Rea of hope for NZ as super coach makes mark
Simon Rea is a major asset to New Zealand tennis and must not be lost, writes David Long.
There’s been one noteworthy figure on the sidelines every time a New Zealander played at the ASB Classic the past fortnight.
Simon Rea, Tennis New Zealand’s high performance director has thrown himself feet first into his new role, which he he’s had for just a few weeks.
He’s not only watched every New Zealand player, he’s also been working with them and their coaches, passing on the knowledge he gained at Tennis Australia, where he brought through Nick Kyrgios, then worked with Sam Stosur.
The New Zealand players at the Classic have the upmost respect for Rea and the work he was able to do with them over the last two weeks. ’’He’s going to be fantastic for Tennis New Zealand,’’ Rubin Statham, the NZ No 1 said.
‘‘I was living in Melbourne for years when he was working for Tennis Australia.
‘‘I was hoping that he’d make the move back and assist New Zealand the way he was assisting Australia.’’
Our top women’s player Marina Erakovic was just as glowing.
‘‘He was there all week, coming in to give advice,’’ she said.
‘‘I really enjoyed it and I think he’s such a valuable asset. He’s got very good information, tennis knowledge, know how, the whole package.
‘‘I really respect Simon and I’m grateful that he helped us out.’’
However, Rea’s contract with Tennis NZ is only until the end of June, when Rea is expected to have finished helping develop the federation’s next strategic plan.
There remains the chance that either Tennis NZ will say they don’t want him, or he is poached by someone else.
‘‘That fits with what the board have asked of me in terms of shaping and helping to form the next strategic plan and where performance sits in that discussion,’’ Rea said.
‘‘I’m comfortable with that and the board clearly are as well and we’ll see what plays out.’’
However, Rea didn’t move back to New Zealand and tie up all of his loose ends in Melbourne for just six months’ work.
‘‘I’m happy to be judged on my track record,’’ Rea said.
‘‘We’ll see what plays out and the board and the new CEO will determine that.
‘‘I try not to stress about what I can’t control, so I’ll try to do the best I can and we’ll see where that takes us.’’
The issue of a new CEO is a big one, not long after Rea agreed to take the job, Steve Johns announced he was moving on to Swimming NZ.
Tennis NZ will start looking for a replacement for Johns soon.
Rea’s current job description is fairly loose, he has to help put together the strategic plan, but is also keen to be on the tennis court, working with players.
‘‘I would rather be more hands on,’’ he said. ’’I don’t particularly want to be someone who’s locked behind a computer screen from nine to five and I’d like to be at the coalface more than less.’’
This year’s Classic was when Jade Lewis made her name. Having been given a main draw wildcard, many feared she would get wasted by Venus Williams in the first round.
However, she lost the first set 7-6 having failed to capitalise on a set point, then after trailing 5-0 in the second, eventually lost 6-2.
Lewis dwelled on that set point and it affected her play, but she did show mental strength to battle from an impossible position.
‘‘The first thing that comes to mind is the way she handled the occasion on the first night,’’ Rea said. ’’I couldn’t have asked for more from a young person in that environment.’’
Technically, Lewis needs to get her serve bigger and her backhand volley needs work.
She has been coached by her father, David Lewis up to now, but he’s keen to take a step back and have Rea more involved.
‘‘I’ve left it that we’ll be in absolute, constant dialogue,’’ Rea said.
‘‘She’s clearly one of our best players. There are also a number of things to improve and I know she’s committed to growth and improvement as a mindset, from an athlete’s perspective and that’s really exciting.’’
That dialogue is a big thing for Rea and it hasn’t always been as good as it can be between the top players and Tennis NZ.
As recently as a month ago Marcus Daniell was disappointed to be told he’d been dropped from the Davis Cup team for the upcoming tie against India, by email, rather than a phone call or face to face conversation.
However, he says the communication with Rea has been outstanding.
‘‘He is exactly the sort of person you want to have on your side,’’ Daniell said. ’’He’s very hard working, his heart is in the right place and knows a lot about tennis and I think he’s going to lift the bar massively in the organisation.’’
The question is though, for how long?