Andrew Richardson

[simone]

1.What is your name?

Andrew Richardson

2.Where were you born?

Peterborough England.

3.How old were you when you started playing tennis?

9 years old.

4.Who was your influence to start playing tennis?

My father and John Mcenroe.

5.which coach do you remember in the most positive light and why?

The coaches I think had the biggest influence on my tennis career were John Hicks who I worked with from the ages of 14-18,he instilled some good disipline into his players,he was very positive and enthusiastic,he encouraged me a lot and I always enjoyed my time on court with him.The other coach who helped me a lot was David Sammel,he started working with me at a difficult time in my career,I was 22 and not really improving with a ranking in the 400's,he helped develop my game,got me to think differently about the way I approached my tennis and my gamestyle,with him I reached my career high singles ranking of 133ATP.

6.The best moment of my tennis career?

My proudest moment was representing Great Britain in Davis Cup in which I had my best career win,a five set victory over Byron Black(Zim).

7.My worst moment?

Wimbledon 1998 against Hitchim Arazi(Morocco),I wasn't enjoying my tennis at the time,if Im honest I didn't do the opportunity justice and played a poor match in the biggest tournament,I decided to stop playing after this match.

8.Why David Lloyd Academy?

It gives me an opportunity to work with a small group of players who are at an age where I think it's possible to have a really big positive impact.

9.In which part of coaching do you feel you are strongest?

At the moment I feel that Tactically I am strongest,I'm still an inexperienced coach but feel that my playing career helps me to help the players maximise their gamestyles and strengths.

10.Advice for young players?

Try not to make the same mistake twice,top players learn lessons very quickly and move on.

11.Advice for tennis parents?

Try to behave as neutrally as possible,don't get carried away by the wins and negative about the losses,be supportive,positive and encouraging always!

12.Advice for new coaches?
Keep it simple,don't try to teach a player too many things at once,set goals with your player and assess them regularly.