Coach Unboxed
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Top 10 Coach Unboxed Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Coach Unboxed episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Coach Unboxed for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Coach Unboxed episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
EP3 - Kamau Murray
Coach Unboxed
11/20/24 • 54 min
Coach Unboxed EP3: Yannick chats with Kamau Murray, who is a major part of the trailblazing legacy of South Chicago tennis. They discuss Kamau’s early days choosing tennis over basketball, learning about college tennis and moving to NYC for a career in business.
Kamau talks about juggling different full-time jobs before focusing on the tour when he met Sloane Stephens. He also reflects on the importance of building trust with players and letting them lead, and emphasizes his passion for creating opportunities for minorities in tennis through his academy, XS Tennis, in the community he loves.
About Kamau Murray: Kamau is only the third African American to coach a pro to a Grand Slam title, in which he won with Sloane Stephens. A former Florida A&M student-athlete and MBA graduate, he led Sloane to the top 3 with 5 WTA titles and Monica Puig to the top 30. Kamau founded XS Tennis to guide underserved Chicago youth down a pathway to attaining a college tennis scholarship ($4.1M achieved), training more nationally ranked minority players than any other organization in the country.
Follow KamauonLinkedin andInstagram.
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Production:Unbox Sports; Location:Embarc Collective;Music:BongÔMusics
EP16 - Thomas Drouet
Coach Unboxed
03/13/25 • 52 min
Coach Unboxed EP16: Thomas Drouet, a former top junior player in France and pro in Monaco, who went from hitting partner at the Monte Carlo tournament to 3x Grand Slam winning coach. Thomas has led players to become #1 in doubles and has coached a top 10 and 4 top 25s in singles, winning 18 doubles titles including the WTA Finals and 6 singles titles between both tours.
Thomas shares his journey from France to Monaco and the transition to pros in a new country, taking on hitting partner roles in Monte Carlo. He reflects on winning Wimbledon with Marion Bartoli and the six-year work with Timea Babos that also resulted in Grand Slam wins and many learnings as a coach. He delves into exploring the balance between singles and doubles success, the cultural adaptations required in the sport, and the impact of COVID-19. He finally shares the story behind creating The Cards Challenge game and new lessons learned by coaching his son.
About Thomas Drouet: Thomas became a hitting partner to tennis legends like Federer, Nadal, Soderling, Wawrinka and Monfils in Monte Carlo while playing pros. Starting as a coach on tour in 2011, he first worked with Bernard Tomic followed by Marion Bartoli, together winning the 2013 Wimbledon title and reaching the top 10. Later on, Thomas started coaching Timea Babos, leading her from outside of top 100 to top 25 in singles and to become #1 in doubles. Thomas has also coached former #12 Qiang Wang, #55 Jaqueline Cristian, among other top players.
Beyond his discipline both on and off the court, Drouet is passionate about infusing interactive techniques into coaching. This led him to pursuing an entrepreneurial path alongside coaching, introducing the first-ever interactive tennis card game, The Cards Challenge. Thomas is a proud father and avid cyclist.
Follow Thomas Drouet on Instagram @coachdrouet and LinkedIn Thomas Drouet . You can shop The Cards Challenge on the official website.
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Follow Unbox Sports on social media for Coach Unboxed highlights: Instagram, LinkedIn, X and at unboxsports.com.
Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo
EP6 - Robert Lindstedt
Coach Unboxed
12/11/24 • 40 min
Coach Unboxed EP6: Yannick chats with Robert Lindstedt, a former #3 doubles player and Australian Open doubles champion, and now a tour coach with experience on both ATP and WTA tours. @robertlindstedt
They discuss Robert’s connection to the sport through his siblings, playing college tennis in the U.S. before considering going pro, and the work ethic he learned over time inspired by fitness. He reflected on giving doubles a chance on tour and finally winning ATP titles at the later stages of his career, followed by his biggest championship at the Australian Open. Robert also shared how good doubles communication translates into good coaching and what it's been like adjusting from player to full-time coach.
About Robert Lindstedt: Originally from Sundbyberg, Sweden, Robert played collegiately at Pepperdine University before deciding to go pro and start what would become a 20+ year career. Reaching #3 in the world, he established himself as one of the most hardworking doubles players on tour, winning 23 ATP titles as well as the 2014 Australian Open doubles championship with Łukasz Kubot.
An Olympian with 22 Davis Cup nominations, Robert concluded his playing career in 2021 and was later inducted into the Swedish Tennis Hall of Fame in 2023. He started his coaching career during his last year on tour, mentoring Denis Kudla and now working with Ajla Tomljanović, continuing to build on his passion for the sport.
Follow Robert on Instagram @robertlindstedt and Linkedin.
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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics
EP4 - Sandra Zaniewska
Coach Unboxed
11/27/24 • 49 min
Coach Unboxed EP4: Yannick chats with Sandra Zaniewska, a former pro herself and now a reference in professional tennis as one of the top female coaches on tour. Special guest: Mander. @sandrazaniewska
They discuss Sandra’s journey as a young athlete in Poland and her experiences transitioning from junior to pro tennis, traveling alone and the pressures of performance. She reflects on coaching coming naturally into her life and the importance of working with the person before the player, also sharing the stories behind her creative endeavors such as writing books and starting a podcast. Throughout, Sandra highlights the significance of human connection in coaching and the joy of the journey in sports.
About Sandra Zaniewska:As a pro player in Poland in 2009, Sandra has won 17 ITF pro titles between singles and doubles before finding a new tennis passion in coaching. She has worked with top WTA players Petra Martić, Alizé Cornet and Marta Kostyuk, also having spent two years at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and Champ’seed Foundation.
Sandra is a two-time book author (Raising Champions: The Ultimate Guide for Tennis Parents;Coaching 2.0: How to Develop Great Female Players On and Off the Court) and an advocate for women coaches and creating a healthy connection between coaches and players.
Follow SandraonLinkedin andInstagram.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxedand leave your rating and comment! Full episodes onSpotify,Apple Podcasts andYouTube.
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Production:Unbox Sports; Location:Embarc Collective;Music:BongÔMusics;Photo:Felipe Figueiredo
EP14 - Carlos Kirmayr
Coach Unboxed
02/20/25 • 50 min
Coach Unboxed EP14: Yannick chats with Carlos Alberto Kirmayr, a former Brazilian #1 player and ATP #36 singles and #6 doubles, who as a coach has guided Gabriela Sabatini, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to top 3 WTA and a US Open championship (with Sabatini). He now leads his training center mentoring future generations of players and coaches.
They discuss Kirmayr’s California college tennis days, the challenges of “going pro” back in the ‘70s and enjoying tennis as a lifestyle on tour and in the later years as he matured. He talks about the Davis Cup making him known in Brazil, playing other legends and the natural transition into coaching pro players due to his affinity with the tour. Kirmayr shares more on building off-court dynamics that contributed to his players’ success and how continuous coaching education should be a priority at all levels.
About Carlos Alberto Kirmayr: Fondly known as “Kirma,” he has a career spanning 65+ years dedicated to tennis. He started playing at the age of 4 and at 17 set off to study in the U.S., winning several college titles. From that success, Kirmayr represented Brazil for 15 years in the Davis Cup (also as a coach and captain). He became #1 in Brazil and went on to reach #36 ATP in singles and #6 in doubles, winning 15 doubles titles and 14 runner-ups. Some of his best wins came against John McEnroe, Ilie Nastase, Ivan Lendl, among other greats.
Kirmayr eventually became a tour coach, winning the 1990 U.S. Open title with Gabriela Sabatini and guiding her, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to the top 3 WTA with combined 22 WTA singles titles and multiple Grand Slam semifinals. Fifteen years ago, Kirmayr opened this training center in Serra Negra, Brazil, offering a complete academic and tennis program for prospective college players. He has helped develop 200+ players, and also guided 5,000+ coaches through his advocacy and training, now continuing the work as the GPTCA National President of Brazil.
Follow Carlos Kirmayr on Instagram @kirmayroficial and LinkedIn Carlos Kirmayr.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxed and leave your rating and comment! Full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: CarlosKirmayr
EP9 - Kristof Vliegen
Coach Unboxed
01/02/25 • 51 min
Coach Unboxed EP9: Yannick chats with Kristof Vliegen, a former ATP top 30 who took his first player as a coach from unranked to a career-high ranking #21 and has now returned to Belgium for his next coaching chapter. @kristof_vliegen
They discuss Kristof’s unique introduction to tennis and his development as a junior just having fun with the sport. Kristof shares his pro experiences from Futures to the Davis Cup to reaching high rankings before being told an injury would not allow him to play anymore. He reflects on taking the entrepreneurial route by chance and eventually finding his way back to tennis through coaching guiding a few promising young players. Kristof also shares insights on his new coaching role and what it means to be back to his roots coaching a fellow Belgian.
About Kristof Vliegen: He reached career highs of #12 in singles and #4 in doubles ITF world rankings, winning the Wimbledon Boy’s doubles championship and making it to the quarterfinals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Transitioning into the ATP tour, he became a top 30 player and represented Belgium for eight years in the Davis Cup.
In 2012, Kristof started what would become almost a decade-long partnership with Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor, taking him from unranked all the way to #21 ATP with multiple titles. He has recently started coaching fellow Belgian Zizou Bergs, and he is also the director of a tennis, paddle and squash club in Belgium, BATD.
Follow Kristof Vliegen on Instagram @kristof_vliegen and LinkedIn.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxed and leave your rating and comment! Full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Follow Unbox Sports on social media for Coach Unboxed highlights: Instagram, LinkedIn, X and at unboxsports.com.
Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo
EP17 - Peter Lucassen
Coach Unboxed
04/11/25 • 40 min
Coach Unboxed EP17: Peter Lucassen, now coaching Botic Van de Zandschulp and having coached multiple top 30, 50 and 100 ATP players, as well as top ITF juniors. Peter played professionally and also collegiately at the University of Southern California, helping secure NCAA team championships.
Peter shares his journey from winning teenage years to challenging pros and his eventual transition to college tennis at USC, finding great success. He reflects on becoming a coach as he finished his studies while also starting his own tennis academy in California. Peter highlights his USTA work with some American greats and the building character while taking ownership of your journey. He closes with moving back to Amsterdam, his partnership with Botic and emphasizes family support and team communication in balancing a coaching career and personal life.
About Peter Lucassen: From the Netherlands, Peter Lucassen won the Dutch national championship in 14s and 18s, also reaching world #36 as a junior. He was ranked ATP #541 before accepting an offer to play two years of college tennis at USC. With his team, Peter won the NCAA Division I team championship and then helped the team as an assistant coach in winning two NCAA team championships in 2012, while founding Baseline Tennis Academy.
Now coaching Botic Van de Zandschulp, Peter has coached on tour for over a decade, working with top players including Ryan Harrison (#40), Steve Johnson (#37), Gael Monfils and Hailey Baptiste. He also guided Ernesto Escobedo from early juniors to #67 ATP, also having worked with talents like Fritz, Giron, among many others through the USTA development program. Peter is a proud husband and father of two.
Follow Peter Lucassen on Instagram @petertjelucassen and LinkedIn Peter Lucassen .
Subscribe to Coach Unboxed and leave your rating and comment! Full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Follow Unbox Sports on social media for Coach Unboxed highlights: Instagram, LinkedIn, X and at unboxsports.com.
Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo
EP8 - Claudio Pistolesi
Coach Unboxed
12/26/24 • 56 min
Coach Unboxed EP8: Yannick chats with Claudio Pistolesi, a former world # 1 ITF junior champion and top 100 pro player, former Davis Cup captain and now a top reference coach on both ATP and WTA tours.
They discuss Claudio’s early influences, as he succeeded as a world #1 junior champion. Sharing the challenges faced transitioning to the professional tour, Claudio reflects on the impact his coaches and peers had in his career, the memorable moments in the Davis Cup and team competitions, and how continuously chasing opportunities to improve his knowledge paid off with a top coaching job. He emphasizes his deep commitment to teaching and empathy towards players, as well as his focus on developing the next generation through powerful storytelling.
About Claudio Pistolesi: From Italy, Claudio was a 2x Grand Slam junior semifinalist and Orange Bowl champion, becoming World #1 ITF Junior Champion. As a pro player with top 10 wins, he reached a career-high #71 ATP singles and proudly represented Italy in the Davis Cup team for 6 consecutive years, also becoming the Italian champion in 1990.
Now a world-renowned coach on both ATP and WTA tours, Claudio worked with Monica Seles, coached Robin Söderling and Daniela Hantuchová as top 5s and multiple players to the top 50 and top 100, winning 10+ titles in the tour as a coach. He has been the captain of Mediterranean Games for Italy and captain of Hopman Cup for Italy and Japan, as well as an Olympic coach in 2012 for the Team Slovakia. Having served in many leadership roles in the ATP, he also leads Claudio Pistolesi Enterprise and the Florida JTCC program, inspiring the industry through his stories.
Follow Claudio Pistolesi on Instagram @pistolesienterprise and LinkedIn Claudio Pistolesi.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxed and leave your rating and comment! Full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Claudio Pistolesi
EP11 - Fernando Segal
Coach Unboxed
01/30/25 • 47 min
Coach Unboxed EP11: Yannick chats with Fernando Segal, a renowned tennis coach and innovator in the sport, being the founder of the Segal Institute and creator-director of the World Tennis Conference.
They discuss Segal's journey from Argentina, the cultural significance of tennis in the country, and the systematic approaches he has implemented across the world to develop players and coaches. Segal emphasizes the role of coaches in personal development, focusing on the emotional aspects of the sport while also addressing the challenges tennis faces in attracting and developing new talent. He concludes with the beginnings and impact of the World Tennis Conference, highlighting the transformative power of tennis when shared in scale.
About Fernando Segal: From Argentina, he has led his players to 16 junior Grand Slam championships and to become top 100 ATP/WTA. With his methodologies, he has trained more than 3,000 coaches through workshops, clinics and his influential roles in tennis federations globally.
Currently, Fernando is the creator-director for the World Tennis Conference (WTC5 taking place March 27-30, 2025) and GPTCA National President for Argentina and Chile. As an entrepreneur, he has founded the IDTC Academies and the Segal Institute aiming to develop and impact the tennis industry at scale. Alongside his success on the court and business, Fernando has written 12 books on different topics of the sport.
Follow Fernando Segal on Instagram @fernandosegal and LinkedIn Fernando Segal.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxed and leave your rating and comment! Full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Follow Unbox Sports on social media for Coach Unboxed highlights: Instagram, LinkedIn, X and at unboxsports.com.
Production: Unbox Sports; Location: Embarc Collective; Music: BongÔMusics; Photo: Felipe Figueiredo
EP13 - Bjorn Fratangelo
Coach Unboxed
02/13/25 • 49 min
Coach Unboxed EP13: Yannick chats with Bjorn Fratangelo, a former world #2 junior and top 100 ATP player, now coaching the newest Australian Open champion and once again top 10, Madison Keys. After a successful junior career winning the Roland Garros Boy’s title and Challenger tournaments at the pro level, Bjorn made the difficult decision to retire from playing due to an injury. Taking on a new tennis path by coaching his wife, Madison, he now finds himself in a position highly seasoned coaches still dream of: a Grand Slam champion.
They discuss Bjorn's family connection to tennis, the challenges he faced from very successful juniors to the professional circuit, and the importance of support systems in navigating his career. He reflects on his aspirations, the impact of his injury and how coaching became his new reality. Bjorn also talks about the dynamics with Madison and the full team, the work done before achieving peak performances and the need for a strong foundation in both personal and professional aspects of life to create more opportunities for success.
About Bjorn Fratangelo:From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bjorn started his tennis career early on being coached by his father. After moving to Florida to develop his game, Bjorn went on to become ITF world #2 and won the Roland Garros Boy’s Championship in 2011. His junior success led him to soon start his professional career and become a top 100 ATP player, winning four ATP Challenger titles and playing the main draw in all Grand Slams.
In 2023, Bjorn's struggles with a foot injury made him retire from his playing career. He then started helping out his wife and fellow pro player, Madison Keys, with her game after Roland Garros as she had recently split with her previous coach. Their long-lasting relationship off the court translated into a successful partnership on the court, together winning a few WTA titles and the 2025 Australian Open–Madison’s maiden Grand Slam–alongside a great team.
Follow Bjorn Fratangelo:on Instagram@bjornfrat and LinkedInBjorn Fratangelo.
Subscribe to Coach Unboxedand leave your rating and comment! Full episodes onSpotify,Apple Podcasts andYouTube.
Follow Unbox Sportson social media for Coach Unboxed highlights:Instagram,LinkedIn,X and atunboxsports.com.
Production:Unbox Sports; Location:Embarc Collective;Music:BongÔMusics;Photo:ATP
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FAQ
How many episodes does Coach Unboxed have?
Coach Unboxed currently has 17 episodes available.
What topics does Coach Unboxed cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Sports and Tennis.
What is the most popular episode on Coach Unboxed?
The episode title 'EP6 - Robert Lindstedt' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Coach Unboxed?
The average episode length on Coach Unboxed is 49 minutes.
How often are episodes of Coach Unboxed released?
Episodes of Coach Unboxed are typically released every 7 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of Coach Unboxed?
The first episode of Coach Unboxed was released on Nov 7, 2024.
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