E44 - Francesca Jones

Iga Swiatek, opens up about the pressure of going from high school student to Grand Slam Champion overnight. She reveals why she thought winning Roland Garros was "impossible" and the mental strategies she uses to stay at the top and win 5 Grand Slams in her early twenties.Timestamps:00:01:55 – School vs. Tennis: Why education was the priority 00:04:40 – The "Imposter Syndrome" at her first tournament: "I don't belong here" 00:05:40 – Roland Garros 2020: "I thought it was impossible" 00:08:45 – The chaotic thoughts before winning match point 00:10:30 – Handling the pressure of her first big sponsor 00:11:40 – Why Iga has worked with a psychologist since age 14 00:13:00 – What drives her: Titles, Rankings, or Stats? 00:15:00 – The "Lie" she tells herself to win tournaments 00:18:15 – Advice to her younger selfIn this episode of the Tennis Insider Club, Caroline Garcia sits down with World No. 1 Iga Świątek for a raw conversation about the mental side of tennis. From finishing high school while on tour to handling the explosion of fame after the French Open, Iga shares the reality behind the stats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to stay with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and the very best in the world?In this raw conversation, Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti opens up about pressure, consistency, fatherhood, and what separates talent from Top 10 reality. From being labeled part of the “Next Gen” alongside Sinner and Alcaraz, to learning the hard way that consistency is the real difference, this is an honest look behind elite tennis.Subscribe for unfiltered conversations with the world’s best tennis players and insiders.Comment: Is consistency what separates Sinner and Alcaraz from the rest? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates a good coach from a truly great one?In this episode of The Insight, legendary coach Darren Cahill breaks down what elite coaching really looks like — and why the goal isn’t to give answers, but to teach players how to think for themselves.Drawing from decades of experience coaching the very best in the world, Cahill explains why great coaching is built on communication, trust, and timing. He shares why the most effective coaches don’t try to be good at everything, why the coach–player relationship has a natural lifespan, and how the best coaches slowly work themselves out of a job by creating independent, adaptable athletes.This isn’t just about tennis.It’s about leadership, teaching, parenting, and knowing when guidance turns into control.Whether you coach, lead a team, or simply want to help others grow without making them dependent on you, this insight applies far beyond the court.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why great coaching is about teaching, not tellingHow elite coaches help players problem-solve under pressureThe difference between creating independence vs dependenceWhy communication style matters more than technical knowledgeWhen it’s time for a new voice — and why that’s a good thingThe InsightLessons from the World’s Best in Tennis & Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

She nearly quit tennis last year.Seven surgeries, constant setbacks, and a body few doctors understood.Today, Francesca Jones reveals how she fought through doubt, pain, and pressure to break into the Top 100 — and what she’s learned along the way.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS00:00 – “This year was supposed to be my last…” Career crossroads, feeling stuck, and finding unexpected freedom.03:10 – Moving to Spain alone at 10 to chase a dream Early sacrifices, school-life balance, and building identity away from tennis.06:20 – Toxic coaches, abuse of power & lack of safeguarding in tennis Francesca opens up about dangerous dynamics young players face. Episode Francesca Jones12:40 – Becoming the CEO of her own career at 16 Learning decision-making, emotional intelligence, and firing the wrong people.21:00 – Living with a rare syndrome & surgeries no doctor understood How unique biomechanics shaped her challenges and mindset.27:00 – The brutal truth: she had to stop tennis to rebuild her body Three-month physical reset, strength work, and realizing the sport changed.31:30 – “I’ll die on the court if I have to” — her mentality explained Obsession, overtraining, collapsing in matches, and learning limits.44:00 – The moment she almost quit tennis forever Doubt, burnout, Patagonia reflections, and the conversation that saved her.52:00 – Breaking Top 100 & what’s next Long-term goals, redefining success, and chasing stability for the first time.If you enjoyed this conversation, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment telling us your favorite insight from Francesca.Your support helps us bring more raw, honest stories from the world’s best players.This episode is brought to you by Hologic, a global leader in women’s health — dedicated to early detection, innovation, and helping women live healthier, longer lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Solana Cirstea spent 20 years chasing the biggest dreams in tennis — No.1, Grand Slams, perfection.Now, she opens up about pressure, regret, joy, and why 2026 will be her final year…One of the rawest mindset conversations ever on Tennis Insider Club.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS01:40 – How her father pushed her into tennis from age 405:10 – Becoming a top junior and breaking into WTA at 1607:20 – The crash after the French Open quarterfinal run10:00 – Struggling with expectations & “learning how to lose”11:50 – The injury that changed everything at 2513:10 – Shifting from results obsession to joy & process17:00 – Why knowing “why you play” changes everything23:00 – Handling wins/losses: staying emotionally steady25:00 – Discovering balance, friendships & life outside tennis33:30 – Playing through pain & the mental toll35:00 – Why 2026 will be her final season37:00 – Making peace with not becoming No.143:00 – “What you’re complaining about is someone’s dream”54:00 – Juniors vs pros: the myth of early success56:00 – School, development & advice for parents58:30 – Generational changes on tour01:02:00 – How the game evolved & the new WTA levelIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, drop a like, and share your thoughts in the comments.Which part of Sorana’s story resonated the most with you?This episode is presented in partnership with Hologic, global leader in women’s health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you’re labelled “tennis next big thing” at just 17?Olga Danilovic opens up about pressure, expectations, media hype, family, fear, burnout, and how she rebuilt her love for tennis.One of the RAWEST and most relatable conversations we’ve ever had.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS01:00 – Olga’s childhood: pressure, media, and early expectations04:00 – Growing up as the daughter of a superstar athlete07:00 – Winning Moscow at 17: blessing or curse?10:00 – Handling fame, pressure & public expectations as a teen14:00 – Guilt, sacrifice & learning to choose yourself17:00 – Life on tour vs. the reality people don’t see20:00 – Mental health, burnout & losing joy in tennis22:00 – Nine months sick: the moment everything changed32:00 – Coaching experiences: what good teams REALLY do45:00 – Playing on big stages & dealing with intrusive thoughts48:00 – On-court panic, fear & wanting to “disappear”56:00 – How she sees her future: identity beyond tennisIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with another tennis fan who needs to hear this conversation.Follow UsInstagram → instagram.com/tennisinsiderclubX (Twitter) → https://x.com/tennisinsidercltennisinsider.club🤝 PartnersHologic — advancing global women’s health.Tennis Insider Club is a podcast where the world’s best tennis players, coaches, and insiders share real stories about pressure, mental health, high-performance habits, and life on tour. Hosted by Caroline Garcia and Borja Durán, each episode gives an honest look into the WTA and ATP circuits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when reaching the Top 100 and entering the Grand Slams main draw doesn’t make life easier, but harder?Eva Lys opens up about pressure, identity, mental health, and rediscovering joy in tennis.One of the most honest conversations ever on Tennis Insider Club.KEY MOMENTS:02:00 – When reaching Top 100 made everything harder05:00 – Identity, results & why losing can break you08:30 – Growing up in a tennis family & emotional sensitivity12:00 – School, structure & the “non-normal” life of junior tennis16:00 – Building life outside the tennis bubble19:00 – Self-worth, relationships & losing matches23:00 – Australian Open run, pressure, and losing the joy28:00 – Qualifying mindset: “I only qualified when I stopped caring”33:00 – Balance, discipline, fun & the stigma on female athletes39:00 – Resetting goals, psychologist, and returning to the roots55:00 – Living with an autoimmune condition as a pro athlete1:02:00 – Social media hate, protecting mental health & blocking people1:12:00 – Why tennis needs more empathy & honestyBROUGHT TO YOU BY HOLOGIC, a global leader in women’s health. Visit hologic.com to learn moreIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment — it really helps us grow and bring more players on the show.📲 FOLLOW USInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/tennisinsiderclub/X (Twitter) → https://x.com/tennisinsiderclWebsite → https://tennisinsider.club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 29, Garbiñe Muguruza—2x Grand Slam Champion and former World No.1—made the shocking decision to step away from tennis. In this raw, emotional conversation, she opens up to Caroline Garcia and Borja Durán about pressure, burnout, family sacrifice, and finding peace beyond trophies.Key Moments:01:00 – Growing Up in Venezuela & Family Sacrifice06:00 – Strict Parenting and Losing Childhood Innocence12:00 – Breakthrough Moment at Miami Open15:00 – Winning Roland Garros Against Serena Williams19:30 – “No One Cares About the Finalist”23:00 – The Dark Side of Perfectionism33:00 – After the WTA Finals: Relief, Burnout, and Self-Discovery37:00 – Making Peace With Stepping Away From Tennis45:00 – Life After Tennis: Becoming WTA Finals Tournament Director49:00 – Advice to Her Younger SelfIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment your favorite moment! It really helps us bring you more authentic tennis stories.This episode is brought to you by Hologic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From being told she’d never make it… to lifting the Wimbledon trophy. 🏆Marion Bartoli opens up on her fight against doubt, pain, and anorexia — and the moment she proved everyone wrong.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Overcoming doubt & proving critics wrong02:00 – Childhood in France and discovering tennis07:00 – The first Wimbledon final vs Venus Williams13:00 – Training with her father and breaking the rules17:00 – The reality of parent-coach relationships21:00 – Life on tour: obsession, exhaustion & sacrifice25:00 – 2013 Wimbledon: how everything finally clicked33:00 – Serving for the match: the moment of destiny37:00 – Relief, validation, and proving everyone wrong50:00 – Judged for her body & media pressure54:00 – The darkest chapter: anorexia and recoveryCALL TO ACTION:If this inspired you, subscribe for more honest stories from the world’s top players.Like the video, comment your favorite insight, and subscribe for future episodes.🎧 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1SDHHtfQmUS0TyP8wqJEh9🎧 Listen on Apple → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tennis-insider-club/id1721351881📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tennisinsiderclub/📲 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/tennisinsidercl🌐 Website → https://tennisinsider.club🏠 Partnered with Haier — world No.1 in home appliances, supporting excellence from Roland Garros to your kitchen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to go from a kid in Sweden to becoming an Australian Open champion… and later coaching stars like Maria Sakkari and Kei Nishikori? 🎾Thomas Johansson opens up about his journey, struggles, and lessons learned both on and off the court.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 – Millimeters between glory and disaster in tennis02:00 – Johansson’s childhood obsession with tennis07:00 – Breaking into the ATP Top 10013:00 – The unforgettable run to the 2002 Australian Open title19:00 – Key differences coaching men vs women22:00 – Life-changing aftermath of winning a Grand Slam26:00 – Battling career-threatening injuries28:00 – Facing Federer, Nadal, Djokovic & two eras of tennis34:00 – Toughest moment: being forced to retire38:00 – Transition into coaching & first steps with Caroline Wozniacki45:00 – Building confidence as a coach and helping players mentally49:00 – Coaching Kei Nishikori: challenges & humility53:00 – Mentoring the next generation of coaches1:02:00 – Advice to his younger selfIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the channel and never miss future tennis stories!📲 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tennisinsiderclub/📲 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/tennisinsidercl🌐 Website → https://tennisinsider.club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.