Our coaches
Coaches with passion
At Avanti Tennis the Goal of the Coaching Team is to have a range of coaches who can meet the players' levels and meet their desired outcomes, be they fitness, social, learning a life skill or embarking on a competitive pathway.
Avanti Tennis has a team of 3 highly experienced coaches delivering our programs and the goal for them is to be involved in all areas of the coaching program for both Juniors and Adults.
All coaches are professionally qualified, fully screened and insured through Tennis Australia, have current WWC check and first aid certificates.
We also have an enthusiastic team of assistant coaches who provide excellent help and who are developing their own skills and knowledge as coaches.
Head coach
David Close
David holds a degree in Physical Education, Tennis Coaches Australia advanced level and European coaching qualifications, including LTA coaching accreditation in the UK and membership of the Registered Tennis Professionals in Europe.
He has coached at clubs in and around Melbourne and in the UK, where he worked with many of the country’s top juniors. As a Tennis Australia national touring coach he took teams to events including Young Stars and the Orange Bowl, and he was the ITF coach for the 2007 tour to the Australian Open Junior Championships.
Today David runs Avanti Tennis as the coaching program at East Camberwell Tennis Club, from Hot Shots through to junior squads and adult groups.
Coach
Dieter Ackermann
Dieter began his coaching career for Avanti Tennis in 2020 and has become a valued member of the coaching team and a constant presence at the club as he is there 7 days a week.
Dieter is a very experienced full time coach and in previous roles he worked at Fawkner Park Club for 22 years and North Balwyn for 3 years before joining Avanti Tennis. He has also been involved in providing coaching alongside Judy and Andy Murray.
Dieter is involved in all areas of coaching at the club from Hot Shots, Junior programs, Squad program and he provides lots of juniors and seniors private lessons of all levels and ages.
Coach
Edgar Wong
Edgar has a Level 2, Club Professional Certified coaching qualification.
He graduated from David’s McDonalds squad many years ago and has been partnered in coaching with David in both Melbourne and Hong Kong.
Edgar is a responsible and outgoing person with a keen interest in the development of Tennis as a sport. His enthusiasm, work ethic and desire for continual improvement make him a great coach. But he also likes to have fun on the court, an essential ingredient for kid’s lessons.
Edgar is fluent in both English and Cantonese.
How David coaches
“I believe from a young age to instil in my players a love of the game, a strong sound technique … and probably most importantly of all a strong self-belief.”
“This could be a four-year-old, an inspiring junior or an older adult player. To see a player progress from a beginner player to an elite level is always a buzz.”
David Close, Australian Tennis Magazine, March 2011