Coaching at the elite level of professional tennis demands a diverse skill set, including technical expertise, strategic thinking, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to inspire athletes.
While traditional coaching often emphasized a strict, authoritarian approach, this method is increasingly ineffective with today’s players.
Marta Kostyuk, who describes herself as passionate and expressive, was surprised by her experience with coach Sandra Zaniewska starting in the summer of 2023.
Kostyuk explained, “In the past, coaches reacted negatively to my behavior, refusing to understand or discuss my feelings. They wouldn’t even give me space to simply be myself.”
“Sandra’s approach was completely different. She was understanding and supportive, which was a revelation to me. It was next-level coaching I had never encountered before.”
The core of this modern coaching style is listening.
Zaniewska explained, “Ultimately, it’s the player who is on the court. A coach’s primary role is to listen and gather as much information as possible from the player. We can never truly experience what they feel on the court. The only way to effectively help them is to listen attentively as they articulate their experiences and emotions.”
“It’s about listening and making sense of what they are saying. Without that understanding, a coach’s impact is limited.”
This player-centric philosophy is central to several successful coach-player partnerships in tennis. Here are three prominent examples:
Peter Ayers/Emma Navarro
Peter Ayers and Emma Navarro first met nine years ago at the LTP Tennis Academy in Charleston when she was 14.
Ayers recalled being impressed by Navarro’s natural talent and dedication: “Her eye-hand coordination, her ability to consistently strike the ball, and her strong work ethic were evident from the start. She clearly enjoyed spending hours on the court.”
Ayers, a former college tennis player, transitioned to coaching after his professional aspirations didn’t materialize. He described the evolution of his coaching relationship with Navarro, highlighting the shift from directive-based coaching to a more collaborative approach as she matured.
“Initially, with younger players, coaching is more directive. It’s about the coach’s vision and guiding the player, requiring the player’s trust and adherence,” Ayers explained.
“However, as the player develops, the dynamic changes. It becomes less about directives and more about offering perspective. The player takes ownership, and the coach becomes a guide and sounding board. I’m proud of Emma’s growth and our ability to transition from a more paternalistic relationship to one of young adult collaboration.”
Ayers acknowledged the inevitable challenges in any long-term relationship, especially with a young person growing into adulthood.
“Navigating those bumps is essential. It’s crucial for young athletes to explore their independence and express themselves. These phases test and strengthen the coach-player relationship.”
“Ultimately,” Ayers emphasized, “the tennis journey must be the player’s own choice and passion, not something imposed upon them.”
This philosophy has resonated with Navarro. After a successful year at the University of Virginia, including winning the NCAA singles title as a freshman, she has seamlessly transitioned to the professional tour. Navarro finished 2024 ranked No. 8 and was named the WTA’s Most Improved Player.
Navarro spoke about the pressures of her current ranking: “Being in the Top 10 brings a different kind of pressure. I’m often facing players who have less to lose, which changes the dynamic. It’s a new challenge I’m actively learning to manage.”
Ayers, now in his tenth year coaching Navarro, remains committed to her development. While avoiding specific targets, he shared their overarching goal: “We have dreams, ambitious dreams. But ultimately, success is defined by Emma reaching her full potential and knowing she gave it her best. And for me as a coach to feel the same.”
“We deeply appreciate our journey together, acknowledging the hard work, challenges, and triumphs. We are grateful for every moment and take nothing for granted, respecting everyone involved in this sport.”
Conchita Martinez/Mirra Andreeva
When Conchita Martinez and Mirra Andreeva began their partnership last April, a degree of formality was expected, particularly after losses for the then 17-year-old Andreeva.
“Initially, I tried to manage everything myself,” Andreeva recounted at Indian Wells. “I wasn’t engaging with Conchita, not listening to her advice. I was trying to go it alone. However, a few matches demonstrated that this solo approach wasn’t effective. I hired her to be my coach for a reason.”
“I made a conscious effort to actively listen to her, to seek her guidance. Now, she proactively shares her insights and observations. We agreed that she would openly communicate her perspective and analysis.”
This open communication is mutual.
Martinez emphasized the importance of honest dialogue: “It’s vital to cultivate a relationship where Mirra feels comfortable expressing anything, knowing she won’t be judged. It allows her to share her feelings and thoughts openly. I can then understand her perspective and tailor my approach accordingly, rather than imposing rigid instructions. I believe I can discern when she’s serious and when she might be less enthusiastic about something.”
“She’s very honest in her communication.”
Martinez and Andreeva have focused on all aspects of Andreeva’s game—baseline play, serving, and volleys—incorporating doubles practice into their training. Like other emerging players, Andreeva is strong defensively but needs to develop a more aggressive net game. The goal is to leverage her speed and power to attack the net more frequently.
Before each match, they dedicate 15-20 minutes to discuss Martinez’s tactical suggestions. This strategy has proven successful, with Andreeva winning 13 out of 16 matches this year.
Listening to a young player with limited professional experience is crucial. And the reverse is equally true. After Andreeva’s victory in Dubai, following media engagements and recovery, they shared a celebratory dinner. Both were eager to discuss their feelings during the final.
Martinez usually maintains a composed demeanor during matches, but Andreeva revealed that her coach was initially nervous in the final.
“At the start, when I was down 0-2, 0-30, Conchita admitted she thought, ‘Hmm, not the best start. Okay, let’s see how this goes,’ ” Andreeva recounted. “But as the match progressed, her nerves subsided, and she felt more confident.”
Martinez expressed immense pride in Andreeva, who in turn thanked Martinez for her crucial support in Dubai.
What is Andreeva’s potential?
Martinez responded with a smile: “She’s already very accomplished, isn’t she? We’ll continue to progress step by step. Hard work is essential, and we must minimize distractions. We’ll keep striving for improvement in every aspect of her game.”
Sandra Zaniewska/Marta Kostyuk
When Sandra Zaniewska starts working with a new player, she approaches it like a detailed investigation. This process began after Wimbledon 2023 for Marta Kostyuk, then ranked No. 34.
Zaniewska, a former professional player, described her initial steps: “I watch several matches closely, analyzing the player’s game to identify areas for potential improvement. After my analysis, I discuss with the player their own perception of their game, their current assessment, and their future aspirations.”
“I essentially create three perspectives: my analysis, the player’s present view, and their future vision. My goal is to align these perspectives to create a focused development plan to help them achieve their desired goals.”
For Kostyuk, it was a complex scenario, given her already advanced skill set at 22. Zaniewska’s initial observation was that Kostyuk’s flat hitting style led to excessive unforced errors. Kostyuk, known for her aggressive style, disagreed. Eventually, they found common ground.
The primary challenge was managing Kostyuk’s on-court emotions.
Zaniewska elaborated, “Marta achieved remarkable early success, winning the Australian Open juniors at 14, a rare feat. This early success created significant expectations, both externally and internally, that she may have struggled to meet.”
“When those expectations aren’t immediately realized, doubts can arise about progress and ability. Marta has navigated these pressures. Now, it’s about providing compassionate and understanding support.”
Kostyuk has won one WTA Tour event, in Austin two years prior, but has shown consistent progress under Zaniewska’s guidance. She reached two WTA 500 finals last year, in San Diego and Stuttgart, her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, and her first WTA 1000 semifinal at Indian Wells.
Kostyuk describes her relationship with Zaniewska as “professional,” noting their enjoyable off-court interactions.
“However,” she added, “there’s a delicate balance between friendship and maintaining a professional structure and hierarchy. Like any relationship, we experience ups and downs. It’s not always perfect.”
“Effective communication is crucial in any relationship—work or personal. It’s the key to success. I believe we are doing well in this regard, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”
