Andy Lapthorne: On Reaching World No. 1, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Grand Slam Wins
About this episode
Andy Lapthorne shares his journey to becoming World No. 1 in wheelchair tennis and discusses his experiences and mindset as a professional athlete.
In this episode, Theo and Andrea are joined by the UK’s most decorated quad wheelchair tennis player, Andy Lapthorne . With 18 Grand Slam titles and an MBE to his name, Andy’s trophy cabinet is crowded, but his ego definitely isn't. He opens up about his journey from a "non-tennis" working-class background to the top of the world rankings, proving that you don’t have to be a "textbook" athlete to dominate a sport. We talk about everything from the rowdy atmospheres of the Paralympics to why he still hangs out with the same group of mates he’s had since he was five. Andy also shares some legendary stories, including the time he almost hung up on Sir Alex Ferguson because he thought it was a prank. We get into the raw reality of the "post-success slump" after hitting World No. 1 and why he actually enjoys being the "villain" in front of a booing crowd. It’s a fascinating, fun, and totally candid look at what it’s really like to be a professional athlete who refuses to play by the old-school rules. Find Andy: Instagram: @andylapthorne_ Follow us on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube @whatsthecallpod
People in this episode
Hosts: Andrea, Theo
Guest: Andy Lapthorne
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Paralympics
More episodes of What's The Call?
- The Sinner Sweep: Is Anyone Even Close?
- Behind the Scenes of Life on the Tennis Tour with Emily Snyder
- On the Ground in Monte Carlo: The Sinner-Alcaraz Rivalry Continues
- Can Anyone Stop Sinner and Sabalenka?
- Mascots and Meltdowns in Miami
- Desert Wins, Miami Begins
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What's The Call? podcast page.