McEnroe to Launch His Tennis Academy

John McEnroe has announced the formation of his own Tennis Academy, to be housed at the new $18 Million SPORTIME at Randall’s Island Tennis Center in New York City. SPORTIME, owner of 13 tennis and fitness clubs throughout New York State, will operate the club and will partner with McEnroe in the operation of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. The academy will encourage its students to take advantage of the many educational, athletic and cultural opportunities that New York City has to offer.

"For many years the United States has struggled to develop its next class of elite players," said McEnroe. "I believe that I can inspire young players the way that my coaches inspired me. And I plan to create a system, like the one that I learned in, that supports building an all-around person, as opposed to a tennis machine.

"My academy will provide a balance of world-class tennis and fitness training, along with a New York experience, so maybe our kids will be a little more creative, a little more intense, and will be able to think on their feet a little better, like any New Yorker. Over time and with my guidance and that of our hand-picked coaches and pros, I think our students will see great success."

Rather than a tennis-only approach, the McEnroe Academy will support a balanced training experience for the developing elite player. All or virtually all students who are admitted to the academy will attend a conventional school during the day and will train after school hours and on weekends during the school year. The academy will offer tennis coaching, training and practice, coaching at on and off-site tournaments, a fitness component and an academic support team. The cost of the academy will be determined by each student’s personal plan, and partial and full scholarships will be available based on need and ability. McEnroe has selected former ATP, Olympic and Israeli Davis Cup player Gilad Bloom as the Academy’s Director of Tennis and he and McEnroe are assembling a top-tier staff of international instructors and coaches.