Mic’d Up with Nick Saviano: High-Performance Tennis Coaching On Court

Florida Tennis went on court with legendary coach Nick Saviano for an exclusive mic’d-up training session at Saviano High Performance Tennis Academy, following him from court to court as he worked directly with players, made real-time corrections and shared valuable insights from more than four decades of coaching experience.

Throughout the session, Saviano’s attention to detail was on full display. From footwork and preparation to posture, technique and shot selection, he constantly challenged players to improve the small details that can separate good players from great ones.

During an early drill, Saviano focused on creating a quicker and cleaner first move. He emphasized opening the outside hip, turning the shoulders and maintaining proper posture instead of allowing unnecessary movements to slow down preparation.

“Turn the shoulders. That’s your golden move,” Saviano told the players. “Nice clean first move. Get the shoulders parallel.”

But Saviano’s approach goes far beyond correcting technique. He explained that one of his priorities during every session is moving between courts and making sure each player receives individual attention.

“I need for each one of the kids to know I’m seeing them,” Saviano said. “I’m very, very picky on the quality and the intent of the drill.”

That attention becomes especially important because every player arrives with different goals. Some are preparing for upcoming tournaments, while others may be working through technical changes or focusing on long-term development.

“The idea, what we try to do here, and it’s sincere, is that we want this to be very personalized,” Saviano explained. “We’re constantly trying to individualize and personalize it for each one of the kids here.”

The mic’d-up format also provided a close look at how quickly Saviano identifies and addresses technical issues. During one individual lesson, he worked extensively with a player on creating more spin on his forehand, making adjustments to his hip movement, elbow position and wrist.

“This is more relaxed,” Saviano explained while demonstrating the proper position. “The wrist is more in a neutral position.” After making the adjustment, the player immediately noticed that it was easier to get underneath the ball and produce more spin.

Saviano also used the session to explain the tactical reasoning behind technique. When one player repeatedly ran around his backhand to hit a forehand, Saviano pointed out that positioning determines whether the player can attack multiple areas of the court.

“Either you got to get around it so that you can get turned enough to go both ways, or if you can’t, then don’t hit a forehand,” he said.

Saviano’s coaching philosophy has been shaped by decades at the highest levels of tennis. He began playing at a world-class level in 1975, spent eight or nine years competing on tour and has since accumulated more than 40 years of coaching experience. Still, he emphasized that learning never stops.

“We have outstanding coaches,” Saviano said. “So, it’s hopefully a synergistic environment where everyone’s learning.”

His passion for being on court remains just as strong.

“I love this. I love coaching. I love working with young people,” Saviano said. “I love seeing the young people develop and improve.”

For Saviano, that excitement extends beyond winning matches. He also spoke about the satisfaction of watching players reach their goals, including earning opportunities to attend the schools they dreamed of.

Near the end of the session, Saviano shared perhaps the most important message of the day, describing the responsibility that comes with coaching young athletes.

“You work with young people. It’s a sacred trust. Period,” Saviano said. “They are looking to you to help guide them.”

Even after decades in tennis, Saviano said he continues studying whenever he encounters something he cannot immediately solve, whether that means reviewing video, researching or using new technology to find answers.

“Got to keep learning,” he said. “Got to keep showing these kids and giving them the best information you can.”

From technical adjustments and tactical lessons to his broader philosophy on player development, the mic’d-up session offered an inside look at Saviano’s hands-on approach and the level of detail behind every training session at Saviano High Performance Tennis Academy.

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Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Video shot by Alex Binstok. Photos by Nathalia Suarez.

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