Rasheed passes on top tennis tips to young SW talent

Elite tennis coach Roger Rasheed said he was impressed with the talent in the South West, after he took 24 rising stars through their paces this week.

Rasheed, who has coached the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Jo Wilfred-Tsonga and Gael Monfils, began teaching at the Bunbury Tennis Club on Sunday and finished yesterday, working with a select group on their skills as well as the mental side of the game.

“It is an education week, not only for the selected players who have come on-board, but for the coaches and the parents,” Rasheed said.

“It gives them a taste of what the elite space looks like and what the expectations are.

“It will allow them to see the journey of a professional athlete.”

Rasheed said the group of juniors were talented and “enthusiastic”.

“The talent pool is mixed, but they are all trying to put themselves in my environment and give themselves a chance to excel by learning,” he said.

“That is all I can really ask for them to take from the experience.

“I hope that they get something out of it. Something they can take away and use.”

Rasheed said it was good of the club to get experienced coaches like him in to help develop the game.

“I like doing it, because I can give my education to the coaches, players and parents,” he said.