In preparation for World Tennis Day we wanted to find out what makes some of our international tennis instructors tick. Sport, and specifically tennis, is appealing to so many people because it acts as a universal language of understanding. No matter your country of origin, the game will always involve at least two players, a net, and a green ball.
Though tennis is in principle the same no matter where you go, the country where you were born and grew up undoubtedly shape aspects of your tennis game and teaching style. We were lucky enough to talk to our MTL Instructor Guy from Australia about his tennis experiences, not only in his home country, but as a tennis coach now teaching abroad.
You are originally from Australia. In what way do you think that where you grew up shaped your teaching style and tennis game as a whole?
Australia is a wonderful place to grow up and I was fortunate to have parents who taught me tennis at a young age and were very encouraging. Australia has a rich tennis history and I was always inspired watching the great Australian players have so much success. It made me want to work to become the best player I possibly can be. I was also very lucky to be trained by world class Australia coaches who taught me so much and have really helped me transition into a teaching pro. I want to be able to give back all the great knowledge I was taught.
Was tennis readily accessible to you as a young child in Australia?
Yes, The weather in Australia is nice all year round and we are very fortunate to be a large continent with a relatively small population. There was always tennis courts everywhere I went and always great people willing to help me. I consider myself very fortunate to have been brought up playing tennis in Australia
It must have been a big step to move from Australia to the US. What do you miss most, tennis related or not, about home?
I came to America as a 17 year old to play Division one college tennis and I had never been to America before, it was a huge step. But the coaches and team mates were so supportive, the tennis team was my new family. 11 years later I am still here and settled down. America is a great country with amazing tennis facilities and has also produced so many great players. America is a great place for someone to play tennis. There are leagues for all ages and standards, and some of the best coaches in the world. The one thing I miss about Australia is my family, but I do make sure I see them at least a few times a years. For now America is my home.
In what ways is the tennis scene and tennis culture in the US different than that of Australia? In what ways is it similar?
I feel like both countries are great in various ways but America is bigger. This is due to America having a population of 300 million compared to Australia’s 21 million. There are many more leagues, camps, academies etc. America has made it very accessible for people to play tennis at any age, and they also have the college system which Australia does not have. This gives people an opportunity to be awarded a scholarship, get an education, while continuing to play tennis at a high level. Even though Australia has a great system, I feel they need to implement some things America does to help give people of all ages and standards an opportunity to play tennis
Did you use being a tennis coach/player as a means to see the world and travel or was it always about teaching and playing no matter where the opportunity was?
When I was young it was all about me getting better and competing where ever I was. I wanted to be a professional tennis player badly and that’s all I saw. Now I look back and appreciate the childhood I had and what tennis has given me. I got to travel throughout Australia, Europe, and America. I got to work with wonderful coaches from all over the world, and I have remarkable friends from all over the world. I have been extremely fortunate. Now I love teaching people everything I have been able to learn, from all over the world the last 20 years and share my highlights, regrets, stories etc.
Of all the locations around the world that you have taught or played over the years, which one is the most memorable and why?
That’s hard, I have taught and played at so many places and never had a bad experience so its hard to single one place out. I did live and play tennis at a club in Germany for 3 months when I was 16 years old and it was so unique and such a fantastic system. The clubs were beautiful, the people were great, it gave me a chance to travel Europe and I learnt so much. I highly recommend it to talented juniors or even very good older players
For you, what are the pros and cons of being a tennis instructor in the United States?
I don’t have any con’s I love it. I have found Americans to be extremely enthusiastic and love to learn tennis. I thrive of people who show enthusiasm and a desire to learn. I tell them if you have any questions or need any help or advice you can call me at anytime. Tennis has given me so much, I love to give it back to those willing to improve. Also I teach in Southern California where it’s sunshine all year round, what could possibly complain about.
