Sean McQuillan on Saddlebrook’s Legacy and Training Philosophy

Florida Tennis had the chance to sit down with Sean McQuillan, Director of Racquets at Saddlebrook Resort, in a wide-ranging interview that touched on the academy’s rich history, its evolution, and the development of elite players from around the globe.

Saddlebrook’s tennis legacy is undeniable. Originally tied to the legendary Harry Hopman, the program has hosted some of the sport’s biggest names. As Sean explained, “In 1986, they actually moved [the Hopman program] up here and they couldn't build the courts fast enough. So we currently have 41 tennis courts on property—two grass, two red clay, 29 Har-Tru, and eight hard courts.”

McQuillan highlighted a few tennis legends who trained at Saddlebrook over the years: “You had Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Mardy Fish, James Blake, Andy Roddick went to school here… And then more recently, John Isner, Hubie Hurkacz, Denis Kudla… Sasha Zverev’s been here since he was, I think, 11 years old.”

Source: Saddlebrook Resort

Fitness, recovery, and long-term physical performance are also central to Saddlebrook’s philosophy. “A lot of that is prehab, rehab, nutrition… Our students are lifting two days a week and doing conditioning and fitness two days a week. We have a four-day physical performance program,” he said.

McQuillan credited the late Harry Hopman with shaping that mindset: “Rick [Crockett] will always talk about how Mr. Hopman said, ‘People used to play tennis to get fit,’ and he flipped it on its head and said, ‘No, you have to be fit to play tennis.’”

Saddlebrook also boasts a truly international culture. “We have students from 17 different countries this year,” said McQuillan. “Germany, Spain, Egypt, Saudi, Qatar, Australia, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Mexico, Brazil… it varies, but they’re all here.”

When asked what sets Saddlebrook apart from other academies, McQuillan was clear: “Our attention to detail with individuals. We never have more than four on a court… The same core group of coaches work with the same students. We’re catering to what their needs are in development… The coaches meet every single morning.”

Source: Saddlebrook Resort

One standout detail from the interview was how UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) growth is a measurable outcome of the Saddlebrook experience. “On average, we see a point to point-and-a-half bump in a nine-month school year,” McQuillan said, highlighting just how effective the program can be. “We do have some that even surprise us… One of our students jumped two full points from an 8.5 to a 10.5 in Boys 16s, which is very difficult to do.”

He also mentioned Louisa Stefani, a former Saddlebrook student who “was kind of in the middle of the pack, and by the time she finished she was top 10 in the world [as a junior], playing one at Pepperdine and now she’s got a Grand Slam title and a bronze in Tokyo.”

Tournament support and a team-like atmosphere are also key aspects of the academy’s success. “Any given weekend, we could be at three or four different sites… Last week we were at an ITF in Mexico, a UTR money tournament, and two different USTA tournaments… It builds almost a team atmosphere in an individual sport,” McQuillan explained.

He wrapped up by recognizing those who make it all possible: “The success of this academy wouldn’t be as strong as it is without the leadership and guidance of Rick Crockett and Alvaro Betancur… They’ve been together now for 45 years.”

From its Hopman roots to its ever-evolving training system, Saddlebrook continues to stand out as one of the premier tennis academies in the world. And as Sean McQuillan’s insights made clear, the blend of tradition, innovation, and individualized focus is what keeps the academy—and its students—thriving.

Exclusive Interview

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Written by Florida Tennis Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. On-camera interview conducted by Florida Tennis Editor Matt Pressman. Photos courtesy of Saddlebrook Resort.