Video Archives
-
• 8/8/24Tim Chisholm | Professional Interview Series
Tim Chisholm explores his introduction to court tennis at Fordham, his professional journey, and notable achievements. Chisholm discusses his mentorship from legendary players, his partnership with Camden Riviere, and his international competitions. He reflects on his commitment to the sport and his continuous pursuit of excellence.
-
• 8/8/24Tony Hollins | Professional Interview Series
Tony Hollins describes his unconventional path into real tennis, from bartending at the Seacourt Club to becoming a professional. Hollins discusses his rapid ascent in the sport, significant mentors, and his career progression. He highlights the challenges and successes he has experienced and his passion for real tennis.
-
• 8/8/24Steve Virgona | Professional Interview Series
Steve Virgona details his journey from Melbourne to the global stage of real tennis, his rapid development, and significant victories. Virgona discusses his professional career, challenges for the World Championship, and his role in promoting the sport. He reflects on his dedication and innovative approach to teaching real tennis.
-
• 8/8/24John Lumley | Professional Interview Series
John Lumley explores his upbringing in a tennis-focused family, his transition to a professional career, and his significant victories. Lumley details his training, mentorship from Rob Fahey, and his aspirations to become the world champion. He highlights the importance of experience and strategic adjustments in his gameplay.
-
• 8/8/24Rob Whitehouse | Professional Interview Series
Rob Whitehouse chronicles his journey from discovering court tennis as a child to becoming a respected professional. Whitehouse discusses his playing career, memorable matches, and contributions to promoting court tennis. He reflects on his impact on the sport and his efforts to introduce it to new players.
-
• 8/8/24Josh Dodgson | Professional Interview Series
Josh Dodgson describes his introduction to racket sports, his development through junior tournaments, and his move to the U.S. to work at Tuxedo Club. Dodgson emphasizes the strategic complexity of court tennis and his favorite serve, the railroad. He reflects on his achievements and future aspirations.
-
• 8/8/24James Stout | Professional Interview Series
James Stout chronicles his journey from squash and rackets to court tennis, highlighting his self-taught approach and rapid improvement. Stout discusses his major victories, including winning the U.S. Open, and his balance between different racquet sports. He reflects on his challenges, mentorship, and future goals.
-
• 8/8/24James Asher | Professional Interview Series
James Asher discusses his late start in court tennis at age 20, his challenges, and memorable matches. He emphasizes the importance of a reliable serve, his participation in tournaments, and his goals for improvement. Asher also notes the increase in interest in court tennis during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to the sport.
-
• 8/8/24Conor Medlow | Professional Interview Series
Conor Medlow details his early start in court tennis, his competitive nature, and significant milestones. Medlow transitioned from a career in accounting to becoming a court tennis professional in Chicago, where he has thrived and contributed to the sport's growth. He reflects on his experiences in various tournaments and his deep love for the game.
-
• 8/8/24Barney Tanfield | Professional Interview Series
Barney Tanfield shares his early introduction to court tennis, his competitive drive, and his influences from key figures. He highlights his participation in junior tournaments, career development at the Racquet Club, and his personal achievements. Tanfield also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the historical legacy of the sport.
-
• 8/8/24Adrian Kemp | Professional Interview Series
Adrian Kemp, a prominent figure in the world of court tennis, shared his insights and experiences in a detailed interview. Kemp reflected on his career, training methods, influential players, and his vision for the sport's future.
Kemp expressed curiosity about playing against legendary figures such as Chris Ronaldson and Wayne Davis, highlighting their unique styles and contributions to the game. Despite being an accomplished player himself, Kemp never favored solo practice. He preferred the dynamic of playing with others, finding more enjoyment and value in it.
Kemp's career began in earnest at a young age. By the time he was 15, he had already started making a name for himself. He recounted playing with and against various prominent players, including a memorable match at the club when he was just 15. This early exposure to high-level play significantly shaped his development.
Training for Kemp involved a lot of practical, hands-on experience rather than formalized methods. He mentioned playing regularly with other skilled players and even giving lessons, which helped him refine his skills. Kemp noted that even in a teaching role, one could improve their own game by focusing on the techniques being taught.
Mentorship played a crucial role in Kemp's growth. While he didn't have on-court mentors initially, he was influenced by figures like Ivan and Phil Shannon, who taught him important off-court lessons about conduct and confidence. This guidance helped shape his professional demeanor and approach to the sport.
Kemp has been in the United States for seven years, where he finds the environment highly conducive to his professional growth. The presence of talented players, dedicated members, and generous donors has made the U.S. a hub for court tennis. Kemp praised the community for its supportive nature and the opportunities it provides for players to improve and compete.
When discussing court tennis with those unfamiliar with the sport, Kemp keeps his explanation simple, describing it as the ancestor of modern tennis played with wooden rackets and incorporating elements of squash. He avoids delving into the complexities of the game, such as the concept of chases, in casual conversations.
Kemp believes the sport could benefit from some changes, particularly in making certain aspects of the game, like hitting into galleries, more challenging. He feels this would enhance the quality of play by encouraging longer rallies and more strategic gameplay.
Looking ahead, Kemp is optimistic about the future of court tennis, especially in the U.S. With plans for new courts and a growing community, he sees significant potential for the sport's expansion. Despite his ties to Essex, Kemp is committed to staying in the U.S., as he is currently in the process of applying for his green card.
Reflecting on the impact of the pandemic, Kemp acknowledged the challenges it brought but remained hopeful about the sport's resilience. He anticipated that the community and the sport would adapt and continue to thrive post-pandemic.
Overall, Adrian Kemp's journey in court tennis is marked by continuous growth, a supportive community, and a vision for the sport's future. His experiences and insights offer valuable perspectives on the dynamics of professional play, training, and the importance of mentorship in achieving success.
-
• 8/8/24Leon Smart | Professional Interview Series
Leon Smart shares his discovery of real tennis at university, his training and mentorship, and his professional career. Smart discusses his achievements, including winning the U24 British Open, and his goal to compete at the highest levels. He highlights the importance of technique and guidance from Tim Chisholm.