Davis Cup tennis players Danny Sapsford and James Aukland will
be coaching in resort at our tennis weeks in Lakitira. We caught up
with them at the famous Queen's Club to ask them a few
questions.
Danny Sapsford
Highest Ranking? Singles 170, Doubles 83
Age started playing tennis? 9 years
Favourite place to play tennis?
Anywhere hot and sunny
What are you doing now?
Manager of Tennis at Grayshott Spa
If you weren't a tennis pro, what would you be?
A poker pro!
Tennis idol? Bjorn Borg
How would you advise kids to get started with Tennis?
Go to a local club, and sign up for group lessons in order to
learn the basics. Then practice, practice, practice! Tennis is a
very hard game to become "ok" at, so its important to persevere -
it's worth it in the end!
Favourite surface to play on and why? A medium to fast
paced hard court as it compliments my game style perfectly
Danny you went to Greece last year on our specialist tennis
week. What did you enjoy and what are you looking forward to this
year?
It's always nice to meet new people, and its very rewarding to
share in their excitement as they begin to improve. The sun and sea
are an added bonus!
James
Aukland
Highest Ranking? Singles 279, Doubles 57
GB no. 1 Doubles
Age started playing tennis? 7 years
Favourite place to play tennis? Wimbledon
What are you doing now? Fed Cup Team, Touring Coach for
the top British doubles teams, commentating on Radio 5 Live, Head
Coach at Queen's Club
If you weren't a tennis pro, what would you be?
Professional surfer or fighter pilot in the RAF
Tennis idols? Ivan Lendl & Pete Sampras
How would you advise kids to get started with Tennis?
Just play! Anywhere, anyplace, anytime if possible. Even if it's
with a friend in the garden or playground, just pick up a racket
& hit a ball. It's at this base level where you learn to
compete, play and fall in love with the sport.
Favourite surface to play on and why? Clay - Never played
on it as a junior and didn't have my best results on clay but a lot
of fun to play on and the more I learnt to play on clay the greater
appreciation I had for it. By far the best surface to develop
strategy and technique. Shame about the washing... ruins your
socks.
If you want to brush up your tennis with some help from
the professionals, our next specialist tennis week is on 25th
September. Take a look at our
tennis
holidays to find out more.