Nicole Melichar-Martinez, ranked #21 on the WTA doubles tour, shares insider perspectives on partnership dynamics, tournament conditions, and the future of doubles.

• The clay season in Europe offers beautiful cities, but she isn't a fan of the extended tournaments
• Which tournaments treat the doubles players well, and which ones need improvement
• WTA now conducts post-tournament surveys to gather player feedback
• Her take on the 2025 season so far, including partnership breakups, WTA Finals favorites, and more
• Why finding a doubles partner is similar to dating
• Her perspective on mixed doubles and playing Indian Wells with Andrey Rublev
• How WTA supports players with mental health resources
• Her Foodie Instagram account (below) showcases Nicole's passion for food photography

She also answered a lot of your questions from Twitter and Instagram. Follow Niki below and watch her throughout the rest of the 2025 season.

Learn more about Nicole & follow:

• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• WTA Profile
• Wikipedia Profile
• Nicole's Food Instagram

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Craig Veal shares his experience coaching three top-40 WTA doubles players: Desirae Krawczyk (#14), Olivia Nicholls (#32), and Teresa Mihalikova (#34). Currently in Paris, preparing his players for the upcoming French Open, Craig and I discussed how he manages multiple players while sharing strategy insights, and more.

• Craig's coaching philosophy centers on "coaching people first, tennis second," which has led to long-term coaching relationships
• He shares one doubles tactic that is more effective on clay vs other surfaces
• His top 3 questions for club doubles players playing with new partners
• How Olivia Nicholls has improved her ranking so consistently, plus insights into her match review process
• Why right-handed players in the ad court should hit more forehands rather than relying solely on backhands
• Where Des Krawczyk's mixed doubles success comes from, including her in-match "dad jokes" 🤣
• Why ATP doubles faces different challenges than WTA doubles

This was a fun conversation that I think everyone will enjoy, whether you're a club player looking to improve or a WTA doubles fan. Watch Craig's players this year and follow him below.

Learn more about Craig & follow:

• Instagram
• Twitter/X
• WTA Coach Profile

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• New doubles strategy lessons weekly straight to your inbox

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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

John Parsons from the No-Ad No Problem Podcast brings his expert knowledge of college tennis to the show. We break down the NCAA Sweet 16, discuss the broader college tennis landscape, and explore how it can increase its television presence. We dive into the lessons college tennis can learn from beach volleyball's TV success and explore how the sport could experiment with formats to become more broadcast-friendly.

• College tennis hasn't been on ESPN linear networks since 2017, while beach volleyball has secured ESPN main channel coverage
• Beach volleyball uses staggered match starts (12 minutes apart) to create a better TV viewing experience
• The evolution of college tennis formats includes no-ad scoring and shortened doubles matches
• NIL deals have transformed recruiting, with top players now commanding up to six-figure packages
• How to build a strong program
• Why public access to university tennis facilities matters
• Women's Sweet 16 preview features Georgia as the clear favorite to win the NCAA Championship
• Men's Sweet 16 highlights include potential upsets like Arizona over Virginia and Mississippi State over Ohio State

If you have a local college, watch their matches. It's a great opportunity to learn from higher-level players, and you can typically go for free. Support college tennis and doubles by engaging on social media and watching broadcasts when available too!

Show notes:

• Listen to John's full Sweet 16 preview shows: MEN'S | WOMEN'S
• John's Tweet about Beach Volleyball
• Watch the NCAA R16 on Cracked Racquets YT Channel

Learn more about John & follow:

• No-Ad, No Problem Instagram
• No-Ad, No Problem Podcast
• Twitter/X
• Blog

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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