Pickleball Takes Center Stage at Patrick Mouratoglou’s New Academy in Zephyrhills

Patrick Mouratoglou’s New Academy in Zephyrhills: Veteran tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou is launching his first full-fledged academy in the United States. Named Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills, the facility will feature courts for tennis, pickleball, and padel. The academy will include eight pickleball courts, five padel courts, nine clay courts, two hard courts, and two beach tennis courts, according to tennis.com.

A Vision for Tennis and More

Mouratoglou has worked with many prominent tennis players, including Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and currently, Naomi Osaka. He expressed excitement about establishing an academy in the U.S., stating,

“I always wanted to have an academy in the U.S. The U.S. is so big in tennis and has so much potential. The goal is to do the same as [my academy] in the south of France, to have both, [first] a place for people don’t have the goal of becoming professionals. They just want to play tennis, have lessons. We also have pickleball and Padel.” – (Mouratoglou)

His goal is to create a space for aspiring professionals and recreational players. Mouratoglou envisions his academy as a place for individuals who want to play tennis and take lessons without the pressure of becoming professionals. He also emphasizes the inclusion of pickleball and padel in the academy’s offerings.

“And we also have the tennis high school program for players between 11 and 18 who want to pursue both education and tennis and either become a pro or join the universities with scholarships.” – (Mouratoglou)

Embracing the Popularity of Pickleball

The addition of pickleball courts at Mouratoglou’s academy highlights the sport’s rapid growth in popularity across the globe. Pickleball is currently the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., attracting many former tennis players and current stars who are eager to try their skills in this new game.

The inclusion of multiple court types at the academy reflects a broader trend in sports. As more people seek engaging, low-impact activities, facilities like Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills are positioning themselves to meet this demand.

Bright Future for Sports in the U.S.

The opening of Mouratoglou Academy is significant for the tennis and pickleball communities. It represents a commitment to developing talent and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. With its diverse offerings, the academy is expected to attract players of all ages and skill levels, contributing to the growth of tennis and pickleball in the U.S.

News in Brief: Patrick Mouratoglou’s New Academy in Zephyrhills