The following is a question and answer session with Patrick Mouratoglou regarding the launch of his new tennis academy in Zephyrhills, Florida.
Talk about how the Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills came about?
I’ve always had a vision of expanding Mouratoglou to the United States, and when we discovered the SVB center in Zephyrhills, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring this dream to life. The potential to establish our first U.S. academy here was clear from the beginning. This facility is designed not only to welcome dedicated players from Florida but also to attract talent from around the world, offering on site boarding. The Team led by Pascal Collard and Andy Sorrentino is amazing. There is a real vibe in this Academy that fit perfectly well with the Mouratoglou team spirit. The fact that the city and the region are so motivated, so much involved and are pushing this project is also a key element in the whole idea about establishing my first US Tennis Academy there. With a Tennis & School program that focuses on both academic and athletic development, and a boarding experience similar to our flagship in France, my goal is for Zephyrhills to become a world class tennis destination like we have achieved in France.
How important is to have a presence in Florida, which is one of the world’s most important epicenters for tennis training?
Having a presence in Florida is incredibly important, as it’s an ideal location for tennis with year round great weather, top tier international coaches, and a thriving player community. We now have two facilities in Florida: the Mouratoglou Tennis Center Tiburon at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples and the Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills, just outside Tampa. The Mouratoglou Tennis Center Tiburon is a partnership with the Ritz-Carlton, offering guests and local residents elite training through camps and lessons. Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills builds on the success of our flagship academy in the French Riviera, providing players access to a Tennis & School program with a boarding house, allowing them to pursue both sport and academics while following their passion for tennis. I am looking forward to tap into the strong talent pipeline and connect with a new community of players who are ready to immerse themselves in the Mouratoglou Methodology.
What are the similarities and differences between the Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills and the other new American Mouratoglou Academy in Atlanta? And will there be any specific cooperation or synergy between the two academies?
The Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills has a full tennis and boarding program along with pickleball and padel, creating a country club experience for the community. In Atlanta, the academy provides more of a boutique feeling with four courts, combining Mouratoglou’s tennis program with on site academics through AIS. Both academies will collaborate through competitions, exchange programs, summer camps, and college placements, ensuring synergy with each other and with the Mouratoglou academies in Nice and Malaysia.
How do to the two new American Mouratoglou academies play into your overall global Academy and brand strategy?
Opening Mouratoglou Academies in the United States has always been a key part of the vision for us. We plan to open 5–10 new centers annually so this marks an exciting first step into North America, starting with the United States. Mouratoglou’s global growth shows our commitment to making our methodology accessible to a broader audience, bringing our training closer to tennis enthusiasts all over. The goal is to establish a network of centers and academies nationwide, so all players can have the opportunity to have access to the best resources to pursue their tennis goals.
What will you say to people who ask what the difference is between your academies and other well-known academies and training centers?
We operate tennis centers worldwide in partnership with luxury 5-star hotels and prestigious country clubs. They are staffed by coaches trained in the Mouratoglou Methodology and offer personalized lessons and programs for players of all ages and skill levels, that welcome hotel guests and local residents. At our Academies, players have the chance to be part of the comprehensive Tennis & School program that allows them to balance academics while pursuing their tennis dreams. The program has boarding facilities and small class sizes, making sure they receive individualized attention with a tailored approach. Every Academy is different. Ours have a strong print based on 30 years of tennis at the highest level and work with thousands of players. The Mouratoglou Methodology is different from any other and has shown results constantly since 1996.
