TENNIS.com Podcast: Vasek Pospisil on taking the path of most resistance

Vasek Pospisil knows all about taking the road less traveled. It's in his blood after all, with his parents fleeing communism in the Czech Republic to give their future son a better life. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Canadian veteran is unafraid to fight, whether it's for a career worth keeping or a for the collective good of his contemporaries. He joined the TENNIS.com Podcast with Kamau Murray to explain why he's still battling to improve his stature in year 15 of his pro career, and why he's eager to establish a union for the players.

Pospisil was born in Canada, and directly credits his father for coaching him in a way that put him on the path to big-time tennis. It was an intense relationship, but one that forged a bond that remains rock solid to this day. That pro career has featured seven wins against the Top 10 and a career-high ranking of No. 25 in singles, but it was his doubles career that reached even greater heights. He won the 2014 Wimbledon title, with Jack Sock as his partner.

Despite his success, Pospisil acknowledges the dilemma he and other players have had in regards to enjoying doubles while also being mindful of their singles results. It's something that can be mitigated with increases in prize money, he argues, but that doesn't appear to be on the horizon.

Inevitably the conversation, shifted to the topic that most tennis fans have become familiar with Pospisil in recent memory. He's been the biggest vocal proponent of a player's association, something he sees as not only beneficial but critical to the growth and survival of the sport.

"We have an incredible product," he says, referring to the booming era that the ATP has been in with the Big 3 and young stars bursting through barriers. "How is it not doing better than it's been doing? Well maybe it's because of this structure. Why are only the Top 100 players able to make a good living?"

Pospisil's core argument is that while the ATP has done wonderous things for a lot of people, it is still essentially a monopoly, and as the only show in town, its leaders are able to dictate terms without the threat of competition. Pospisil isn't for dismantling or destruction, just improvement.

"I really do believe that (a player's association) will service the players and make it a priority that players are taken care of."

As far his on-court game goes, Pospisil is still just as committed as ever at 32. He believes that if he puts in the work and can stay healthy, he can rise up the rankings once more.

"I do think that I still have some great years in front of me," he stated. The Canadian is confident in his game, and above all else in his fitness level, which is derived from hours upon of hours of court-time and training

"I'm improving and playing better than I ever I have, I think technically. Physically, if I can hold up, I think I can get back up there in terms of, you know, close to what my career high was."

Pospisil has set goals that many would consider far-fetched. A high ranking in such a demanding and physical game that is rich in talent, and a player's association in a sport that has yet to adopt one are certainly not easy to attain. But when you hear Pospisil speak anywhere, and especially on this podcast, you can easily identify the sincerity in his beliefs. He won't stop fighting, because he has objectives to reach.

Listen to this highly informative chat with Kamau Murray to get a great sense of who Vasek Pospisil is, and why he's chosen the path others have avoided.