AboutChris Lewis Expertise I can answer questions related to tennis development -- both junior and senior -- including advice on various approaches to coaching, training and competition. I can also offer advice on the technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects of your tennis game, from beginner level through to aspiring professional.
I am able to give you advice on your tennis equipment; e.g., how to choose a tennis racquet best suited for your game, what to consider when purchasing a pair of tennis shoes, or what types of strings are most appropriate for your stage of development or your level of play.
As a former professional player, I can also offer practical advice on anything related to tennis as a potential career.
Experience
Playing Experience:
Former tour professional (1975 - 1986)
Ranked number 1 junior player in the world (1975)
Wimbledon Finalist, 1983 (losing to John McEnroe)
Coached By:
Harry Hopman - Legendary Australian Coach with the best Davis Cup winning record in history.
Tony Roche - Former World number 2, and former coach of Ivan Lendl, Pat Rafter, & Roger Federer. Current coach of Lleyton Hewitt.
Coaching Experience:
Coach of Carl-Uwe Steeb (1989-90) - World number 14
Coach of Ivan Lendl (1991-93)
Coach/Manager of Auckland Tennis Inc's Junior Development Program (1997-2005), which produced players who won US Open Junior, Orange Bowl and Australian Open Junior titles
Currently coaching some of the US's most promising young junior players (at the Woodbridge Tennis Academy in Irvine, Southern California)
Administrative Experience:
Chairman of Tennis New Zealand's (TNZ) High Performance Board 2000-2002
TNZ board member 2000-2002.
Business Experience:
Owner of Tennis-Experts, the online tennis equipment specialists.
Publications:
Regular columnist for New Zealand Herald (Highest circulation New Zealand newspaper)
Expert: Chris Lewis Date: 5/14/2008 Subject: want to become professional tennis player
Question I started playing tennis when I was twelve. Iam about to turn fifteen now and have been working 2-3 hours on weekdays and 3-4 hours a day on weekends . I live in Knoxville,Tennessee and have a state ranking of sixteen and a southern ranking of around 400 in sixteens. So my question is, is it possible to be ranked top 500 in the world doing what Iam doing right now.
Answer Hi Jon,
For someone who has been playing less than three years, you're doing exceptionally well. But is it possible to one day achieve a top 500 ranking in the world? Absolutely yes! Why not?
Jon, my advice to you is to aim higher than top 500. If you work hard and smart, who knows at this stage just where your game will take you.
The hours that you're currently spending on court are about perfect for someone your age. But whatever you do, don't limit yourself by setting your goals too low.
Meanwhile, keep up the training and the practice. I wish you nothing but the best.
