Building Champions: Mindset, Longevity, And Life Lessons From Tennis To Golf w/ Jay Berger | Ep 115

What if the real difference between world‑class and almost‑there isn’t talent, but how you think when the match tightens? We sit down with Jay Berger—former world No. 7, U.S. Davis Cup and Olympic coach, and Director of Athletics at the Club at Ibis—to unpack the habits, systems, and mindset that turn potential into performance across decades.

Jay takes us from his early rise—round of 16 at the US Open as a college amateur—to the injury that ended his playing career and propelled him into coaching at the highest level. He shares rare, behind‑the‑scenes moments from Davis Cup and three Olympic Games, including gold with the Bryan brothers and a heartbreaking medal near‑miss that reshaped his view of winning. The stories reveal how pros manage pressure, why routines and controllables matter, and how champions shorten the time between frustration and refocus.

We dig into the evolution of training and longevity in tennis: traveling with physical therapists, strength coaches, nutrition, sleep strategies, and the data‑driven recovery practices that keep athletes competing into their late 30s. Jay contrasts today’s integrated support with his own “old school” grind, arguing for a smarter balance of autonomy on court and structure in the gym. He also breaks down what parents and coaches can do to develop resilient, process‑oriented competitors—praising effort, building fundamentals, and keeping family life steady regardless of wins or losses.

From raising multi‑sport kids to the explosive growth of pickleball alongside tennis at Ibis, this conversation blends elite insight with practical takeaways for athletes, parents, and coaches. If you care about performance, development, and a healthier relationship with competition, you’ll find tools you can use right away.

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