World-class biomechanics partnership to boost GB National Tennis Academy
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Tennis Scotland has announced a partnership with the Kovacs Institute which will support the GB National Tennis Academy coaching team with the technical development of players at the University of Stirling.
Toni Gordon has also been appointed as a Performance Coach signalling a continued commitment to strengthening the GB National Tennis Academy coaching team.
Dr Mark Kovacs, a leading world-class biomechanist and former professional tennis player, has an extensive background in training and researching elite athletes, having previously directed the sports science, strength and conditioning and coaching education departments for the United States Tennis Association. Over his career he has worked with dozens of top professional tennis players including John Isner, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and Reilly Opelka.
As a high-performance expert, sport consultant, performance physiologist, professor and coach, Dr Kovacs is known as the go-to expert for elite athletes looking for science-based programming to optimise human performance. He was recently appointed as Senior Director of Sports Science and Health by the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, one of the biggest positions in American sports.
The addition of Toni Gordon as Performance Coach will also boost the existing world-class coaching team at the University of Stirling, joining Brazilian Head Coach Leo Azevedo, former British Davis Cup player and current Fed Cup coach Colin Fleming, and LTA Performance Advisor Esteban Carril.
Toni has worked in a variety of roles, from club and academy coaching to working on the professional tour, following a career as a top international junior who played on the ATP Tour in singles and doubles. He has an in-depth knowledge of the game and shares the philosophy and values which have been engraved at the GB National Tennis Academy.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Kovacs Institute and Dr Mark Kovacs which will bring world-class biomechanics support to the GB National Tennis Academy. He is at the cutting edge of sports science developments and has a great record in tennis.
“We are also pleased to announce Toni’s appointment and welcome him to Scotland. He will be a great fit and dynamic with the existing coaches and also help strengthen further our world class team consolidating and developing the performance programme at the GB National Tennis Academy.”
Leo Azevedo, Tennis Scotland academy head coach, added: “Dr Mark Kovacs will help us immensely in the technical development of the players at Stirling with his knowledge of biomechanics. I worked with him at the USTA for a number of years and I can see why he is recognised as one of the best in the business. He was instrumental in supporting the successful players that I worked with at the USTA.
“I am also excited to welcome Toni on board to what is a vitally important role within the academy. Toni is bringing great knowledge and personal values to the programme. He has awareness of the British pathway from his time working with Gabriella Taylor.”
