#165: French Open 2022 Review

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Daniel Kiernan  00:09

Welcome to Episode 165 of Control the Controllables and what an amazing two weeks we've had in Paris for Roland Garros 2022.

Freddie Nielsen  00:24

There's a certain level of athlete that goes into a bracket where I will never ever underestimate them as long as they're playing because they're so good I can't comprehend what's going on so I can't even try and pretend so I just always expect that they're going to be extraordinary whether it's Rafa. Roger Novak, Kobe Messi Ronaldo, Tom Brady. Yeah. So so so when these guys are playing, I will never ever rule them out.

Daniel Kiernan  00:59

And before the event, I had the pleasure of Freddie Nielsen, the 2012 Wimbledon doubles champion, and Kieran Vorster, who the fitness coach currently to Liam broady. But as worked with Dan Evans, Tim Henman, Wayne Ferreira and so many players have over the years. And we made our picks we took some chances. We gave our opinions. And as it happens, I think we did all right this time. It's not always that our picks go to plan. And that's the beauty of tennis, isn't it? We can all have an opinion, we can all look at the form guide. But ultimately, tennis is played on the court. And in Paris. It's played on the red European Clay courts, at Roland Garros. It is it is a fantastic event. None of us picked Rafael Nadal before the event. We're kicking ourselves about that. But we talk all things French Open. If you listen to the end, you'll get a couple of opinions on who we think are the ones to watch going into Wimbledon 2022, as well. As always, we had lots of fun, love those conversations. We talk tennis. It's a sport we all love. Hope you guys enjoy it as well, but I'm gonna pass you over to Kieran Vorster and Freddie Nielsen. So Kieran and Freddie a big welcome back to Control the Controllables. And there's two very smug looking faces that I see as we, as we review French Open 2022 What are you more smug about? Swiatek and Coco Gauff Freddie?

Freddie Nielsen  02:50

Coco Gauff. I think Swiatek was the most obvious call for everybody in the entire tournament. So

Daniel Kiernan  02:59

I don't know who said it first. Was it you Vossie or Freddie?

Kieron Vorster  03:03

I said I said her first but Freddie said that's mine as well. So I had the lead but Freddie

Freddie Nielsen  03:10

It was Vossie said she was the one to watch.

Daniel Kiernan  03:15

And, and she she looked good. I actually got a bit of a shock. Because when I when I was watching that final. And obviously the tears came at the end. And actually I thought that was quite good to see as well. You know that she she certainly wasn't happy to just be in the final you know, she's got the mindset of of wanting to win, whereas maybe Casper Ruud was just happy to be in the final. I had a bit of a bit of an argument with my not an argument but a discussion with my wife about how old she was. And I said she's definitely 19 this year. And when I looked she's actually 2004 So she's still juniors. I mean, it's crazy, man. Absolutely. Because she's done she's done what a lot of the girls haven't done it seems like she's gone through the steps there. We talked about that a couple of weeks ago how you know not that so many players are a lot of players they have this one big result and then they're not quite ready for it. But she seems to have kind of progressed to to the point where that just was normal that she's going to make final of a Grand Slam. But now really really impressive. And anyone else stand out for you Vossie in the in the women's draw this year?

Kieron Vorster  04:30

Also let's not forget your some of the final doubles so I mean it was a great weekend for Coco

Daniel Kiernan  04:35

Unbelievable yeah

Freddie Nielsen  04:38

What a player what a career to come potentially. I have the waiting for

Kieron Vorster  04:44

Yeah, I agree with you, Fred, I think yeah, you know, it's just feels like she's been around like 3 or four years already and and you know, that she's still still maturing and she's getting closer and closer,

Daniel Kiernan  04:58

Speaks very well as well. And And I, I always like the speeches after, after the final you often, I do I think something often happens. And worst No, I like it. I like it I'm I'm an emotional soul. And I like the emotion that comes with it. And I think if you go back on the men's side, if you look at some of Rafa's first ever speeches, there's some great ones on YouTube where you can look at Rafa, and Roger in their first ever speeches. And basically they cried every time, you know, And now and now they're, they're polished, they're incredibly good at what they do. They're very smooth. Whereas it felt watching Iga and Coco. It was the two players that we're going to see a lot of. And, and I think there'll be some kind of funny, funny videos to look back on. Because neither of them could keep it together. You know, Iga completely lost what she was saying what was going on? You know, and it just goes to show us just two young girls out there, but 35 matches in a row. That is for Iga, Vossie, is anyone going to stop her? Is this? Is this going to be the the woman that we thought or that Xavier thought Osaka was going to be a couple of years ago when we did one of these reviews?

Kieron Vorster  06:25

Yeah, I mean, obviously, confidence is high, you know, which, you know, you can't beat from winning matches, and I think moving forward onto the grass, which I think will be an equalizer. Because other players, you know, if they have, you know, a big hit on the ball, you know, could be able to get away with points that you know, potentially on on say Swiatek's average day versus somebody having an absolute polar you know, could get the win. But yeah, it'd be interesting to see how she transitions from the cloud to the grass. How much time she takes off between now and the tournament she's gonna play on the grass or whether you know she may just pull out of everything and just do a training week before maybe play a couple exhibitions and then go on to the grass. That yeah, I mean, it'd be pretty tough to bet against at this moment in time, based based on the current run of form.

Daniel Kiernan  07:18

She doesn't win Wimbledon

Kieron Vorster  07:22

I think it'd be tough to bet against that. I mean, better in I think a lot will depend on now her preparation going in to Wimbledon. So you know, she, I would probably suggest something along the lines of just coming the week, go start practicing on the grass come in the week before, train on the grass, maybe play a couple exhibitions and then go into Wimbledon. I think you run the risk of coming in and playing Birmingham next week, it may you know may just be too soon. Straight after winning the French, literally, you know, she would have what five, five, maybe five to six days max, and then she's you know, back hitting, you know, even when you look at, Alcaraz won, you know, when when he won Stuttgart, it was two weeks before he went into to play the French. So I just I just think it's now managing her recovery. You know, and for me, for me, it's always the ability to perform is dictated by the ability to recover. And so this is the key part for her now. And then someone like you know Coco Gauff, you know, she's hitting the ball, well, she's got a big game, it will be a different ballgame on grass.

Daniel Kiernan  08:34

In terms of last year's, last year's semi finalists. When I was when I was looking this up. Only only one of last year's semi finalists made the third round this year. And that was Tamara Zidansek, it's ever changing. But it's an ever changing apart from maybe Iga who seems to be dominating. But it seems to be a period in the women's game where there's there's not a whole lot of domination happening between 2,3,4 players. So Freddie, anyone that kind of jumped at you during Roland Garros that you thought you know what this is this is this is one of the girls that I think can can make a bit of a move.

Freddie Nielsen  09:19

I mean, like you said, it's been like that for a while actually. I mean, if you go back many years, there's so many one time slam winners in the women's side and like you said, every time somebody has felt like Okay, here we go. For some reason they've dropped off, whether it be Naomi whatever she's been through, or Ashley Barty  just deciding not to play anymore. It does feel like there's a few spots for craps. In my mind, I don't think anybody particularly stood out in French Open as being Oh, here we go. There's something that might be there. For of course Coco Gauff, definitely stands out because like you said she's gone through the steps. She's shown her resilience and her ability to deal with the madness that comes with being a teenage superstar. I was like you as well, I kind of forgot how young she was. I had to look it up. And I was I mean, she was like, she could still play the juniors. I think she'll be there. Swiatek seems like she can. She's got a really solid head on her shoulders. I think those two could be dominating for a while. And then I have you mentioned her in the in the pre podcast as well, Pegula. Sorry, if I pronounced that wrong. I think she's got something. But But, but apart from that, I don't think anything particularly stood out as being anything where I would say that's definitely something to look out for. I mean, one of the names I was, I was thinking about saying last time was Kasatkina. And she turned out to have a semi final, but I just don't think there's enough. There's enough there to really cement herself and be competing for slams.

Kieron Vorster  10:54

I think Leyla Fernandez had a had a good French Open, she had a good run got to the quarterfinals, she could do something on the quickest surface, she would have got some confidence from the French and also added benefit being a lefty as well. So I think she

Freddie Nielsen  11:09

I totally agree as her being one of the definite candidates. I think that's a great shout. I'm just, I'm still yet to be convinced, you know, that, that she'll actually consistently be competing for slams, maybe it's unfair, because she's really young. And she also just got thrown into the limelight being in the final of a slam, but I think I would have liked to seen some, some more clear signs that she was, she was there to be reckoned with.

Daniel Kiernan  11:40

You make me smile, because you said how young she is. But she's two years older than Coco Gauff.

Freddie Nielsen  11:45

She's still very young.

Daniel Kiernan  11:46

She is She is the one I want it. I mention it every time. And she's clearly not quite there mentally yet. But I think in terms of game, I think she's got as much if not more game, and then the rest of them. And that's Anisimova, I think, you know, I think she I actually remember a junior Wimbledon when I was working with Panna Udvardy, who's now a top 100 player. And I watched Panna play her first first round. And pattern was about three years on, and this I've never seen a tennis ball hit like that. And she she works she will come you know I think she's she's got some personal things going on. She's she's got to mature probably a little bit more emotionally to be able to step up at a slam and, and maintain that level through seven matches. But I have no doubt that we'll see her at some point. At some point. She's going to go on and do it. But the last one before we move on to what was in another, I guess, incredible historic men's event. You mentioned beforehand. Emma Raducanu. You know, Vossie kind of laughed you off a little bit, to put it politely. And it just seemed to be quite a similar Emma Raducanu tournament again, you know, she wins a great incredibly tight match against someone with a bit of a lower ranking. And then once it starts going downhill, she she can't quite get get past that second match. And it just seems maybe she's not quite ready to repeat what we saw in New York last year.

Freddie Nielsen  13:29

No, I agree. And it seems like there's just so much going on and it seems like she's struggling for a path again. She's also very young, very young, so it might come but it just seems like this too much of confusion for lack of a better word and too little direction on the tennis.

Daniel Kiernan  13:54

I wouldn't argue with that. And moving into the men's What idiots we are, I mean, how many times can we overlook this guy you know, it's like, if we if it's looked at objectively as someone who has lost three lifetime matches, Roland Garros, he's lost one match this year too much is this year in in 2022 is one the only grand slam that happened in 2022. He's also won many Grand Slams when we've been told that he's injured or been injured. Yet every time we seem to fall for it. And none of us none of us picked Rafa to be the champion. I have to add in I did pick Djokovic to play a Casper Ruud and the final. That's my little bit of gloating

Kieron Vorster  14:52

You want points for almost now?

Daniel Kiernan  14:55

I mean, it's not, it wasn't a bad call. It was It wasn't a bad call, but we all went against Rafa What were we thinking of Ozzy? Why Why? Why did none of us see this?

Kieron Vorster  15:08

Because none of us knew hsi doctor was going to be there with him! No, I'm joking. So I think you know, he obviously had his doctor there which is helped him out immensely with his foot. We didn't hear anything about the split for two weeks but we heard a lot about it a lot of noise about his foot and also retiring before before the French so you know, whether that was just psychologically that want to talk about it, you know, and just focus on the matches Yeah, and I just I mean, obviously you know, we always say this every year he's been saying it for like the last 10 years change of the guard change of the guard. And he's just proven against all odds, you know, that he's still the man the King of clay. I think. I felt sorry for Casper going out there because he was probably a set and a break down before you even strike the ball. I think he was the occasion playing playing the guy knocked the ball, probably to a certain degree it got to him. Yeah, and it was it was a very one sided final, obviously both men's and women's one sided finals. It's quite interesting. I saw I saw a tweet I'm gonna credit Robbie Koenig for this that Nadella is 14 French opens are exactly the same amount of Grand Slam titles that Pete Sampras won across all surfaces. That's scary stuff right there. Yeah, but I had a sneaky suspicion, I thought that he may have announced his retirement with immediate effect after that. And I think the only reason why he will carry on going is that he's probably thinking Have I got a shot at the slam? And he will be one of those players, though, that if his body is not 100% healthy, he will not play Wimbledon. If he feels that his body's 100% Fine, he'll play. You know, he came into the French undercooked as well, I think it's the first year that he's played the French where he's never won a Masters series on clay. And he took a lot of time off, you know, for him a lot of time off, you know, after Madrid to I guess try and get the body right as his doctor back in New York and then you know, and then travel with his team to Paris.

Daniel Kiernan  17:16

Is it is it Friday? Is it an expectation thing and management of expectation thing? Because we we hear it a lot from Rafa you known III said it I think in Australia as well. I'm just happy to be here. You know, and it's all it's almost like he's become the master at putting a perspective on things, you know, and and I think that there's a genuine perspective that he has going on as well within his life, you know, he's genuine love for the sport in all of those bits, but he just seems to remove that additional layer of pressure that would come with it. So I guess he is smart for the way that he does it.

Freddie Nielsen  17:57

Yeah, it does take a certain amount of pressure off him. I'm not I don't doubt for a second that he does feel like that but at the same time. I mean, he's the biggest competitor in the world of tennis, he just didn't just go somewhere to make up the numbers and for for for having a nice nice trip down on the during winter. I mean, when he goes somewhere he goes because he thinks he can win let's not kid anybody. That's that's I will never believe anything else, he is too good of a plan too much of a competitor. So I think it does take a certain edge off the expectations but having said that, I think that I don't think that I underestimated the Rafa of this tournament. I think there's a there's a certain level of athlete that goes into a bracket where I will never ever underestimate them as long as they're playing because they're so good. I can't comprehend what's going on so I can't even try and pretend so I just always expect that they're going to be extraordinary whether it's Rafa. Roger Novak, Kobe, Messi, Ronaldo, Tom Brady Yeah, so when these guys are playing, I will never ever rule them out. But I just thought Novak had his number. I thought last year did a lot for Novak's confidence. I know it's been a weird year for Novak but I felt like after Rome he was in a good shape good condition and was was able to, to to build on on on absolutely unbelievable match he had last year with Rafa where he where I thought he was gonna be able to where he thought he was playing a better version of Rafa than he was gonna play this time. But I mean the level was sick in that match. I mean, absolutely insane and I think Novak played pretty well as well. So it was

Daniel Kiernan  19:57

Well he got a kicking didn't he gotta until six two three love he got an absolute kicking and it was it was it was three love double break and it was that like I've seen, Djokovic does that so many times and you knew all of a sudden he gets the three one and you're thinking and then he just goes in completely complete lockdown mode. doesn't miss a ball was hitting the ball harder I think than I've ever seen it the ball was just nailing forehands and then you go oh shit set all here. Yeah, and and I think that was the impressive thing. For me in that match. From from Rafa's standpoint. It's It felt as if that match was completely swinging Djokovic's way from nowhere. And then he just grabbed a hold of it again. And then you felt it happened and again at the end of the fourth set, and any any managed to completely grab it at the right time again. And for me, that was match of the tournament and although there's there's other talking points, and there's talking points I'd like to get into but for me that was that was absolutely match of the tournament. And and I'd like to hear your thoughts on this Vossie because I've always been a Rafa-Roger, guy on what's the best rivalry in tennis and in men's tennis and I've certainly always been a Rafa-Roger, but as I watched that match, and I believe it was the 59th time that the played each other. I sat there thinking, You know what, I think? I think now the Rafa-Djokovic, rivalry has taken over as the as the best men's rivalry and hopefully we'll get to see it a few more times.

Kieron Vorster  21:45

Yeah, I think I think it is by far the biggest rivalry in tennis, but let's make no bones about it. They hate each other. So, you know, this is like the Connors McEnroe and great it's great for tennis, but you know, when they go on the court, they want to kill each other and I don't think they you know, see eye to eye off the court anyway. So it just just adds to it that I watched I watched it to a set all and then or just before set all, I turned it off, I found I found that the pace of play between points with tediously slow and I thought that you know, I think the umpire was protecting the top players because the serve clock is at the discretion of the umpire when he starts it after the point is finished. And then also when he stops it and the rule is you're supposed to stop it when you actually start you're serving motion. But if you bounce the ball start you're serving motion and stop and re-bounce stubble you you've you've beaten this the surf club and a friend of mine complained about Rafa's slow play to the ATP and ATP events of which nothing was was done about it. And it'd be interesting I think I think there's too much ambiguity with stuff like the serve clock

Daniel Kiernan  23:03

The untouchables, Vossie, There's certain the certain people that I don't think are going to be touched in our sport and I think Rafa is certainly one of them.

Kieron Vorster  23:16

No I don't you know don't don't disagree with that make a rule if you if you can't if you can't enforce it but enforce it on on easy targets and then you know when it comes to the big you know, the big boys there the Empire is reluctant to enforce it or stop stop serve clock or starts the serve clock you know, at a time where he thinks I know he's going to be within you within the 25 seconds or 30 or 30 seconds to start serving.

Daniel Kiernan  23:43

So now I agree

Freddie Nielsen  23:44

with that and actually my I had friends who did the same I was also fuming when he played Felix and how many times feeling had to wait for Ruff and all this and there Yeah. Yeah, it's I don't think it's great either. To be honest, it does make it very slow. So I agree with you all this talk about long matches and cutting it short. Just try to implement the actual rules and let's start from there.

Daniel Kiernan  24:08

So that's the reason I was up till 2:30 In the morning watching that you got it. You got I cannot not what I apologize to all the players and parents why I was a bit grumpy last week. All of these late nights watching watching these watching these guys play. But you mentioned the Felix match. Now I think this is a real talking point because Felix's coach is Uncle Tony

Freddie Nielsen  24:31

Well, he's kind of a

Daniel Kiernan  24:33

Consultant coach

Freddie Nielsen  24:34

I was going to say

Daniel Kiernan  24:37

I'll give a quick opinion on this and then Friday I'll throw it to you. He came out and and spoke very openly about this match and about how ultimately he wants Rafa to win you know Felix, Felix knows that. He's not going to sit in the box. He'll he'll be on the court but he's not going to eat not going to get involved, you can understand you can understand those thoughts. It just, it just felt every TV station I turned on. He was he was in the public eye about it. And my opinion is a family will always come first. That's fine. But I didn't feel he needed to drill that point home as much as you seem to drill that point home. And it certainly seemed to. If I put myself in Felix's corner, I think I would have been thinking hold on mate, okay, fair enough. We've had that conversation in private. But come on, Tony, you don't need to be speaking to the global media at every opportunity on this. What is What did you think of that for anyone? And if you were in that position in in Felix's position, how would you feel about that?

Freddie Nielsen  25:53

Yeah, I don't think there's no need to say that. We all probably knew it. But probably being the word and when you're, when you're a professional, and you've hired somebody's services, when you've taken out the job with a player, and you know that he was potentially going to play your nephew. Then it just comes with certain, certain responsibilities, and one of them is to act professionally and not go out there and hope that your client loses. Like, you don't state that publicly. I think it was a weird thing to say. I would feel a little bit embarrassed if I was if I were Felix, I think it'd be like, sheesh, you don't have to rub it in my face, you know? So,

Daniel Kiernan  26:37

Because he spoke on Spanish TV, straight after the match, as well, so it was so it was on Spanish TV straight after the match. And he looked happy, he had like a smug look on his face. And again, he was giving interviews about why he didn't sit in the box and why he wanted to Rafa, to win and how Felix he gave Felix an ultimatum and told Felix that ultimately if he doesn't like that, then you can sack me but that's the way it is. You know, he was he was really making he was almost milking milking that situation. And Vossie, it ended up being a five set match and and we all know that the box power can that emotional support that you can get in a match like that can be the difference between getting you over that extra one two 3% of points to win a match like that what was your What was your take?

Kieron Vorster  27:34

Yeah, it's a nonsense I mean, I think Felix will learn from this but what he should have said you the coach for you you don't it's that simple. If I'm playing from playing you know your brother your uncle your your your your sisters on strike that it makes a difference you're in my box you you work with me full time and you know that said if it comes down to that then yeah we need to go a different ways and yeah, we're accounts you know when it's you know, when you're looking up your box you know tall and the first three are on the fifth and and your your your man's not there it's it's it's a nonsense.

Freddie Nielsen  28:10

I kinda I expected him not to be in the box though. I'm sure that when they made the agreement in the beginning he would have said just so you know, I can't be sitting in the box if you play Rafa but from there to the you say absolutely hammer the point home and rub it in everybody's faces, I think that you can just I mean, how easy is it to come out and give a nonsense political answer and so yeah, it's a tough situation. He's a good boy Felix, I had a lot of experience and, and and difficult situation and let's hope for a good match or something. I mean, it's not difficult to just give an absolute nonsense answer. You don't have to be brutally honest. Even though you feel like that, like I said, and like I said, You're you are a professional have certain responsibilities and what do you gain from it? That's, I mean, I'm sure I'm sure you don't need to prove to Rafa that you love him by going to the media. I think he knows that. So I don't really sure what what he was gaining from or doing all that, to be honest.

Daniel Kiernan  29:11

Maybe there was a bit of insecurity in there, and or maybe not maybe why, why it came out, you know, maybe there was a little bit of needle between Uncle Toni and Rafa over the last couple of years and, and he wanted to use that platform to prove his dedication to him. I guess we don't know. But

Freddie Nielsen  29:34

Maybe but at the same time, I find it difficult to believe that Nadal wasn't consulted when once you took a job on tour with Felix. I mean, it's it just seems. Yeah, it seems unnecessary.

Kieron Vorster  29:45

Yeah, no, I agree. I mean, worst case scenario, what he could have said is like even if you work with a play, just say look, if I'm playing if you're playing Rafa, I'm not going to sit in the box, but I'll be sitting somewhere but I'm still I still want you to win. That actually to come out. and say actually you know if you play Rafa I don't want you to win I want I want to refer to it that's an absolute nonsense that's that's like a football manager let's just let's just say it's Antonio Conte say play in managing Tottenham and you know they play Arsenal but he's he's he's loved Arsenal since since he was young and goes listen guys when you play Arsenal I'm going to manage you but actually want Arsenal to it, it's the nonsense. You've never I've never heard I've never heard anything in my life that that is just it's just ridiculous. And then for the press to make a song of the data, what the press should be saying is Hold on a second Tony, if you're working with your player, you should be behind him 100% We get it to a certain degree that you shouldn't be in the box. But wherever you are sitting in the stadium or wherever you are, you want your play to win. You're not you know, you're not betting against your racehorse. Just moving on from this. I think, you know, I think Nadal was lucky against Abra because as much as I don't believe he should be on the court based on his his behavioral actions in Acapulco. Obviously he's playing so we have to go with it. He was playing some really good tennis. And it was it was it was a shame that you know, he rolled us rolled his ankle, you know, as early as he did in the match

Daniel Kiernan  31:13

Three hours, five minutes. 7-6 6 all after three hours, five minutes. Imagine imagine imagine if that one had gone to five.

Kieron Vorster  31:25

It has the watermark of going to five? Yeah, you know and I just want to give a shout out to the guys at Fortis Clinic because I know the top ankle surgeon Dr. James Calder, he did Zverev's ankle he's done all the dances he also did actually did both Jodie Burrage's that I know he's flying to Munich but you should really try and look those guys up if anyone is listening on this is a top top surgeon

Daniel Kiernan  31:53

And the gloating continues. You guys were on fire with your Coco Gauff prediction. I have to say I pretty much got it spot on on the men's side. If it wasn't for Rafa taking Nova. But I don't think I agreed with you for any a couple of weeks ago when you said Holger, you said if I if memory serves me, right? You said if we're sitting here and Holger is playing Tsitsipas in the fourth round, I've got absolute confidence that Holger wins that match. And I think I might have texted you that day. I was like, he doesn't beat Tsitsipas. And he did. And it was the, he ended up having a massive breakthrough week. We'll get into the match against Casper Ruud in a minute but you saw it coming. I guess you weren't surprised?

Freddie Nielsen  32:49

No. He's played insanely good tennis. I mean, he rolled through Munich he rolled through a sphere of there the way he's striking the ball it seems like he's he's just improving so much by returning the place that also with the matchups and the way the draw when I actually ended up being for lack of better word disappointed on his behalf. I mean, not he did whatever he could and he played well, but I actually I was I had him to go to the final after. Because I thought with the way the matchups were in the way he was playing. I thought he was gonna go to the finals, to be honest and he was playing that well. I mean, he made Tsitsipas look like a bystander and at the end all he had to do was all he could do tt was put the ball in the court and run and try to make Holger not win it. So I mean, he didn't just win by accident he outplayed Tsitsipas.

Kieron Vorster  33:46

Can you just do us a favor? Just for the international listeners and all those commentators out there? How do you pronounce the second name because Wayne Rooney is the Derby County manager, not Holger Runr His name is raw now. There's a big difference between Rune and then Rooney. Yeah, its Holger Rune

Daniel Kiernan  34:15

And what is Casper's name?

Freddie Nielsen  34:17

Casper Ruud Because we got to roll a little on the tip of the tongue. I'm not great in the region, but it's Casper Ruud.

Kieron Vorster  34:24

I've got that Casper Ruud.

Daniel Kiernan  34:27

And the one thing it seems Holger doesn't seem to be shy in coming forward. You know, and obviously there was there was a lot of speculation there was a lot that there was a lot that went on, you know, the handshake. They didn't look like the best of pals at the end. There was then stories coming out that Casper it had said something in the in the locker room afterwards. What's your take on that? Vossie you like a scrap

Kieron Vorster  34:56

Yeah, I mean, I you know, I think I think we've tennis players handbags or dawn, I've only heard a few. You know a few of them. I had I had one with Marcelo Rios in Scottsdale where he told me to shut the EFF up whilst you're practicing. And I just I find the fence. I was like, come on, come over and support him. He was embarrassed like Vossie Stop was like, no, no, as I said, he's pulled up. He's gone too far here. And plus he was a prick. Anyway, first class one that I was, I wasn't holding back. And then it's actually funny that night, I was walking to dinner and I saw him coming running down and he tried to take a U turn and I went don't, you start running backwards and he came up to me. Oh, man, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't realize it was you or it made you do not speak to me or anybody like that. So yeah, I mean, any of these things, you know, I you get you get the respect in the locker room, if you stand up for yourself, and if you've got somebody who's been, you know, a mouthy prick, then you need to put him in his place straightaway so that he you know, he stops you know, I remember Lleyton Hewett played Byron Black in Indian Wells in the early 2000s. And you know, he was he was giving it someone that change is to Byron and Byron just absolutely let him rip. And, you know, that was the end of that. And I think we've all these people, you know, they're all these players, they will keep giving it keep giving it so they're told they're put put back in their little box

Daniel Kiernan  36:26

In Denmark, Freddie, what's, what's been the word obviously, I would imagine, everyone's very excited by what's happening, you know, on you. You have an exciting young male player to go alongside the exciting female players that you've had in Caroline, and then Towson as well, who's coming through? Are people talking more about the quarterfinal appearance? Or are they talking more about a little spat in the changing rooms? With Casper Ruud?

Freddie Nielsen  36:59

They talk about that a lot. And then in general, his there's been a lot of talk about his temperament. And that's obviously a shame that that takes a lot of the headlines after such an amazing result. But yeah, that has taken up a lot of the the attention and a lot of the headlines in Denmark, to be honest.

Daniel Kiernan  37:20

Yeah. I think the first thing I said to him actually, because he was on and we'll, we'll post it on a below in the podcast notes. The with the link to the podcast that we did with Holger and I think the firt one of my first questions to him was you're the most un-Danish, Danish person. You know, like when you know, you think of so many stereotypical attributes and characteristics that go with Danish people. And, and yet, he seems to be very much a black sheep with that, you know, someone who, from a very early age has stated very clearly, the journey that he's going on, doesn't seem to be afraid to say what he thinks doesn't seem to be afraid to go head on head on with people. And I'm sure within time, he will he will find his is right place within within the tour. For me personally, I think it's, I think it's great that we've got a new character in town. You know, we got someone who's, who's not afraid to, to put it to these guys. You know, he's not afraid to say you know what, I'm here. I'm here to stay. I'm here to take you guys on and I think we'll remember this Roland Garros as as the birth of Holger, you know, just everyone was talking about Carlos Alcaraz, who is exactly the same age 2003 born and and they both made the quarterfinals. They they both have have incredibly exciting careers ahead. And I for 1 am going to be really watching out to see how he develops over the next 6, 12, 18 months. But I think 28 in the world already. You know, he's, he's arrived. He's there. And I think he's noticed there,

Freddie Nielsen  39:08

He's arrived and he's only gonna get better. I mean, the guys that good, and it's true. It's very un-Danish, we're the way we're brought up in Denmark is very anti athletes, because you're basically we have this moral code ethics code in Denmark called the Yendor law, which basically states you're not better than anybody else. Don't think you're anything special. And that obviously goes against everything you need in sports, where you got to believe that you are something special and that you're better than everybody else. And I think an important thing to mention with Holger is that he doesn't have an agenda by saying what he says he's not out to to stir the pot. He's not out to be rude. He's not out to be promoting himself. He genuinely just believes what he says. And I know that some of the goals he set for himself had been met with? Yeah, some have laughed at it. Some have thought they were ridiculous. I myself didn't really know what to think. Because they didn't, they did seem pretty quick. So my first instinct was like, Well, that's pretty quick. But my other instinct was always this guy is exceptional. I don't have any experience with exceptional people. So when these exceptional people are doing exceptional things that they can understand that I can't understand, as you probably just let them do the exceptional things. And then, I mean, whatever I think is gonna happen. You know, that's probably one of my limitations. So I shouldn't try and force my own physical limited or psychological limitations onto somebody who doesn't happen. But the ironic thing is, he's probably quicker than all his ambitions. Like he's all his goals. He's reached quicker than he stated, which is incredible, really. So so. And that's what I mean, he says it because he believes that and he makes it true. And that's also why I have I have completely surrendered to him because he just delivers. It's kind of like, he's kind of like Zlatan in the same way that.

Kieron Vorster  41:18

Sorry, even though he had his goal set too low.

Freddie Nielsen  41:22

Yeah. But if that goes too low, then Oh, my. But okay. Zlatan is a little more tongue in cheek does with a Clemson but he has that same belief. A Scandinavian who stands out maybe Haaland has that in Norway and, and it stands out more in Scandinavia, but at the same time, they say it because they believe it, and they pack it. So it's easier to to get behind it, when when they pack it with performances. And so far, he's done that. And, and when you keep delivering and playing tennis like that, and the way I see it, from my perspective, is that there hasn't been any flukes, they've just been matches a really high level where, like I've I've reached the point because the way he placed me is a little bit like no bag, in that he doesn't really have a hole in his game. And now he's gotten more offensive. I genuinely don't, under I don't, every time he goes into a match, I don't expect him to lose, I can't see how he's going to lose, because he's so good. So he's a very remarkable kid. And also when you have this kind of attitude in Denmark, a lot of people kind of like that in Denmark as well, because we're not used to it. And a lot of people think that are tired of that old Danish humbleness and stuff and want a little bit of a guy who comes and say, Hey, I'm here, and I want to make it and whatever you think, I don't care. And so far, I don't think he's been rude about it or been an asshole about it. He's just been very ambitious. And so far, he's back. And so I think you gotta give him credit for that

Kieron Vorster  42:49

whole thing. That's what makes this sorry, I just think what makes those guys that great is, is they walk the walk and talk the talk. You know, obviously, if there was setting saying something, and they're not hitting it, you you'd basically say, they are bluff that these guys, these guys are the real deal. And that's why they are who they are.

Daniel Kiernan  43:11

Well, there's plenty out there that are seeing it. That are bluffs. You know, that's, you know, our focus goes on to the ones that are able to back it up. But I mean, I just need to go into my into my mailbox to read an email that I get from players or from coaches, nevermind all the Federation's and the academies in the world that get it so it's, it's nice to see someone be backing it up. I still have an inkling that I'm not sure what's going to happen when it does plateau. And that might be at three in the world for the world five in the world, Canada world. Because he doesn't seem to be someone who ever loses in his head. You know, there seems to be I lose a match it's it's because of that and he distracts with different things is a gut feeling I have but I don't think that's going to happen for a while. But I the adversity that will undoubtedly come at some point, I guess will challenge him as it will always challenge newcomers onto the onto the tour but without question. Without question, Freddie, you've got a you got a superstar in the making for it in Denmark and, you know, for all any Danes listening, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy the ride. You know,

Freddie Nielsen  44:28

I was asked I was asked about about this in the intermediate and Denmark a lot about AC here to stay and stuff and I genuinely believe that. So, for the next iffy, we obviously hope that he stays healthy. Who knows what's going to happen? For the sake of argument, you say he stays healthy. We have about 10 Maybe 15 years of Grand Slams where you have a guy and a girl potentially being able to make read to you so you have Danish players to root for We're in the men's and the women's side that can genuinely compete with the best in the world and it's unheard of. It's like the glory days we've had extremely good players. We've had a world beater a world star and Caroline. But on the men's side we haven't had a world beater since can solve some sins my granddad. Well, Kenny Carlson was very good. But we've never really had the had the impression that he was gonna win a slam. That's one point, we

Daniel Kiernan  45:29

Had a Wimbledon champion out of Wimbledon champion in 2012,

Freddie Nielsen  45:32

Doubles, doubles. But so that's really fascinating times. It's unbelievable. And they're, I mean, they're not supposed to peak until like five or six years from now. So but you remember

Daniel Kiernan  45:43

Andy Murray like Andy Murray and and I, I remember it so it was 2006 I believe so it was Murray was 19. So same age is Holger and the opinion of Murray at that stage was he was a grumpy grumpy bastard who hated England because he made a comment about wanting England any anyone to win apart from England.

Freddie Nielsen  46:10

Don't run away with that, that was tongue in cheek it was done it was funded by the effects gotten where in in the World Cup

Daniel Kiernan  46:17

but that's my point. It was tongue in cheek. But my point is the perception of Andy Murray age 19. to fast forward, fast forward however many years 17 years and 16 years, and we're talking now about someone who is a global ambassador is is the voice is the voice of equality is the voice of you know, women's tennis is funny, he's entertaining, is is dry people. People love listening to him. You know, so a lot lots can happen in a career. And and you know, and I guess it goes back to, to what I said earlier about Iga and Coco, with those with the speeches that they give, you know, we're talking about young kids here. You know, I think it's fascinating to see how they, how they all develop and, and I think Holger is another one but while we're on exceptional people i i have to mention as well and we had Gordon Reid the wheelchair tennis player training at the Academy before the French Open and it was amazing just to see him in action, you know, to see, you know, they say Rafa in a wheelchair, you know, the racquet head speed, the way that he was with everybody at the Academy, and himself and Alfie Hewett won their 10th consecutive Grand Slam, you know, doubles. And I said to Gordon when I when I was speaking to him when I was introducing them to, to my kids and to some of the kids at the academy. I said, so come on, Gordon, how many This was before the French I said, I said how many Grand Slams Have you won now? And he said, Oh, I don't know, actually, and the you know, extremely humble, but it's actually his, it's his 21st Grand Slam, that he that he's won, you know, I believe that's 19 doubles, Grand Slams to two singles. So a big well done to them and all the other winners. And you said doubles shovels but also shout out the doubles. I think you know someone who Freddie me and you know, know very well and back to my college years. John Julian Roger. Age 40 getting getting another another Grand Slam title. And and I believe from from what from what I've heard he's, he's one of the oldest to, to have done. But even more than that, his partner Aravallo. Is is the first man from Central America to ever win a Grand Slam title so and they save match points in the final. Doubles seems to keep on giving and it seems to be getting older. You know, it seems to be your Rohan Bopanna and a good friend of ours. 42 years old. I was a heartbreaker like Lloyd Glasspool. A guy who I've coached for many years served for the match against them, but Rohan at 42 Making the semis as well. But it just seems to like so many of these are just going on and on and on. But incredible to see.

Freddie Nielsen  49:15

Absolutely. And you mentioned Jules very very fit very serious. So he's in great condition. After he split up with his longtime term partner to cow he's been a little bit all over the place struggling to find his way changing partners changing returns side. But when he when he teamed up with Aravallo He I had a good feeling about it on his behalf. I thought that was a great match, or well it was a great player to have the Spanish speaking connection. But then they started the year in the wrong sides. Where everybody was like what are you guys doing? I really play the right side. So so straight and open. They were like a revolver was kind of because I think it was July we pushed it and they were like alright, we should probably go back to the other side. Yep, Please do. Since then they've been doing great. And it's a really good matchup, you got the experience, you got the, the guy who has the intensity, the physicality and He's so serious Aravallo I'm not surprised he's done this for himself. Such a good worker, never puts in a poor day, always gives it the most. So I have a lot of time for those two are genuinely happy for them that they won.

Daniel Kiernan  50:25

And then we had French winners in the women's side as Caroline Garcia, and Christina Miladnovic went on to I know, we mentioned it before Coco golf. But those those are two extremely talented girls fuzzy as well. And it's, it's nice. It's always nice when somebody from the home from the home country wins the Grand Slam.

Kieron Vorster  50:48

Yeah, it's I mean, it's, it's, you know, we obviously saw that that, you know, the massive hype with Kokkinakis and Kyrgios in Australia, what they brought, yeah, 100% Garcia has been around quite a few years now. So it's great for, you know, the French, French bars and crafts, and for French tennis for them to win the slam.

Freddie Nielsen  51:10

Can I make one point with a doubles, as you mentioned, as well, of course, they all stay in shape. But I just want to mention as well that there is once you get up in the rankings, the way the ranking points system is, it's much easier to stay up than it is to get up I mean, the men's doubles ranking. It's so difficult to climb that once you've made it it's fairly difficult to drop off and you can see both Bopanna and Roger they had for their standards pretty average years last year and they're still seated in the in the grand slams and stuff so so there is something with the ranking that also prolongs the players Korea's because they're in the Master series to have the quick points just a point not not to take anything away from their you know, their performances of course, but but but but it does help out.

Daniel Kiernan  51:59

Well, well said. But as we know as we move, I hope that we will get we'll get the panel together and you know, we've again pushed to get a female voice on the panel but unfortunately not able to do it on this occasion. But we'll try and get that together for Wimbledon. But just in case just in case one of you or both of you have other engagements when we do it. Give us give us your shoutouts for Wimbledon we're we're closing in on it the grass was seeing the grass got pictures Surbiton was last week. We've got we've got the green grass on, on all our social media platforms, you're seeing it everywhere. Pushing your vase, give us a men's winner women's winner.

Kieron Vorster  52:46

Oh, I'm not gonna go for the obvious on the women's side. I'm going to stick with my race racehorse Coco Gauff. I think she she's going to do do some damage. And my outside pick is Leila Fernandez. I would like to see Ratnakar to do well, but I just can't see it. I think this there's too much noise around her. There's not enough. I call it the three S's I call it safety, stability and security. And the safety is for her to be as normal as she can around the people she's surrounded by and if she's looking for a fourth coach and he or she can't. So the security is obviously being protected. I think in hindsight over the year, I don't think she's been protected. You know, she's done too much too quick. And she was you know, she carried on the way she was doing it. She was always gonna be get to do that stuff. But it's she's crammed in a year what some people do in 10 years. And then obviously, the stability, which is from a woman's perspective, I think stability is key is she's basically been in an unstable tennis relationship since Wimbledon last year. So yeah, I'd like her to do well, but I just I just can't see it. There's too much noise too much noise. So yeah, I'm going outside picks Leila, my pick on the women's side, it's going to be Coco gauff. On the men's side,

Daniel Kiernan  54:25

Just quickly Vossie and just quickly. Even the fact that we can't ever do a podcast without speaking about Emma Raducanu says everything you need to know about about the noise around Emma Raducanu you know she's she's become a superstar and she's she's a she's a talking point she's someone that yes people want to see do well but people want to talk about you know,

Kieron Vorster  54:52

I'm going to stop you there. You know we the noise around Raducanu right now is the noise for the wrong reasons. Why are we talking about are we talking about it from making bad decisions. And so, you know, we're not talking, you know, we're talking if we spoke to after the US Open the day after the US Open, we're talking about Emma Raducanu. And the amazing feat that she had just achieved over the last 14 days, 13 days with a coach who started after Wimbledon, and has created security, safety and stability. And with all those three assets, she's just put an absolute bomb on it and exploded it overnight. And so the stability, the safety, the security, that whole net that she had, has gone. And then it's rebuild. And then the the bullshit that she came out within said that I'm looking for a coach that that has, has been there, done that got that, you know, and has taken somebody to the top. And then where she said that and there's now you know, got somebody and no disregard at all what you know, he's the nicest guy and I get on great with Jim Bates, you know, in basis on the court poaching. He, he hasn't worked with anybody.

Daniel Kiernan  55:59

So so my, my point is, Leila Fernandez, Bianca Andreescu. You know, the these type these type of players, we almost wouldn't even know what they're doing with their coaching setup, because they haven't elevated themselves to being a superstar. You know, and I think, you know, Emma with the way that she looks with the, with the fact that she's the speaking Mandarin, you know, that the star factor, the X factor that she's got, as almost taken her to a level outside of the sport of tennis in terms of her superstars. I mean, I was watching that some of the Jubilee this weekend. And, you know, but people are giving their messages to the Queen. And it's David Beckham. And it's Elton John. And it's Emma Raducanu, you know, it's not Andy Murray. So I think she's gotten to that stage now. Where she's elevated, so quickly, elevated into that limelight, that I think we will then have the microscope. I agree, there's things that could have been done better. But there's also I'm sure things that could have been done better with many, many tennis players that none of us are even mentioning.

Freddie Nielsen  57:15

But also you guys are living in England. So you're gonna have much more stories you say, Andrea? Maybe you know more about her if you live in Canada? Yeah, I don't know what the Americans it's a big thing in England, because obviously the process always beginning and so don't underestimate that as well.

Kieron Vorster  57:34

Yeah, you're absolutely right. But But what we're talking about press conference today we're talking about it's like, you know, what's happening with your coaching setup, and he's like, I'm fine. I'm in no rush to find a coach. I've got the same people around me, you know, that, you know, I'm happy and I'm plodding along. It's a nonsense, it's a nonsense, you know, you've got you want to stay there and you want to be the best that you can be, which she's no doubt she has the talent and the abilities is one of the brilliant newest. But, you know, she's to to act in a you know, in a very quick way. And I think I think, you know, you've got to be careful of, you know, the advice that she's been given maybe you know, from her father make her as much money as you can as as quick as possible. And if that if that's the remit then they're doing a great job. But you know, she could be the Forgotten woman in in 10 months time you know, when I say that she you know, she could drop to off to a circus, you know, she doesn't have a good run, you know, between 80 and 100 look at Naomi Osaka, Genie Bouchard you know she's she's living the dream so I just yeah, you just got to be you've got to be managed got to be careful and you know, make make the best decisions for the longevity of her tennis career with a no doubt she has an abundance of talent to do because you don't just want to use open abundance of talent to do Yeah, it's just just just got to carry on you know, what she needs to do to stay there because she talks about a trajectory I'm on this trajectory well the trajectory my prayed young lady, you there you don't know how you got there. You there. Now you need to know how you stay there. And that's the key. And that's what that's what that's what no one no one's getting just yet. So it's just frustrating to watch

Daniel Kiernan  59:29

Your men's pick

Kieron Vorster  59:31

up so on the men's side. Yeah. I think Shapavalov is you know, Lefty on grass difficult in made semis last year.

Daniel Kiernan  59:43

A left field lefty

Kieron Vorster  59:45

A left field lefty Yeah, so I'm going you know, shut up off. It's just obviously part of conference a good friend of mine, Jamie Delgado, but I think he's, he's got the ability and definitely the skills to do uh yeah I think Denis could also do some damage there room Yeah, I think he could

Freddie Nielsen  1:00:16

Ruining his name now

Kieron Vorster  1:00:18

Rona Rona and Casper Ruud. Yeah so I'm gonna go so what I'm going to do I'm gonna go shuffle off as as my my want to win and my outside pick is going to be Felix both Canadian.

Freddie Nielsen  1:00:40

Three out of four of your pigs and Canadian

Kieron Vorster  1:00:46

Canadian nationality

Daniel Kiernan  1:00:48

Have you have you applied for a job at Tennis colorism? Freddie keep it quick. Keep it quicker than that. Please. Don't get on the bloody Emma Raducanu Ohio's again.

Freddie Nielsen  1:01:03

But I do agree with Vasi that it's gonna be difficult for her to perform since it's the first time she really plays in England after the after the US Open. And I mean, even from the outside I have an idea of what what the British press is like so that's not gonna that's gonna be so much attention. I think I'm gonna stick with the I also think that Coco is going to have a good tournament. I really like her I'm also talking about the from from not only head but also heart I want her to do well. I want to move for her. I like her a lot. She's got a she's a great role model just a great person for this board. One of the biggest one for me one of the most interesting people in sports in even sports yet, but in tennis men or women. What a character so I hope that she does well. I do think Swan tickets kind of struggle a little bit on the clay unpress but then, I mean, going through the rankings, it's just like, impossible to pick one. Like there will be 30 people that could win where you would be like, Okay, I can see that it's I mean if Muguruza all of a sudden connects for a week or Yeah. Continuity if they she connects I mean there's you never know what's going to happen but I'm gonna go with youngsters I'm gonna go with Coco to win and you're your favorite as a as an outsider, NEC mobile. And on the men's side,

Daniel Kiernan  1:02:26

It's on my list.

Freddie Nielsen  1:02:29

And then on the on the on the men's side. I got Novak to win. I think he has a chip on his shoulder. He's two slams behind. He seems comfortable on the grass. I still think he has an edge a little bit compared to the youngsters still. And he seems like he's getting into gear now. So I'm gonna go with Novak and the outsider. difficult one. Curious, curious, curious curious curious, curious curious and then of course one to watch my one to watch will be hauled up because he's Danish and because he's, he's new to the grass and it's just interesting to watch him and for Danish classes on I hope he does well and let's have a run as well in Wimbledon.

Daniel Kiernan  1:03:24

You guys be meeting my bit of paper because I have well I've got seven names written down.

Kieron Vorster  1:03:33

I mean only one can win

Freddie Nielsen  1:03:36

This Canadian naman

Daniel Kiernan  1:03:40

on the females, I've got Anisimova who's my outside she's gonna do it at some point. She's just got game. She's got game. And I've got Ons Jabeur.

Kieron Vorster  1:03:53

But you know, she she she doesn't come up the traps and the effect on factor in Australia back to the French I've stayed away from her. I'm a curse.

Daniel Kiernan  1:04:03

I just think I think she's so skillful. I think on those grass courts. You know, I remember when I watched the pleasure to be on tech last year at Wimbledon, and she made it look silly. You know, and I know we've got two different players now a year on but I just think I think she has so much skill and ability that I really do think she's someone who can can do well on the grass. And then on the men's side, three names I've got down who are gonna win it is Djokovic, Djokovic, Djokovic. I saw

Freddie Nielsen  1:04:39

brothers as well.

Daniel Kiernan  1:04:42

I'm so sure that I wrote it down three times. And the my two I guess outsiders. You haven't mentioned carriers carriers is a one that I always have in Wimbledon, because he can sit on the beach for 12 months and then the way that he serves, it just doesn't come back he as a conservative, but the one and I spoke to him last week, and I just loved where his mindset was at ease, ease world number 11 But it's an outsider. And that's Cameron Norrie. And, you know, if you you do get a chance to listen to that podcast is on with his coach Roku and he's hungry. You know he's broken top 10 or a few weeks ago talking about progression and kind of going under, under the table just day in day out work rate is he's ready to push on a game whenever he gets any higher we don't know. But I wouldn't put it past him an incredible professional these days. British crowd behind them, he's going to be seeded, you know, we get and find his way to last 16 Then who knows

Freddie Nielsen  1:05:52

A great guy very easy to get behind. Very happy for him and be very happy for tennis if he did well. Great guy.

Daniel Kiernan  1:05:59

And that backhand. That backhand a little bit of rain soften the courts up that backhand doesn't bounce high on on a clay court so it's certainly not going to be bouncing very high on a grass court and we know these players struggle with that so so let me say last year he did E's

Freddie Nielsen  1:06:18

Finals of queens and made last what 16 Against Roger

Daniel Kiernan  1:06:21

I think so is is just is there as any he's now there are there abouts? I don't think there's that many people can win at Wimbledon. You know, and I always think a British player I'd obviously love to see Dan Evans as well. I think one of those guys know Norio Evans get a nice draw open up get get a big March last 16 Who knows where it goes. But guys it's a pleasure as always great. Great to talk well done on making yourselves look somewhat knowledgeable. You know with your with your pics. If people could see behind the scenes, the WhatsApp messages that go between us almost shocked that we've actually managed to nail some this time in

Freddie Nielsen  1:07:10

this is what happens when you pick a player who's playing the tournament.

Daniel Kiernan  1:07:16

It's it helps but but love having you guys on. Really appreciate your time. Take care, take care of yourselves and everyone listening. Please do reach out with any questions as well. For the for the panel. We'll try and get a couple more on beat to talk about when will then in a couple of weeks. But cheers fellas in will be

Freddie Nielsen  1:07:35

wearing us.

Kieron Vorster  1:07:36

Thank you, thank you look forward to the preview of Wimbledon.

Daniel Kiernan  1:07:39

And as per usual, we always joke beforehand that boys or girls, you know, as we get in getting the panel together, just a quick 2030 minute chat as we go through the Grand Slam. And it always gets to a time where I feel bad that I'm taking so much of our time up. But we just do genuinely love to have the conversation. And I hope you do listening in as well. And we'd love to hear your questions. You know, what do you want us to talk about? As we do our Wimbledon preview in a couple of weeks time? Who would you want to be on our panel? Is there anybody that you'd like to hear from? Let us know. You know, I'm very conscious. This is your this is your podcast. You the guys that listen and we want to take it in the direction that you want it to go. But hopefully you're enjoying them. We've got many more guests to come next week. We have Ross Hutchins, Ross Hutchins, who's working very high up at the ATP now has done for the last eight years. Former top 30 in the world doubles player. Best rent Andy Murray has an amazing story to tell, as he had to deal with the challenge of cancer throughout his career and comes from tennis royalty. The Hutchins family is his dad, Paul, who was the former Davis Cup captain for Great Britain and achieved so much in the sport as well. So that's another great guests, many more that are on the list will continue to bring them please do reach out again, like I said earlier, let us know who you want to hear on the podcast. You know, don't, don't shy away. Get in touch with us at CTC dot podcast on Instagram. You can also email us at info at Sato tennis.com. Send us a message get in touch. We'll continue to bring these guests these amazing guests and these conversations to you. But until next time, I'm Dan Kiernan and we are Control the Controllables