Neal Skupski Interview: Practice Drills, Scouting Opponents, & Mixed Doubles

Neal Skupski is one of the best doubles players in the world over the last several years. He's a 3-time Wimbledon Champion, winning 2 mixed titles (2021, 22) and 1 men's title (2023), former world #1, and a recent Australian Open mixed doubles finalist. He is currently the #8 ranked doubles player on the ATP Tour. I spoke with Neal on a day off for him at the 2024 Dallas Open. In this episode, we dive deep into his practice drills and routines, including specific tactics that apply to real match situations for doubles. You'll learn: A defensive volley drill that Neal & his partner, Santiago Gonzalez, worked on that day. The best target when you're at the baseline & the other 3 players are at the net. Their routine for practicing serves & returns. How Neal uses analytics & how the LTA provides data for him and other British doubles players. We also discuss mixed doubles strategy, including his partnership with Desirae Krawczyk who has two Wimbledon titles with Neal. Then I ask about how his relationship with Ken Skupski, Neal's brother, former teammate, and current coach, works so well. At the end, Neal shares his thoughts on making doubles more popular. ----- **Join the #1 Doubles Strategy Newsletter for Club Tennis Players** New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox: https://www.thetennistribe.com/join-the-tribe/ **Doubles Strategy Courses** These video courses will help you play smarter doubles and make winning easier. Net Play Strategy for Doubles - The Masterclass: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/net-play-strategy-for-doubles 25 Winning Doubles Tactics Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/25-winning-doubles-tactics League Doubles Training Masterclass Video Course: https://the-tennis-tribe.teachable.com/p/league-doubles-training **Doubles Ebooks** These guides offer proven advice to improve your doubles strategy. 25 Winning Doubles Tactics: https://www.thetennistribe.com/25-winning-doubles-tactics/ Return Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/return-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/ Serve Strategy for Doubles: https://www.thetennistribe.com/serve-strategy-for-doubles-ebook/ Net Play Strategy for Doubles: ----- **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