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Coach Wesley Whitehouse produces winners.
Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club has signed up professional tennis coach Wesley Whitehouse, famed for mentoring international champions including New Zealand’s most successful tennis player, Marina Erakovic.
At her peak, Erakovic reached number 39 in the world rankings. She also ranked 25 in doubles and won eight Women’s Tennis Association world titles in doubles.
Whitehouse also coached North Shore player Alex Klintcharov, who won the 2009 Queensland Junior Championships.
Whitehouse says he wants to apply the same rigour to producing tennis champions in Warkworth.
The goal is to train local players to enter tournaments and host exhibitions at the club.
“I try to take what I’ve learned in my career and borrow from templates that have produced the best players in the world,” he says.
Whitehouse had an accomplished playing career of his own before he was ultimately hampered by injury.
In 1997, he was the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Champion and was a finalist in the Australian Open and US Open in the same year.
At his peak, he was ranked number one junior in the world and made three grand slam junior finals.
His career slowed following a wrist surgery, and when he “sprained his whole leg” due to faulty tennis shoes. His hip also began to degenerate.
“The goal is now to impart what I have learned and help other players achieve the best they can,” he says.
Whitehouse began coaching at Warkworth this term and is currently at the club on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. He is available at other times by arrangement.
Info: www.startennis.co.nz
