Inside the World of UTR Sports with CEO Mark Leschly 🎾

In this episode of Courtside Sessions, we sit down with Mark Leschly, the principal owner and CEO of UTR Sports, to discuss the impact of the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) on the world of tennis. From his junior playing days in Denmark to competing at Harvard and on the ATP Tour, Mark shares his personal journey through tennis and how it ultimately led him to revolutionize the sport with UTR.

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The history and evolution of UTR – Why it's the most accurate and widely-used tennis rating system
How UTR compares to other ranking systems like ITF, USTA, and World Tennis Number
The role of data science and analytics in UTR’s success
The expansion of UTR into pickleball and its impact on the growing sport
The rise of junior tennis players competing in both tennis and pickleball
Mark’s personal tennis career, from playing at Harvard to competing on the ATP Tour and Danish Davis Cup team

🎾 Why UTR Matters for Players, Coaches, and Parents
Whether you're a junior player looking to get recruited, a college coach scouting talent, or a recreational player wanting competitive matches, UTR has transformed how the sport operates by making matchplay more accessible, fair, and level-based across age and gender.

📈 UTR & The Future of Pickleball
Beyond tennis, UTR has also stepped into the world of pickleball, partnering with APP and USA Pickleball to develop the most advanced pickleball rating and ranking system. Mark discusses the similarities, differences, and growing overlap between the two sports, including the rise of junior pickleball players and the development of pickleball-specific clubs and tournaments.

In this episode of Courtside Sessions, we welcome Chris Marquez, a seasoned tennis coach, former player, and tournament director, to the studio. From his late start in tennis to his rise as a top Florida player and his eventual transition to coaching, Chris shares his inspiring journey in the world of tennis.

Chris talks about the value of mental toughness, the importance of playing against diverse competition, and the challenges of moving from junior to college tennis. He also opens up about his shift from aspiring professional player to coach, and the personalized approach he takes in training players today.

We also dive into Chris's experience creating the Clay Court ITA Tournament, his relationship with sports legend Dick Vitale, and the powerful role of family support throughout his career.

Whether you're a junior player, coach, or simply a tennis enthusiast, Chris’s insights on persistence, passion, and adapting to challenges are sure to inspire you to keep pushing forward in your tennis journey

From Spain to the SLAMS!

In this episode, we sit down with Spanish pro tennis player Javier Barranco, the 2024 Diadem Breakthrough Tour Champion. Javier takes us through his incredible performance that led to his victory, sharing the training, mindset, and determination it took to claim the title.

He also opens up about his journey from junior tennis to breaking into the ATP Top 200, the sacrifices of life on tour, and the passion that keeps him pushing forward.

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Welcome to Courtside Sessions, a podcast for junior tennis players, parents, and coaches! Join us as we dive into insightful discussions, share expert tips for athletes from athletes, and explore the latest trends and topics shaping the tennis community.

Find the Courtside Sessions Podcast here: https://courtsidesessions.transistor.fm/

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🔗 Related Episodes:
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👥 Connect with Team Diadem + our guest:
@diademsports
GUEST: https://www.instagram.com/javi_barranco/

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