Players

Su wei Hsieh

Paul has had the pleasure of working with Su wei Hsieh for 14 years, beginning at Wimbledon 2012. In that period, Su wei has won five Wimbledon titles (four doubles and one mixed) and nine Grand Slams in total. 

What he immediately recognised was the potential of a true weapon which, in her case, is a killer finishing volley on both sides. Su wei was bemused when he said it could become the best finishing volley in the world, which indeed it became. This is consistent with his philosophy of a player first needing to develop true weapons, prior to working on weaknesses.

Initially this assisted Su wei becoming a great doubles player, and ultimately No.1 in the world on numerous occasions over a period spanning more than ten years.  Su wei also became a highly credentialed top 25 singles player, with wins over world No.1 (at the time) Simona Halep at Wimbledon, the reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza at the Australian Open and world No.1 Naomi Osaka in Miami, amongst others.

Su wei won three WTA singles titles and became the oldest first time Grand Slam singles quarter finalist at the 2021 Australian Open.

The other key to Su wei’s doubles success is her ability to play a different role depending on her partner. Paul’s philosophy is that role-playing is a vital component of doubles success, and therefore needs to be reflected in the all important set up for the team.

Using this strategy, Su wei’s five Wimbledon titles have been with four different partners, with Su wei playing a different role in each.

Quoting Paul “My partnership with Su wei has reaped rewards far exceeding expectations. She is one of the greatest doubles players in history, and we have a bond and friendship which endures” 

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Anthony Genov

Paul has been working with Anthony, a left handed Bulgarian doubles specialist, since August 2025. 
Anthony made a decision to focus on doubles, and traveled to Plovdiv to ‘pick Paul’s brains’. After an intensive week, Anthony went back to the Tour and has shown steady progress. 
Anthony, with British partner Finn Bass, just broke through to win his first ATP Challenger title in Zagreb, and now sits at a career high ranking on the cusp of Top 200.
Paul believes he has the tools to make it. We wish him luck 

Yanaki Milev

Paul and Elena began working with Yanaki in 2021.

At a training camp in Plovdiv Bulgaria, where around 20 juniors were preparing, Paul noticed an ‘uncut diamond’ on a back court, a player who’s game and passion needed to be harnessed. His name was Yanaki Milev.

Paul saw the potential for weapons, beginning with his big forehand, and Yanaki’s coach and father, Milko, saw the advantages of reaching out to Elena for mental coaching.

Within a year, Yanaki was able to go from 800 in juniors to top 100, and No.1 junior in Bulgaria, ready to begin the transition to the pro game. From 2024, Yanaki has moved from 1100 to his current 700 ranking, and had an outstanding Davis Cup singles win for Bulgaria in his hometown Plovdiv in 2024 over the world #1 doubles player, Marcelo Arevalo, from match points down in the decisive 5th match. 

Yanaki has won three Futures singles and one doubles title, as well as reaching the final of an ATP Challenger and winning a round of doubles at an ATP 250 (Sofia Open) where Paul and Elena worked with Yanaki and his partner Pyotr Nesterov on the strategic and mental set up (see What is the secret of thriving teams? In Business and in Sports which was published in Forbes, Bulgaria).

Yanaki is on the journey.

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Simona Popova

Paul has been mentoring Simona on the last year. 

At Tennis Club Plovdiv 1882, where Simona trains with her coach Nikolai Draganov, Simona’s father Ivan asked Paul to take a look at his 13 year old daughter. 

Paul was impressed with her ball striking and tennis IQ, and their work continues. 

At the time of writing, Simona is the #1 in Bulgaria in the 14’s age group. 

Good luck Simona on your journey.