Welcome to the 100th episode of My Tennis Journey. And what an episode it is!

In many ways, Conor Niland has had the ultimate tennis journey.

He’s taken the unbelievably hard step from promising junior to pro player. He’s played Grand Slam tennis. He’s played Davis Cup tennis. He reached number 129 in the World! Some achievement. Since retiring he’s become a Davis Cup captain.

However, what Conor has become best known for is bringing the whole journey kicking and screaming to life in an absolutely brilliant book called The Racket. A book which became the first tennis book EVER to win the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year. A book that is about the rollercoaster of tennis and the rollercoaster of life.

Whether you are a player, parent, coach or someone interested in what life is really like as a sporting professional, I reckon you’ll find the book a compelling read. And I think this podcast episode will give you a whole load to think about and reflect on. And that is why I’m very happy that the 100th episode of My Tennis Journey features Conor Niland! Enjoy.

READ MORE ABOUT THE RACKET BY CONOR NILAND AND BUY IT NOW:

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Over the past 20 years, Spanish Tennis has established itself as the World leader when it comes to producing world class players and establishing world class academies. Led by coaches like Pato Alvarez and Louis Bruguera and players like Nadal, Muguruza and Alcaraz as well as foreign stars who have trained in Spain like Murray, Spain has been a leading force in World tennis. It’s little wonder therefore that players and parents have headed to Spain to aid their players’ development at the host of amazing academies.

But what are the secrets of Spanish tennis and with powerhouses like France and Italy emerging, is Spain still as dominant as it once was and if not why not? In this episode we will find out from an absolute expert in the Spanish game. An American coach who was so passionate about Spanish tennis that he bought a plane ticket as a young man and headed to the academies of Spain where he became friends with Alvarez, Bruguera and a host of other top coaches.

I’m passionate about Spanish tennis, our boys have trained at the Ferrer Academy near Alicante and when I studied for my Level 3 coaching qualification I took the RPT course - which is a Spanish organisation. I also bought a book by today’s guest called the Secrets of Spanish Tennis and I used the drills in it to drive my coaching.

The book is now newly updated with new material including a chapter on Toni Nadal - and today author, coach and social media influencer Chris Lewit is going to share the six Secrets of Spanish tennis with you! Enjoy…

BUY SECRETS OF SPANISH TENNIS ON AMAZON UK

VISIT THE SECRETS OF SPANISH TENNIS WEBSITE

Alternatively, to get hold of a signed copy of Secrets of Spanish Tennis Volume 2 please contact Chris Lewit directly on WhatsApp on +1 (914) 462-2912.

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Back in 2023, changes were made to LTA Junior County Cup 11U-14U that undoubtedly had good intentions but have resulted - I think - in a competition that just isn’t quite as good as it used to.

The objectives behind the changes were worthy but as I hope my original blog post on LTA County Cup 11U-14U shows the actions taken are not resulting in the objective being met.

I set out to find out if County Coaches and parents of players think the same way as I do or if they believe the changes are a good thing.

To do this I put a survey live with some questions and a section where people could add their thoughts and ideas. I’m delighted to be able to share the survey results with you alongside news of my meeting with a member of the LTA competitions team and what the next steps are.

A massive thanks to each and every person who took the time to share thoughts and ideas.

Suffice to say, I see this as the beginning of a campaign for change not the end of one.

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