MIKA SAKVARELIDZE - DIRECTOR
Mika Sakvarelidze embarked on his tennis journey at the tender age of 5. By the time he reached 10, it became abundantly clear to him that his passion for the sport transcended mere hobby status. From that pivotal moment forward, Mika dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the pursuit of a professional tennis career, nurturing ambitions that would take him to courts around the globe.
During his formative years, Mika honed his skills alongside notable tennis luminaries such as Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet, Sebastien Grosjean, and Arnaud Clement, each of whom ascended to international acclaim. Meanwhile, Mika himself achieved a ranking among the top 20 junior players in France.
Mika, having lived through the rigors of tennis, understands that the sport extends far beyond the confines of the court. Tennis, in his view, serves as a proponent of a healthy lifestyle, imparting valuable life lessons. The virtues of patience at the volley and courage at the net are merely the initial facets of this multifaceted education. In Mika's philosophy, one's on-court mentality mirrors their approach to the game of life. He perceives the role of a coach not as a mere responsibility, but as a cherished privilege.
Mika's extensive experience, gained from diverse levels of international play, is reflected in his distinctive coaching style. His philosophy centers on fostering creative communication that portrays tennis as an exhilarating sport accessible to all. Mika has an innate ability to deliver breakthrough results by deploying innovative analogies that elucidate the "How and Why" of both classical and modern tennis gameplay. His straightforward, relatable, and easily comprehensible approach ensures that individuals of all skill levels can thrive under his tutelage.
OUR COACHES
Linda Ohanyan
HEAD coach
Linda Ohanyan is a distinguished USPTA-certified Elite Professional coach with over 6 years of international coaching experience across all levels. Linda's personal achievements include holding the coveted rank of #1 professional tennis player in Armenia. She excels as a private coach and serves as a hitting partner for high-performance players. Her leadership as the head tennis coach at a private high school for four years led the team to a CIF championship.
She is also a vital member of the National Team. With a remarkable track record, she has clinched numerous titles in TE and ITF tournaments, establishing herself as a multi-title champion.
MIRUNA TUDOR
HEAD coach
Coach Miruna brings impressive experience to our team. Currently representing Azusa Pacific University, she holds the No. 1 national ranking in Doubles and is the 2023 Regional Singles Champion, with a record of 20-1 in singles and 14-4 in doubles. Previously, she played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, losing only 2 out of 10 matches, and for the University of Arkansas with a 17-3 record. Ranked in the Top 50 in Europe and a three-time national champion of Romania, Miruna’s achievements reflect her dedication and skill.
PETER KUDYMA
HEAD coach
Peter KUDYMA, born on May 3, 1983, in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a former professional tennis player turned coach. Peter began playing tennis at age 6 and by 11, he was representing Ukraine in the European Team Cup. At 13, he reached the final of the Ukrainian National Championship, earning a spot on the national team. By 15, he became the national champion for under-16s and competed in the European Championship, ranking among the top 100 juniors globally. At 17, Peter won silver at the Men's Ukrainian Championship and represented Ukraine in the European Junior Championship. With ITF and ATP rankings of 141 and 1315, respectively, Peter now shares his passion for tennis as a coach, helping players of all levels reach their full potential.
Samy Messi
HEAD coach
Samy Messi, an international tennis coach, formerly led the renowned Devonshire Park Lawn Tennis Club in the UK, established in 1879 and the birthplace of regulated lawn tennis and Wimbledon. Now based in Los Angeles, Samy also develops elite players in San Diego, CA. His training program is built on five key pillars: Psychology, Fitness, Tactical Training, Technique, and Nutrition. Samy’s personalized, results-driven approach ensures immediate improvements in performance and rankings, helping players reach their full potential.
Norik Otuzbiryran
MTA coach
Norik Otuzbiryran, a dedicated tennis coach, combines corporate experience with coaching expertise. His journey began at 15 at Central Park Tennis Academy, emphasizing a friendly learning atmosphere. With experience across Los Angeles, he offers private and group lessons, influenced by coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
A strong presence in junior and college tennis, Norik boasts impressive rankings. Transitioning from a 15-year IT Procurement career, he now focuses on his true passion, coaching, to inspire the next generation of players.