Johan Kriek

Fourteen Singles and 8 Doubles tour titles including 2 Australian Open Grand Slams - one heck of a professional career for any tennis player. Born in South Africa, Johan Kriek accomplished this in the 80's and became #7 in the world in 1984. His most memorable wins include victories over Andre Agassi, Guillermo Vilas, Stefan Edberg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Bjorn Borg. Kriek and his doubles partner Kevin Curren have won the Wimbledon Senior Doubles title four times in a row from 2003-2006.

Johan Kriek Tennis Academy Mission

Johan Kriek Tennis Academy is dedicated to a modern game mentality, recognizing that upcoming tennis stars today and in the future have needs for training and motivation that are changing every year, and need to be individualized for each student. We know students are motivated by a diverse skill-set, both on and off the tennis courts. We understand today’s world outside tennis and how it affects our students, the challenges they face, not only as players but also as young adults, plus the safety their families demand for a life dedicated to the development of their child are what makes the Johan Kriek Tennis Academy different than other tennis training institutes.

Our coaches have the ability to understand cultural issues and psychological barriers many of our international students face, and these issues are part of our training program. The greatest stars on the courts have great technique, but they also have a winning attitude and a sense of safety gained from their mentors.

We are more than tennis coaches. We are life coaches. And our students and their talent grow into success from a multi-faceted program of support.

Questions for Johan Kriek

TCB: In our February 2014 interview you stated, "I am the only Grand Slam winner who's on the court 5 days a week." Is that still the case today?
JK: Yes, I am the only South African with a singles major. I teach every day of the week.

TCB: What does a typical 'Johan Kriek week' look like?
JK: My weeks are very busy. Besides getting up at 6 am daily I don't sleep until midnight or sometimes later. Kids to school, make them breakfast, drive them to school then back home to my office where I work with my wife on our academy or other business from 8:30 am to about 3pm then off to the academy which starts at 4pm to 7pm daily. I also go to tournaments on weekends to observe our students play tournaments.

TCB: We heard you have plans with a new tennis business at resorts and clubs. What's that all about? Could you elaborate?
JK: This summer we will unveil the Johan Kriek Signature Tennis program….JKST. It will be geared towards fun programming to augment existing club activities with adults and kids at high end tennis clubs around the US and at tennis resorts. I will have more details for you within a month before we roll it all out.

TCB: Do your new plans include a permanent base for your Academy?
JK: My base for my academy is in the Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter location.

TCB: Are you still involved with the Global Water Foundation? Any other charities your endorse and support?
JK: My GWF is still in existence and I would like to begin projects in water in 2020, I also help with two charities in my backyard namely Student Aces and First Serve.

(Click on the logos below for their respective websites)

TCB: Where do you want to take your business in the coming years?
JK: I am looking to create junior Kriek Cups in Africa, start with Southern African countries for boys and girls ages 8-16 and create a pathway for the top players in Africa to come to the US for training, experience in tournaments and to help coaches in Africa expand their knowledge and their certification. I hope to bring tennis back with sponsors and support as I am with Yannick Noah the only African born players to have won singles Grand Slam titles. Now here is a story Yannick and I should do together……:)

TCB: What are your thoughts about the very controversial changes brought upon professional tennis by the ITF, ATP and WTA?
JK: From what I have read and heard it was a very hastily illd advised and poorly thought through process as so many potential players have been excluded from moving forward. Not privy to the super details but it seems to me it needs a "rethink". We should try and grow the game not shrink it!

TCB: How can the US tennis community be brought back onto a path of growth and prosperity?
JK: This is a very difficult question to answer as I think there are many reasons why the US has lost the tennis top spot. It is not money that will solve this but many factors that need to change and I think it may take a long time before we see US dominance in tennis.

Culturally speaking American tennis is power based and not finesse anymore. Diversity in coaching philosophy is lacking imho. Too many "politicians" running the show in pro tennis and that will never change. There is a big disconnect between the ATP, WTA and NCAA and other college associations. They should all work together but I don't see it happening even though the tennis pro tour is literally shoulder to shoulder with colleges. You either go pro or you go to college if you are really good in tennis. Yet, I don't see "partners" here….

TCB: What are your thoughts on the USTA Player Development Program?
JK: The facilities in Orlando is incredible and we should pump out great junior players. Tennis is not #1 in America, we are at best 6 th. So the best athletes in America don't play tennis. Simple.

TCB: Do you play pickleball?
JK: I was introduced to pickleball in Austin Texas and it is fun! It is growing big time and I will be doing business with pickleball for sure…

TCB: Thank you, Johan.