Tennistrainer und Tennistrainerin in Leipzig, Markkleeberg, Zwnekau

A EKATERINA: I grew up in a tennis family. My grandfather was a coach, and my dad is a coach (he was the head coach of the Belarus men's national team for many years, Davis Cup coach, and won a gold medal as a coach at the 2012 Olympics in London). So, I've been playing tennis since I can remember. The tennis court was my main playroom as a child. Later, I played for the Belarus national team, in the second Bundesliga in Germany, and I’ve been working as a coach for 15 years now.

A MAKSIM: In my childhood, I lived right next to a tennis court and watched other athletes play the game from a very young age. A good friend then gave me a tennis racket, and that's how my love for tennis began. I practiced many different sports (Taekwondo, arm wrestling (Belarusian champion), football), but tennis was always a part of my life. As an adult, I met my wife, Katja (Ekaterina), through this sport.

A EKATERINA:I studied to become a teacher for secondary schools (Physical Education, Russian, German) at the University of Leipzig. It had been my dream since childhood to become a teacher. Over time, my aspirations grew, and I decided to pursue a degree in philology (Bachelor & Master's) to work at the university.

A MAKSIM: I am an economist. I worked in this field for two years and realized that it wasn't the right fit for me. After many years and even more qualifications (Fitness Trainer A-License, Medical Fitness Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Sports Massage Therapist, Functional Group Trainer, Kinesiotaping), I finally found my dream job as a tennis coach.

A EKATERINA: Tennis is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful sports. Elegant, versatile, and sometimes pushing you to your limits. You learn to grow beyond yourself, take responsibility, be goal-oriented, and you're surrounded by interesting people. Additionally, it’s a great sport to spend quality time with the whole family. I’m very happy that my family shares this love for the sport, and we’ve already spent so many hours together on the tennis court. Moreover, tennis opens many doors in life. It helps you build new connections and gives you the opportunity, if your level permits, to find a secure and exciting job anywhere in the world.

A MAKSIM: Because tennis is not just a sport, it's a lifestyle. Because it’s art. You create a masterpiece with the racket and the ball, and the canvas is the tennis court. The movement, the footprints, and the ball marks on the court – like a big, unique painting. Because tennis is like a little life. Every point won is like achieving a goal in life. Every point lost is like a lesson. I simply love tennis because it’s beautiful. For me, it’s art.

A EKATERINA: Actually, everything :) I love watching the progress of my students, and I'm always "shaping" every session. Each student and training group is treated as individually as possible. I try to differentiate whether someone is here "for fun" or has a focus on performance. Since I spent many years on the tour and played tennis at a competitive level, I place great importance on passing on my experience. And as a mom of three boys, I believe I have a good touch when it comes to working with kids :)

A MAKSIM: Technique (I love working on the details), psychology, tactics, coordination, athleticism, and movement. I try to provide the complete package. And very important – fun in playing tennis.