Stefan Sterland-Markovic
Our latest Coach of the Quarter is Stefan Sterland-Markovic! We visited Stefan during a performance squad session and discussed his journey in tennis, his coaching principles and his influences as a coach. You can get in touch with Stefan by clicking the icons below.
QUESTION: What was your introduction into tennis? What age did you pick up a racket?
ANSWER: I started playing when I was about 6 or 7 years old. My parents played for fun in the local park courts in the Wimbledon area when I was young and I instantly got hooked and fell in love with the sport from that moment on.
"I feel fortunate to have had some amazing people shape me as a person, player and coach"
QUESTION: Was it always performance tennis you had a passion for? What sparked that passion?
ANSWER: I knew tennis was my passion from an early age. Wimbledon 2001 was a defining moment for me, watching Goran Ivanisevic’s fairytale victory as a wild card against my childhood idol Pat Rafter. The final, which was postponed to Monday due to rain, opened up tickets to the public. I went down to Wimbledon with my parents, queued overnight, and was fortunate to witness one of the most dramatic and atmospheric finals in Wimbledon history. That experience was incredibly inspiring.
QUESTION: Having coached so many talented tennis players, what is your secret to engaging them and getting the best out of them?
ANSWER: I would say taking a holistic approach to my coaching. Setting standards early on is very important, but empathy and listening are also extremely important skills. The more attentively you listen when your player speaks, the more you will learn about them and how they think, which will automatically help you to coach them better. It’s important to recognise that you are coaching a person with personality, thoughts, and emotions. What works with one player might not work with another, so it is very much about knowing how to get the best out of the player in front of you.
QUESTION: Has there been anyone who has influenced you as a coach?
ANSWER: Too many to name all of them, but I feel fortunate to have had some amazing people shape me as a person, player, and coach. Paul Fisher has been an incredible figure of support and wisdom since he first coached me when I was 7 years old to this current day. He made the sport so enjoyable for me from an early age, allowing me to express my creativity on the court and supporting me through the ups and downs. He has continued to offer advice throughout my coaching career. In recent years, Greg Contro has also been a great mentor in my coaching, helping me understand player development on a deeper level. I am truly grateful for what Paul, Greg, and many others have imparted to me.
QUESTION: How would you describe your coaching style?
ANSWER: I emphasise the mental aspect of the game, focusing on shaping players not just technically but as competitors. My background as a player gives me a strong appreciation for the intangible skills necessary to develop an elite player, beyond just forehands and backhands.
"I believe watching matches is hugely important for young players and is something I always recommend."
QUESTION: What aspects of coaching do you enjoy most?
ANSWER: I enjoy a lot of different aspects, which is why I enjoy coaching because it is so multifaceted. I particularly enjoy being at tournaments with players, as I believe that is where some of the most important coaching happens, and where you can coach certain things that are difficult to teach on the practice court. For me, one of the most important coaching moments is the post-match debrief. The match needs to be well dissected, and the coach must help the player have a clear understanding of what happened and a clear vision going forward for both the practice court and match court. These conversations can really shape the future and can be a catalyst for great improvement.
QUESTION: In the professional game, which players do you use as examples to your students?
ANSWER: From an attitude and mental point of view, I try to use the best role models within our sport—Rafa always comes to mind as the ultimate role model. From a tactical and game development point of view, I encourage players to watch matches of players whose game styles they feel are similar to their own. I believe watching matches is hugely important for young players and is something I always recommend.
QUESTION: You have been involved with tennis for a long time as a coach and as a player, what has been your highlight to date?
ANSWER:
Having competed at Wimbledon as a player and then coached players at both junior and senior Wimbledon have been special experiences, but there are also many highlights along the way. Another highlight for me is seeing how the EPT program has grown and developed in so many ways. The culture we have created is something I am very proud of.
QUESTION: Finally, what would be your advice for a coach looking to move into performance tennis?
ANSWER:
Educate yourself and remain a student of the game. Watch matches, listen to podcasts, and pursue coaching qualifications. Find a mentor to impart their wisdom and experience, and shadow more senior coaches. Continuous learning and development are crucial. I’ve seen the difference in my players’ improvement when I’ve improved as a coach, which motivates me to keep learning and improving.
By Surrey Tennis
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