High school goes pro
Southport tennis base for doubles specialist
A RETIRED top doubles pro who was a six-time Grand Slam semi-finalist is bringing his world-class tennis expertise to Gold Coast kids.
Former world doubles No.5 Paul Hanley has launched his second Paul Hanley Tennis site in Queensland and his first on the Gold Coast, partnering with Southport State High.
The Loganlea native, based in London near the end of his 17 years on the professional circuit, retired from the tour in 2014.
He is now based back in Logan near family, where he started his first coaching clinic and Paul Hanley Tennis.
But the 40-year-old has now also teamed up with Southport State High on a mission to get more kids into the game.
He is working with the school to ensure “every child who goes to Southport State High will at one stage have tried tennis”.
“I wanted to reach as many kids – and adults – as I can and I wanted to give back a bit as well,” he said.
Hanley, who earned almost $3 million in prizemoney, said in doubles he had wins over top players Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“They are all nice guys and very respectful. I was very fortunate to do what I did – the only thing I didn’t achieve was a Grand Slam victory, I came close a couple of times,” he said.
He lost in the semis of two Australian Opens and two US Opens plus made semis at the French Open and at Wimbledon. But he won a Commonwealth Games doubles gold in Delhi in 2010.
He is good friends with Indian doubles legend Leander Paes and Hanley has also coached him at times. He recently helped Paes achieve a goal of the most wins in Davis Cup.
Paul Hanley Tennis had an open day yesterday.
Southport State High has six courts open to the public after 3pm, while Paul Hanley Tennis is open for all ages.