The Equelite academy is set in tranquil gardens, close to mountains, thirty minutes north east of Alicante and an hour drive south west of the Spanish port city Valencia. The weather in that region is mild to hot with little rain and is perfect for year round training. 

## Facilities
The academy, which was set up in 1990, features cutting edge facilities. The academy has:
- 10 clay courts, with 1 playsight court (smart court). 
- 7 hard courts with 1 playsight court. 
- 1 indoor hard court. 
- 1 Central hard court. 
- 1 grass court.

The academy is particularly committed to innovation and using the latest technology to help players achieve their goals.

![ACA-EQL-facilities-collage2.png](/uploads/ACA_EQL_facilities_collage2_f6ec6a4e5a.png)

Equelite also has a gym, a running track, a soccer field, padel courts, 2 swimming pools and a physiotherapy clinic. As well as these, there is a hotel, a school, a TV room, restaurant, a player lounge and player accommodation. 

## The touch of a champion
The academy has the location, climate, history, and it also has that essential know-how, and very experienced and informed knowledge, too- former ATP No.1 and Roland Garros champion Juan Carlos Ferrero runs the academy. 

Ferrero graduated himself from the academy and went on to become a world No.1, a slam champion and winner of 16 titles. Ferrero also reached the US Open finals and the ATP World Tour Finals championship match.  If the sign of an academy’s success is the players it develops, then Equelite is one very successful academy.

Ferrero now runs the academy and enjoys his role there. Ferrero says:

*“Running the academy means a lot. I started here as a kid and growing here while the academy grows as well. I had created a strong bond with it. In the end, I decided to build my house at the academy and keep working on it. Nowadays I live here with my family and I can know all our annual players and support them and the staff. It's incredible how the small house with just one court I started in has changed in dimensions but the feeling of being part of a big family that works together for good still remains.”*

## Successful players
The Equelite family is a well known one to followers of the ATP tour. Players such as two time US Open semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta and Carlos Alcaraz Garfia train there. 
 
Academy manager Inaki Etxegia says of the academy’s recent success:
 
*“In 2020 and up until the start of 2021, at least one player of the Academy won a Trophy along all the weeks in which our players compete. We won 59 Championships and 25 finals in total.”*
- Carlos Alcaraz is an 18-year-old prodigy who broke into Top 50 at career-high No. 38 after US Open 2021 quertefinals, becoming highest-ranked player at his age since Rafael Nadal.
- Carreño-Busta reached the semifinals of the US Open and Quarters of Roland Garros.
- Mario Vilella qualified for the Australian Open Main draw and beat Basilashvili (n.39, ATP) in a warm up event. 
- Carlos Gimeno beat the ATP’s 86th ranked player at the end of the year and reached the Semis and Quarters in different ATP Challenger tournaments. 
- In other categories we had ITF junior tournaments champions and finalist and champions at  Spanish Official Championships (Meritxel Boix, U16 finalist of Spain; Rafael Segado Esteve, U14 champion of Spain).

![ACA-EQL-Alcaraz.JPG](/uploads/ACA_EQL_Alcaraz_bb49b0a54b.JPG)
 
The list of professional players that had previously practiced at the Academy is long and great. Among others: Maria Sharapova, David Ferrer, Dinara Safina and Nicolas Almagro have been at the academy for long periods.

## The coaching team
Players at the academy are supported by a strong, experienced and established coaching team. These include: 
- Juan Carlos Ferrero (coach of Carlos Alcaraz)
- Antonio M. Cascales (who led Juan Carlos Ferrero to No.1 in the ATP rankings),
- Samuel López (coached Nicolas Almagro and Pablo Carreño leading them to the top 10)
- Fran Martinez led Roberto Carballes to the Top 100, current coach of Carlos Gimeno and Emilio Nava)
- Cesar Fabregas (coached Maria Teresa Torró Flor to WTA Top 50, current coach of Eva Guerrero)
- Fran Penalva (Sport Manager of the academy)
- Juanjo Moreno (the academy physio)
- Alberto Lledo (Fitness coach of Carlos Alcaraz)

Juan Carlos Ferrero talks proudly about his team: *“All our team has same philosophy and has gone through an internal coaching course. All of them prioritizes the player. They have great quality and good intentions to improve the players and they always work with the benefit of the players in mind.”*

## Training programs
Training is from Monday to Saturday, and is 33 to 38 hours a week. Tennis, fitness and psychology lessons are all a part of this schedule. Unless there are tournaments or specific training requirements, Saturday afternoon and Sunday are for rest. Every player receives an assigned coach and a personalized training program. The day is divided into four training turns, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, and these are fitness or tennis. For students who are also studying, lessons take place before and after training. 

## Motivation and development
The academy provides objectives for students to keep them motivated. These objectives are reachable and constantly monitored. There is also a monthly evaluation which can result in prizes and recognition.
For a player to develop, Ferrero says attitude is essential, both on and off court. According to Ferrero, it is important *“how a player faces each day, with which purpose; if the player tries to give the maximum in all aspects of their lives.”* Ferrero also believes that *“humility, positive attitude and hard-work would make anyone improve. There are many variants to take into account behind that but that's the most crucial part to ensure a good development”*
Equelite’s students’ progress is what Ferrero finds most rewarding about his role at the academy. *“Realizing the great improvement in students’ game and personality,”* says Ferrero, *“is really great.”*
 
There are other rewards, too. Ferrero feels *“that it is gratifying as well when a player that left some time ago comes back, maybe as a player to play some tournament, maybe just for a visit or sometimes even to do a coaching internship.
 
Here, there are bonds that remain for a long time and that means a lot.”*

![ACA-EQL-women-players.JPG](/uploads/ACA_EQL_women_players_02910ae447.JPG)




## History of tennis development in the country 
Spain is currently one of tennis’ most successful nations, however this was not always the case. Before 1961, Spain only had Manuel Alonso as a slam finalist (Wimbledon, 1921). But, Spain has made up for its slow start to the top of the world’s finest tennis nations. Manuel Santana won his first slam in 1961 and opened the gates for the likes of Andrez Gimeno, Manuel Orantes, Sergi Bruguera, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Conchita Martinez, Carlos Moya and Rafa Nadal. 
As the Spanish economy opened up and grew in the second half of the 20th century, tennis became more accessible, more public courts opened up, and it was only natural that a country with its mild climate and sports loving population would end up alongside France, the UK, the USA, Australia and Germany as one of tennis history’s richest nations.

## Famous players 
Rafa Nadal is Spain’s most celebrated player, and a world sporting icon. He won his first slam aged 19 at Roland Garros ‘05 and after Roland Garros ‘20, he holds 20 slams, a record he shares with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. 
Before Nadal, the country’s most accomplished player in the Open era was Aranxtha Sanchez Vicario who won four slams (Roland Garros ‘89, ‘91, ‘94, US Open ‘94) and was world No.1. 
Other successful players have been Manuel Orantes, Manuel Santana, Carlos Moya, Sergi Brugeura, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Conchita Martinez, Garbine Muguruza, Alberto Costa, all who have or finished their careers with Grand Slam titles under their belt. 
Recently, Spain has proven to be one of the most dominant tennis countries in professional rankings. In the men’s game, at the end of 2020, Rafa Nadal, Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta were all ranked in the top 20 and Spain had a total of nine players in the top 100. 

> Rafa Nadal as a youngster was deciding between tennis and football, in which he was also excelling. In fact, Rafael´s second uncle Miguel Ángel played for FC Barcelona. Even more of a surprise is that Rafa himself is a very avid fan of Real Madrid.

## Successes of the national teams 
As a nation, Spain has had great success in various team competitions. Spain has won the Davis Cup six times (‘00, ‘04, ‘08, ‘09, ‘11, ‘19). It has also been Fed Cup Champion five times (91, 93, 94, 95, 98). 
In addition, Rafa Nadal won Olympic Gold in Singles and Doubles with Marc Lopez at Beijing ‘08, Sergi Bruguera won Silver (Atlanta ‘96). Conchita Martinez has three medals, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario has silver and a bronze in both singles and doubles and her brother Emilio Sánchez Vicario won doubles silver with his partner Sergio Casal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. 

## Tournaments in the country 
Spain hosts some of the world’s most well-known and important tennis tournaments. The ATP 500 tournament is held in Barcelona in April at the Real Club de Tenis and the ATP 1000 event, combined with the WTA Premier tournament, is held in Madrid in May at the cutting edge Caja Magica. Both of those tournaments are played on Clay.  Spain also has an ATP 250 and WTA grass court tournament in Mallorca in June. The country, in addition, hosted the WTA championships in Madrid  in 2006-2007. As well as this, a men’s indoor Masters event was held in Madrid up until 2008. The Davis Cup is also currently held in Spain in its controversial but successful new format as a week long event held indoors. There was much debate how fair it was to host the event in one country, but with Nadal leading the team, the Spaniards were always going to be one of the favorites to lift the trophy wherever it was played.

## Training system 
Spain’s success has been the subject of many tennis fans’ discussions and even the subject of popular tennis books. In 2014, Chris Lewit wrote his book Secrets of Spanish Tennis on the subject. 
According to Lewit, Spain’s success is due to its *“sporting culture with a strong club system to develop players, an extensive tournament structure, and a high level of coaching.”*
Lewitt adds that, *“In general, Spanish coaches tend to work with a similar philosophy and method around the country, namely, emphasizing consistency and control, good footwork, endurance, developing a forehand weapon, solid defense, and an indefatigable spirit... players are taught from a young age to be fighters and to ‘suffer’ on the court.”*
These qualities are ones which separate Spanish players apart from other nationalities on their preferred surface of Clay. The surface demands great athleticism, a fundamental aggressive game and strong defense. It’s no secret that Spanish players have thrived on Clay more than any other surface (Bruguera, Costa, Moya, Ferrero all won their only slams at RG). 
But, Spanish tennis is more than just Clay tennis - its players have transferred those skills refined on Clay to other surfaces and slams, too.
- Conchita Martinez surprised the tennis world when she won Wimbledon in 1994. 
- Meanwhile, Aranxtha Sanchez Vicario upset Steffi Graf to win the US Open ‘94 and contested two Wimbledon finals in the mid 90s. 
- Most impressively of all, Rafa Nadal has won the career slam.
- In 2019, Spain, led by Nadal, won the Davis Cup indoors. 
- Perhaps the biggest shock of all was when Alex Corretja won the ‘98 ATP finals indoors in Hannover beating none other than Carlos Moya in the final in five sets. 
Lewit also highlights something unique about Spanish training methods which might also offer some insights into why Spain has managed to distinguish itself from other tennis nations.  Lewitt told us, “In Spain, small group lessons with 2:1 player to coach ratio are the favored approach, as compared to larger group training common in other countries. Private lessons are not encouraged in Spain due to the low ratio in group classes.” 
There are of course, some things about Spanish tennis’ success which are not so secret. Spain has a climate which means tennis can be played all year round. It also has a recent culture of tennis sporting success with Rafa Nadal as one of the country’s most recognisable figures and a Spanish icon. 
The sport has a high profile, thanks to Nadal’s achievements and popularity, and attracts a lot of young talent to the game even though it is competing with more accessible team sports such as football and basketball. 
Nadal is also running a very well known tennis academy and joins his compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in this achievement. Manuel Santana also opened his own academy in Marbella. 
Lewit highlights how *“many former professional players in Spain have chosen to give back to the game and to younger players rather than leaving the sport.”*

## Tennis academies 
Spanish tennis academies have a reputation as being some of the best in the world which attract both local and international talent. Both Marat Safin and Andy Murray were sent to tennis academies in Spain from the age of 14 with Murray attending the highly regarded Sanchez Casal Academy in Barcelona. 

Tennis academies in Spain tend to be located in Barcelona Suburbs, Valencia or Mallorca. Many of them are owned by current and former great Spanish players. Rafa Nadal has his academy in Mallorca, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy. Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former No.1 and the 2003 Roland Garros champion, also runs a tennis academy, the [JC Ferrero Equelite Tennis Academy](https://tennis-academies.com/partners/jc-ferrero-equelite-sport-academy), which is located near Valencia.

In the Barcelona area, apart from the mentioned Sanchez Casal Academy, there are plenty of other high-performance tennis academies like [Barcelona Tennis Academy](https://tennis-academies.com/partners/barcelona-tennis-academy) or [Walter Grünfeld Tennis Academy](https://tennis-academies.com/partners/walter-grunfeld-tennis-academy). But not only seaside resorts have their academies. The area of Madrid also offers a number of opportunities for quality training, one of which is the [Global Agent Tennis Academy](https://tennis-academies.com/partners/global-agent-tennis-academy).

Spain also has numerous high-quality coaches. Some of its coaches include Toni Nadal, Luis Bruguera and Fer Vicente. Vicente coached Andrei Rublev in 2020, a season in which the Russian was one of the most successful players with five tournament wins and finishing the year in the top 8.



small_07_Pablo CarreĄo_Semifinalista ATP 500 Rotterdam.jpg

thumbnail_07_Pablo CarreĄo_Semifinalista ATP 500 Rotterdam.jpg

07_Pablo CarreĄo_Semifinalista ATP 500 Rotterdam.jpg

large_Spanish-flag.png

medium_Spanish-flag.png

small_Spanish-flag.png

thumbnail_Spanish-flag.png

Spanish-flag.png

large_CTR-ESP-Barcelona2.jpg

medium_CTR-ESP-Barcelona2.jpg

small_CTR-ESP-Barcelona2.jpg

thumbnail_CTR-ESP-Barcelona2.jpg

CTR-ESP-Barcelona2.jpg

When somebody says Spain to you, what words spring to mind? Sure, sea, beaches, Real or Barca...but it is hard to imagine that one of those words wouldn´t be tennis or Rafa Nadal. 

Tennis in Spain

Spain

large_ACA-EQL-logo.png

medium_ACA-EQL-logo.png

small_ACA-EQL-logo.png

thumbnail_ACA-EQL-logo.png

ACA-EQL-logo.png

large_ACA-EQL-logo-white.png

medium_ACA-EQL-logo-white.png

small_ACA-EQL-logo-white.png

thumbnail_ACA-EQL-logo-white.png

ACA-EQL-logo-white.png

Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Academy is set in tranquil gardens, close to mountains, an hour drive of Valencia. This tennis academy is particularly committed to innovation and using the latest technology to help players achieve their goals.

JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy - tennis academy in Spain

JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy

large_ACA-EQL-Carlos-Alcaraz.JPG

medium_ACA-EQL-Carlos-Alcaraz.JPG

small_ACA-EQL-Carlos-Alcaraz.JPG

thumbnail_ACA-EQL-Carlos-Alcaraz.JPG

ACA-EQL-Carlos-Alcaraz.JPG

The academy offers the possibility of receiving a adaptation training to competition with private practices. A personalized program in which the training on the court will be private. A specific coach will work with the player, focusing on improving all aspects: technique, tactics, physical and mental.

The program will be adapted to the needs of each player and will last a minimum of 6 weeks in which the player’s set-up will be worked on and the fulfillment of specific objectives established in the first weeks.

**The price of 8604 EUR is for 6 weeks (1434 EUR / week)**. Should you have interest in more weeks, please contact us at info@tennis-academies.com

Competition 1to1 (with accommodation & full-board)

large_PRG-EQL-youth-inquiry.JPG

medium_PRG-EQL-youth-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-youth-inquiry.JPG

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-youth-inquiry.JPG

PRG-EQL-youth-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-youth.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-youth.jpg

PRG-EQL-youth.jpg

During the whole year, JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Acadmey offers the possibility for players from all over the world come to take in their training programs in shorter periods. Thus, they can perform an intense practice to face a tournament, on a specific surface and develop their preseason.

The training plan is developed by a high-qualified coaching team headed by Juan Carlos Ferrero and Antonio Martinez Cascales themselves. Both, same as part of the staff, live in the academy which creates the feeling of family environment.



Short-Term Program (with accommodation & full-board)

large_JUNIORI-Equelite_ (2).JPG

medium_JUNIORI-Equelite_ (2).JPG

small_JUNIORI-Equelite_ (2).JPG

thumbnail_JUNIORI-Equelite_ (2).JPG

PRG-EQL-juniors-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-juniors.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-juniors.jpg

PRG-EQL-juniors.jpg

Enjoy one of the packages with the best tennis coaches and stay at Equelite Rural Hotel. JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy Academy provides a personalized program for adults that would like to improve their tactical and technical skills. By personalizing practices our coaches will adjust to the players level.

Practices are divided in 2 parts: Morning and Evening sessions of 1,5 hour each one.

During the free hours you can enjoy the Terrace, Swimming-pool, Sauna or you can sign-up to any of extra activities offered by the Equelite Academy.

Adults Program (with accommodation & full-board)

large_PRG-EQL-adults-inquiry.JPG

medium_PRG-EQL-adults-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-adults-inquiry.JPG

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-adults-inquiry.JPG

PRG-EQL-adults-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-adults.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-adults.jpg

PRG-EQL-adults.jpg

JC Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy has developed a personalized plan for under 12-years-old tennis players, who are interested in keep improving their skills and have fun while they are training during their stay. 

This program has a specific schedule for the kids to play tennis. They are doing a personalized training in a high competition academy, with the focus remaining on the guidelines to the match and the different tennis styles.

The price includes gifts and photographs with the most famous players of the academy as Pablo Carreño Busta, Carlos Alcaraz or Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Furthermore, a rural hotel located in the academy is available for the parents who want to be near to their kids during their stay.

U12 Competition Program (with accommodation & full-board)

large_PRG-EQL-kids-inquiry.JPG

medium_PRG-EQL-kids-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-kids-inquiry.JPG

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-kids-inquiry.JPG

PRG-EQL-kids-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-EQL-kids.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-EQL-kids.jpg

PRG-EQL-kids.jpg

With over 15 years of experience our summer stage is well-known for training tennis players all around the world, with an adapted plan depend on the age and the level. Kids take advantage their stay to live the experience of training as professional tennis players do during the year.

It is an international campuses where they can learn and improve their tennis levels, at the same time that they have fun, learn another language or develop social skills. The summer stage also offers the possibility to hit balls with professional tennis players and get along with Juan Carlos Ferrero, ATP no.1

Summer Stage Competition (with accommodation)

Due to the personalized training, the Academy has a limited number of places in the annual competition program. During the player’s stay, a training and competition plan is developed according to the age, level and objectives.

Players train an average of 35 hours per week (between 33 to 38) they train every day except on Saturday in the afternoon and Sunday, and also the resting days: tournaments and/or specific preparation. A normal day is divided in two turns of tennis and fitness in the morning and two in the afternoon, including mental work and if necessary, physiotherapy to prevent any injury.

The training plan is the same as  Pablo Carreño or Mario Vilella follow. Our coaches are certified by the most prestigious organizations in the world and have many years of experience; led by Juan Carlos Ferrero and Antonio Martínez Cascales.

Annual Competition Program (1 year with accommodation & full-board)

Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Academy is set in tranquil gardens, close to mountains, an hour drive south west of the Spanish port city Valencia. This tennis academy is particularly committed to innovation and using the latest technology to help players achieve their goals.



The HDN academy is located in the countryside, a twenty-minute drive north west of Nîmes, a city in the south east of France which is just an hour’s drive from the sea. The academy is surrounded by trees and nature and benefits from the advantages a Mediterranean climate offers tennis players. 

The academy was founded in 1974 by George Deniau who would also captain the French Davis Cup team. Players such as Guy Forget and Jacob Hlasek trained there, the two professionals ranked four and five on the ATP tour respectively at points in their career. 

Directors Cédric Nouvel and Pascal Courtois have been running their tennis and study programs at the HDN academy since 1997. The academy also offers students training in horse riding, dance, padel, golf and football. 

HDN academy is not just a training center and school, it is also a home with a supportive family atmosphere where former students come back to help coach current ones.

![ACA-HDN-team.jpg](/uploads/ACA_HDN_team_c3c810619e.jpg)

## Successful players
Some of the academy’s former players can be seen competing on the men and women’s professional tour. One of them is Fabrice Martin, who partnered Jeremy Chardy to the 2019 Roland Garros men’s doubles final and has been ranked 22 in the men's doubles rankings. Meanwhile, Virginia Razzano was a well known and accomplished tour professional who was ranked 16 on the WTA tour. 

## Facilities
The academy has the following facilities:
- A fully equipped gym with cardio space and stretching areas. 
- Accommodation
- Classrooms
- A restaurant
- A center court with tiered seating
- 21 outside courts. 
- 4 indoor courts.
The courts are mainly hard except for 1 synthetic grass, 1 artificial clay and 2 natural clay.

![ACA-HDN-facilities-collage2.png](/uploads/ACA_HDN_facilities_collage2_c37e253ac3.png)

## HDN- a life project
One of HDN’s priorities is to help players with their tennis life project. That project could be to play at a high level or even professionally, go to university or work for a sports company. It all depends on the player and HDN gives personalized support to all players as they work to achieve their goals.

## Practice makes perfect
Whatever project HDN and its players decide on, it is going to take a lot of practice to make it a success. HDN’s well developed, established tournament structure means players can get valuable on-court play and match practice at once. 

The academy hosts 30 tournaments a year, which is one of the academy’s biggest prides. At HDN, the directors have set up a tournament circuit which maximises match play and for example in July, there is a tournament every three days and 150 matches can be played a day. Every time a player registers they are guaranteed to play at least four matches as in the 32 player draws, win or lose, the player goes on to compete in another match.

![ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg](/uploads/ACA_HDN_coach2_878f07bad3.jpg)

## The player journey
The opportunity to play so many tournaments also gives coaches a chance to assess players’ development, so win or lose, players can work on their game and progress. According to Cédric, one of the academy directors, the most important part of a player’s development is this journey and not whether or not they have many wins besides their name.

“Players who like the process do the best,” says Cédric. “Players should not be interested in quick results,” Cédric adds. “If you like the process of practice, you will do whatever it takes for your development.”

## Player motivation
Results still have some importance and a place in a player’s journey. Cédric explains that players “have to make objectives and results are a big part of their motivation. It’s about finding that synergy between the process and goals. For players who are not winning, it is  best to take them back to the process and see how they improve.”

For the coaches in this French tennis academy, watching these kinds of players improve is one of the greatest parts of life at HDN.  

![PRG-HDN-juniors-inquiry.jpg](/uploads/PRG_HDN_juniors_inquiry_b7a8e7e83a.jpg)


> The word tennis itself comes from the French word *tenez*, the term love comes from *Oeuf* which is French for egg, and deuce derives from *a deux*, meaning equal. 

## History of tennis development in the country
The original game of tennis came from a 13th century game played in French monasteries. This game was later adopted as the royal court game jeu de paume (game of the palm) which was the origin of Real tennis which became a hugely popular game among French aristocracy.

At one stage, tennis became so addictive in France, it was banned as monks and soldiers neglected their duties in favor of playing it. It was also outlawed after the French Revolution due to its royal connections.

However, tennis survived the bans and the Revolution and became popular again when Napoleon III opened courts at Versailles in 1861.

Less than a decade later, lawn tennis was born. 

In 1891, the French Open was held for the very first time and France’s stamp on international tennis was sealed.

## Famous players
In the mid 1920s, Suzanne Lenglen was one of tennis’ first icons, an enigmatic champion who was famous not only for her game, but for her style, too. 

Lenglen, known as “Our Suzanne,” won two French Opens and six Wimbledons. 

In the late 20s, four men rose to the top of the sport- Henri Cochet, Jean Borotra, René Lacoste and Jacques Brugnon. These four would come to be known as The Four Musketeers. 

After the second world war and as tennis entered the open era, the rest of the world started catching up with France and French players were no longer at the top of the international game. 

However, the country has still produced some top flight champions over the last few decades as well as some renowned top 100 and 50 players who have contributed to French tennis’ reputation as strong, creative and enigmatic.

**Slam champions**
- Yannick Noah delighted the crowd when he and his net game won Roland Garros in 1983 
- Mary Pierce won the title in 2000 beating Seles and Hingis on the way. She also won the Australian Open ‘95.
- Amelie Mauresmo won two slams (Australian Open ‘06, Wimbledon ‘06) and reached No.1 in the world.
- Marion Bartoli won Wimbledon 2013

**Slam Runner ups**
- Natalie Tauziat, Henri Leconte, Arnaud Clement

The country has also produced some of the players with the most flair in recent times, such as Fabrice Santoro, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who reached the 2008 Australian Open final.

> France’s Fabrice Santoro, (Career high 17), led Russia’s former world No.1 Marat Safin 7-2 in their career head, the Frenchman’s flair and touch getting the better of the powerful, slam winning Russian.

On the women’s side Tatiana Golovin and Caroline Garcia have also earned praise for their all court games and entertaining styles. 

French tennis has also earned itself a leading name in doubles. 

Pierre Hughes Herbet and Nicholas Mahut have proven to be two of the best doubles players in the world. (Number of titles?). 

Fun fact- Mahut also created history in his Wimbledon match versus John Isner, the longest match of all time- Mahut won in 11 hours and 05 minutes. 

In the women’s game, Kristina Mladenovic is a former Doubles No.1 and has won five Major titles, including three French Opens in womens’ doubles. 

## Successes of the national teams 
The Four Musketeers. won the Davis Cup from 1927 to 1932 and ended the US domination of the competition.

France also won the Davis Cup in 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2017.

The 1991 final win was a surprise one, the French coming up against a US team led by Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Guy Forget beat Pete Sampras in four sets in the fourth tie to give the French a 3-1 before a home crowd in Lyon.

The French have won the Fed Cup three times, in 1997, 2003 and 2019.

In the Olympics, France has won 19 medals in total- 5 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze and is third in the tennis medal table behind the UK and the USA.

## Tournaments in the country
The French Open started in 1891 and went international in 1925. It is one of the four Majors, more commonly known as slams, and is played on Clay. 

The event is also known as Roland Garros, named after a fighter pilot who fought in World War I.

The main court is named after Philippe Chatrier, a former player and president of the French Tennis Federation. The second show court is named after none other than Suzanne Lenglen.

The French Open has one of the most famous crowds in tennis. They are known for being very knowledgeable about the sport and very generous to players who play, and behave, well. They will also let players know if they have stepped out of line, as they did when Martina Hingis crossed the net to circle a mark on the court in the Roland Garros ‘99 final versus Steffi Graf. 

Paris-Bercy is an indoors Masters (ATP 1000) tournament held at the end of the year.

A WTA tournament was held in Paris, the Paris GDF, from 1993 to 2014. 

The country also holds ATP 250 events in Montpellier, Nice and Lyon.

## Training system 
French tennis training is known for its focus on the techniques of the game. Players have to master techniques across the entire spectrum of the game rather than just focusing on one area. Once the player has mastered the technique of one shot, they can move on to another. 

French players play a lot of doubles to help them master net play and the focus is on developing an all court game which could be played on all surfaces.

The French Training system has earned a reputation for being well-structured and effectively helping students progress from one level to the next. 

## Coaches and tennis academies 
Patrick Mouratoglou is a well known coach, working with Serena Williams and Stefanos Tsitsipas. He’s also worked with Grigor Dimitrov. Patrick runs the famous Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, which is just outside Antibes in the South of France. Mouratoglou recently helped coach Stefanos Tsitsipas reach the Roland Garros ‘21 final. 

Mouratoglou, whose nickname is the Coach, believes that it is not important whether you win or lose, but it is all about what you learn and how you grow. His ability to communicate such philosophies has helped make him one of the most influential coaches in international tennis. 

Other French tennis academies include:

[HDN Academy](https://tennis-academies.com/partners/hdn-academy), which is located in Nimes in the South of France. This academy helped Virginie Razzano reach the top 20 and offers extensive match practice to players during the Summer months. 

All In Academy Côte d´Azur, which is run by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the 2008 Australian Open finalist, and Thierry Ascione who was ranked 81 on the ATP tour and coached Richard Gasquet. 



large_CTR-FRA-flag.png

medium_CTR-FRA-flag.png

small_CTR-FRA-flag.png

thumbnail_CTR-FRA-flag.png

CTR-FRA-flag.png

large_CTR-FRA-Nice.jpg

medium_CTR-FRA-Nice.jpg

small_CTR-FRA-Nice.jpg

thumbnail_CTR-FRA-Nice.jpg

CTR-FRA-Nice.jpg

Few countries have a history with so much flavor and depth- France has produced not only the sport itself but also some of its most talented players and, of course, one of its premier tennis tournaments, the French Open, also known as Roland Garros. 

Tennis in France

France

medium_ACA-HDN-kid1.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-kid1.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-kid1.jpg

ACA-HDN-kid1.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-fitness.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-fitness.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-fitness.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-fitness.jpg

ACA-HDN-fitness.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg

ACA-HDN-coach2.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-juniors.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-juniors.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-juniors.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-juniors.jpg

ACA-HDN-juniors.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-school.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-school.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-school.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-school.jpg

ACA-HDN-school.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-coach1.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-coach1.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-coach1.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-coach1.jpg

ACA-HDN-coach1.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-youth-training1.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-youth-training1.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-youth-training1.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-youth-training1.jpg

ACA-HDN-youth-training1.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-youth-tournament.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-youth-tournament.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-youth-tournament.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-youth-tournament.jpg

ACA-HDN-youth-tournament.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-youth-training2.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-youth-training2.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-youth-training2.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-youth-training2.jpg

ACA-HDN-youth-training2.jpg

large_ACA-HDN-kids-group.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-kids-group.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-kids-group.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-kids-group.jpg

ACA-HDN-kids-group.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-logo.png

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-logo.png

ACA-HDN-logo.png

small_ACA-HDN-logo-white.png

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-logo-white.png

ACA-HDN-logo-white.png

The HDN Tennis Academy in south east France offers players great facilities, training excellence but also a family atmosphere. These elements help players fully enjoy the process of finding their feet in the world of tennis.

HDN Academy - tennis academy in France

HDN Academy

large_ACA-HDN-main-photo.jpg

medium_ACA-HDN-main-photo.jpg

small_ACA-HDN-main-photo.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-HDN-main-photo.jpg

ACA-HDN-main-photo.jpg

Our tennis camp + "MCT" (Multi-Chance Tournament) program means matches, matches and more matches!

Our “full competition” camps include sports training before matches (tennis, fitness and mental), coaching during matches, 24 hour supervision and full board accommodation. 

Players benefit from match preparation, followed by an analysis and debriefing session based on the unique expertise of one of the academy’s coaches. 

Multi-Chance Tournaments (MCTs) give players the opportunity to play a high number of short format matches over 2 days, which is what makes our camp so interesting: matches!

Tennis + Multi-Chance Tournament (no accommodation)

small_PRG-HDN-youth.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-HDN-youth.jpg

PRG-HDN-youth.jpg

Our tennis camp + tournaments is our flagship program for pursuing and closing your sporting season.

This program includes sports training (tennis, fitness and mental), as well as tournament matches.

Players benefit from match preparation, and analysis and debriefing from one of the academy’s coaches.

Tennis + Tournament Program (with accommodation & full-board)

small_PRG-HDN-juniors.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-HDN-juniors.jpg

PRG-HDN-juniors.jpg

In order to know the level of your child in the French School System (the class he/she is going to join) and to be admitted to the Academy, you will have to take a test at the French embassy in your country.

A whole team of qualified teachers delivers daily lecture courses in small groups (from 3 to 10 students maximum per class). The objective is to have a more personalized and reactive education, allowing to optimize time management by reducing the number of weekly teaching hours to 18, thus making possible a real sports project worthy of the name.

**In terms of Sport**, depending on your child’s personal project, we set up a sports training schedule at the beginning of the year, including training hours (tennis, physical and mental) as well as a program of coached tournaments.

Everything is centralized on the HDN Academy site: classrooms, around 30 tennis courts (with 4 covered courts) and a fitness area. This allows us to guarantee the continuity of the school timetable and sports training too.

So there is very little travel. The objective is still to optimize the student’s time to allow a quality school project coupled with a strong sports project.

Tennis Studies - Full Time Competition (8 months with accommodation, full-board & school) 

Tennis + Tournament (no accommodation)

Tennis + Multi-Chance Tournament (with accommodation & full-board)

20 hours of sports training each week with all day supervision for children under 15.

Every morning the player has 2 hours of tennis training (technique) and every afternoon 2 hours of tactical, fitness and personal development.



Performance (no accommodation)

20 hours of sports training each week with all day supervision for children under 15.

Every morning the player has 2 hours of tennis training (technique) and every afternoon 2 hours of tactical, fitness and personal development.

Performance Program (with accommodation & full-board)

Progress courses are aimed at all players of all levels aged 8 years and upwards

5 mornings of 2 hour tennis training sessions (technique), so a total of 10 course hours with one of the Academy’s coaches, taught in a group with others of a similar age and level.

Progress (no accommodation)

These short courses consist of 1.5 hours of training each morning for 5 days. In addition to the acquisition of basic tennis techniques, we put an accent on teaching motricity and movement coordination. Most importantly, these training sessions are designed for young children with a focus on fun exercises that teach them how to play tennis in a highly enjoyable way!

Mini-Kids (no accommodation)

large_PRG-HDN-kids-inquiry.JPG

medium_PRG-HDN-kids-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-HDN-kids-inquiry.JPG

thumbnail_PRG-HDN-kids-inquiry.JPG

PRG-HDN-kids-inquiry.JPG

small_PRG-HDN-kids.jpg

thumbnail_PRG-HDN-kids.jpg

PRG-HDN-kids.jpg

The HDN Tennis Academy in south east France offers players great facilities, a Mediterranean climate, plentiful tournament play and a winning combination of family atmosphere and training excellence. These elements come together to help players fully enjoy the process of finding their feet in the world of tennis.

# Location and the venue
The academy is in Castelldefels, a suburb to the southwest of Barcelona, and a 45-minute drive to Barcelona city center. The academy is just a 15-minute walk to the sandy five-kilometer long Castelldefels beach. That beach is used by the academy in fitness sessions and helps players with their all round court coverage. 

Barcelona is also a sports capital of Europe and watersports and skiing are also possibilities for players to engage with. The academy is also next to the Olympic canoeing area.

![ACA-BTA-venue.jpg](/uploads/ACA_BTA_venue_e4156b5a9b.jpg)

## Accommodation
Juniors stay with Spanish host families who live near the club and provide a second home for the players. BTA carefully chooses each host family so that players can experience what it is like to live in Barcelona as well as improve their language skills. It is one of the reasons that trainees return to the academy repeatedly and feel like they are really at home. There are also plenty of quality hotels nearby.

## Facilities
The academy has:
- 21 clay courts
- 1 greenset court
- 2 mini tennis courts
- 11 padel courts
- A swimming pool
- A poolside chill-out area
- Fitness center and gym
- A bar and restaurant

## History
The academy was founded by Raphael Maurier. Raphael was born in Switzerland and was a strong junior player and no. 2 player in his country. After his junior days, he played college tennis in the U.S and became a coach. Later, he travelled with kids to tournaments which led him to Hong Kong working for the Hong Kong Tennis Association and setting up an academy there. Then, he moved to Barcelona where he founded the Barcelona Tennis Academy six years ago. 

Raphael decided to focus on coaching and running an academy because of his own personal experience with coaches as a junior. Raphael felt that, during his junior days, he could have benefited from a more personal approach from his coaches. Without a close relationship to his coach and having his personal needs addressed, Raphael says that he lost confidence and almost ‘forgot’ how to play tennis, and that this was an experience he wanted to prevent other juniors from going through. Raphael felt that the best way to offer students that personal approach was to create a relatively small tennis academy where it was possible for players to become more familiar with their coaches and see them as a brother or father figure. 

Raphael can also have more direct contact with all the students and their parents and make sure their personal needs are attended to. These relationships are a key part of academy life and continue long after players have moved on with their tennis careers. 

![ACA-BTA-coaches.jpg](/uploads/ACA_BTA_coaches_f272b1a1dc.jpg)

Raphael finds his job very rewarding. He likes seeing players grow and develop. He enjoys, he says, *“seeing them happy with their performance, with smiles on their faces. Seeing them become adults, become better players; better people.”*

## Coaching team 
Raphael works with a strong team of coaches who have all been there for the past five years. Coaches are experienced and come from the ATP and colleges. The academy’s fitness director, Sergi Valldaura, worked with tennis professionals such as Svetlana Kusnetsova and Flavia Pennetta. He also has worked with Marcel Grannollers since 2009. 

Raphael has known the academy’s psychologist, Oriol Mercade, since college. Oriol played tennis from the age of six to nineteen, also trained as an ironman and has a history of working with successful juniors such as Alvaro Lopez, one of the 2015 boys’ Roland Garros champions, and also with Olympians.

## Players
Academy students are mainly made up of:
- Good national players who are aiming to play college tennis or compete at tournaments, for example junior slams.
- Players who come for a year of intensive training.
- Players who repeatedly come for short term training. The academy is part of their development and the academy stays connected to the players’ academies back home.

All types of players come to the academy. One was a 23 year old who just finished college. He came from New York to the academy because he wanted to finally beat his brother. He trained for six weeks and then, when he went home, achieved his goal. It is these kinds of stories that happen at the BTA and make the coaches proud of their work.

![ACA-BTA-kids.jpg](/uploads/ACA_BTA_kids_37cadf6a92.jpg)

## Player development
The academy takes care of all the different areas a player needs to develop. The academy works on the technical side of players. *“Without technique”*, says Raphael, *“a player is limited”*. The different physical needs of players are also taken care of , too. As for the mental side, a psychologist comes twice a week.

The No 1 priority for all players when it comes to their physical development is no injuries. Diet and sleep play an integral part in recovery and injury prevention. 
Regarding fitness, the nearby beach is a great training place. According to Raphel, *“players who move well on the sand, move well on the court”*. Players go to the beach once or twice a week, depending on the time of year. 

![ACA-BTA-beach-training.jpg](/uploads/ACA_BTA_beach_training_4d4bb72e62.jpg)

As for the gym, there is an outdoor gym and ninety percent of work is done with players’ own body weight.

Overall, when it comes to player development, the most important role of the academy is to develop players both as a tennis player and a person. Raphael believes that the tools they learn in sports can also help them grow as people. *“Players need to understand fair play, patience, confidence, and decision making,”* says Raphael. *“Tennis is an individual sport. On court, the kid is on his own and must adapt to situations. These skills can help the player in their life outside of tennis.”*

One area in which tennis can help players who may decide not to pursue the career of a professional tennis player is in future employment. Raphael believes that a company is more likely to hire an athlete because they know that these candidates understand hard work, discipline, and patience.

## Player motivation
Because tennis is very repetitive, it needs to be kept interesting. One way is to play tournaments abroad. Another way is to make sure the players have fun. So, the academy hosts Ping pong tournaments and Barbeques. Wednesday afternoons are off. Kids should live life as kids.

![ACA-BTA-service.jpg](/uploads/ACA_BTA_service_7be0452cef.jpg)









large_ACA-BTA-logo.jpg

medium_ACA-BTA-logo.jpg

small_ACA-BTA-logo.jpg

thumbnail_ACA-BTA-logo.jpg

ACA-BTA-logo.jpg

The Barcelona Tennis Academy offers training programs for all ages and levels. Whether you just want to polish your game or join high-performance programs, the academy has an option for you.

Barcelona Tennis Academy, Spain

Barcelona Tennis Academy

large_ACA-BTA-servis-training-3.jpg

medium_ACA-BTA-servis-training-3.jpg

ACA-BTA-servis-training-3.jpg

The Barcelona Tennis Academy (BTA) offers training programs for all ages and levels. Whether you just want to polish your game while enjoying your holidays in Spain or you are looking for a yearly, high-performance programs to make it on the professional tour, the BTA has an option for you. 



Best European Tennis Academies