhi plays a central role in shaping ASICS tennis shoes, working closely with designers, researchers, professional athletes, and recreational players to turn feedback into real on court performance.

We cover what actually goes into building a modern tennis shoe and how small changes can make a big difference.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. How long it really takes to develop a tennis shoe from first idea to retail
2. What stayed consistent from the original Solution Speed and what has evolved
3. The key updates in the Solution Speed FF4 and how they affect feel and movement
4. How ASICS balances speed, comfort, and durability without adding weight
5. The role of athlete feedback, including insights from Belinda Bencic
6. Differences between what professional players and recreational players value
7. Why ASICS sees the FF4 as an evolution rather than a complete redesign
8. Which type of player the Solution Speed FF4 is built for

This episode is a deep dive into tennis footwear design and a rare look at how performance products are actually created behind the scenes.

A brief catchup with whats been going on at Functional Tennis

1. Podcast break
2. New Saber Editions
3. The FT99
4. New 2027 products
5. Tariff complications
6. Podcast guests

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, Fabio chats with Jonas Eriksson, better known as Tennis Nerd, the go-to voice in the tennis world for rackets.

With the Functional Tennis Racket of the Year competition underway, Fabio and Jonas break down the most talked-about rackets of 2025, what to expect from the 2026 launches, and why so many pros are playing with blacked-out frames. They also dive into Wilson’s upcoming Pure Aero-style spin racket, shifts in pro player trends, and what makes the modern racket scene more competitive than ever.

If you love tennis gear talk, this one’s for you, and if you want info on all the rackets, check them out at Tennis Warehouse Europe and check out Jonas's YouTube account if you want in-depth reviews on the rackets.

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/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

This week I’m joined once again by Dutch ATP player Jesper de Jong, who has continued his steady rise on the professional circuit.

Since our last chat, Jesper has broken into the top 100, reached his first ATP final at the Swedish Open, and played a key role for the Netherlands in Davis Cup. We talk about what feels different now that he’s inside the top 100, the lessons he’s learned from the tour grind, and how he balances results with enjoying the process. Jesper also shares insights from training blocks in Bali, the unforgettable match that sealed his top 100 spot, and what he’s learned from his girlfriend, a professional speed skater.

If you’re curious about the mindset and habits behind steady, sustainable progress, this episode is a great listen.

Fabio

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/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined once again by Portuguese player Jaime Faria, who continues to make strides on the ATP Tour.

Since our last chat, Jaime has broken into the top 100, won two Challenger titles, and battled through Grand Slam qualifying winning 11 of his last 12 matches and even sneaking into the US Open as a lucky loser. One of the standout moments of his year was facing Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, an experience that gave him a clear view of what it takes to compete with the very best.

In this episode, Jaime shares what he learned from that match, the challenges of staying inside the top 100, the grind of playing qualies, and whether he still enjoys the process as much as he once did.

🔑 Key Topics:

🎾 Lessons from playing Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open

🏆 Breaking into the top 100 and winning Challengers

🚪 Getting into the US Open as a lucky loser

💪 The mental and physical grind of Slam qualifying

🧠 Staying motivated and enjoying the process

A real behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of life on tour from one of Portugal’s rising stars.

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/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

YouTube: Functional Tennis Podcast

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast, I’m joined once again by Garry Cahill, one of Ireland’s most respected coaches, former Davis Cup captain, and Performance Director at Tennis Ireland.

In this episode, Garry dives into the realities of tennis parenting and why every family’s journey is unique. He explains why no two kids are the same, why parents shouldn’t try to copy someone else’s pathway, and how circumstances from finances to geography to coaching support, make every story different.

We also talk about the challenges parents face in the early years, how to handle the car ride home after a loss, the importance of communication with coaches, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all manual for raising a tennis player.

🔑 Key Topics:

👨‍👩‍👦 Why every tennis parent’s journey is different

🚗 The car ride home and handling emotions after matches

📈 Setting milestones and planning for the long term

💬 The importance of clear parent-coach communication

📚 Why tennis needs better resources for parents

Whether you’re a tennis parent, coach, or player, Garry’s advice is packed with insights that can help you navigate the junior journey with more confidence and clarity.

Fabio

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/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I’m joined by John Williams, coach and mentor to world number 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend.

John’s approach to coaching is anything but conventional. He doesn’t just build tennis players, he builds characters. In this chat we talk about the characteristics he looks for in players, how his outside-the-box thinking shapes their development, and why mindset and life skills are just as important as technique.

Key Topics

🎾 The traits that separate good players from great ones

🧠 Why developing character is as important as developing skills

💡 How to think differently about tennis and avoid a conformist mindset

📈 Lessons from coaching top pros and upcoming juniors

Quote

“I’m not just coaching forehands and backhands, I’m building people.”

From guiding top pros to developing juniors, John shares invaluable lessons for players, coaches, and parents who want to understand what it truly takes to succeed in the sport.

Enjoy

Fabio

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/FunctionalTennis

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@functionaltennis

In this episode, I chat with 17-year-old American wheelchair tennis player Charlie Cooper, a rising star who’s already claimed 2 junior wheelchair singles Grand Slam titles.

Born with spina bifida, Charlie’s journey into tennis started with local clinics and has now taken him to the top levels of junior competition. He shares how making the decision to go full-time in 2023 completely changed his development, both mentally and physically.

We talk about the improvements he’s seen since going all in, the structure of wheelchair tennis, his tournament experiences, and what he hopes to achieve in the future.

Key topics:

• How going full-time helped Charlie raise his level

• What a typical training week looks like for him

• Differences in mindset between juniors and pros

• How wheelchair tennis works at the top level

• His goals for the coming season

A super insightful conversation for tennis fans and players alike.

Fabio

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/FunctionalTennis