Curtis Tennis Academy: Where Raonic Was Made and Champions Are Built

May 12, 2025

At South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, Curtis Tennis Academy is helping shape some of the sport’s most technically sound and mentally prepared elite players. Leading the charge is Casey Curtis, a veteran coach with over four decades of experience.

Best known for guiding Canadian star Milos Raonic from childhood to the ATP Tour, Curtis was the architect behind Raonic’s massive serve—considered by many to be the best in the history of tennis. His philosophy blends character development with a holistic approach that goes well beyond stroke production and footwork.

Above: Milos Raonic serving at the 2011 Australian Open. Photo credit: Christopher Johnson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Curtis’s coaching philosophy begins with character. While many focus on the physical components first, he places the mind at the top of his list. “It's your overall character, your work ethic, your perseverance, your belief,” he said. For Curtis, belief isn’t built through pep talks—it’s earned through daily effort and repeated success in training.

At a time when year-round tournaments dominate the junior calendar, Curtis encourages balance. He sees rest as essential for long-term success. “Time off is super important, both for the body and for the mind,” he emphasized.

Above: Casey Curtis coaching the serve of one of his players. Photo: Florida Tennis.

Every detail matters. Curtis expects his players to train with intention and precision. He frequently talks about “attention to detail”—a concept he instills in players at every level. Whether it’s tracking ball placement or adjusting technique, he demands thoughtful practice. “If it's not the shot you're trying to hit, figure out why it's not and fix it,” he tells his students.

He’s worked with athletes across every tier of competition, from beginners to NCAA champions and current pros. Regardless of level, Curtis holds everyone to the same high standard. One phrase players at his academy hear regularly: “That’s not good enough.” But it’s never said in a vacuum—Curtis pairs his high expectations with constant feedback and solutions.

Above: Casey Curtis at this academy in Boca Raton. Photo credit: Casey Curtis Tennis.

When it comes to the long-debated topic of college tennis versus going pro, Curtis has seen trends shift. He believes both paths can work, but stresses the importance of gradually introducing elite players to professional competition as soon as they’re ready. “They’re going to learn a lot more about the game when they’re playing with experienced players,” he said.

Curtis is known for his approach to serving. He insists on relaxation throughout the motion—sometimes asking players to talk or even sing while serving to promote calm. “A lot of times a player will feel, ‘Oh, I’m very relaxed,’ but they’re not even close,” he noted. With every player he’s coached, Curtis has taught the platform stance, valuing its superior balance and consistency.

Above: Coach Asad Siyyid fine-tuning a player’s volley during training at Curtis Tennis Academy. Photo: Florida Tennis.

While South Florida is packed with tennis academies, Curtis emphaszies the he’s set his academy apart. “We try to create a really positive vibe and work very hard with the players,” he said. He credits his assistant coaches and a culture of confidence they reinforce on and off the court.

Curtis also draws comparisons between tennis and other technical sports like gymnastics and dance—disciplines where flawless mechanics are essential. "Massive physical movement will become muscle memory. That’s science—it’s not my opinion,” he explained.

His mental training philosophy centers on self-awareness and emotional control. He teaches players to redirect negative thoughts instead of trying to block them. “The brain can only think of one thing at a time,” he said. “So the key is to switch the thought—not fight with it.”

Above: Casey Curtis observing his players during practice. Photo: Florida Tennis.

Known for his stellar work in Canada, especially with Raonic, Curtis spent 40 years building his coaching legacy before relocating to Boca Raton during the pandemic. “We talked about coming down here for years. COVID gave us a great reason,” he shared.

Asked what he’s most proud of after decades on court, Curtis doesn’t talk about rankings or titles. “Helping young people with their confidence—whether it’s pertaining to their tennis or just their life going forward—I think I've done something good,” he said.

For players and families seeking high-performance training, Curtis Tennis Academy offers a personalized and proven path to improvement. Located at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, the academy welcomes committed athletes of all levels.

To learn more, schedule a visit, or watch instructional videos, visit www.curtistennis.com or follow @CurtisTennis on Instagram.