“Pfft, I could learn tennis, it looks like an easy sport”. Did you catch yourself saying this after watching the US Open on TV?
The truth is, tennis is a sport for all ages—and it’s not just fun, it’s officially ranked as one of the healthiest sports in the world. It keeps your body strong, your mind sharp, and offers a surprising number of physical and mental benefits (which we spilt here—read this!)
In this guide, we’ll walk (sometimes sprint) you through Georgetown’s best tennis classes, introduce you to Malaysia’s top tennis players, and share everything you need before stepping onto the court.
Whether you’re here to network, get fit, or chase your dream of becoming a pro, this is where your tennis journey begins!
Eager to start? Let’s dive straight in!
Where Can You Find Good Tennis Classes in Georgetown?
This must be the million-dollar question. Where to find tennis classes in Georgetown. Don’t worry—we’ve got you!
We’ve rounded up the best tennis lessons that you could find near you.
i. Nikesh Singh Tennis Excellence (NSTE Tennis Academy)
Founded by Nikesh Singh, an ITF Level 2 certified coach, in 2004, this academy has been providing coaching for learners of all skill levels, starting from age six. Over the years, the academy has trained more than 100 students and continues to help individuals grow in the sport.
Here are some of the available learning programmes:
- Mini tennis for kids age group 4-12 years
- Private and semi-private programs
- Advance and elite training programs for tournament players
- Holiday coaching program
- Beginner's program for all age groups
ii. Pro Ace Tennis Academy
Founded in 2017, this academy is committed to nurturing new talents in tennis regardless of the student's age and background.
The academy has conducted free junior tennis programmes for underprivileged kids in Penang, ranging from 8 years old to 16 years old.
Under this programme, students will learn racquet gripping and coordination, the basic strokes of playing, basic footwork, hand and ball coordination and non-competitive gameplay techniques.
For aspiring junior tennis learners, here are some private lessons that you can enrol in:
- Beginner for super basic learners
- Intermediate for social learners
- Advanced for learners who have mastered basic tennis skills
- Group Training for beginner to advanced learners
For adult learners, you can join one of these classes (day or night option available for working adults):
- Beginner Lessons and Group Coaching
- Intermediate Lessons and Group Coaching
- Advanced Group Lessons and Coaching
- Ladies' Lessons and Group Coaching
- Doubles Lessons Coaching
iii. RLTA Tennis Academy Penang
Whether you are looking for adults or kids, private or semi-private tennis lessons, you can certainly find all of them at RLTA Tennis Academy.
The dedicated team at RLTA is committed to providing tennis lessons that are convenient, comfortable and effective according to your preference and learning pace.
If you prefer to play near your residential area or a public park, simply inform the tennis coach, and they’ll make the arrangements to accommodate your requests..
Apart from that, tennis ball machines will also be used for intensive training to enhance your serving skills. Additionally, they also offer a free trial class to see if tennis is the right fit for you!
iv. Play! Tennis
A Singapore-born tennis academy that has branched out to Malaysia in Penang. It’s also said to be Penang’s first indoor tennis & pickleball academy. They offer a variety of packages, including private, group for adults and kids.
- Adult indoor group tennis lessons – Start from RM 58/class. You can choose to have more, as they have packages that offer more classes.
- Adult indoor private classes – Start from RM 170/hour. Similar to the group session, there are packages if you wish to have more hours.
- Kids indoor group tennis lessons – Start from RM 58/class. Similar to adult classes, you can choose more than one class.
- Kids' indoor private tennis lessons – Start from RM 170/hour. You can increase the hours as required.
Have you wondered how long it takes to master tennis or at least reach an intermediate level? We’ve put together a rough timeline to give you a better idea of what to expect. Check it out here!
Most Promising Tennis Players in Malaysia
It’s good to know about the tennis development in Malaysia and to know our local stars as you embark on your tennis journey. As much as we love the world-class tennis stars, we could also show some love to our promising players in Malaysia. They are undoubtedly the pride of our country, and with encouragement, perhaps one day Malaysia will see its players competing in Grand Slam tournaments! Fingers crossed!
Let’s take a look at the most promising players in Malaysia, shall we?
1. Christian Didier Chin
Christian Didier Chin, born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, made a name for himself as one of Malaysia’s most promising tennis players. He once reached the Top 50 in the ITF Junior Rankings, marking him as a standout talent on the international stage.
He has represented Malaysia at the Davis Cup (a premier international team event in men's tennis) and won the Tennis Malaysia Ace Awards in 2016.
He was also the first tennis player to represent Malaysia in the Australian Open in 2018. Although his ATP ranking data (No. 1440 in singles, No. 1498 in doubles) is from 2022, he remains a central figure in Malaysian tennis.
Currently, based in Sydney, he trains to compete in international tournaments representing Malaysia while also providing coaching services to support his career development financially.
2. Imran Daniel Hazli
Imran Daniel Hadzli became Malaysia's first World Junior Tennis Champion at the age of 10 at the World Junior Masters tournament in Turkey in 2015.
Now he’s pursuing his higher studies at Georgia State University and competes on the university’s tennis team.
In December 2023, he broke into the top 100 of the ITF junior boys world rankings, marking a milestone for Malaysian tennis.
Photo by Malaysia Recreational Tennis Facebook page.
3. Leong Siblings
This brother-sister duo, Mitsuki and Shihomi, are also one of the rising tennis stars in Malaysia. Hailing from Ipoh and of Malaysian–Japanese heritage, they have made their mark both domestically and internationally.
Both siblings have won the men’s and women’s open singles at the Tennis Malaysia Masters. Mistsuki has secured three ITF junior titles, and Shihomi earned two. At the 2022 SUKMA game, Mitsuki won a gold medal in the men’s singles, and Shihomi won a bronze medal in the women’s singles. They together won a gold medal in the mixed doubles game.
Mitsuki became the first Malaysian in over two decades to win an ITF singles title at the Nakhon Si Thammarat M15 event. Currently aged approximately 21 (Mitsuki) and 18 (Shihomi), the Leong siblings remain focused on elevating their game and pursuing greater success on the international stage.
We’re certain there are many more rising stars in Malaysia, but these are the athletes we managed to gather enough information about to feature here. We at Superprof cheer for these young talents and look forward to seeing our athletes shine on the national and international stage.
Curious about tennis trivia in Malaysia? Here are some interesting facts we've uncovered.
Why Are The 4 Grand Slams So Important to Professional Tennis Players?
As an avid tennis fan or an aspiring tennis player, you will certainly have heard about Grand Slam Tennis Tournaments:
- Wimbledon
- French Open
- Australian Open
- US Open
The Grand Slams are significant to tennis players because of these two main reasons:
1. They offer the most prize money
You may refer to the table below to look at the overview of the prize money that the Grand Slam tournaments offer.
| Tennis Tournaments | Prize Money Estimation For Singles Champion |
|---|---|
| Wimbledon | £3.0 million |
| US Open | $5.0 million |
| French Open | €2.4 million |
| Australian Open | A$3.5 million |
2. They promise the most ranking points for the winners and participants
The four Grand Slams provide the most ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Ranking Points for every tennis player.
| Results Of Grand Slam Tournaments | ATP Points Achieved |
|---|---|
| Round of 128 | 10 |
| Round of 64 | 45 |
| Round of 32 | 90 |
| Round of 16 | 180 |
| Quarter Finals | 360 |
| Semi Finals | 750 |
| Runner Up | 1300 |
| Champion | 2000 |
Wimbledon
Established in 1877, Wimbledon is held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
The Wimbledon Championship is one of the oldest tennis tournaments and arguably the most prestigious Grand Slam in the world, held in London from mid-June to early July. It’s played on grass courts and is famous for its long history and traditional charm.
Roger Federer holds the record for the most men’s singles titles with 8, while Martina Navratilova leads in women’s singles with 9 titles in the Open Era.
French Open
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, takes place in Paris, France, from mid-May to early June. It’s played on a clay court and widely considered as one of the most difficult Grand Slam tournaments to win due to the unique challenges presented by its clay court surface.
You might be wondering why.
Clay courts made of crushed brick that will significantly slow down the ball, resulting in longer rallies and placing a greater emphasis on endurance, patience and strategic play. Unlike faster surfaces like grass and hard courts, playing on clay courts requires greater physical stamina.
Rafael Nadal dominates the men’s singles with 14 titles, and Chris Evert holds the record for women’s singles in the Open Era with 7 titles.
Australian Open
Founded in 1905, the Australian Open is held in January at Melbourne Park. The Australian Open is played on hard courts with a Plexicushion surface.
Novak Djokovic holds the most men’s singles titles with 10, while Margaret Court leads the women’s singles with 11 titles in the Open Era.
US Open
Founded in 1881, the US Open is the final Grand Slam of the year, taking place in New York from late August to early September on hard acrylic courts.
In the Open Era, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer share the men’s singles record with 5 titles each, while Serena Williams and Chris Evert lead the women’s singles with 6 titles each.
Now you know who has the most titles in each one of the Grand Slam tournaments. Would you fancy knowing what some of the most iconic matches of all time are? We've compiled the best ones for you.
Tennis Beginner Starter Pack
If you’re just starting out, hold yourself on buying the most expensive racquet from the famous brand; hold off on buying everything just yet. Since you’re just starting out, it’s important to get you on the practice sessions more than owning the fancy equipment.
Here are some of the things that you should consider getting in the higher-priority ranking order:
- Tennis Racket – Phyllis Wilunda, the adult tennis director at Midtown Athletic Club and a member of the Wilson Select Team, says that she typically recommends a lighter racquet that weighs 8.9 to 10.1 ounces.
- Tennis Shoes – Court-specific shoes with good grip and lateral support (avoid running shoes). Look for a pair of shoes that are a little below your ankle to give you flexibility when moving around the court. Also, make sure that the sole is supporting your arch.
- Tennis Balls – Tennis balls come in four colours: red, orange, green, and classic neon yellow—all of which are approved by the International Tennis Federation. As a beginner, it’s recommended to start with red balls because they are larger, slower, and only bounce about waist-high because of the lowest compression. This is good for practice until you’re ready to tackle the orange, green, and yellow balls that are faster and bouncier.
- Grip Tape/Overgrip – Especially in Malaysia’s humid weather, this will help improve comfort and prevent slipping.
- Water Bottle – Don’t forget to stay hydrated during lessons and matches.
- Towel – Comes in handy for sweat during practice.
- Comfortable Sportswear – Breathable shirts and shorts/skirts designed for movement. Wear what’s comfortable and allows you to jump, run, and move freely.
- Cap/Visor, Sunscreen & sunglasses – The game is mostly played outdoors, so it’s wise to protect yourself & your eyes from the sun.
Also, if you're interested, we've gathered some beginner-friendly drills that you can try anywhere. This way, you can keep practising even without a coach.
Inspiring Tennis Events & Tournaments to Watch in Malaysia (2025)
Did you know that there are several exciting tennis events and tournaments taking place in Malaysia every year, offering opportunities for Malaysians to participate and also cheer on their local tennis stars?
Let’s take a look at the tournaments and events that are commonly taking place in Malaysia:
i. FILA Malaysia Open – As a part of the FILA Country Club initiative, this tournament is usually held in June at the Tun Razak National Tennis Centre (Indoor). This tournament attracts top players from the country.
ii. Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group IV – The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and contested annually between teams from over 150 competing countries. Typically scheduled around July, the Davis Cup brings together national teams competing with other countries for the glory.
iii. ATF 14 & Under Grade A Southeast Round – Hosted at Mouratoglou Academy Malaysia and Epsom College Malaysia, this junior tournament draws young talent across the country. Often taking place in the mid-year months, it serves as a key platform for rising players to gain international experience.
iv. KL J200 ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors – Typically hosted in Kuala Lumpur, this tournament provides competitive opportunities for young talents looking to gain ITF ranking points and experience international-level matches.
v. Mouratoglou Academy Malaysia Summer Camps – Running from June to July with limited spots, these camps offer intensive training programs and mini-tournaments based on the Mouratoglou Methodology, proven over 25 years with champions like Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Holger Rune, Alexei Popyrin, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
vi. National Junior Circuit – Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), this circuit provides a platform for young Malaysian tennis players to accumulate ranking points, gain match experience, and prepare for international competitions.
Watching these tournaments would not only support our local champions but also allow beginners to learn important aspects of tennis, from footwork and positioning. Whether it’s a junior tournament or a national-level competition, watching Malaysia’s tennis offers support and motivation to players.
Did we miss anything else? Let us know in the comments!
Nutrition for Tennis Beginners
Whether you’re aspiring to become a tennis player, practising it as a fun sport, or playing as a hobby, knowing how to fuel your body is essential to improve performance, prevent injuries and enjoy your time on the court.
Knowing what to eat and drink on and off the court makes a huge difference in your performance on the court. Here are some key tips for beginners:
According to Tennis Fitness, these are the Tennis superfoods:
Beetroot – Due to its richness in nitrates, beets have been shown to increase endurance by up to 16%.
Chia Seeds – As a great source of fibre, these teeny tiny granules can help you maintain energy levels, slow down glucose release and assist with hydration.
Coconu Water – This is a natural substitute for Gatorade, providing electrolytes needed to maintain hydration.
Organic Berries – Packed with antioxidants, berries help combat oxidative stress and inflammation that naturally occur during exercise.
Tart Cherries – These cherries can help in muscle recovery and reduce inflammation due to the levels of quercetin and melatonin present in them.
Other tips:
It’s important to maintain a balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to help you restore muscle, maintain steady energy and lean muscle growth.
Fun & Surprising Facts about Tennis
Tennis isn’t just about rallies, sweating under the sun, and winning the grand Slam. It comes with a history and quirks that make the game even more fascinating.
So, we have rounded up some fun facts that you can use to impress your friends the next time you hit the court:
1. The world’s fastest serve was faster than your car.
Australian player Sam Groth holds the record for the fastest serve ever recorded — a lightning-fast 263 km/h (163.7 mph). That’s faster than most cars on the highway!
2. “Love” in tennis doesn’t mean romance.
Have you wondered why the score starts at “love”? One popular theory suggests the word actually comes from the French word l’œuf (meaning “egg”), because a zero looks like an egg. Yeap.
3. Tennis balls used to be white.
Before the 1970s, tennis balls were all white. They switched to bright yellow so they’d be more visible on TV broadcasts, making it easier for those watching the game at home to follow the game.
4. Wimbledon has a strict dress code.
Wimbledon has an all-white dress code that every player must follow. Even Roger Federer once got into trouble for wearing orange-soled Nike shoes!
5. The longest tennis match ever lasted 11 hours.
In 2010, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut played the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon. It stretched over three days, lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes. Finally, Isner defeated Mahut with a score of 70–68 in the fifth set!
6. Tennis burns more calories than you think.
An hour of singles tennis can burn an estimated 500–700 calories—that’s more than cycling at a moderate pace, and perhaps way more fun than running on a treadmill.
7. Serena Williams won a Grand Slam while pregnant.
While the rest of the world was watching from a couch with potato chips, Serena Williams won the Australian Open while being 8 weeks pregnant in 2017— She’s definitely a wonder woman!
8. Tennis is one of the oldest sports still played today.
Its origins go back to the 12th century in France as a handball game called jeu de paume ("game of the palm), where monks hit the ball with their hands. Thankfully, racquets came into the picture around the 16th century.
How Can You Learn Tennis Effectively as a Beginner with Superprof?
At Superprof, you will be guaranteed an effective and easy tutor-student pairing.
This amazing platform allows you to find a tennis tutor independently as you compare and review different profiles of the tennis tutors who are offering online lessons or private tutoring lessons near you.
As a beginner in tennis or a parent, Superprof offers you a great filter system that is user-friendly to find the perfect tutor.
Here are the 3 main reasons why you should look for your tennis tutor via Superprof.
1. You'll find the perfect tennis tutor that matches your preference
Looking for an experienced and certified tennis coach?
Prefer someone who teaches in Malay/Mandarin?
Keen to learn from a former tennis athlete?
Interested in taking tennis lessons from a sports science major?
At Superprof, you'll gain access to browse a diverse group of tennis tutors with different coaching and playing experiences.
You can find their education details and coaching experiences on their tutor profiles.
2. You get to explore unconventional and flexible teaching methodology
You get to review and compare the teaching methodology of tennis tutors before deciding on who to choose for your tennis tutor.
For instance, you may come across tennis tutors who prefer to teach the fundamentals of tennis playing through educational games.
Some of them prefer to incorporate videos to help you identify the common mistakes that are made by beginners before proceeding to the real lessons on the court.
You can check this upfront by messaging them for FREE. Our tutors typically reply in under 6 hours!
While you wait for your coach to be confirmed, why not go ahead and familiarise yourself with some basic tennis terms? Knowing a few key words will definitely impress your coach in your very first class!
3. You can learn affordably and conveniently at your own pace
Depending on your maximum budget and average lesson rate according to your location, you can easily look for a tennis tutor who offers a suitable rate for your lessons.
You can also opt for online tennis lessons initially to learn some of the theoretical aspects of learning tennis if you prefer to stay at home or learn more flexibly.
It is easy to find a tennis tutor who offers both webcam and private physical tennis lessons at Superprof.
Finding a good tennis tutor is no longer a hassle with Superprof!
You'll have an enjoyable tennis learning journey with the proper guidance and amazing coaching from your tennis tutor.
Find your next coach on Superprof today!
Thank you for sticking with us till the end. We hope this article has given you enough information to get started on your tennis journey. At Superprof, we’re excited to see how you develop new skills, boost your confidence, fitness, and enjoy the fun social elements in this sport.
Whether you’re joining online sessions, private lessons, or group sessions, you can always enjoy the sport anytime. Before you go, read this quote from a legendary player who has 39 Grand Slam titles to her name.
Champions keep playing until they get it right. - Billie Jean King
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