Sisters Mary and Maggie Brascia often partner up together in women’s doubles, and their proud father, Vinnie, is always nearby for guidance and advice. 

Vinnie occupies both the dad and coach role on tour, usually traveling with them, sitting courtside, and offering valuable insight whenever necessary.

As a girl dad and former tennis coach, Brascia has witnessed just how much the pro game has evolved and changed, especially on the women's side of things.  

“The girls have a lot more power when they play, and it’s not just a soft game at the net anymore,” Brascia explained. “It’s getting fast.”

As the sport evolves, Brascia continuously drills with his daughters on a daily basis.

“We always joke that it takes three hours to get through everything, and there’s stuff we’re focusing on and trying new shots. With the gals especially, the backhand side is becoming more and more important. For all the women players, the guys are already showing us the roadmap for how the game is evolving and how the game is played. When Mary first started playing singles, for example, she attacked every ball and came in on every shot. Now, you just can’t do that because the players and paddles are getting better, so your opponent can generate power and pass you,” he shared. “But I think the game will continue to evolve as the women become stronger and better athletes. We’ll see girls coming in and hitting every ball like the guys do in singles.”

The women’s role in mixed doubles has also undergone major switches.

“In mixed, the guy is going to dominate because if you think about it strategically, if the guy puts 90% of the balls on the gal, he’s just stronger generally speaking,” Brascia said. “If the gal can play strong and at a higher level, it helps support her partner and helps the team be better, too.”

Both Mary and Maggie often join forces with different men in mixed.

They don’t have go-to partnerships like some other pros.

“You’ve also got to read your partner well, too. Some guys want to take a ton of court, which can be good and bad because it can put them out of position,” Brascia mentioned. “But, I think the more court the gal can cover, the better for the partnership.”

Brascia also gave insight on the right side player in mixed, which is usually the girl.  

“Since most women play the right side, it’s about learning to be steady and being a good setup person. This means having a soft game at the kitchen line, being able to take the third now and again, and getting the team up to the line,” he said. “In mixed doubles, you've got to get up to the kitchen line. That’s where the game is won and lost. If you can’t get to the line, then it’s tough to win.”

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