The Functional Tennis Podcast

Jonas Eriksson, aka Tennisnerd, is back for our annual racket catch-up on the Functional Tennis Podcast.
We discuss why the new Babolat Pure Aero has divided opinion, why players are stocking up on the 2023 version, and whether Wilson can take the crown in our Racket of the Year vote.
We also get into the latest from Head, Dunlop and Tecnifibre, why some pros switch back to their old rackets, and the balance between power, spin, control and comfort. Plus, Jonas talks about his Toroline string collaboration and reveals the racket he’d reach for with a big match on the line.
Plenty of racket chat to help you weigh up your next switch or appreciate what’s already in your bag.

What makes the HEAD Prestige so special, and where does it fit in today’s game?
I am joined by Max Defregger, HEAD’s Global Business Unit Manager for Tennis Rackets, Bags and Accessories, to celebrate 25 years of the iPrestige and explore the two rackets marking the occasion: the iPrestige MP 2.0 and the Prestige Limited.
Max takes us behind the scenes of bringing a classic back, explaining what HEAD wanted to preserve from the original and how the more forgiving Prestige Limited offers a modern interpretation of that familiar feel.
We discuss:
The iPrestige’s memorable 2001 season, including Goran Ivanišević’s Wimbledon triumph.
The differences between the two new rackets and who each is designed for.
Racket development, molds and professional player customisation.
Why Prestige still has a place in an era of power and topspin.
A hint of what HEAD has planned for the Prestige’s 40th anniversary in 2027.

Whether you grew up playing with a Prestige or are curious about its loyal following, this episode explores the appeal of one of tennis’s most recognisable racket lines.

Ryan Peniston left his family at just 13 years old to move to France and pursue his dream of becoming a professional tennis player. After five years there, he moved to the United States to play college tennis at the University of Memphis spending nine formative years away from home.
In this episode, Ryan reflects on the sacrifices involved and whether he would make the same decision again. He also discusses reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 123, defeating Casper Ruud at Queen’s, playing at Wimbledon and the injuries that have disrupted his career.
We also explore the financial and mental realities of professional tennis, his recovery from a lower-back stress fracture, his work with Young Lives vs Cancer and his early experiences in commentary and punditry.
Hope you enjoy!
Fabio

College tennis has never been stronger on court… but behind the scenes, major changes are happening.
In this episode, I’m joined by ITA CEO Dave Mullins to break down what’s really going on in US college tennis right now.
We discuss NIL deals, players getting paid, why some universities are cutting tennis programmes, and whether the current system is sustainable long term.
We also chat about:
Why more international players are choosing the college pathway
How college tennis is producing stronger ATP and WTA players than ever
The growing financial pressures inside college athletics
Why Olympic sports are under threat
The future of NCAA tennis
What players and parents should know before choosing the college route

Whether you’re a junior player, parent, coach, or tennis fan, this episode gives a real insight into one of the biggest shifts happening in tennis development today.

While at the Italian Open in Rome with ASICS, I got the chance to sit down with Luciano Darderi for this mini episode of the Functional Tennis Podcast.
Luciano talks about growing up between Argentina and Italy, being coached by his dad, and why his family sacrificed so much to help him pursue professional tennis. He also shares what changed as he climbed the rankings, what separates the very best players from the rest, and what it actually feels like practising and competing against players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
We also chat about Luciano becoming an official ASICS athlete after previously buying and wearing their shoes himself, and how a pair of ASICS shoes helped him through a difficult foot injury period before his breakthrough run on tour.
A short episode, but plenty of insight into life at the top level of the game.