Getting to Know: Clive Ullyett
Clive Ullyett is a tennis professional at the Kings Highway Tennis Club in Darien, CT. Clive was a world-ranked competitor and NCAA Division I All-American for South Alabama. Clive has worked closely with nationally ranked collegiate and junior players, as well as players of all levels and abilities.
Q: How old were you when you first picked up the sport of tennis?
A: I was five years old when I picked up tennis. My dad cut the grip off a squash racquet and placed a grip on the shaft to make it shorter for me. I used to stand and hit against the kitchen door.
Q: Who were a few of the most influential people on your tennis game?
A: My father was a big influence. A coach of mine, Jean Koch, when I was younger (I would practice at her house with my brother and my friend). My coach in South Africa, Peter Waters, who we would train with every morning before school. Also, my coach John Yuill who we trained under when I was in the Natal squad.
Q: When did you know you were "good"?
A: I was ranked top in the country and was playing with adult men when I was nine and ten years old.
Q: Who were some of your favorite players that you looked up to while growing up?
A: Bjorn Borg, John Mcenroe, Frew Macmillan, Bob Hewitt, Colin Dowdswell, Pete Sampras.
Q: Favorite stroke of yours?
A: Volleys and Overhead.
Q: Favorite stroke to teach?
A: Volley.
Q: When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
A: I started coaching when I was in college and the income was good.
Q: What's the most gratifying part of being a coach?
A: You can change people's lives and not just on the tennis court.
Q: Where do you see the sport of tennis 10 years from now?
A: In ten years there will be athletes in tennis the same size and height as professional basketball players, and they will be as athletic on the tennis court.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your competitive days?
A: Going through many matches without missing volleys or overheads. Hitting a backhand winner return down the line (only time in the whole match) in the third set tiebreaker against Lothringer/Nathan (#1 in the nation Div I and undefeated) in the semi-finals of the National Hardcourts in Austin, TX. That winner gave us a double break in tiebreaker and we won. Wins over teams/players that competed in Grand Slam tournaments.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a player - regardless of level - about how to improve in tennis, what would it be?
A: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Q: What's your favorite thing to do away from the court?
A: Go to the beach with my wife and daughter. Spend time with family. Enjoy a good meal. Play golf.
Q: If you were not a tennis player or coach, you would be a ______
A: If I was not a tennis player or a coach, I would be a top golfer.