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Marks Park tennis coach has a smashing time teaching the game to others

EMMARENTIA – Tennis is in good hands at Marks Park Tennis Club.

Patrick Wysoczarski has a name you have to try to say a few times before you get it right, but he can ensure you get your tennis serve in every time.

The 28-year-old tennis coach runs the Patrick Wysoczarski Tennis Academy at Marks Park Tennis Club in association with Rudman’s Tennis Academy.

Aiman Eltonisi (7) plays a powerful backhand as coach, Patrick Wysoczarski watches on.

With 10 years on the job, and the last eight being at Marks Park, Wysoczarski has never earned his coin doing anything else.

Indeed, it is all about tennis for this man.

He was ranked in the top 10 in South Africa as a junior player, has won three Marks Park men’s singles championship titles, and still competes in tournaments now and again, although his focus is now on coaching children and adults at the club.

“Primary school children are really fun because it is great to see them improve their games, have fun and learn new skills,” he said, adding that their confidence increases as their skill does.

On a typical day, you might find Wysoczarski on one of the 10 courts teaching youngsters to serve, or perhaps racing them while each one is balancing a tennis ball on their racket.

Coach, Patrick Wysoczarski races his tennis student Aiman Eltonisi with tennis balls on their rackets.

“Tennis gives you a great workout. It’s great on the body and mind.”

Naeema Khan has been bringing her daughter, Jumainah (10), for lessons for the past year and a half.

“Jumainah has really improved in skill and fitness,” Naeema said.

“She even competed in a tournament and came second, which was amazing.”

Jumainah Khan practises her backhand.

Justine Oellermann, who has lessons along with her children, said, “After a few lessons with Patrick, I realised that he would be a fabulous coach for my children.”

She added that the women’s tennis group Wysoczarski taught each week was a great way to have fun and socialise.

“Patrick has to occasionally get us to focus on tennis and to stop chatting,” she joked.

Details: Patrick Wysoczarski 083 704 9781.

ALSO READ: Tennis clubs face dwindling numbers 

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