In this special episode of Control the Controllables, Dan Kiernan looks back at one of the most remarkable journeys in British tennis — Lloyd Glasspool’s rise to Year-End World No.1 in ATP Doubles, aged 32.

This episode is built around clips from Lloyd’s three previous appearances on the show, recorded across five pivotal years of his career.

From being ranked 150 in the world in doubles in 2020, to winning his first Grand Slam in front of a home crowd at Wimbledon in 2025, listen to Lloyd´s development as it happened.

A unique layer to this episode is Dan’s personal connection to Lloyd’s journey. Dan coached Lloyd at three key stages of his career — first as a junior in Birmingham, again at the start of his pro career at SotoTennis Academy, and later on the ATP doubles tour. Having witnessed Lloyd’s development across more than two decades, from a quiet junior to the year-end World No.1, makes this moment incredibly special.

Dan revisits:

Lloyd’s late specialisation, multi-sport childhood and the huge influence of gymnastics on his movement.
How Lloyd’s junior coaching focused on developing skills and creativity, not winning early.
The turning point of finding the right partnerships, and how understanding a partner under pressure became a competitive edge.
Winning Wimbledon, and the mindset shift from “good enough” to “I can win Slams”.
And finally, how those same controllables — energy, clarity, partnership and process — carried Lloyd to World No.1.

This episode is not about overnight success. It’s about patience, environment, people, doing the basics exceptionally well, and having fun along the way!

A must-listen for tennis players, coaches and parents.

Listen to the episodes mentioned in full:-

Episode 84 reflecting on his start in tennis from 2020
Episode 180 with Harri Heliövaara after competing in their 1st ATP Finals from 2022
Episode 261 with Julian

lloyd glasspool