The Beyond Tennis Podcast

In this episode of Beyond Tennis, Johnny sits down with British tennis legend and 2015 Davis Cup champion James Ward to trace his career from picking up a racket at 9/10 in North London to training at Juan Carlos Ferrero’s academy in Spain, grinding through Futures and Challengers, and eventually cracking the ATP top 100 around age 28/29. Ward shares what the lonely lower-level tour is really like, why Davis Cup team environments brought out his best tennis, and relives his biggest moments—beating Sam Querrey away in the USA and coming back from two sets down to beat John Isner 15–13 in the fifth in Glasgow. He also discusses his Ted Baker match shirts, a Queen’s Club semifinal run, knee surgery, COVID’s impact on his late career, and his post-retirement coaching work abroad, plus plenty of Arsenal talk and quickfire Q&A.00:00 Lonely Tour Grind00:48 Meet James Ward01:17 Arsenal Nerves02:02 Picking Up Tennis Late03:03 Training Routine And Costs05:13 Spain Academy Leap08:20 First ATP Points Grind13:19 Back To London NTC15:31 Breaking Top 10017:00 Davis Cup Rise20:06 USA Tie Upset Win24:18 Glasgow Isner Epic26:22 Iconic Match Shirts27:21 Queens Club Breakthrough28:53 Ranking Rise and ATP Qualies29:12 Retirement Decision and COVID30:53 Coaching Abroad and LTA Gap33:22 Arsenal Talk and Title Pressure35:43 Dream Arsenal Five-a-Side37:57 Run-In Predictions and Transfers42:13 Match Tie Break QandA49:22 Coaching Rule Debate51:03 Biopic Casting and Farewell

Johnny interviews renowned tennis strength & conditioning coach Matthew Little, who recounts starting tennis as an enthusiastic but average junior at Sutton before committing at 16 to S&C and spending a decade grinding through academy and LTA roles, including Loughborough and the NTC, to reach the pro level. Little describes mentoring influences, the importance of on-court learning for trainers, and the “soft skills” needed to build trust and avoid undermining team members, lessons central to his long stint with Andy Murray (from 2007), initially assisting Jez Green before leading S&C from around 2014. He details Murray’s brutal preseasons, meticulous fueling (including 6,000-calorie days), match-week routines, the 2016 run to year-end world No.1, and the later injury years culminating in hip resurfacing and a remarkable comeback. They also cover Great Britain’s Davis Cup journey under Leon Smith, current work with Katie Boulter, and Little’s Tortoise Performance program and book.00:00 Exhausted Match Moment00:16 Meet Matthew Little01:05 Late Start Tennis Love02:11 Choosing S&C Path02:51 First Coaching Roles03:55 Mentors And Influences04:59 Into The Pro Ranks06:04 Junior Training Philosophy07:41 NTC Grind And Tough Lessons09:48 Advice For Young S&C Coaches12:33 Ten Years To Team Murray13:02 Joining Team Murray14:57 Trust And Soft Skills19:14 Taking Over Lead Role21:28 Brutal Miami Preseasons26:49 From Peak To Rehab Years28:42 Training Week Vs Slam Week31:50 Matchday Arrival Routine32:09 Warmup Shots Ritual32:54 Wimbledon Corridor Chaos33:44 Postmatch Recovery Marathon34:03 2016 Chase to Number One35:47 Managing the Winning Streak36:30 Lendl Locker Room Message37:55 Hip Injury Breaking Point40:02 Resurfacing Documentary Reality41:28 Metal Hip Comeback Wins44:23 Davis Cup Team Culture49:21 Pressure Moments and Mindset52:16 Working with Katie Boulter55:03 Rapid Fire Match Tiebreak58:14 Tautus Performance and Book01:00:39 Final Wrap and Signoff

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with the man who revolutionized British tennis, David Lloyd. David provides a candid look at his "colorful" history with the LTA, his obsession with changing the grassroots system, and the creation of the legendary Slater Squad that produced stars like Tim Henman.David opens up about the business of tennis, the importance of university sports, and the relentless drive it took to build his global leisure empire. He also shares a masterclass in entrepreneurship, detailing how he turned a dream into reality and why he believes tennis is currently missing a trick in schools.Episode Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro & The Mission: David discusses his desire to make tennis the most popular game in schools.[00:05:42] The LTA Conflict: A raw look at David’s outspoken and "anti-LTA" stance during his early years.[00:12:15] Building the Slater Squad: How David hand-picked 10 boys, including Tim Henman, to become future champions.[00:22:30] The Business of Sport: Transitioning from the court to building the David Lloyd Leisure empire.[00:35:10] Grassroots & University: Why British tennis needs to look at the American collegiate model for success.[00:48:55] Entrepreneurial Advice: David’s formula for business: adding 20% to expenditure and taking 20% off income.[00:54:40] Final Words: "Don't let anyone in the world persuade you not to do it."

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado is joined by his brother, Jamie Delgado, a record-breaking figure in British tennis. Jamie shares the raw reality of his journey from being a world-champion junior to navigating the "humiliation" of high-pressure Davis Cup matches and transitioning into one of the most successful coaching careers on the ATP tour.Jamie provides an exclusive look at his years coaching Andy Murray, breaking down the intense 2016 race to become world number one and the mental architecture required to stay at the very top of the sport. He also discusses his current work with Jack Draper and his "Beyond Tennis" life, including his deep love for football and Real Madrid.Episode Timestamps:[00:00:28] Intro & Welcome: Johnny welcomes his brother to discuss his 23-year record at Wimbledon and life on tour.[00:01:37] The Early Days in Tenerife: How Jamie’s tennis journey began at age six before moving to the UK.[00:08:44] Junior World Champion: The pressure of being the "best in the world" at 14 and having Ladbrokes take bets on his future.[00:13:32] The "Talent Trap": Why being a naturally gifted junior made Jamie subconsciously stop working physically.[00:21:11] Davis Cup Humiliation: A raw look at the matches that shook Jamie's confidence and affected his mindset for years.[00:25:44] Transitioning to Coaching: How an injury to Gilles Muller led Jamie to become the ATP Coach of the Year.[00:28:56] Coaching Andy Murray: Behind the scenes of the 2016 season and the "marginal gains" that led to World No. 1.[00:34:28] Beyond Tennis: Football & Real Madrid: Why Jamie believes tennis is "missing a trick" regarding coaching and media.[00:40:11] Match Tie-Break: Quick-fire questions on the G.O.A.T., Vin Diesel, and the one rule Jamie would change in tennis.[00:43:00] The Beyond Tennis Quiz: Jamie puts his memory to the test regarding his 1992 Wimbledon debut.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with former doubles world No. 1 and 7-time Grand Slam champion Jamie Murray. Jamie opens up about his journey from a young talent in Dunblane to reaching the pinnacle of the sport, discussing the mental resilience required to carve out his own legendary career alongside his brother, Andy.From the high-pressure atmosphere of Davis Cup triumphs to the reality of life on the doubles tour, Jamie provides an unfiltered look at the professional game. He also dives into his "beyond tennis" interests, including his passion for golf and his transition into tournament organization with the Battle of the Brits.Episode Timestamps[00:00:10] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces a true legend of British tennis and a former world No. 1.[00:04:22] Carving a Path: Jamie discusses growing up in Dunblane and the early transition to focusing on doubles.[00:15:40] Reaching World No. 1: The mindset and consistency required to reach the top spot in the world rankings.[00:25:15] Davis Cup Heroics: Breaking down the 2015 victory and the unique pressure of playing for your country.[00:38:50] The Murray Legacy: An honest look at navigating a professional career in the same era as his brother.[00:48:12] Beyond Tennis: Golf & Business: Jamie discusses his obsession with golf and his move into event promotion.[00:58:30] Match Tie-Break: Quick-fire questions on his favorite partner, his G.O.A.T. pick, and his dream golf course.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with 17-time Grand Slam champion and Paralympic medalist Andy Lapthorne. Andy opens up about the unique challenges of the Quad Wheelchair circuit, the "dark places" he faced during the 2020 lockdown, and the incredible mental resilience required to stay at the top of the game for over a decade.From the surreal feeling of winning Wimbledon in front of a home crowd to his lifelong obsession with West Ham United, Andy shares a raw and honest look at life both on and off the court.Episode Timestamps[00:00:15] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces one of the most successful British sportsmen of all time.[00:03:45] The Quad Circuit Explained: Andy discusses the physical requirements and the competitive nature of Quad tennis.[00:12:20] The 2020 Turning Point: A candid discussion about mental health, the US Open "Twitter" incident, and finding the will to continue.[00:22:10] Wimbledon Glory: What it meant to win the first-ever Quad doubles title on the grass.[00:30:55] Beyond Tennis: The Hammers: Andy explains his deep connection to West Ham and how football provides an escape from tennis.[00:45:30] Leaving a Legacy: Andy’s thoughts on the growth of wheelchair tennis and inspiring the next generation.[00:55:12] Match Tie-Break: Quick-fire questions on his favorite Slam, his G.O.A.T. pick, and his dream West Ham signing.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado is joined by former world No. 14 and Davis Cup champion Kyle Edmund. Kyle provides a raw and honest look at the highs and lows of elite tennis, from the physical toll of three knee surgeries to the mental pressure of leading British tennis after the Andy Murray era.Kyle also breaks down one of the most infamous moments in Davis Cup history—the time Denis Shapovalov hit the umpire in the eye during their match—and discusses his transition into the world of sports business and his passion for cars.Timestamps:[00:00:17] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces the Australian Open semifinalist and world No. 14.[00:03:15] The Shapo Incident: Kyle recounts the surreal moment Denis Shapovalov was defaulted for hitting the umpire.[00:10:44] The Reality of Injuries: An honest look at the three knee surgeries that halted Kyle's momentum at the top of the game.[00:18:22] Leading British Tennis: Dealing with the "What's next?" pressure following Andy Murray’s success.[00:26:50] The Davis Cup Glory: Winning the title with Team GB and what that environment meant for his career.[00:35:12] Beyond Tennis: Cars & Business: Kyle discusses his love for high-performance cars and his move into sports management.[00:52:38] Match Tie-Break: Quick-fire questions on the G.O.A.T., his favorite tournament, and who would play him in a movie.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with one of his oldest friends in the sport, James "Trotters" Trotman. James is a former Wimbledon Junior Doubles Champion who transitioned into a world-class coach, working with the likes of Kyle Edmund, Cameron Norrie, and most recently, guiding Jack Draper to the US Open semifinals and a world No. 4 ranking.James pulls back the curtain on the mental and physical architecture required for elite success. He shares a legendary "secret" about coaching he learned in the Wimbledon Long Bar, explains why the complexity of tennis lies in the delivery rather than the theory, and dives into his "beyond tennis" passion for contemporary British art.Episode Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces James Trotman, a standout of his generation and elite ATP coach.[00:06:45] The National Tennis Center: Life at Bisham Abbey as a 12-year-old and the intensity of the British tennis "Who's Who".[00:10:42] Junior Grand Slam Success: Reaching three major finals and the injury struggles that shifted his path to coaching.[00:20:49] The College Route: Why James pushed Cameron Norrie toward the US College system and how it redefined the British pathway.[00:28:52] Developing Jack Draper: The 4.5-year journey from the Challenger circuit to the top 5 in the world.[00:32:04] The "Secret" to Coaching: A viral lesson from Ray Ruffles about what truly makes a great coach.[00:35:12] Building Trust: Why integrity and "showing you have their best interest at heart" is the only way to connect with a player.[00:43:01] Beyond Tennis: British Art: James discusses running an art gallery and the fascinating link between artists and athletes.[00:52:38] Match Tie-Break: James answers quick-fire questions on the G.O.A.T., his favorite shots, and his five-aside Ipswich Town team.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with Marcus Willis, the man behind the greatest fairytale run in Wimbledon history, to explore the reality of life on the edge of professional tennis.Marcus provides an honest, no-nonsense look at the "dark times" before his 2016 breakthrough, including having only $300 in his bank account and nearly walking away from the sport for a coaching job in Philadelphia. The conversation dives deep into the mental grit required for the pre-qualifying grind, the surreal experience of playing Roger Federer on Centre Court, and why professional tennis in 2026 still requires a "never say die" approach to survival.[00:00:00] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces the man who went from world number 772 to playing the G.O.A.T. on Centre Court.[00:01:21] The "Cartman" Years: Marcus opens up about his reputation as a junior and the weight of early expectations.[00:03:02] The $300 Crisis: A raw look at the financial breaking point that almost led Marcus to retire at age 25.[00:08:44] 2016: The Fairytale: Walking through the seven matches that led from pre-qualifying to Roger Federer.[00:14:52] Centre Court Reality: What it actually feels like to lob the greatest player of all time in front of a global audience.[00:22:15] The Comeback: Marcus discusses his return to the tour in doubles and his current drive to reach the top 50.[00:30:10] Quick Fire Section: Marcus reveals his favorite beverage, his dream doubles partner, and why he’d choose James Corden to play him in a movie.

In this episode of The Beyond Tennis Podcast, host Johnny Delgado sits down with Greg Rusedski, former World No. 4 and US Open Finalist, to explore the unfiltered reality of life on the professional circuit.Greg provides a no-nonsense look at the extreme financial and personal sacrifices required to reach the top. The conversation dives deep into the "dark horse" mentality of succeeding outside the federation system, the challenges of transitioning from juniors to the pro tour, and why competing in the 90s required a level of grit that defined a generation.Episode Timestamps: [00:00:00] Intro & Welcome: Johnny introduces Greg Rusedski and highlights his career milestones from a 149mph serve to winning the Paris Masters.[00:02:28] Starting in the Parks: Greg recounts his early obsession with tennis and his father’s visionary approach to his training.[00:07:01] The Financial Reality: A raw look at mortgaging the family home and why the federation system isn't for everyone.[00:11:36] The Haifa Turning Point: Staying in underground youth hostels during the Gulf War and the match that saved Greg's career.[00:17:52] Changing Nationality: The truth behind representing Great Britain and dealing with the intensity of the UK media.[00:28:44] Controversy & Resiliency: Greg discusses being cleared of doping allegations and the fight to resurrect his ranking.[00:42:45] Quick Fire Section: Greg reveals his G.O.A.T. pick, his dream doubles partner, and which Hollywood star should play him in a movie.