The GreatBase Tennis Podcast · Steve Smith and Associates

Lessons from Steve Denton

·1 hr 16 min·5 clips

Steve Denton shares how he beat Wimbledon champions and held the fastest serve for 17 years.

This episode features host Steve Smith and co-host Dave Anderson interviewing former professional tennis player Steve Denton. Denton achieved a career-high singles ranking of number 11 and was a top-ranked doubles player and US Open champion. The conversation centers on Denton's current role as a college coach and the professional journey of his former player. The discussion opens with a story about Valentine Bachero, a player Denton coached at Texas A&M, and his unexpected run at the Shanghai Open. Bachero entered the tournament as a low alternate after his previous season was cut short by a grass-court injury at Wimbledon. Denton describes feeling nervous while watching Bachero compete, uncertain if his player would succeed. Bachero had built momentum earlier by winning three challenger-level tournaments in Thailand and another in India. Denton's own career is highlighted through his notable victories over tennis legends like Boris Becker, John McEnroe, and Stan Smith. He held the record for the fastest serve, at 138 miles per hour, for approximately 17 years. The episode promises to delve into more stories from Denton's extensive experience both as a player and a coach. One interesting insight is the detailed account of a player's precarious path from collegiate tennis into the professional ranks, illustrated by Bachero's alternate status. The story underscores the unpredictability and emotional investment involved in coaching. Denton's personal recollection of his record-fast serve provides a concrete benchmark from the sport's history. The tone is informal and conversational, driven by personal anecdotes and direct questions from the hosts. The style is retrospective, blending historical career highlights with contemporary coaching narratives. Tennis fans interested in the transition from college to professional tennis would appreciate this episode. Listeners seeking highly technical instruction or current tour analysis might find it less directly relevant.

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