Former world No. 5 and ATX Open tournament director, Christo van Rensburg, joins the show again to preview a star-packed field for his upcoming tournament, led by Venus Williams.

Christo shares how he recruits players, changes coming in 2026, including a huge announcement for 2027, and the player field this year. We also dig into practical doubles strategies you can use.

• How Venus Williams’ wildcard came together and what it means for fans
• Behind-the-scenes recruiting with agents and player relationships
• Headliners returning and rising names to watch across singles and doubles
• Taylor Townsend's relationship with a fan from Austin
• Fan experience upgrades, including suites, activations, and the players’ party (which fans can buy tickets to)
• Modern doubles vs Christo's era
• Why you need to make your weaknesses "presentable"
• The new Austin 125 event details and timing during Indian Wells
• Where to get tickets and when Venus is most likely to play

Links:

• ATX Open tickets (February 21 - March 1, 2026)
• Austin 125 (March 9 - 14, 2026)
• Dropshot LLC

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Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

I recently asked Tennis Tribe Members what they want to improve in 2026. In this episode, I respond to six of their answers with challenges to help them improve different strategic and mental aspects of their doubles games.

Topics include playing against players who don't follow patterns and mishit the ball, building patience on slow balls, and taking away the middle against pace and spin. I also share drills, mindset resets, and simple challenges to improve your on-court thinking.

The first 3 are free to all, while you'll need to become a member for the last 3.

1. How to deal with unconventional 3.0 players who defy patterns and mishit/shank the ball a lot.
2. Changing your mindset to minimize errors, especially against players who hit with slower pace.
3. How to still control the middle against players who hit with tons of spin and power.
4. Members only: Quickly recognizing and exposing opponents' weaknesses early in the match.
5. Members only: How to not let nerves or distractions make you play tentative or down to your opponent's level.
6. Members only: How to play more strategically with a long-time partner and use more formations.

Links:

• Become a member to get the last 3 lessons.
• Already a member? Download the member podcast feed.
• Go to thetennistribe.com/camps to register for upcoming camps.
• Sign up for the Indian Wells Rally Trip, March 3–6. Tickets and details here. (deadline February 9)

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course

This episode is a little different. I'm diving into tennis gear, everything except the racquet and shoes, with the founder of one of my favorite brands, ADV. I use their bags, dampeners, and even sweat bands.

Lavie Sak has a tech background, plays tennis, and used to coach as well. We explore how his company lets players lead the design of its products. From dampeners to grips to their popular bags, ADV innovates as well as any company in tennis. Lavie shares the messy first prototype, the tough cuts, and why ADV chose quality over mass pricing while partnering with pros who give real feedback.

• How ADV got started
• Dampener testing across 27 racquets and sound profiles
• Tennis grips - how to choose between dry and tacky
• Designing the ADV Pro bag and prioritizing features
• How they develop an idea into a finished product
• Feedback loops that shaped V2 and V3 of the bag
• Why ADV makes two backpacks
• Curated training kit components and use cases
• Pricing tradeoffs, materials, and longevity
• Doubles tips on serve variety and aiming middle
• Partnerships with Sem Verbeek, JP Smith, and Zus Tennis

I use the ADV Pro for travel and the Flex bag locally around Fort Worth.

Links:

• Shop ADV Tennis

Learn more about ADV & follow:

• ADV Tennis - Instagram
• ADV Tennis - YouTube
• ADV Tennis - Facebook

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**Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players**

• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

**Become a Tennis Tribe Member**
Tennis Tribe Members get access to premium video lessons, a monthly member-only webinar, doubles strategy Ebooks & Courses, exclusive discounts on tennis gear, and more.

• Learn More & Sign Up Here

**Other Free Doubles Content**

• Serve Strategy Cheatsheet
• Return Strategy Cheatsheet
• Serve Strategy 101 - Video Course