THOMMAS DeLIEFDE :: PRO OF THE MONTH, Solaris, Stamford CT::
Get to know Thommas, in our exclusive interview…
cg: What is your first memory of playing tennis?
Thommas: When I was a kid, my mom used to take me to the local library which was next to the tennis courts. I would watch people play tennis and beg my mom to sign me up for a lesson. Neither of my parents ever played. I had to wait a few more years til I was 9 before she signed me up. I instantly got the ‘tennis bug’!
cg: What is your fondest memory playing tennis?
Thommas: There are so many, from hacking around with my friends to playing top-level collegiate tennis matches. If I had to pick one, it would be playing in the men’s club championship finals against my childhood coach…and beating him! It was a match I never expected to win.
cg: How long have you been playing professionally and how did you become a coach?
Tennis is a tough sport to earn your money as a touring professional. I realized early on, I wasn’t of the caliber to make it as a touring pro and decided to play collegiate tennis instead. A lot of good players make a similar choice.
cg: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Thommas: To help people reach their tennis goals, whether it is to be bumped up to the next USTA rating or mastering a topspin forehand.
cg: What frustrates you about coaching?
Thommas: Hmm…I am not sure how to answer this question. Like any other job, the good comes with the bad. I guess, students who are reluctant to be open to change — lessons are meant to learn new things, such as strengthen a weakness or discover a new tactic.
cg: What do you do differently from other pros?
Thommas: I try to personalize the lesson plan for every individual player. What your game needs, might not be what someone else’s game needs. I try to gear my approach to what will help you the most!
cg: Do you have a catch phrase?
Thommas: “No excuses!”
cg: Are you taking on new players? If yes, how can they get in touch with you?
Thommas: Yes! The best way to contact me is either thommas.deliefde@gmail.com or call Solaris Racquet Club at (203) 359-0601.
Speaking from first hand experience, Thommas’ lessons are always instructional, full of energy and fun. He’s the go-to pro if you want to improve your game.