Tennis

We have built a very strong reputation with our tennis programme since its launch in 2012, finishing as the fourth ranked school in GB twice in the previous few years and winning several National titles. A top three spot is looking very likely for this year with a second-place finish in U18 National Championships already.

We offer a year-round, bespoke programme for all our Scholarship players based around their individual timetables and allow them the flexibility to be able to train externally as well. We work closely with players’ external coaches, sharing goals to ensure players have consistency within each session.

We also have year-round programmes in place for our players who play frequently, but not quite as much perhaps as the Scholars, as well as a programme over the Summer Term for those that simply want to play a little more. 

Competitions

The focus for our Scholarship players is the National Schools Team Tennis event, which runs throughout the calendar year. Every year since our programme launch, we have managed to make it through to the regional finals at worst; a great achievement as we are no doubt competing in the strongest region in GB. This tournament is closely followed on our priority list by the Independent National Schools doubles event, which is played over a few days towards the end of the Summer Term; then a few more localised events throughout the Summer Term also. 

All our players who train and compete semi-regularly will represent us in the above events, but also focus on the Surrey League. Again, coming from such a strong county – means that these are always very competitive, but fun fixtures. They run over the Summer Term only and culminate in a final’s day for group winners. 

For anyone interested, we also run many friendly fixtures, again over the Summer Term, so we have something for everyone over the school’s tennis season. We also run after school tennis clubs (Summer Term only) that are open to all players, irrelevant of level or experience. These are a great opportunity for everyone to play some fun, social doubles together. 

Coaching Team

The programme is run by the Head of Tennis, Gregg Kovic, who joined Surbiton High School in 2011. Gregg is an LTA Level 5 Master Coach, who is also qualified through the Spanish system as an RPT European Professional. Gregg is assisted by Zak Elbekri, an LTA Level 3, who has also competed at the very top level. Zak came on board in 2012 due to the programme’s expansion. We have both been fortunate enough to work with all our scholars during their time at Surbiton High School, most competing in Tennis Europe events and then progressing to ITFs and the British Tour. We have also had several players compete in junior slams (Wimbledon and Australia) and even the Wimbledon draw itself.

We are also fortunate to have the Esher LTC coaches on our books who are all ready to jump in and help whenever needed. Having full-time coaches employed by the School, who get to see all the players compete regularly is essential. By spending time with all our players, both on and off the court, we build strong, professional relationships with them all.

Facilities

We are fortunate to have exclusive access to the main School court, where the majority of our Scholarship Programme takes place. During the summer term, we also have full use of all the courts at our Hinchley Wood sports ground. Additionally, home fixtures are frequently held at Esher LTC when necessary.

Recent Success

2023 U18 National Championships – Runners Up
2022 LTA official year end school ranking – 2nd in Great Britain
2022 U18 ISTA National Doubles – Winners
2022 U18 National Championships – Winners
2022 U18s selected to represent England in the ISF World Championships in Puerto Rico
2021 LTA official year end school ranking – 3rd in Great Britain
2021 U18 National Championships – Runners up
2019 U18 National Championships – 5th in Great Britain
2018 LTA official year end school ranking – 4th in Great Britain
2018 U18 National Championships – 7th in Great Britain
2016 LTA official year end school ranking – 4th in Great Britain
2016 U18 National Championships – 6th in Great Britain