Player Coaches

Carl is one of the most respected and experienced coaches of female tennis players in the world. He joined the Belgian Tennis Federation in 1992 and throughout his time there he specialised in the coaching of women tennis players, both seniors and juniors. He worked with former US Open champion Kim Clijsters from the age of 12 and coached her exclusively between 1999 and 2002, during which time Kim reached a Sony Ericsson WTA world ranking of number three. As the captain of Belgium's Fed Cup team, he helped his side to only their second ever final. Maes has since been appointed by the LTA as the head of women's tennis in an effort to improve the standard and number of top ranking players. His work and reform quickly paid dividends with a number of leading British players aiming to break into the top 100. Anne Keothavang in particular has made great strides in 2008 and Elena Baltacha, Katie O'Brien, Melanie South and Naomi Cavaday will all be hoping to join her. Maes has also been responsible in the progress and nurturing of junior players, helping Laura Robson to win the girls singles titles at Wimbledon. Carl is a member of the WTA board for the past few years as a player representative and is supported by Nigel Sears at the LTA who works primarily with the over 16's. Nigel has vast experience in the women's game having worked in a number of positions in British tennis but also as an individual coach to Amanda Coetzer, Barbara Schett and Daniela Hantuchova.