Craig Bonnington

How long have you been coaching and what coaching qualification do you hold?

I’ve been coaching since 2019 and completed my Junior development qualification with Tennis Australia at the end of last year.

What programs do you coach/most enjoy coaching?

I love programs where I can work with the player over a couple of terms or longer giving time to develop a good coaching relationship with the player, so they improve in the sport and enjoy the game.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy is all about producing players who have strong fundamental technical skills along with a deep understanding of the game itself so they can enjoy the competitive and casual side of the sport for their whole life.

How old were you when you started playing tennis and where?

I began playing tennis at 10 years old, back where I grew up in Melbourne, at Vermont South Tennis Club. The club is well regarded by the eastern region for its competitive success and was a very fun place to play at.

Who is your favorite tennis player?

Favourite ATP Player: Rafael Nadal, mainly because he plays an unwavering game and never gives up during play. Along with his professionalism and respect for the sport and other players makes him a fantastic player to look up to.

Favourite WTF player: Samantha Stosur, she was a dominant Australian player for many years in both singles and doubles and is extremely successful in the competitive scene. I’ve met her and she still today plays at a high level and has a lot of respect for the game and other players, her mastery of both doubles and singles along with her consistent game makes her a great role model.

If you could win one grand slam, what would it be?

Obviously, it’s the Australian open, if not for the home crowd support just for the ability to play on a surface that is fun and supports a wide range of tennis styles and is played at my hometown Melbourne.

What of brand of racquet / shoes do you prefer?

I currently use Head racquets, which help compliment my game but are also very easy to use on court for coaching. I prefer flamboyantly coloured clothing and shoes for competition which keeps me confident on court and honestly is just a bit of fun.