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.