The Functional Tennis Podcast

What does it actually take to compete at the top level in under-12 tennis today?
In this episode, I’m at the IMG Future Stars in Greece, where some of the best young players in the world come together to compete, learn, and experience life at a high-performance event.
I sit down with Sebastian Lavie to get his perspective as a coach on what’s changed over the last few years, what stands out at this level now, and what players really need if they want to progress.
We talk about the level of the players, how the event has evolved, and the realities of junior development today.
Sebastian’s player, Tatiana Na, also joins us briefly during the conversation, giving a small insight into what it’s like competing at this level.
If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pathway in tennis, this will give you a good feel for what’s actually happening at the top end of junior tennis right now.
🎾 Check out episode 2 of my YouTube series where I test my level against better players.
I take on Peter Buldorini, a 21-year-old ATP 900, in two champions tiebreaks.
Watch now by tapping here.

I tried something new.
For a long time, I’ve talked about starting a YouTube channel where I get back on court and test myself against players better than me. The reality is, I never really had the time to do it properly.
Now I’ve finally started.
In this first video, I take on one of Ireland’s best players, Sinead Lohan, to see how I stack up and to explore the level difference.
This is the first of many, and I’m still figuring out the format, so I’d really appreciate your feedback.
You can watch the full video here

Over the past 12 months, I’ve been working with biomechanics researcher Dr Nick Busuttil to better understand one simple question…
Does the Functional Tennis Saber actually improve your game?
In this episode, we dive into the findings from that research and what really happens when players train with a constraint racket.
We discuss how the Saber influences stroke mechanics, why players may initially feel less accurate, and how that “useful struggle” can actually help build better timing, contact awareness and more consistent strokes over time.
Nick also explains why tools like the Saber can promote adaptability in your game, act as a circuit breaker in training, and how coaches and players can use it effectively in practice and warm ups.
If you’ve ever wondered whether training aids actually work or if they’re just gimmicks, this episode will give you a clear, science backed perspective.
You can download the full research report here.
And if you have any questions after listening, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram here or you can email me here.
I hope you enjoy the episode.
Fabio

Marc Polmans is now ranked inside the top 60 in doubles after making the Australian Open doubles final but he still sees himself as a singles player.
In this episode, we talk about the reality of balancing singles ambition with doubles opportunity, and how one Grand Slam run can shift your season financially, mentally, and strategically.
Marc shares:
From not being in the draw to Aussie Open finalist
The difference between Futures and Challenger level
Why ranking points at Slams change everything
His recent racket switch from the Pure Drive to the Pure Aero and how it compares to Wilson’s “Python” prototype
Whether he’d choose college tennis if starting again today
And why the Functional Tennis Saber is useful for doubles players

An honest look at the grind of pro tennis and the career decisions players constantly face.
Enjoy
Fabio

Justin Van Malderen from Luxilon is back on the Functional Tennis Podcast.
At the 2025 US Open, 55% of the Top 100 were using Luxilon strings. In this episode, we discuss why.
We talk about falling string tensions on tour, how modern powerful rackets are changing string demands, and why today’s aggressive baseline game requires more durability and control than ever.
We also dive into why I chose Luxilon Element for the FT99 racket, how it compares to 4G and Alu Power, and who it’s best suited for.
Justin shares insight into Sabalenka’s unique setup, the reality of sustainable strings, and how Luxilon competes as a family business in a market dominated by major global brands.
Plus, Justin is offering a €500 Functional Tennis voucher to one listener who fills out Luxilon’s string questionnaire. Tap here to fill it out and the last submission date is on March 31st.
If you care about your setup and want to understand what makes a difference at the highest level, this one’s for you.
Enjoy
Fabio