Queensland’s new breeding ground of tennis champions

Queensland’s most promising tennis players have a new home following the announcement of The University of Queensland as base for the State`s new National High Performance Academy.

Introduced by Tennis Australia as a centralised training program, the Academy will be based at the UQ Tennis Centre, bringing together the State’s leading junior players for high level coaching and development.

Tennis Queensland chose the University on the strength of its tennis centre and access to sports science, gym and athletics facilities.

Tennis Queensland’s State Director of Player Development Graeme Brimblecombe said the Academy provided a great opportunity for the next generation of tennis stars.

“About 30 players will be selected on a term-by-term basis,” Mr Brimblecombe said.

“These players will have access to an integrated training and tournament program, with sessions focusing on match play and drilling, as well as strength and conditioning to ensure they receive an overall training experience.

“This Academy is about lifting the profile of tennis and maintaining Queensland’s reputation as the breeding ground of champions.

UQ Sport director Kim Guerin said the Academy announcement highlighted the organisation`s capacity to deliver high performance programs in partnership with state and national sports bodies.

“It utilises our collective resources to deliver a total high performance package specifically in the areas of facilities, coaching and sports science,” Ms Guerin said.

UQ Tennis Centre manager Troy McGrath said he was looking forward to the Centre becoming a home for high calibre young players and the development hub for tennis in Queensland.

“It will create more opportunities for young people in our programs at UQ and show them where they can go with their sport,” Mr McGrath said.

“The UQ Tennis Centre now offers a full program of services from beginners to elite athlete development.”

The Academy’s first intake of players will begin training this week.

For more information, contact Troy McGrath on (07) 3365 6933.

Media: Players train daily at UQ from 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm and 4.30pm-6.30pm (the largest class).