Born in Sydney and raised in the Cotswolds, David has been a tennis coach at Hurlingham since 2017. Over the past seven years he has made a huge contribution to tennis at the Club. He introduced ‘Mini Aces’ to attract the youngest players to the game and, since 2021, has been a driving force behind The Hurlingham Foundation’s junior community tennis. I plied him with some questions.

When did you discover your passion for playing tennis?

I started playing tennis at a small local club aged seven – I was quite late to the game! My first competitive match was U8s County Cup, and I loved the competitive element.

How has your role at Hurlingham evolved?

I began by developing the Mini Aces programme and coaching the ladies’ teams. In 2021 I started working with The Hurlingham Foundation, coaching children from a local primary school every week.

What makes someone good at tennis?

Dedication, perseverance, and patience!

What do you most enjoy about teaching at Hurlingham?

Seeing the progression from ages going up through the colours, all the way up to competing level. And making children smile!

Best thing in general about tennis at the Club?

The training is very well structured. We’ve worked hard, through the Hurlingham Development Programme, to nurture young talent and to retain players for as long as possible.

Dream mixed doubles partner?

Justine Henin – one of the best single-handed backhands in the women’s game!

If you could play a match against any player, past or present, who would you pick, and why?

John McEnroe – for the fireworks!

ELISABETH RUSHTON

The brief spell of April sun was hopefully an omen of a good summer to come, after a very wet winter for tennis.

Junior tennis continues to thrive with a range of weekly classes, holiday camps and several teams competing in local leagues. The annual Junior-Senior day took place on 17 March, when parents and other adults were put through their paces by our junior players. Great fun was had by all, and the adults certainly need to keep practising prior to next year’s event! The Junior Tennis Championships will take place in July and is a great opportunity to come down and observe the future stars of the Club.

The adult championships are already underway, despite a few challenges with the LTA entry system (not to be repeated!). The Championship Finals will take place on the weekend of 20/21 July, on Little Wimbledon, when all members are welcome to watch some of our best players showcasing their skills on the court.

Club Evenings started at the beginning of May, and there will be the ever-popular Club Evening BBQ on Wednesday 19 June, with everyone welcome from 6pm.

The 18-30s section is thriving under Sammi Goodman’s watch, with several tournaments planned for the summer, and a whole new array of players joining in with wider tennis activities. If any tennis enthusiasts would like to be involved, please contact the Sports Office for further information.

SUZIE TOYN, CHAIR, TENNIS