The Functional Tennis Podcast

Fabio Molle
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  • TENNIS
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Presented by Fabio Molle, The Functional Tennis Podcast is a downloadable audio show featuring weekly interviews with players, coaches, trainers, tennis parents and experts working at the highest level of tennis.

  1. What It Takes at U12 Level Now - Sebastian Lavie at IMG Future Stars

    2 DAYS AGO

    What It Takes at U12 Level Now - Sebastian Lavie at IMG Future Stars

    What does it actually take to compete at the top level in under-12 tennis today? In this episode, I’m at the IMG Future Stars in Greece, where some of the best young players in the world come together to compete, learn, and experience life at a high-performance event. I sit down with Sebastian Lavie to get his perspective as a coach on what’s changed over the last few years, what stands out at this level now, and what players really need if they want to progress. We talk about the level of the players, how the event has evolved, and the realities of junior development today. Sebastian’s player, Tatiana Na, also joins us briefly during the conversation, giving a small insight into what it’s like competing at this level. If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pathway in tennis, this will give you a good feel for what’s actually happening at the top end of junior tennis right now. 🎾 Check out episode 2 of my YouTube series where I test my level against better players. I take on Peter Buldorini, a 21-year-old ATP 900, in two champions tiebreaks. Watch now by tapping here.

    26 min

  2. 15 APR

    I Tried Something New… (My First YouTube Video Is Live)

    I tried something new. For a long time, I’ve talked about starting a YouTube channel where I get back on court and test myself against players better than me. The reality is, I never really had the time to do it properly. Now I’ve finally started. In this first video, I take on one of Ireland’s best players, Sinead Lohan, to see how I stack up and to explore the level difference. This is the first of many, and I’m still figuring out the format, so I’d really appreciate your feedback. You can watch the full video here

    3 min
  3. Does the Saber Improve Your Tennis? Here’s What the Data Shows

    27 MAR

    Does the Saber Improve Your Tennis? Here’s What the Data Shows

    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

    52 min
  4. Balancing Singles Ambition and Doubles Success with Marc Polmans

    10 MAR

    Balancing Singles Ambition and Doubles Success with Marc Polmans

    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: From not being in the draw to Aussie Open finalistThe difference between Futures and Challenger levelWhy ranking points at Slams change everythingHis recent racket switch from the Pure Drive to the Pure Aero and how it compares to Wilson’s “Python” prototypeWhether he’d choose college tennis if starting again todayAnd 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

    38 min
  5. Why 55% of the Top 100 Use Luxilon with Justin Van Malderen

    25 FEB

    Why 55% of the Top 100 Use Luxilon with Justin Van Malderen

    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

    39 min
  6. The new ASICS Solution Speed FF4 with Yuhi Tanigaki

    5 FEB

    The new ASICS Solution Speed FF4 with Yuhi Tanigaki

    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: How long it really takes to develop a tennis shoe from first idea to retailWhat stayed consistent from the original Solution Speed and what has evolvedThe key updates in the Solution Speed FF4 and how they affect feel and movementHow ASICS balances speed, comfort, and durability without adding weightThe role of athlete feedback, including insights from Belinda BencicDifferences between what professional players and recreational players valueWhy ASICS sees the FF4 as an evolution rather than a complete redesignWhich 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.

    31 min
  7. Quick Update from Functional Tennis

    3 FEB

    Quick Update from Functional Tennis

    A brief catchup with whats been going on at Functional Tennis Podcast breakNew Saber EditionsThe FT99New 2027 productsTariff complicationsPodcast guests

    12 min
  8. Wilson's "Pure Aero" - Racket catchup with The Tennisnerd

    18/10/2025

    Wilson's "Pure Aero" - Racket catchup with The Tennisnerd

    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

    33 min
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Presented by Fabio Molle, The Functional Tennis Podcast is a downloadable audio show featuring weekly interviews with players, coaches, trainers, tennis parents and experts working at the highest level of tennis.

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