Leonardo Azevedo has been confirmed as the head coach of the National Tennis Academy, opening at Stirling University in August.
Brazilian-born Azevedo brings a wealth of international experience in this new role, having worked with players like former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.
He has eight years of experience working at the United States Tennis Association, nurturing the country’s vast array of talent. Following this he worked at Barcelona Total Tennis.
Azevedo spoke to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) about his appointment, saying: “It is an honour to be appointed as the first head coach of the new GB National Academy at the University of Stirling.
“Tennis in Britain and Scotland has been on a fantastic journey over the last two decades and we don’t need to look far from Stirling to be inspired by just what is possible.”
The development of British tennis has been aided greatly by Leon Smith, the Davis Cup captain, and Stirling University alumni Colin Fleming. Fleming has claimed success at world tour level and worked with a myriad of Scottish players such as Jonny O’Mara, Maia Lumsden, and Aidan McHugh.
The final piece of the four-member coaching team is Esteban Carril, the LTA’s performance advisor. Carril oversaw the progress of Johanna Konta from 2015-2016, who reached her highest world ranking of 14 under his tutelage.
The academy will seek to improve Britain’s reputation regarding player development through its connection with Dollar Academy, one of the country’s leading independent schools.
In his statement to the LTA, Azevedo emphasised the importance of providing the best facilities to nurture young talent. Students who work with the academy will enjoy the best academic and sporting opportunities available nationwide.
The LTA’s CEO Scott Lloyd commented that he’s “confident that, with Colin, Esteban, and Leon, we have exactly the right team in place.”
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