Going Pro by ATA

Going Pro by ATA

Going pro means ‘in motion’. In the process moving towards a better future, it is daily practice of focusing on ‘the process’ instead of focusing on where you want to end up. This doesn’t simply have to be related to tennis; it can be for all athletic pursuits, in business, in relationships or life in general. Through conversation we'll be telling stories and extracting practical tools to help people with their growth and how to move towards lasting change for the better.

  1. 23 HR AGO

    EP058: Katie Swan’s Comeback: From Injuries & No Ranking to Fighting for Grand Slams Chances Again

    British tennis player Katie Swan opens up about one of the toughest periods of her career — battling chronic back injuries, dropping out of the rankings, losing financial support, and questioning whether she would ever return to professional tennis.After reaching a career-high ranking near the Top 100 and competing in Grand Slam qualifying — including Wimbledon — Katie found herself sidelined for over a year, playing just two tournaments in 14 months. At one point, she had stopped training and taken a coaching job in the US.In this honest and revealing conversation, Katie discusses: Managing long-term back injuriesThe mental toll of setbacks and “PTSD” from pain Starting again with zero ranking at $15K ITF events The financial reality of professional tennis Differences between the men’s and women’s tours Learning to accept where you are Reigniting belief after almost quitting She also shares insights into her playing style, match toughness, adjusting tactics mid-match, and how she rebuilt her ranking in 2025. If you're an aspiring tennis player, coach, or athlete navigating setbacks, this episode is full of perspective and resilience.🎾 Hosted by Luke Sebastiani 🎙 Going Pro Podcast #KatieSwan#TennisComeback#ProfessionalTennis#Wimbledon#GrandSlam#ITFTour#TennisPodcast#WomenInSport#InjuryComeback#GoingPro 0:00 – Career-high ranking, injuries & almost quitting 3:30 – Managing pain, setbacks & rebuilding mentally 6:00 – Starting again from $15Ks with no ranking 9:00 – Match toughness, tactics & adapting mid-match 11:30 – Men’s vs Women’s tour differences 13:00 – Financial realities of professional tennis 17:00 – Reigniting the fire & chasing Grand Slams again

    20 min
  2. 25 JAN

    EP057: Rinky Hijikata: Inside the Mind of an ATP Pro | Clay, Grass, Pressure Moments & Tour Life

    Rinky Hijikata joins Going Pro by ATA for an in-depth conversation on what it truly takes to compete on the ATP Tour.In this episode, Rinky opens up about:Life on the ATP Tour and why there are no easy matchesHis development across clay, grass, and hard courtsHow he handles pressure moments and stays clutchThe importance of serve, scheduling, and long seasonsBuilding a clear “brand” of tennisLessons from his coach Mark Draper (Shark)Wimbledon doubles success and representing Australia in Davis CupWhy staying healthy is his biggest focus moving forwardThis is a must-watch for:🎾 Aspiring juniors🎾 College & Futures players🎾 Coaches and high-performance environments🎾 Anyone curious about the reality of professional tennisRinky’s ability to explain the mental, tactical, and physical demands of the ATP Tour makes this one of the most insightful episodes we’ve released.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and experts inside elite tennis.0:00 – Introduction & Rinky’s ATP Tour experience0:32 – “There are no easy matches on tour”1:09 – Why he committed to developing on clay2:38 – Learning point construction & court craft3:41 – Biggest improvements in his game this year5:19 – What separates the very best players6:10 – Scheduling, surfaces & mini peaks8:44 – Working with coach Mark Draper (Shark)11:59 – Defining Rinky’s “brand” of tennis13:18 – Staying clutch in pressure moments17:22 – Wimbledon doubles & Davis Cup moments19:09 – Injuries, health & goals moving forward#RinkyHijikata #ATPTour #ProfessionalTennis #AustralianTennis #GoingProByATA#TennisPodcast #ATPPlayers #TennisMindset #TennisDevelopment #HighPerformanceTennis#TennisCoaching #RoadToATP #EliteTennis #TennisLife #DavisCup

    21 min
  3. 1 JAN

    EP056 - “When I retired, I thought life would get easier. It didn’t" - Calum Puttergill’s Comeback

    In this third conversation, Calum shares the raw reality of walking away from pro tennis, transitioning into full-time coaching, and then making the decision to come back — freer, stronger, and with nothing to lose.We dive into:The emotional weight of quitting after a lifetime in tennisBeing ranked inside the top 150 while still losing moneyCoaching juniors vs working at the “pointy end” of the sportHow time away made his tennis better, not worseThe mental freedom that comes from removing financial pressureLife on tour, relationships, YouTube, and documenting the processWhy reps, positioning, and intention matter more than talentThis episode is an honest look at the grind behind professional tennis, the unseen sacrifices, and why sometimes stepping away is the only way forward.🎾 If you love real stories about the pro pathway, this one hits deep.#ProTennis #TennisPodcast #GoingPro #TennisJourney#AustralianTennis #ATPChallenger #TennisLife#TennisComeback #LifeOnTour #TennisMindset#BehindTheScenesTennis #DoublesTennis #tenniscoaching 0:00 – Why Challenger-level tennis needs more attention3:06 – Ranked 140… and still losing money5:36 – Walking away from pro tennis7:04 – Holding players accountable to their dream10:48 – Why most players won’t become pros13:03 – The moment I knew I had to come back14:22 – How coaching changed my work ethic19:41 – Coming back and winning faster than expected20:21 – “Everything feels like a bonus now”24:25 – How the right partner changed everything32:46 – The financial stress nobody sees in pro tennis

    39 min
  4. 22/12/2025

    EP055 - How Dane Sweeny Went From World No. 700 to the Top 200 in 6 Months | Pro Tennis Comeback

    In this episode, professional tennis player Dane Sweeny breaks down the exact mindset shift that helped him go on an incredible run — winning titles, beating top players, and translating Futures success into Challenger-level wins.Dane explains why winning became secondary, how prioritising courage over fear simplified his game, and what it actually feels like to play in a true flow state. He also opens up about the influence of his dad, the technical footwork changes that unlocked his aggression, and why losing certain matches confirmed he was finally on the right path.This conversation is a must-watch for players, coaches, and anyone interested in the mental side of high performance.🎾 Topics covered:Why playing courageously mattered more than winningFlow state vs fear-based tennisHow confidence is built before results comeTranslating Futures success to Challenger levelThe difference between speed and real movementLessons from tough losses and big winsTimestamps: 0:00 – Dane Sweeny’s comeback: from No. 700 to knocking on the Top 2002:00 – Career high, confidence collapse & walking away from tennis4:05 – Time away, rediscovering the love for the game6:40 – Returning with clarity: kindness, process & commitment7:55 – Pain, breakup & the mental turning point10:55 – Tennis as self-mastery: moving toward fear, not away17:40 – Entering the zone: courage over winning21:40 – The influence of his dad & simplifying everything23:10 – Footwork, aggression & why his game evolved27:55 – Challenger success, lessons from losses & what’s next#DaneSweeny #ProTennis #ATPTour #TennisComeback #TennisMindset #ATPChallenger #AustralianTennis #tennispodcast #TennisMentalGame #FlowState #HighPerformance#ProfessionalAthlete #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology

    33 min
  5. 17/11/2025

    EP054 - The Biomechanics Behind Elite Tennis: Caroline Martin Explains the Science

    In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, I sit down with Caroline Martin, associate professor, tennis player, coach, and one of the world’s leading experts in tennis biomechanics. Her research focuses on how technique, physical attributes, equipment, and environment shape performance and long-term player health.Caroline breaks down:- Why the serve is the most biomechanically complex stroke in tennis- How to tailor serving technique to different body types- The most common biomechanical patterns that lead to shoulder, back, and wrist injuries- How coaches can develop a biomechanical eye- Why French tennis produces such diverse playing styles- The role of video analysis in player development- Practical, accessible on-court drills to improve performance- How future tennis training will rely more on data, mechanics, and individualisationWhether you’re a coach, parent, developing athlete, or tennis fan, this conversation gives you a deeper understanding of how biomechanics elevates performance while protecting players over the course of a season — and a career.🎾 If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe and Share — it helps us bring more world-class tennis minds to the show.Instagram: @caromartin_tennisWebsite: caromartin-tennis.com 00:00 Caroline's Journey into Biomechanics 02:44 The Art of Serving: Key Principles 08:11 Tailoring Serves to Player Attributes 13:32 Common Biomechanical Issues in Serving 15:49 Improving Biomechanical Awareness for Coaches 19:15 The Unique French Tennis Approach 21:37 Biomechanics Beyond the Serve 24:25 Practical Drills for Coaches 27:01 Player Engagement in Biomechanical Analysis 29:16 Future Trends in Tennis Biomechanics

    36 min
  6. 03/11/2025

    EP053 - Aryna Sabalenka’s Data Coach Reveals How Analytics Are Changing Tennis | Shane Liyanage

    When Shane Liyanage founded Data Driven Sports Analytics, he changed the way the tennis world thought about performance. In this in-depth conversation, Shane reveals how data-driven coaching is reshaping tennis — from elite players like Ons Jabeur to the next generation of athletes looking to gain a competitive edge. We discuss the evolution of analytics in tennis, how to understand player behavior under pressure, and why short points often decide matches. Shane also explains why practice must mirror match conditions, and how communication and adaptability are the true keys to success for both players and coaches. Whether you’re a coach, player, or sports performance enthusiast, this episode will open your eyes to the future of tennis — where data and intuition work hand-in-hand to unlock potential. 🔗 Connect with Shane Liyanage🌐 Website: ddsportsanalytics.com📸 Instagram: @data_driven_sports_analytics 📺 YouTube: Shane Liyanage – DDSA Performance Data Science in Tennis 🎙️ Going Pro by ATA — where the world’s best coaches, players, and innovators share what it really takes to go pro. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The Evolution of Analytics in Tennis 02:55 – Understanding Player Behavior Under Pressure 06:02 – Shane’s Journey into Tennis Analytics 08:50 – Mirroring Match Conditions in Practice 15:00 – Adapting Game Styles Based on Data 17:57 – The Success Story of Ons Jabeur 23:59 – Adapting Communication and Coaching Styles 31:13 – The Future of Player Development 37:12 – Key Performance Indicators for Young Players 43:26 – How to Get Started with Data Analytics #TennisAnalytics #ShaneLiyanage #GoingProByATA #DataDrivenCoaching #SportsAnalytics #TennisTraining #PlayerDevelopment #TennisPerformance #MatchPreparation #TennisCoach #SportsScience #HighPerformanceTennis #PlayerBehavior #FutureOfTennis #AmbidextrousPlayers

    46 min
  7. 29/10/2025

    EP52 - Inside Rackets & Strings: Adelaide’s Leading Racquet Specialists Share Expert Insights Part 1

    In this Part 1 of Going Pro by ATA’s conversation with Matt Hobba, owner of Rackets and Strings — Adelaide’s leading racquet sport specialist — we dive deep into the world of tennis gear and performance setups.Matt shares his expertise on how to choose the right racquet, the evolution of strings and materials, and what separates a good setup from a professional one. Whether you’re a developing junior, performance player, or coach, this episode breaks down what really matters when it comes to racquets, strings, and setup.🎾 In Part 1:How Rackets and Strings became Adelaide’s hub for tennis playersThe evolution of racquet technologyJunior racquets: what to use and when to upgradePower vs control: finding the right racquet for your gameThe truth behind pro stock racquets and custom setupsStrings explained — tension, feel, and spin potential📺 Part 2 coming soon 📱 Follow Rackets and Strings:Instagram – @racketsandstringsWebsite – racketsandstrings.com.au🎙️ Follow Going Pro by ATA:Instagram – @adelaidetennisacademyYouTube – @GoingProbyATASpotify – Going Pro by ATA⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Who is Matt Hobba and Rackets & Strings2:40 – How racquet and string technology has evolved7:00 – Choosing the right racquet for juniors and performance players12:00 – Pro stock racquets and what really makes them different17:30 – Why strings matter more than you think23:00 – Common mistakes players make with their setup27:00 – Final thoughts🔖 Hashtags#Tennis #GoingProPodcast #RacketsAndStrings #MattHobba #TennisGear #TennisStrings #TennisRacquet #AdelaideTennis #TennisAustralia #TennisEquipment #GoingProbyATA

    28 min
  8. 03/09/2025

    How a Random Fan & Rubin Statham Changed the Re-Stringing Landscape Forever - Birth of Pro Stringer

    What happens when a professional tennis player turns entrepreneur? Rubin Statham, former ATP pro, created Pro Stringer — the world’s most innovative portable restringing machine — now trusted by players across the globe.In this episode of Going Pro by ATA, Rubin shares his journey from the highs of professional tennis to building a business that’s set to transform the sport forever. From battling life after tennis, to finding purpose through innovation, to developing the groundbreaking Pro Stringer Cybex, Rubin gives us a rare look into the future of stringing technology and the mindset of an athlete-turned-entrepreneur.🌍 Pro Stringer Website: https://pro-stringer.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22749538536&gbraid=0AAAAA_bx-_phdj6c1NxOTUb2VHpOPGVjb&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt5l1P3mQDDxHTzKJamK9M7XfSxDrtuquvT5JM8I6JsM8F_Br4clyj0aAkdXEALw_wcB📸 Pro Stringer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myprostringer?igsh=eDliZWZlcW9pbG55🔥 Topics covered:- Memorable moments from Rubin’s tennis career- The addictive nature of competition- The origins of Pro Stringer and solving a personal problem- The challenges of product development & feedback from players- The evolution of Pro Stringer machines leading to Cybex- AI’s role in tennis and stringing technology- The importance of ownership in an athlete’s performance👉 Whether you’re a tennis player, entrepreneur, or sports tech enthusiast, this episode will inspire you with insights on innovation, resilience, and chasing purpose beyond the court.⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Memorable Moments in Tennis Career03:02 – The Addictive Nature of Winning05:48 – The Journey of Pro Stringer09:05 – The Birth of a Business Idea11:47 – Challenges and Iterations in Development15:09 – Balancing Tennis and Entrepreneurship20:53 – Feedback and Continuous Improvement26:57 – The Evolution of Pro Stringer Machines35:47 – Innovating Tennis Stringing Technology39:00 – The Future of Portable Stringing Machines44:12 – Market Competition and Unique Positioning52:14 – Investment and Development Challenges56:00 – The Importance of Ownership in Performance01:03:01 – Final Thoughts and Future Directions#Tennis #RubinStatham #ProStringer #TennisInnovation #SportsTech #TennisEquipment #AthleteEntrepreneur #GoingProPodcast #TennisLife #AIinSports

    1h 7m

About

Going pro means ‘in motion’. In the process moving towards a better future, it is daily practice of focusing on ‘the process’ instead of focusing on where you want to end up. This doesn’t simply have to be related to tennis; it can be for all athletic pursuits, in business, in relationships or life in general. Through conversation we'll be telling stories and extracting practical tools to help people with their growth and how to move towards lasting change for the better.

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