Tom Gutteridge: The Art of Developing World-Class Players

In today´s episode, Dan is joined by British coach Tom Gutteridge, the man behind 18-year-old Iva Jovic's remarkable rise to World No.13.

Having coached Iva since she was 14, worked with CiCi Bellis and spent years developing young talent at the USTA, Tom shares the lessons, philosophies and experiences that have shaped his coaching career.

This one is a must-listen for tennis coaches at every level!

From practical on-court drills to player development, managing parents, building trust and earning your opportunities on tour, there's so much to take away and apply to your own coaching.

In this episode:

• Developing a top-15 player: The small changes that helped transform Iva Jovic's game in 2026.
• Eyes, feet, then hands: Tom's coaching philosophy and a simple ball-recognition drill every coach can try.
• Coaching the individual: Why great coaches adapt to their players, not the other way around.
• The long-term development mindset: Working backwards from the player you want to develop in five or six years.
• Earning your stripes as a coach: Why putting in the hours and gaining experience across all levels of tennis is key to earning opportunities at the top of the game.
• Process over results: How Tom manages the emotional highs and lows of coaching on tour.
• Using data effectively: Why Tom uses data 70% for development and 30% for scouting, and how he gets player buy-in.
• Lessons from CiCi Bellis: Why physical development must keep pace with a young player's tennis ability.
• Group training vs individual coaching: Why Iva developed in a group of four and Tom believes young players benefit from growing together.
• Managing parents and building trust: Navigating expectations, difficult conversations and the pressures of junior tennis.
• Building the right team: Why relationships, consistency and connection matter more than a big-name coach.
• The Quickfire Round!

Whether you're an aspiring coach, working in an academy or already coaching on tour, this conversation is packed with lessons from someone who has developed players from the junior ranks to the very top of the game.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:-

Follow the Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/ctc.podcast/

Follow Tennis Athlete: https://www.instagram.com/tennisathlete_sta/

Follow SotoTennis Academy: https://www.instagram.com/sototennis/?hl=en

Email us: info@sototennis.com