Mazcast Tennis Podcast

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Mazcast Tennis Podcast 🎾 Your go to podcast for insights, strategies, and inspiration to elevate your tennis game! Hosted by Mazi Dabbagh, a coach with over 20 years of experience in Tennis at Germany’s R2S Tennis Academy, Each week, we dive into conversations with top players, coaches, and experts who share their journeys, best practices, and advice on mental and physical game improvement. Whether you're an aspiring player, seasoned athlete, or fan, Mazcast Tennis Podcast brings you insights on what it takes to win and to take your tennis to the next level. 🎾

  1. Oct 18

    Do Tennis pros REALLY train 6 hours a day? 🎾

    In This Episode:In this episode, we talk with a professional tennis player about the training habits, mindset, and coaching that helped him reach his top ranking in the ATP tour. He shares what his training looked like , six days a week, with tennis sessions, gym work, and adjustments based on how his body felt ,We discuss why players should focus on consistent routines, intensity, and reaching their personal potential, not becoming fixated on a specific ranking. Our guest also explains the value of repetition and structured drills, and why a great coach needs more than technical knowledge: they should help players feel connected to the sport and inspire a genuine love for tennis.He also shares how competing in Egypt helped him realize how important English would be in his tennis career. ⏱️ Chapters:(00:00) - Training at His Highest Ranking (01:00) - A Typical Training Week (02:35) - What He’d Recommend to a Young Player (03:15) - Believing in Your Work and Giving It Your All (04:48) - Goals, Rankings, and Pressure (06:27) - Why Routine Matters in Tennis (07:17) - Repetition, Patterns, and Favorite Drills (09:29) - His Favorite Coach and What Makes a Great Coach 📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights! https://www.instagram.com/mazcollectorpro?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&dlrf=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459 Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com

    Do Tennis pros REALLY train 6 hours a day? 🎾
  2. Oct 18

    From World No. 422 to Coaching Simone Bolelli, His Best Tennis Tips!

    In This Episode: In this episode, we sit down with Simone Ercoli, a former ATP professional with a career high ranking of No. 421 and a coach at Vianello Tennis Club in Rome 🇮🇹. Simone shares how he discovered tennis at age 10, his success as a junior including a European Under 14 doubles title and the passion that kept him practicing every day. We talk about the long term development of young players, why competing at a higher level can reveal what a player needs to improve, and how to bring real match pressure into practice. Simone shares a memorable lesson from one of his first coaches: “Tennis without matches is like poker without money.” Simone also explains why patience and solid, consistent tennis matter more than flashy shots. We finish with his advice on studying opponents and watching full matches ,not just highlights,to keep learning and growing as a player. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - Intro from Rome: Meet Simone Ercoli 01:00 - How Simone Discovered Tennis 02:00 - Junior Titles and European Doubles 03:00 - Passion, Commitment, and the Pro Mindset 04:45 - Working with Claudio Pistolesi 05:34 - Junior Training: Daily Practice and Playing at a Higher Level 07:10 - Simone’s Playing Career and the Decision to Stop 08:13 - Junior Development and Reaching Your Potential 09:17 - Tennis Without Matches Is Like Poker Without Money 10:09 - Why Solid, Patient Tennis Beats Flashy Play 10:44 - Common Mistakes Young Players Make 📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights! https://www.instagram.com/mazcollectorpro?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&dlrf=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459 Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com #Tennis #TennisPodcast #tennistips #tennisplayer #tenniscoach

  3. Oct 18

    Most Parents Don’t Realize They’re Hurting Their Child’s Tennis Career

    In This Episode:A young tennis player’s journey is rarely a straight line. In this episode, we talk with Simone about the ups and downs of junior tennis, the frustration of losing streaks, and why progress takes time, even when the results aren’t showing yet.Simone explains why coaches should prepare players for difficult moments through honest communication, and why the relationship between the player, coach, and family forms a “magic triangle” that can help a young athlete navigate challenges.We also discuss the pressure parents can unintentionally place on their children. The goal isn’t for parents to take over the player’s tennis journey, but to offer steady support, give them room to grow, and focus on questions like: Did you have fun? Did you give your best? Is everything going well with your coach?Plus, Simone shares a memorable “the cake is mine” story about ownership: coaches and families play important supporting roles, but the player remains the central figure in their own tennis journey. ⏱️ Chapters:(00:00) - A Tennis Player’s Journey Is Full of Ups and Downs(01:04) - Supporting a Junior Through a Losing Streak(02:00) - Why Progress Takes Time(03:02) - Preparing Players for Tough Moments(03:40) - The “Magic Triangle”: Player, Coach, and Family(04:07) - Supporting Players Through Wins and Losses(04:45) - Why a Player Needs to Feel Their Coach Believes in Them(05:30) - Parental Pressure and Why Young Players May Quit(06:14) - “The Cake Is Mine”: The Player Owns Their Journey(07:43) - Giving Young Players Space to Grow(08:23) - What Parents Can Ask After a Match(09:54) - Creating the Right Support System for a Junior Player(10:31) - Helping Young Players Stay Motivated📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights! https://www.instagram.com/mazcollectorpro?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&dlrf=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com #tennis #TennisPodcast #JuniorTennis #TennisCoaching #TennisParents

  4. Sep 27

    How to Turn a Losing Match Around With One Simple Routine !!

    In This Episode:In this episode, we sit down with a passionate 14 year old tennis player from R2S Tennis Academy to talk about his journey, ambitions, daily training, and the mindset he is developing on and off the court 🎾.He shares how he started playing tennis at the age of 11 after initially playing football, how he found his way to the academy, and why he now trains almost every day and competes regularly in weekend tournaments. You’ll hear about the role of his Coach has played in his development, including improvements in his forehand, backhand, and mental game. He also explains why consistent training, competition, stretching, and building the right habits are helping him move closer to his long term goals.His dreams are ambitious: becoming a professional tennis player, winning a Grand Slam title, and one day competing at the Olympic Games. Together, we discuss why hard work, patience, the right routines, and staying on the right path can create significant progress over time. The episode also focuses on one of the most important mental skills in tennis: the 25-second rule between points. He explains how he learned to manage his emotions, focus on his breathing, use the racket string ritual, and prepare for the next point instead of getting trapped in negative thoughts. He even shares a real match experience where this routine helped him turn around a losing momentum and start winning points again. This is an honest and motivating conversation about junior tennis, big dreams, daily discipline, mental resilience, and the small habits that can eventually lead to major results. ⏱️ Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Introduction (03:04) - Training Every Day and Competing on Weekends (03:44) - The Role of Coaching in His Development (04:17) - Becoming a Professional Tennis Player (05:10) - Hard Work, Daily Habits, and the Domino Effect (05:57) - The 25-Second Rule for Controlling Emotions (07:03) - Turning a Match Around With a Mental Reset (07:45) - The Racket-String Ritual and Preparing for the Next Point (09:03) - Quieting the Inner Voice and Negative Self-Talk 📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazidabbagh? Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si psln=Z2d1OWV0YXBtaGt1&utm_source=qr=dc52fb9e415b4459 Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com #tennis #TennisPodcast #tennistips #tenniscoach #TennisLife #sportsmotivation

  5. Sep 20

    The hidden difference between average and top players

    In This Episode:We continue the conversation with the Head Coach of the Junior Pro section at Vianello Tennis Club—going deeper into what actually moves the needle for junior development when matches start to matter. We open with a classic beginner mistake: playing “tight” and chasing control because of the fear of missing.You’ll hear a clear, practical breakdown of what a typical training week can look like across age groups (10U to 16U), including how they balance tennis hours with fitness—especially the emphasis on coordination, agility, and movement for younger players.We also get into competition planning: how many tournaments juniors should play per year, why the type of tournaments matters, and how coaches can aim to guarantee enough real match volume (not just entries) by mixing easier events with tougher regional/international ones.Finally, we dive into the mental game: the 25 seconds between points. The coach explains a simple framework (reaction → reset → plan → activation), why rituals work, and how breathing, visualization, and even controlled “grunting/exhaling” can help players stay loose and perform under pressure. Plus, a great “Pressure Point” practice game to simulate match tension and close the practice-vs-tournament gap.⏱️ Chapters:[00:00] - Intro[00:32] - Typical Training Week (10U–16U): Tennis + Fitness Structure[02:20] - How Many Tournaments Should Juniors Play Per Year?[02:49] - Tournament Selection: Ensuring Enough Matches [04:32] - The 25 Seconds Between Points[05:43] - The 4-Step Reset Routine [07:12] - Visualization: Replacing Negative Images With Execution[08:50] - Staying Loose: Breathing, Flow, and Avoiding Grip Tension[10:02] - Closing the Practice vs Tournament Gap[11:14] - “Pressure Point” Game: Building Mental Toughness in Practice[12:45] - Breathing Out Through Contact (Grunting/Exhale) to Stay Loose📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenniswithmaz/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com

  6. Sep 6

    The Day I Lost 10 Points in a Row... Real Path to Progress in German Tennis

    In This Episode:Julian shares his journey as a competitive tennis player and explains how he uses day tournaments in Germany to overcome match anxiety and become more comfortable under pressure 🎾. He anxiety and become more comfortable under pressure 🎾. He talks about the German LK to LK 1, and why competing regularly is such an important part of his development.You’ll learn how the German tennis ranking system works, how LK points differ from national ranking points, and how the pathway from ITF and Futures tournaments eventually leads to Challengers and the ATP Tour. Julian also explains what separates recreational players from those who are serious about progressing in competitive tennis 🧠💪.Julian opens up about his toughest losses, including a painful tiebreak collapse that nearly made him quit competing, and how he rebuilt his mindset by focusing on the positives. He also shares the story of his first major win against a strong teammate, his daily fitness routine, and the coaches who have had the biggest influence on his tennis journey.If you're a tennis player, coach, parent, or fan of competitive tennis, this episode is packed with honest stories, practical insights, ranking-system explanations, and lessons about resilience, discipline, and mental strength. Perfect for anyone looking to understand what it really takes to keep improving on and off the court.⏱️ Chapters:(00:00) - Intro(00:48) Inside Amateur Tennis Tournaments (01:14) Two Matches a Day: Tournament Life (02:39) A Message to the Academy Viewers (03:42) Back to the Tournament Story (05:40) How the Ranking Levels Work (07:16) Different Types of Tennis Tournaments (09:26) Tactics, Strategy and the Mental Game (11:39) The Toughest Loss: Double Tiebreak Heartbreak (13:55) Bouncing Back: Eight Wins in a Row (14:34) My Best Win Ever: The Dog Fight📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazcollectorpro?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&dlrf=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459 Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com #tennis #TennisPodcast #tennistips #TennisTraining #TennisCoaching #TennisLife #TennisJourney

  7. 12/07/2025

    Why You Play Amazing in Practice… and Collapse in Matches.

    In This Episode:The Head Coach of the Junior Pro section at Vianello Tennis Club shares his full journey, from being a regular club player who picked up a racket at a young age, to leading the development of serious 14U and 16U athletes. He discusses the pivotal moment he started coaching at age 19 and how he had to "fill the gap" of not being a top player through intensive study and gaining certifications.You’ll learn about his unique coaching philosophy of being an "empty page," not guided by his own experience as a player.We dive deep into the biggest challenge in junior tennis: reducing the gap between amazing practice performance and poor tournament play.The coach explains why players become great "hitters" but fail to become true "players" when the pressure hits.We break down a typical 5-day training week for their Junior Pro players, covering the double sessions of technical training, fitness, and matchplay.Plus, get the crucial rule of thumb for how many competitive matches (not just tournaments) 14U and 16U players should aim for annually.If you're a coach, player, or parent struggling with match anxiety or inconsistent performance, this episode is packed with real-world training strategies and a crucial shift in mindset regarding results and development. This is essential listening for anyone serious about long-term progress in competitive tennis. ⏱️ Chapters:(00:00) - Intro(01:21) - The Journey: From Club Player to Head Coach(02:56) - Filling the Gap: How to Become a Coach Without Being a Pro Player(06:22) - A Typical 5-Day Training Week for Junior Pro Players(07:39) - The Crucial Metric: How Many Matches Should Juniors Play Per Year?(09:12) - The "Hitter vs. Player" Problem & Solving Match Anxiety in Tournaments📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenniswithmaz/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com#tennis #TennisPodcast #tennistips #tenniscoach #TennisLife #sportsmotivation #TennisJourney #MentalToughness #WinningMindset #TennisTraining #TennisCoaching #Mazcast #juniortennis #itf #tennispodcast

  8. 11/16/2025

    Italian Coach Reveals the REAL Difference Between Tennis in Italy and Australia

    In This Episode:Marco shares his full journey as a tennis coach - from discovering his passion for tennis to developing players at competitive levels 🎾. He talks about how he entered the world of coaching at a young age, the influence of top Italian coaches 🇮🇹, and how years of experience shaped his training philosophy.You’ll learn how Marco approaches player development, what he believes separates elite athletes from beginners, and why mindset, discipline, and communication are the real keys to improvement 🧠💪.He also opens up about the challenges of coaching abroad, adapting to new cultures, the psychology behind coaching young athletes, and what every tennis player needs to grow faster on court.If you're a tennis player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with practical insights, mindset tools, and real stories from tournaments and training. Perfect for anyone looking to understand what truly drives long term progress in tennis. ⏱️ Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:25) - Why Marco Left Rome for Australia (02:24) Coaching Culture Shock (05:11) - Vianello Tennis Club (05:50) - Lessons From 6+ Years in Australia (09:05) - Marco’s Favorite Memory in Australia 📸🎧 Follow Us for More Tennis Insights! Instagram: @tenniswithmaz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pPyZaXNzxPm11rUaLeIz4?si=dc52fb9e415b4459 Email: mazidabbagh@gmail.com #tennis #TennisPodcast #tennistips #tenniscoach #TennisLife #sportsmotivation #TennisJourney #MentalToughness #WinningMindset #TennisTraining #TennisCoaching #Mazcast #italiantennis #itf #tennispodcast

    Italian Coach Reveals the REAL Difference Between Tennis in Italy and Australia

About

Mazcast Tennis Podcast 🎾 Your go to podcast for insights, strategies, and inspiration to elevate your tennis game! Hosted by Mazi Dabbagh, a coach with over 20 years of experience in Tennis at Germany’s R2S Tennis Academy, Each week, we dive into conversations with top players, coaches, and experts who share their journeys, best practices, and advice on mental and physical game improvement. Whether you're an aspiring player, seasoned athlete, or fan, Mazcast Tennis Podcast brings you insights on what it takes to win and to take your tennis to the next level. 🎾