AS THE DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, IVAN LENDL brings all the philosophies that allowed him to become one of the greatest players in tennis history. His resume includes holding the world’s No. 1 ranking for 270 consecutive weeks, eight Grand Slam singles titles, a Davis Cup championship for Czechoslovakia, and appearing in a modern day record: eight straight U.S. Open Finals. For those achievements, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001.

During the 1980’s and 90’s heyday, Ivan combined intense game management, training, mental and physical balance, nutrition and conditioning to achieve athletic superiority. He is revered for his tireless work ethic and meticulous game preparation, including revolutionizing racquet maintenance and optimizing equipment performance. To most tennis historians Ivan is considered “the father of modern tennis.”

Following his retirement from the pro tennis tour, Ivan focused on his family which includes five daughters, three of whom are collegiate golfers. He returned to playing exhibition events in April of 2010 at the Caesars Tennis Classic in Atlantic City, NJ. He has since been playing events around the world including rekindling his rivalry with John McEnroe at the BNP Paribas Showdown at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The Ivan Lendl IJTA exemplifies Ivan’s desire to give back to tennis and develop great players and future champions through a new-era curriculum and holistic training approach. As Director of instruction he will be intimately involved in developing each player in grades 5 through 12. He will focus on

• classic fundamentals,
• leading-edge biomechanics,
• strength training/fitness,
• and mental preparation.

In addition to strengthening strokes, footwork and essential mechanics, the Academy will subscribe to a hands-on approach instilling

• dedication,
• focus,
• hard work,
• attitude,
• motivation,
• and overall preparation.

Previously, Lendl headed the Ivan Lendl Champions Academy in Vero Beach, Florida which focused on tennis and golf, training LPGA rookie Jessica Korda. The Champions Academy will be merged into the Ivan Lendl IJTA.