Batuyev joins Pinewoods as new tennis pro

TORRINTON — It’s a long way from Ukraine to Torrington, but Herman Batuyev has settled in quite nicely to his new position as tennis professional at Pinewoods Health and Racquet Club.

The 63-year-old Batuyev, who emigrated to the United States 10 years ago, joined the Pinewoods staff in late summer. He oversees tennis instruction for both children and adults and has already built up a loyal following.

“I really like the area and we plan to move here next summer after our son graduates from high school,” said Batuyev, who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the game, first as a top-ranked junior in Ukraine, then as a coach and teacher.

He comes to Pinewoods after a stint as director of tennis at the Hardscrable Club in Brewster, N.Y. He also coached the North Salem High School boys and girls tennis teams for seven years.

When former tennis professional Paul Fodiman left Pinewoods to pursue a new career, owner Bob Cofer contacted Batuyev about applying for the position. Batuyev was hired and began working at Pinewoods in September.

“Tennis has been great to me. I’ve travelled the world as a coach and got to meet some of the top players in the world. I enjoy teaching the game and I stress the mental side of tennis, which is just as important as the proper strokes,” Batuyev said. “You can teach anyone to play the game. But what makes them better players is the ability to have an internal dialogue with themselves and to block out the distractions around them.”

He especially enjoys working with juniors. “They are the future of the game,” he said.

Batuyev was coach and agent for former top WTA player Juliana Fedic from Ukraine. The two began working together at a tennis school in their home country when Fedic was a junior player. She eventually was ranked among the top 60 female players in the world and reached the semifinals of the women’s doubles at Wimbledon with her partner Tatiana Bereyinis in 2006.

“I traveled with her to England for Wimbledon and then to the U.S. Open,” said Batuyev. “She was a very good player and was on the move upwards, but she decided to start a family and she retired from the game. It was enjoyable working with her and rubbing elbows with the top players at the big tournaments.”

Batuyev doesn’t get to play much these days; he’s too busy teaching the game.

“I played since I was a young boy and now it is time to give back by teaching others to enjoy tennis and to become good,” he said.

Batuyev can be reached at www.pinewoodsclub.com.

John Torsiello / For Hearst Connecticut Media Herman Batuyev has settled into his new position as tennis professional at Pinewoods Health and Racquet Club.