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Control the ControllablesAuthor: Dan Kiernan
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. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Sports, Tennis Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Zach Svajda: The Tennis Myth Buster
Episode 287
Monday, 22 June, 2026
This week Dan is joined by ATP pro Zach Svajda, fresh off a stunning run to the last 16 of Roland Garros 2026. There he beat the heat, the occasion and a host of higher ranked players before falling to eventual finalist Flavio Cobolli in a fourth set tie break. Currently ranked 69 in the world with a career high of 62, Zach is 23 and only just getting started.This is a genuinely special and emotional conversation. Zach opens up about the unconventional path that got him to top level tennis, from using a full size racket at age two to taking nearly five years away from junior tournaments, busting a host of tennis development myths along the way. Zach also reflects movingly on the loss of his father to cancer and how that continues to shape why he plays.Key talking points:Zach's remarkable Roland Garros run to the last 16 despite his lack of clay court experience.What it felt like inside the locker room in Paris the day Sinner went out.The unconventional development path set by his fatherZach talks about the impact of the passing of his father and how he carries his memory and lessons with him on court.He tells us what is was like playing Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe at the US Open.His relationship with younger brother Trevor, a rising college star, and the prospect of the two one day facing off on tour.A brilliant and honest conversation with a player on the rise. Make sure to give this one a listen.Read full shownotes here.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with us: Instagram | Website | EmailFollow Zach on Instagram: @zachsvadjaSotoTennis AcademyMentioned 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
