Coach Craig Veal Interview: Developing Consistent Performance, Same vs Different Partners, & Doubles Strategy

Coach Craig Veal Interview: Developing Consistent Performance, Same vs Different Partners, & Doubles Strategy

Author: Will Boucek May 16, 2025 Duration: 44:30

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:

-----

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


**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.


**Other Free Doubles Content**


Hosted by Will Boucek, the Doubles Only Tennis Podcast is a dedicated space for players and fans who live for the unique challenges and fast-paced action of the doubles court. This isn't just another general tennis show; it's a deep, consistent dive into the strategy, partnerships, and nuanced skills that define the professional game. You'll hear directly from the athletes who make their living at the net, with interviews featuring both ATP and WTA tour doubles specialists, as well as conversations with the coaches who develop winning tactics. Each episode is built around actionable advice, translating pro-level insights into practical tips you can use in your own matches. Whether you're struggling with your serve placement, want to master poaching, or are figuring out how to communicate effectively with a partner, this podcast breaks it down. The mission is clear: to elevate the discussion and appreciation for doubles, providing the focused coverage it deserves while helping you sharpen every aspect of your game. Tune in for a mix of analysis, instruction, and behind-the-scenes perspectives that you won't find anywhere else, all designed to make you a more thoughtful and effective doubles player.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 278

Doubles Only Tennis Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Transition Game in Doubles: Mistakes, Tactics, & Drills to Improve [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:08
The ability to transition to the net in doubles is an underrated skill to have. It's also something doubles players rarely practice.This episode covers common mistakes I see on the half-volley and the approach shot, as w…
Craig O´Shannessy Interview: World's #1 Strategy Coach (Rebroadcast) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:24
This is a rebroadcast of my interview with Craig O'Shannessy from October 2020.Craig is the strategy analyst for Wimbledon, the ATP Tour, and the New York Times. He has also been the strategy coach for Novak Djokovic and…
Doubles Game Styles: How to Counter Pushers, Attackers, & Baseliners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:28
In doubles, you'll often play against a team with one of three different game styles.Pushers - they lob endlessly, never miss, and make you beat yourself.Attackers - they serve and volley, get to the net, and apply relen…
Kirsten Flipkens Interview at the WTA Finals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:25
Kirsten Flipkens is a former WTA player who retired earlier in 2023 and is now coaching. I spoke with her at the WTA Finals where she was coaching Demi Schuurs & Desirae Krawczyk.We chatted about:Her transition from play…
Demi Schuurs Interview at the WTA Finals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:57
This is a conversation with Demi Schuurs from the WTA Finals in Cancun. Demi partnered with Desirae Krawczyk and I spoke with her between her first and second matches.We discussed how she spent her days off in Cancun, in…
Coach Dan Kiernan Interview at the WTA Finals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:48
Dan Kiernan is the coach of 2023 US Open Champion Gaby Dabrowski, ATP doubles team Lloyd Glasspool & Harri Heliovaara, a podcast host, and a former podcast guest from earlier this year.Dan chatted with me and Tennis Trib…
Elise Mertens & Storm Hunter: Round 2 Interview at the WTA Finals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:47
This is another interview with Elise Mertens and Storm Hunter from the WTA Finals. This time I spoke with the 2nd seeds after their second match victory over Melichar-Martinez and Perez. They won the match 7-5 6-4 over a…