Doubles Special: Problems, Solutions, & the Future of the Pro Doubles Tour with Dan Kiernan

In this special episode on the state of doubles and the professional doubles debate, I speak with ATP & WTA Coach, Dan Kiernan. Dan is the coach of Gaby Dabrowski, Michael Venus, and Nikola Mektic, and has been on the show several times before (below).

In this conversation, we examine the future of doubles from multiple perspectives and challenge current assumptions about the format's viability.

• Reactions to the idea that "doubles specialists have no place in the future of tennis"
• The doubles debate centers on "the WHO, not the WHAT" – personality and storytelling matter more than format
• US Open's controversial changes to the mixed doubles format make commercial sense in the short-term but we must consider the long-term timeline as well
• Doubles players face three options: accept diminished status, fight for change within the tour structure, or break free to create their own tour
• Professional doubles needs to embrace vulnerability, personality-driven content, and innovative viewer experiences to thrive
• The seven tennis governing bodies lack a cohesive vision for doubles, focusing instead on short-term commercial priorities
• For it to survive, doubles specialists must take initiative in building their own brands and connecting authentically with fans
• Innovations like free fan movement, court-side service, and more relaxed atmosphere could transform the doubles spectator experience and change in a way that singles is resistant to

This is an open invitation to everyone in tennis – players, coaches, tournament directors, and media – to continue this conversation and work together toward solutions that benefit doubles and the sport as a whole.

Previous Episodes with Dan Kiernan:

• Dan Kiernan Interview: GROWTH, Coaching ATP Doubles, Aggressive vs Consistent Returns, & an Illegal Volley Drill - April 5, 2023
• Coach Dan Kiernan Interview at the WTA Finals - November 5, 2023
• Coach Dan Kiernan Shares Stories from the WTA Finals, 2nd Set Adjustments, Positive Mindset, & More - November 20, 2024

More from Dan:

• Dan's Podcast - Control the Controllables | Twitter | Instagram
• Soto Tennis Academy | Twitter

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