Tony Hollins' journey into real tennis is an unconventional and inspiring tale of serendipity and dedication. Growing up on Hayling Island on the south coast of England, Tony spent his youth oblivious to the sport of real tennis, despite living near a renowned club. Instead, he played lawn tennis, even considering a professional career, but the financial and practical challenges of committing to the sport led him to explore other options.

Tony's introduction to real tennis was almost accidental. At 19, while bartending at the Seacourt Club to make some extra money, he witnessed an exhibition match between Dan Jones and Rob Fay. Intrigued by the game, Tony began playing real tennis informally, using the court after bar shifts with his friend Oliver Clift. Despite his lack of formal training and proper footwear, Tony quickly developed a passion for the sport.

His journey from a novice to a professional was rapid and impressive. Tony's initial exposure to real tennis was facilitated by James Law, another professional, who helped Tony get his foot in the door. Dan Jones, recognizing Tony's tennis background, entered him into the club's handicap tournament, where Tony, despite his rudimentary understanding of the rules, managed to win. This early success, albeit filled with humorous moments like being mistakenly given an outrageously high handicap, set the stage for his rapid ascent in the sport.

Tony's big break came when Rich Smith, the head pro in Newport, Rhode Island, invited him to the United States. Initially meant to be a summer stint, this opportunity turned into a full-time position, allowing Tony to immerse himself in the sport and learn from experienced players. Tony's time in Newport was transformative; he honed his skills, developed his teaching abilities, and became a professional player within months of starting the game.

Following his tenure in Newport, Tony moved to Tuxedo, New York, in 2010, joining Tim Chisholm to help develop the program there. This period was marked by rigorous training and significant personal improvement, despite the demanding and varied responsibilities that included teaching multiple racket sports. Tony then transitioned to Boston in 2012, working alongside Jimmy Burke before eventually becoming the head professional.

Tony's journey has been marked by a series of learning experiences and challenges. From dealing with a leaky roof at the Tennis and Racquet Club in Boston to managing the physical toll of the sport on his body, Tony's resilience and adaptability have been key to his success. He underwent a long struggle with a shoulder injury, which he eventually overcame with the help of a Manhattan-based physical therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, reigniting his ability to play competitively.

Today, Tony Hollins is the Director of Athletics at the Tennis and Racquet Club in Boston, where he continues to teach and promote the sport. He appreciates the unique challenges and strategies involved in real tennis, a game that he believes no one has fully figured out yet. His love for the sport is evident in his dedication to improving both his own game and the experience for his students. Despite the ups and downs, Tony remains passionate about real tennis, looking forward to future successes and contributions to the sport.