Leon Smart, originally from Canvey Island, Essex, England, discovered real tennis while attending Middlesex University. Initially a lawn tennis player since age eight, Leon stumbled upon the real tennis court on campus by chance. His first experience was frustrating due to the steep learning curve and complex rules, making him initially dislike the sport. During his second year, however, he joined a student program aimed at promoting real tennis and began to enjoy the game as he improved and understood its nuances.

Leon’s early training in real tennis involved working with Matt Rolinson, who taught him essential skills like stringing rackets and making balls. As an apprentice, Leon also ran student sessions and clinics, gradually immersing himself in the sport. When explaining real tennis to newcomers, Leon avoids complex rules like chases, focusing instead on the basics to keep it simple and engaging.

After three years at Middlesex, Leon’s real tennis handicap dropped to 12. Concurrently, he played regular tennis and pursued a master's program in Mississippi, USA. This move was a significant cultural shift from London to the rural Mississippi Delta, where he experienced a vastly different environment and a large, sports-centric university.

Following his time in Mississippi, Leon returned to England and secured his first professional job at Middlesex, now under the headship of Wilburn. Working there for over a year, Leon then moved to Boston to join the Tennis and Racquet Club (TNR), which had a young, vibrant membership similar to Middlesex. The club’s atmosphere was highly social, enhancing his transition.

Leon’s tenure in Boston lasted four years before moving to Tuxedo, a significant shift yet beneficial as it allowed him to continue teaching lawn tennis during summers. At Tuxedo, Leon found himself amid an active tennis community, keeping him busy year-round, especially as the club remained a popular retreat during the pandemic.

Throughout his career, Leon has focused on improving his technique, with significant guidance from Tim Chisholm at Tuxedo. Tim’s approach emphasizes hitting heavy balls with backspin and pace, a contrast to the length-focused style Leon was accustomed to in England. This technique has been crucial in Leon’s development as a player.

Leon’s notable achievements include winning the U24 British Open and the satellite event at the US Pro Singles in Newport before the COVID-19 pandemic. With a current handicap around three, his goal is to reach zero or even enter the plus handicaps, aiming to compete at the highest levels, including the world championship.

In addition to real tennis, Leon plays and teaches various racket sports, including squash and platform tennis, often partnering with Josh Dodgson in platform tennis leagues. Despite the challenges of balancing multiple sports, Leon enjoys the diversity and the different skills each sport brings.

Looking ahead, Leon remains committed to honing his skills and competing in more tournaments as the world emerges from the pandemic. His long-term goals include not only personal achievements in real tennis but also contributing to the sport’s growth and introducing more players to its unique challenges and rewards.