What Every Tennis Coach Needs to Know: Exclusive Insights from Fernando Segal
As tennis continues to rapidly evolve, coaches must adapt, learn, and continually refine their methods. In our latest exclusive interview, we sit down with renowned tennis development expert Fernando Segal, whose insights are invaluable for any coach committed to excellence.
Who is Fernando Segal?
Fernando Segal is a globally respected tennis development leader, author of 11 influential coaching books, and the current GPTCA National President for Argentina and Chile. Over several decades, Fernando has pioneered tennis programs worldwide, holding prominent roles such as:
National Tennis Director for both the Argentine and Mexican Tennis Federations
Consultant to the New Zealand Tennis Federation
Official Member of the ITF Coaches Commission
Founder & CEO of IDTC Academies
Fernando's developmental systems have directly contributed to the success of elite ATP/WTA players, including:
Guillermo Coria
David Nalbandian
Gisela Dulko
José Acasuso
Renata Zarazua
Paula Ormaechea
Victoria Rodriguez, among many others.
His innovative approach and proven results have transformed the tennis coaching landscape around the world.
Essential Insights from Fernando Segal
In our conversation recorded at the recent RacquetX Conference, Fernando highlights critical areas that every tennis coach must prioritize:
1. Tennis is Mental and Emotional
Fernando emphasizes:
"Most coaches acknowledge tennis as a mental sport, yet few prioritize mental and emotional training."
Integrating psychological resilience and emotional intelligence into daily practice is essential for complete player development.
2. Coaches Must Continuously Evolve
Coaching has evolved significantly over the years. Fernando stresses the importance of lifelong learning, adopting modern methodologies, embracing technology, and establishing a professional online presence, especially through platforms like LinkedIn.
3. Professional Certification Matters
Fernando underscores the value of ATP-certified credentials to clearly elevate coaching standards, structure training programs effectively, and enhance credibility within the tennis community.
4. The Four Pillars of Tennis Excellence
According to Fernando, successful tennis development revolves around mastering four core elements:
Head: Strategy, tactical awareness, decision-making
Feet: Efficient footwork, agility, court coverage
Body/Hand: Technical precision, consistent execution
Heart: Emotional control, passion, resilience
Mastering these elements is vital for developing players who succeed at the highest levels.
5. Essential Reading for Tennis Coaches
Fernando strongly recommends these foundational books to advance your coaching expertise:
The Inner Game of Tennis by Tim Gallwey
Mental Toughness Training for Sports by Jim Loehr
Emotional Coaching for Tennis by Alberto Castellani
Reading consistently is crucial to staying informed and inspired as a coach.
GPTCA ATP-Certified Coaching Course in Laguna Beach (May 14–18, 2025)
Fernando Segal is collaborating with Fit4Tennis founder Andrew Mateljan to deliver an exclusive GPTCA ATP-certified coaching course in Laguna Beach, California. This exceptional event is designed for coaches dedicated to professional growth, providing elite education, networking opportunities, and practical on-court experiences.
Featured speakers include:
Toni Nadal
Dominik Hrbaty
Liam Smith
Alberto Castellani
More exciting announcements coming soon!
Don't miss your opportunity to learn from and engage directly with the top minds in tennis coaching.
Watch the Exclusive Interview with Fernando Segal
Take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of modern tennis coaching. Watch our full-length, exclusive interview with Fernando Segal, featuring powerful insights recorded at the RacquetX Conference.
👉 Watch the Full Interview Here
Stay tuned to Fit4Tennis for more exclusive interviews, expert insights, and professional guidance to help you continue growing as a coach.
