E9 - Maria Sakkari

In this insightful interview, Nick Kyrgios explains why winning Grand Slams was never his ultimate goal. Instead, he talks about playing tennis his way, having fun, and the pressures of living up to public expectations. In this unfiltered interview, the Wimbledon finalist, talks about his struggles, mental health, and the pressures of being in the spotlight. Don’t miss this raw, inspiring story from one of tennis’s most entertaining players. Like, share, and subscribe!Follow us on Instagram here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the unfiltered side of professional tennis with Danielle Collins. From the grueling realities of constant travel to the mental and physical toll that comes with being at the top of her game, Danielle opens up about the challenges that fans rarely see. In this exclusive interview, she discusses the intense pressure, the importance of passion on the court, and her journey from college athlete to top-ranked professional. Danielle also shares her personal battles with endometriosis, the decision to retire and focus on family, and her thoughts on how tennis culture could evolve for the better. This is a must-watch for tennis fans and anyone inspired by stories of perseverance and authenticity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Naomi Osaka, one of the greatest tennis players of all times, delves into her journey from a young girl following her sister into tennis to becoming a professional athlete. She shares insights into the pressures and expectations she faced, the support from her family, and her unique upbringing without attending a physical school. Osaka reflects on her rapid rise to success, her battles with mental health, and the impact of social media on her well-being. She discusses her decision to take a break from tennis to find her identity outside the sport, her experiences of motherhood, and her plans for returning to tennis. Throughout the conversation, Osaka emphasizes the importance of love, family, and resilience, offering advice to young athletes and highlighting the need for a healthier, more supportive environment in sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Brazilian tennis star Luisa Stefani! In this episode, Luisa shares her story from discovering tennis as a child in Brazil, to making tough decisions about her career, and ultimately winning Brazil’s first Olympic medal in tennis at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.Hear her candid thoughts on balancing education with sports, the challenges of transitioning to professional tennis, and how she overcame a major injury. Luisa also offers valuable advice to aspiring athletes and reflects on her hopes for the future, including the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation with one of the brightest talents in doubles tennis today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Maria Sakkari joins Caro and Borja to discuss her tennis journey, from playing with her grandfather to becoming a top-ranked player. She talks about her family’s tennis legacy, challenges in Greece, and pivotal career decisions. Sakkari shares her thoughts on handling pressure, dealing with criticism, and the importance of mental health. She also reflects on her favorite memories, Olympic experiences, and future aspirations, highlighting the value of hard work and balancing personal and professional life. This episode offers an intimate look at Sakkari’s dedication and resilience in tennis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with tennis legend Ivan Ljubičić, who shares his incredible journey from a war-torn childhood in Bosnia to becoming one of the top players in the world. Ivan discusses the pivotal moments in his career, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. He opens up about the support of his family, the critical decision to retire, and his transition into coaching and management. As a coach, he worked with Roger Federer for many years. Ivan also offers profound insights into the role of parents in nurturing young athletes and the importance of balancing professional and personal life. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that delves deep into the life of a tennis great. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Victoria Azarenka, a top tennis player with a career spanning two decades, shares her compelling journey from her early days in tennis to becoming a professional athlete. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from junior to professional tennis, the immense pressure and self-doubt she faced, and how she found joy in the game again. Azarenka also delves into the transformative experience of motherhood, its impact on her career, and her dedication to improving the sport for future generations. Her reflections on resilience, curiosity, and the importance of a supportive environment provide valuable insights for aspiring athletes and fans alike.This episode is brought to you by GoParity:Ever wondered where your bank savings are really going? With Goparity, you have the power to ensure your money supports positive change.This episode is sponsored by Goparity, an impact investment platform that has enabled more than 35 million euros in funding for sustainable projects in 18 countries across 3 continents. You can earn up to a 9% return, all while creating a positive impact in the world.And here’s a special offer for our listeners: Goparity is giving 20 euros to everyone who signs up, no strings attached. Just register using the link in the episode description or visit goparity.com and add the code TENNISINSIDER after signup.Make your money count for the people and the planet with Goparity.Register using the link https://shorturl.at/uQkmo to earn 20€ in your first sustainable investment with Goparity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Borja and Caro interview renowned tennis coach Patrick, who shares his journey from a shy child passionate about tennis to founding his own academy at 26. He emphasizes the importance of passion, confidence, and competitiveness in tennis, drawing on experiences with top players like Serena Williams and Coco Gauff. Patrick discusses adapting tennis to attract younger audiences through UTS (Ultimate Tennis Showdown), a dynamic format for modern viewers. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of empathy and mental resilience in coaching and achieving success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 5, Andrey Rublev delves into the mental and emotional challenges of recovering from injuries, which reshaped his outlook on tennis and life. He reflects on the importance of gratitude, the influence of his long-term coach, and his ventures beyond the court, including his own foundation and clothing brand. This episode highlights Rublev's journey from a junior talent to a resilient top professional, emphasizing personal growth and a deep appreciation for the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alizé reflects on her tennis career and the challenges of balancing professional pressure with personal well-being. She discusses the crucial importance of mental health for athletes and shares her journey through struggles with identity and depression, influenced by the demanding nature of competitive sports. Alize credits her family for their support and acknowledges recent improvements in mental health awareness in sports. Additionally, she expresses regret over certain career decisions, particularly regarding scheduling. The episode is particularly notable as Alize announces her retirement, marking a significant transition in her life and emphasizing her message of resilience and the need for joy beyond one's professional endeavors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.