The Harsh Reality of Life Outside the Tennis Elite

Think pro tennis is all glamour? Think again. In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with former Irish Tennis pro Conor Niland, who reached a high of No 129 in the world, to explore the untold reality of life on the tour for the 99% of players who never make the headlines. Conor got within one set of playing Federer at Wimbledon and faced Djokovic at the US Open. Learn why most pros can lose more than they win—yet still keep swinging.

They unpack what success really means beyond trophies and TV appearances, the mental toll of chasing rankings, and why true high performance often lies in resilience, not recognition. 

From redefining winning to managing pressure and failure, this honest conversation offers a powerful reminder that personal growth often matters more than public glory.

Conor's award-winning book 'The Racket' is out now.

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