Martin van Daalen on His Return to Saddlebrook and the PTR’s Direction for the Future of Coaching

Florida Tennis Director of Entertainment DJ Mad Linx spoke with Martin van Daalen, CEO of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), during a visit to Saddlebrook Resort, where van Daalen reflected on his long history at the academy and the role the PTR aims to play in shaping coaching standards worldwide.

Van Daalen said, “This is actually my third time back at Saddlebrook. The first time I started was 40 years ago… I came here from the Netherlands at 29 and I started here at Saddlebrook under Tommy Thompson.”

He recalled training alongside touring professionals. “One of the courts is right next to us here. That’s where we were practicing with Sampras.”

Van Daalen explained how he first reached Saddlebrook through the legacy of Harry Hopman. “The only reason I got to come here was because I went to see where things were going in Bardmoor… I was doing an internship there when I was 24.”

“When I came back at 28, he had just passed away, but I’d heard that they had started here at Saddlebrook. So that’s why I came up here.”

Adjusting from the Netherlands to the United States brought a new level of intensity. “It was definitely different the first time I came when it was just an internship. But they treated me so well. Mr. Hopman was extremely kind to me and helping me out.”

He remembered the shock of the training culture. “The drills were completely different… they were playing much tougher and practicing much tougher than what I was used to. But it was either you make it or you’re off the court. You had no choice but to get better.”

When asked about leading the PTR, van Daalen focused on responsibility over position. “I’ve always been more involved in how can I make things better. I always want to leave it in a better state than when I found it.”

Photo credit: PTR

He emphasized the PTR’s mission of developing stronger coaches. “We want to make sure we upgrade the quality of the workshops. Better coaches means better players. That’s how we hope to improve everything that we do with the PTR.”

He also spoke about what students should contribute to their own development. “You have to go with an attitude of learning. And you have to also study.”

“I wrote three books myself, but I realize people don’t really read anymore and they should.”

He encouraged long-term habits beyond formal workshops. “It can’t be just okay, let’s go to the PTR for a week and then I’m a coach. You have to continue your learning.”

Looking ahead to the PTR Rackets Conference, van Daalen described a broad program. “We have a lot of different things… it’s not just tennis. It’s also pickleball, padel, and platform tennis.”

Photo credit: PTR

“We’ve tried to get our top coaches and instructors to come and give talks.”

Among those confirmed is Jay Berger. “Jay is actually one of the ones that immediately agreed to come up here.”

Van Daalen noted the impact of elite players who move into coaching. “He has had a big impact on so many players… it’s good to see that some of the top players have gone over into coaching—Kathy Rinaldi being one of them.”

On the future of coaching in the United States, he hopes for more unity. “Hopefully we work more together. I don’t think it’s the best situation where we have all these splintered groups.”

He mentioned current conversations. “I’ve already started talking to the Directors Club of America. But I would like to see the USTA take a more leading role in bringing us all together… we’re gonna be much stronger if we do it that way.”

Discussing the outlook for American tennis, van Daalen said growth begins with facilities. “The recreational level is already so big… it can only get better if we have more tennis courts.”

At the top level, he sees steady progress. “We’re one of the leading countries with all the top players and that has never slowed down.”

He addressed what it takes to produce another American Grand Slam champion. “It requires a really special person… they have to be so focused on not letting all the media get involved and just be involved with their game and improvements.”

Media distractions, he said, can derail development. “The moment they think that’s the most important part, they’re missing the boat.”

His message to young athletes was direct. “If you’re interested in becoming a top player, just focus on what you’re doing yourself. Don’t worry about other people and go your own way.”

If you want to learn more about the PTR, including its certifications, educational programs, and upcoming events, visit its official website at www.ptrtennis.org.

Full Interview

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Written and edited by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Video editing by Assistant Editor Alex Binstok. Top photo credit: PTR.