To commemorate International Education Day 2024, ITIA sat down with two leading junior coaches to discuss the role of education in developing tomorrow's tennis stars.
James Connelly and Roberta Brusari are currently competing in the Australian Open as lead coaches for the International Tennis Federation (ITF) touring team.
The ITF Tour Team is funded by the ITF's Grand Slam Player Development Program (GSPDP) to provide support, coaching and more opportunities to up-and-coming junior players from around the world.
GSPDP provides a valuable platform for athletes who otherwise would not have been exposed to elite international competition during their formative years, and its star-studded list of alumni includes former Arab tennis player and first-ever Arab tennis player. Also included is Ons Jabour (2008 ITF Tour Team). Grigor Dimitrov (ITF Tour Team 2004-2006), who reached the final of a Grand Slam tournament, won the 2017 ATP Finals and peaked at number 3 in the ATP Rankings.
Connelly, head of the men's ITF Tour team, talks about how the role of a junior coach can extend far beyond the white lines of the tennis court.
He said: “We try to develop our behavior as much as possible, not only on the court, but also off the court.
“Being from a different culture, the cultural norms and social norms are different. That may be the first hurdle. What is good behavior and what habits do you need to develop to have a long career in tennis? I think it was good that we were able to have a good discussion about whether or not there is, and also about the travel and schedule habits within the team.
“Things that are normal for adults are becoming normal for them, even things like doing laundry together and being patient.”
ITF Tour teams meet frequently throughout the tennis calendar, often coordinating important competitions and training blocks throughout the junior season, such as Grand Slams and prestigious events like the Orange Bowl in Florida.
As part of a comprehensive education package, GSPDP athletes are required to attend one-on-one anti-doping and anti-corruption education sessions with ITIA staff to ensure that each individual is prepared for life in the professional game. You can prepare even more.
Brusari, who has been involved with ITF Tour teams for 20 years and is also familiar with his work as Brazil's Billie Jean King Cup captain, believes the education of integrity provided to each individual is an important part of their journey. I believe there is.
she said: “Well, I think this is very important information for them. When you tell them there's a meeting, the kids might be reluctant, but once they start listening, I think they'll interact a lot more.'' . These educational sessions are very important.”
Educational sessions typically occur in-person during a player's touring team's scheduled tour block and are supplemented by a mandatory online integrity education module. Starting in 2023, junior players will be required to complete this module before being eligible to register for ITF competitions. .
While nothing can replace the first anti-doping test experience, education and discussion with former professionals like Roberta can help dispel misconceptions about the process.
“Sometimes it takes a long time,” said Brusari, who played for Brazil in the Federation Cup. [a player’s first anti-doping test]Because they're not used to testing and they're a little bit embarrassed, so it's hard for them, but I think that's part of the process, and in professional tennis you're tested a lot, so they must be learned.
“I think it’s very important to learn about all the processes, all the substances, and what you have to be careful of and what you have to be careful of.
“I think you'll find that in many or most cases of doping, it's because people weren't aware of things. So knowing what's acceptable and what's not is , is very important to them.”
Mirroring the Grand Slam schedules of the ATP, WTA and ITF Senior Tours, it also provides players on tour teams with a rare opportunity to witness professional tournaments behind the scenes, which of course includes doping control. James explains. The match ended 6-0, 6-0 to one player. Our kids talk about that first, how it can happen at the professional level as well, and how athletes have to develop resilience to compete again.
“It's exactly the same when it comes to doping, they're well aware that professionals are being tested for doping. Given that it's normal for older athletes, the sooner they start the process, the better. It makes it easier for players to understand what is expected of them.”
ITF Tour team coaching veterans James and Roberta enjoy the annual reward of watching the next talented young players blossom during their in-season coaching stints.
Roberta said, “I've seen a lot of players who have gone through juniors and are now at the professional level, and as James said, they learn here not only in tennis but also off the court, learning cultures, other languages, experiences.'' I think they are exchanging it,” he said.
“I think tennis teaches you a lot not only on the court but also off the court. Integrity is one of the good things you learn from sports and you can take it into your life.”
