
Neal Skupski Interview: Practice Drills, Scouting Opponents, & Mixed Doubles
About this episode
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.
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