James Yates is an experienced LTA Level 5 Master Coach who coaches performance tennis players at national level. He’s played tennis for Suffolk, and has been county champion in singles once and 10 times in doubles. As the administrator at Woodbridge Tennis Club, we caught up with him for a quick chat about his career.
James is an LTA Level 5 Master Coach, coaching performance tennis players at a national level. He has played men’s tennis for Suffolk, and has been county champion in singles once and doubles 10 times. Jamie is the Woodbridge Tennis Club administrator
What’s your earliest memory playing tennis?
Grundisburgh Tennis Club with my dad and hating losing to him (Adrian!)
What do you love about Woodbridge?
Such a lovely, relaxed place
What has been the high point of your tennis playing so far?
First person to win all five open and closed titles at Framlingham, being county captain, winning Framlingham and Cromer o45 tournaments back to back
What music are you into?
Metallica (left), Green Day, Linkin Park
Who’s your all-time tennis hero and why?
Andre Agassi – incredible to watch and did the Grand Slam
Bjorn Borg or Roger Federer?
Roger Federer
Martina Navratilova or Serena Williams?
Serena Williams
Who would you most like to play – current or former tennis stars?
Current – there are so many legends playing currently
How do you think you’d do against them?
Not very well!
Glass of Adnams or Aspalls?
Aspalls
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about playing?
pick one or two returns and get really good at them
What is the best part of your game?
Forehand, pace and power
What would you like to improve?
Topspin backhand
What’s the best thing beginners can learn?
Accelerate the racket near impact
Favourite film?
Coach Carter or Gladiator
What do you like doing away from the court?
Gym and reading/audiobooks
What makes Woodbridge Tennis Club so special?
Open-minded and welcoming club, has something for everyone and is great value for money (join here!)
Which five people (living or dead) would be at your dream dinner party?
Barack Obama, Russell Crowe, James Hetfield (Metallica), Scarlett Johanssen and Justine Henin