GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING
1 A WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENT, SETTING NEW STANDARDS AND TRANSFORMING PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence
2 WELCOME
Hello and welcome – I am Leo Azevedo, the Head Coach for the GB National Tennis Academy at the I am also excited there is a strong next generation to University of Stirling. You can find out more about me cultivate, with Jonny O’Mara, 2020 Australian Open and my coaching world-class team within quarter-finalist and on the verge of the Davis Cup these pages. team under the tutelage of Scottish Coach Toby Smith, young Aidan McHugh on the Pro Scholarship Scotland has established an enviable track record Programme and University of Stirling student Maia of delivering success on the world stage in tennis Lumsden breaking into the WTA top 300. and the pinnacle of British tennis success has been achieved by the Murray family over the past The GB National Tennis Academy, funded by the decade and more. LTA, will be boosted by significant contributions from partners, noticeably the University of Stirling, primarily Andy has won three Grand Slams, two Olympic Gold through facility provision, and tennis scholars training Medals and 49 ATP Tour Titles; Jamie has won 23 ATP with National Academy players replicating a key Tour Titles and is seven-time Grand Slam champion; aspect of Andy’s successful formula. while their mother Judy, is a former Tennis Scotland National Coach and Fed Cup captain. The sportscotland institute of sport will help us deliver world-class sport science and medicine support, Only recently, Scotland was rightly proud to possess while Dollar Academy, a leading independent three world number 1s at the same time: Sir Andy school, offers an excellent track record of Murray OBE, Jamie Murray OBE and the Paralympic attainment, as well as boarding, pastoral care and gold medallist and winner of multiple Grand Slams, welfare provision. Gordon Reid MBE. Leon Smith, Britain’s successful Davis Cup captain and current Head of Men’s Tennis The GB National Tennis Academy is set amongst at the LTA, and Colin Fleming, the National Academy Scotland’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring Lead Performance Coach and former Davis Cup scenery: it is against this backdrop that my coaching player, ATP Tour title winner, and Commonwealth team and I will strive to develop future champions. Games Gold Medallist, have also been at the We can’t wait to start working with the next cohort vanguard of this tennis rejuvenation. I am delighted of talented British juniors. that Colin, Esteban Carril, Toni Gordon and Bruno Argudo complete my existing coaching team.
3 WHY STIRLING?
SCOTTISH TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS
Accounting for approximately 10% of the UK population, Scotland consistently OUR SUCCESS IN NUMBERS ______punches above its weight and this is particularly the case in performance tennis. For almost 20 years Scotland has been a significant strength within British tennis, producing unrivalled success at elite level, mainly through brothers Andy and Jamie Murray, both reaching world number 1 in their respective fields, alongside Wimbledon champion Gordon Reid MBE. Double Olympic singles champion, twice Wimbledon Champion and US Open Champion in 2012, Sir Andy Murray 82ATP 22GRAND 03OLYMPIC OBE became a Doctor of the University of Stirling in recognition of his services to TITLES SLAMS PARALYMPIC GOLDS tennis in 2014, for more information CLICK HERE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE The current crop of young Scottish tennis players performing on the international 49 3 2 stages includes Jonny O’Mara, Maia Lumsden, Aidan McHugh, Ali Collins, JAMIE MURRAY OBE JAMIE MURRAY OBE GORDON REID MBE Jacob Fearnley and Connor Thomson to name a few. One full-time professional 23 7 1 player and ATP title winner who reached the last 32 in his first Grand Slam, one Pro Scholarship Programme player and three National Age Group Programme COLIN FLEMING GORDON REID MBE players – a terrific return that can be increased significantly with the infrastructure 8 12 and opportunities surrounding the National Academy. JONNY O’MARA 2
4 Sir Andy Murray OBE became a Doctor of the University of Stirling in recognition of his services to tennis in 2014 5 COACHING TEAM
GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY HEAD COACH “I’m very passionate about the development LEONARDO AZEVEDO of young talent and this will be the perfect ______environment to achieve that – everything is in Renowned as a world-class coach - including for place to allow young players to thrive. I could his work with former world number 1 Juan Carlos not wish for a better team to work alongside, with Ferrero - Leonardo Azevedo brings vast experience Colin, Esteban, Toni and Bruno all bringing different at the highest level of both male and female strengths and experiences to the programme professional tennis, with a particularly strong record which will help provide young players with a truly in developing juniors. world-class tennis education.”
The 42-year-old has coached across the world for almost 20 years, from junior level to Grand Slam, Davis Cup and Olympic Games preparation, and has worked with some of the world’s most promising As the head of USTA PD I could I have known and worked with players such as Ferrero, Cici Bellis and Guillermo always count on coach Leo, Leo for the past ten years, he was Garcia Lopez.
“whether as a leader of a particular “instrumental in the success of our (USTA) programme in Carson and programme or as a coach and Leo Azevedo, GB National Tennis Academy Head
helped develop a very good crop mentor to a particular programme. Coach: “It is an honour to be appointed the Leo is a coach’s coach – he loves first Head Coach of the new GB National Tennis of juniors, including some that to work with others and always Academy at the University of Stirling. Tennis in Britain achieved top world rankings. I truly “ tries to make the players that he and Scotland has been on a fantastic journey over believe Leo will be an asset to any
works with more accountable the last two decades and we don’t need to look far serious developmental programme to themselves as players and as from Stirling to be inspired by just what is possible. José Higueras,
individuals. Tennis Scotland and the Former coach of Roger Federer LTA have hired a great coach, and an even better person in “ Leo Azevedo. Partick McEnroe, former ATP world number 28 and 3 for singles and doubles respectively
6 NATIONAL ACADEMY LEAD NATIONAL ACADEMY PERFORMANCE ADVISOR PERFORMANCE COACH ______ESTEBAN CARRIL COLIN FLEMING ______Esteban Carril is a highly sought after, world Colin Fleming is the Lead Performance Coach at renowned coach who will bring vast experience GB National Tennis Academy. Colin will bring all his and genuine world-class quality to the GB National experience in professional tennis as winner of 8 ATP Tennis Academy. Esteban has been an LTA World Tour Doubles titles, as a double Olympian Performance Advisor since October 2018, he works competing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, member together with the Performance Team to help in the of GB Davis Cup Squad, Gold medallist in The development of young British tennis players. Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010 and Grand Slam Quarter-finalist of Men’s Doubles (Wimbledon Previous to this appointment, Esteban was coach of and twice in the Us Open). Colin is currently a Johanna Konta who reached the Top 10 of the WTA member of the GB Fed Cup Coaching Team and rankings under his guidance. Esteban also coached Tennis Scotland Performance Consultant. Spanish Roberto Bautista, consolidated for many
years now as a Top 30 ATP player. “ Colin was previously Tennis Scotland National Working with Esteban had some of
Coach where he supported Lead Individual the most profound effect on my coaches in the development of young Scottish career, and life. He coaches with “ “ talent including Jonny O’Mara, Aidan McHugh, I can say without hesitation I have compassion, detail, professionalism, Gordon Reid MBE, Maia Lumsden, Jacob Fearnley, learnt more in those weeks being and is nurturing of both the tennis Connor Thomson and Ali Collins. Colin also coached with Esteban than at any other player and the human being. It was the GB Age Group Teams in the European “ Summer Cup 2017. stage of my tennis life. A lot of a pleasure to work with him. people can coach but very few Johanna Konta, GB number 1 can communicate the changes needed in a players game in a way that not only makes those changes happen but does not diminish a
Colin Fleming in my opinion is one players self confidence in his/her
of the best coaches in Britain. I game. Esteban has a fine eye for
“wouldn’t change my training base details and his ability to develop
of Stirling for anywhere else in the a player in their formative years is world. I am looking to push into the “ second to none, whoever has the ATP top 30 and GB Davis Cup team, opportunity to work with Esteban “ so it is obviously a pretty good has an incredible opportunity. tennis centre. Mark Petchey, Former coach of Sir Andy Murray OBE Jonny O’Mara
7 COACHING TEAM
GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY COACH BRUNO ARGUDO ______PERFORMANCE COACH TONI GORDON ______
Performance Coach, Toni Gordon, has previously Academy Coach, Bruno Argudo, is a former tennis worked in club and academy coaching roles scholar at the University of Stirling gaining an MSc to working on the professional tour. He worked in Sports Management whilst combining work as a with Albert Portas (former top 20 ATP player) and Graduate Assistant Tennis Coach, supporting lead coached the Club Team in Barcelona with Carla coaches Toby Smith and Judy Murray with Tennis Suarez (WTA top 10 player). Most recently Toni Scotland’s Junior Performance Players including; worked with Gabriella Taylor a WTA top 200 player Aidan McHugh, Maia Lumsden and Ali Collins. on the LTA PSP programme. Bruno then set up his own academy in Spain where As a player Toni was a top international junior. he also worked part-time for the Soto Academy. Toni has a degree in Physical Education at Texas Christian University (TCU).
Bruno is a gentlemen and I could Toni is extremely dedicated; he genuinely wax lyrical about him for loves tennis and has incredible “pages. His people skills stand out. “passion for the game. I am Bruno has an amazing ability to
amazed at his daily hard work, his connect with people of all ages/
consistency and his knowledge sexes from young players to parents
on and off the court. He has great and he was a big favourite with
skills on emotional intelligence all of our staff members. I have no which I believe nowadays is key to “ doubts Bruno will be an absolute educate and train young kids. He asset to Tennis Scotland. “ is very popular with young players, families and his colleagues. Dan Kiernan, SotoTennis Academy Director Albert Portas, and former British number 1 former top 20 ATP player doubles player
88 WORLD-CLASS BIOMECHANICS
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, ______DR MARC KOVACS said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Kovacs Institute and Dr Mark Kovacs which Tennis Scotland is delighted to work in partnership will bring world-class biomechanics support to the with the Kovacs Institute who will support the GB GB National Tennis Academy. He is at the cutting “ National Tennis Academy coaching team with the edge of sports science developments and has technical development of players. a great record in tennis.”
Dr Mark Kovacs, a leading world-class biomechanist and former professional tennis player, has an extensive background in training and researching elite athletes, having previously directed the Through the Kovacs Institute we are Leo Azevedo, GB National Tennis sports science, strength and conditioning and coach excited to work with Tennis Scotland, Academy head coach, added education departments for the United States “Leo Azevedo, Colin Fleming and Tennis Association. Over his career he has worked the entire team as a biomechanical “ with dozens of top professional tennis players Dr Mark Kovacs will help consultant on tennis strokes and including John Isner, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys us immensely in the technical
movement. We are also excited to and Reilly Opelka. development of the players at Stirling have many of the staff go through with his knowledge of biomechanics.
the International Tennis Performance As a high performance expert, sport consultant, I worked with him at the USTA for Association (ITPA) educational performance physiologist, professor and coach, a number of years and I can see why curriculum in areas of tennis specific “ Dr Kovacs is known as the go to expert for elite he is recognised as one of the best in athletes looking for science based programming fitness and sport science education.
the business. He was instrumental in to optimise human performance. He was recently This added sport science and supporting the successful players that appointed as Senior Director of Sports Science and technical knowledge will help “ I worked with at the USTA. Health to the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA one of improve the quality of coaching and the biggest positions in American sports. training throughout the country.
Dr Mark Kovacs, Kovacs Institute
9 PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE
The coaching team at the GB National Tennis Academy will adopt a holistic approach to player development: It’s a genuine coup for tennis in
Scotland and Great Britain to
• Develop players with ID “attract a coach of Leonardo’s calibre, • Players from Stirling will be recognized for the bringing with him a truly world-class values them demonstrate rather than the tracksuit reputation. Our recruitment process for they wear. this key role was thorough and we have “ • Respectful, hard workers, team approach, open excellent references from some of the most minded, integrity, tough competitors, passionate, respected coaches in the game, including effort and engagement Ivan Lendl and José Higueras. • Independent players who problem solve and Blane Dodds, make decisions Tennis Scotland Chief Executive The team that has been assembled • Matching their tennis game style to their physicality is unique and I do believe we will and personality “complement each other well which • Inter-disciplinary approach between tennis, in turn will be a real asset for the science and medicine
academy. I look forward to working • Monitoring and tracking progress through IAPs
with Leo and Esteban and I am sure I embedded in tennis, science and medicine. I am highly motivated to nurture young
players, using my coaching methodology to
will be learning from them as well. This • Committed to supporting and encouraging together with the support of Tennis academic programmes “help shape future professionals. I am excited to work with aspiring juniors at the GB “ Scotland and LTA teams behind us, • Wider social development of young people “ makes me confident we can create National Tennis Academy at the University of something special that will have • Daily and weekly meetings to discuss player by Stirling with the vision of developing players player so the day to day activities linkers to the to fulfil potential and enjoy careers in tennis positive results. longer term IAP Colin Fleming Esteban Carril, • All staff making the commitment to the LTA Performance Advisor same process
10 SPORTSCOTLAND INSTITUTE OF SPORT
The sportscotland institute of sport (SIS) the national agency for high performance sport, will through world-class practitioners, provide sport science and medicine support to the GB National Tennis Academy. SIS provides high performance leadership and expertise to sports and athletes throughout Scotland and the UK. Sport science and medicine support aims to consistently optimise performance level providing a holistic co-ordination of support:
SEAN TOUGH CATHERINE SMAILL JESSICA THOM PHYSICAL PREPARATION PHYSIOTHERAPY PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY
Sean oversees the design and delivery of Catherine leads on the delivery of physiotherapy for Jess will primarily deliver performance psychology to physical preparation. SIS support is passionate and the GB National Tennis Academy, providing: help athletes achieve optimum performance professional in pursuit of the best possible physical by supporting: • Musculoskeletal health to help players train performance. and compete without physical restriction • The key points of the coaching philosophy to • Programmes designed and implemented • Development of efficient and effective movement develop self-reliant players who can regulate their in conjunction with coaches and other service thoughts, emotions and actions providers • Developing players who are robust and resistant to injury • Players to direct their attention in training, • Proactive approach to injury prevention; competition and life outside of tennis. where required develop and deliver rehabilitation • Management of injury risk as well as assessment, programmes treatment and rehabilitation of any injuries. • Specialised work in the area of visual routines, self-awareness, self-regulation & mindfulness • Design and deliver effective integrated tracking Catherine is the lead physiotherapist for Snowsports and monitoring protocols and processes • Cutting edge delivery in special projects including and supported the GB team at their most successful neuroscience. Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang in 2018. Sean also co-ordinates the wider support service team. Sean’s previous work involved leading physical In addition to her role with the GB National Tennis Before starting at the SIS in 2016, Catherine had preparation for the Scottish national women’s Academy, Jess also works with British Shooting previously worked in the NHS and with a range of hockey team and the diving programme. During his as part of her wider remit with SIS. Prior to starting sports teams including England Women’s Cricket time Sean developed Scotland’s first female diving at the SIS, Jess had experience of working with Under 19 squad, England Disability Cricket squads Olympian and Britain’s first finalist (8th). Wasps Rugby, the British Olympic Bobsleigh team, & Swansea City Football Club. Welsh U20 Lacrosse and a number of professional football teams. 11 SPORTSCOTLAND INSTITUTE OF SPORT
BROWN FERGUSON KENNY MORE REBECCA BURNS PERFORMANCE LIFESTYLE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS PERFORMANCE NUTRITION
Brown will co-ordinate, oversee and deliver Support will be co-ordinated and overseen by Rebecca Burns will primarily deliver Performance Performance Lifestyle support which provides Kenny More, Notational Analysis Lead at Nutrition support. Rebecca will help educate players tailored, individualised coaching, mentoring and sportscotland which provides: to select the right foods and fluids, in the right counselling services to support performance quantity and at the right time to: • Specialised services in data management, athletes, coaches, parents and key personnel in all notational analysis, skill acquisition and special • Maximise training gains aspects of an athlete’s life. projects and innovation • Enhance recovery Brown will support player welfare and wellbeing • Working with measurement-based processes and • Reduce risk of illness throughout their time at the GB National Tennis provide evidence based support Academy. Specifically support includes: • Optimum body morphology for tennis Kenny has over 18 years of experience with SIS • Dual career and transition management across 5 Olympic and Commonwealth Games Rebecca works with Tennis Scotland and Dollar • Professional and personal development cycles, as well as having been match analyst to the Academy to ensure that nutrition requirements for • Lifestyle management National Men’s Football Team for 8 years. Support all players are met on a group and individual basis. • Preparation for a successful life after sport will be primarily delivered by Simon Lovelock Rebecca has previously worked with the NHS, Sport and supported by Marc Kinsey, MSc student in Wales Institute of Sport where she supported Swim Since starting at SIS in 2012 Brown has been working Performance Analysis. Wales and Welsh Cycling at the Commonwealth with Scottish tennis players. He has also led support Games in the Gold Coast. Rebecca has represented for curling, swimming and triathlon. Brown brings Scotland in athletics. a wealth of experience – particularly working with athletes on the transition pathway through sport and studies.
12 DAVID SOMERVILLE DR NIALL ELLIOT HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS MEDICINE MANAGER
Niall is the Head of Sports Medicine at SIS David is a High Performance Manager at SIS. David and will oversee the medical network support for provides leadership and expertise to the GB National GB NTA who: Tennis Academy. David plays a key strategic role, fostering a strong partnership between Tennis • Work closely with the wider support team in an Scotland and SIS. inter disciplinary way to support the need to training and compete effectively David champions the SIS approach to apply the • Focus on preventing illness and injury and important framework of: delivering evidence-based medical care after accurate diagnosis, careful clinical examination, • High Challenge • High Support experience and knowledge in order to maintain a • High Integrity healthy athlete.
• Will look at travel implications, rest and recovery David drives support in an interdisciplinary way, and promote clean sport working as a team in a programme which is athlete- centred and coach-led. • Oversee referrals through the medical insurance scheme Elsewhere David supports other areas of the tennis performance pathway in Scotland, as well as a Niall is the Chief Medical Officer to eamT GB for number of other sports including athletics, boxing Tokyo 2020, having performed the role at two prior and judo. Summer Olympic Games and two Winter Olympic Games, as well as for Team Scotland at three David was previously JudoScotland National
Commonwealth Games. High Performance Coach, where he worked with Olympians and Paralympians, World, European
and Commonwealth medallists, achieving the I think we are very lucky because accolade of 2014 Scottish Performance Coach of the Year, after the historic success at the Glasgow we get to use the sportscotland institute “of sport, for me they are the best I have “ Commonwealth Games. David is a former Commonwealth medallist. ever come across. We get to use the physios, the nutritionist, the physical trainers and that’s unbelievable. Jonny O’Mara
13 PLAYER EXPERIENCES
In the first six months of the GB NTA, players José will share his coaching philosophy at the ______JUAN CARLOS FERRERO ACADEMY have benefited from some wonderful experiences annual Tennis Scotland Coaches’ Conference Players at the GB National Tennis Academy enjoyed including: where academy players will gain valuable work experience supporting the running of the event. one week training at the JC Ferrero Equelite JOSÉ HIGUERAS VISITS SCOTLAND Sport Academy in Spain. As well as meeting and ______spending some time on court with former world World-renowned tennis coach and former player, number 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, the players were also José Higueras, brings his coaching expertise to work able to train and spar against full time academy with the GB National Tennis Academy players for players in Spain, outdoors on the clay. Another a training camp. José won 16 ATP singles titles and fantastic experience and a fine example of reached back-to-back semi-finals at Roland Garros Leo Azevedo’s contacts in the game benefitting in 1982 and 1983, the year in which he reached the players. number 6 in the world rankings.
José, a former coach to tennis superstar Roger Federer, also worked with some of the world’s best players, including Pete Sampras and Michael Chang, and was recruited as the United States ______MURRAY TROPHY Tennis Association’s director of coaching 2008 where he now acts as a consultant. Tennis Scotland in partnership with the LTA and Glasgow Life delivered the ATP Challenge Tour “Leo Azevedo is a great friend of mine and I have a Event: The Murray Trophy. Jamie Murray played lot of respect for him as a coach therefore when he a key role in promoting and hosting the event. asked me to visit the GB National Tennis Academy Prior to the start of play Jamie spent an afternoon I didn’t give it a second thought. As well as a great coaching GB NTA players, promoting doubles drills friendship, I share with Leo the same personal and with his former playing partner Colin Fleming. tennis values which was why I previously chose Leo to work with us at the USTA. British tennis is lucky to https://twitter.com/tennisscotland/ have a professional of Leo’s calibre leading the GB status/1177115587610329088 National Tennis Academy in Scotland.” On finals day the GB NTA players performed a training demonstration in front of a partisan crowd!
14 BENEFITS