Andreas Gerstgrasser

How old are you?
50 years old

When did you start playing tennis?
At 16 years old, tennis was only my third sport.

Your greatest sporting tennis achievement?
Several team state championship titles in South Tyrol, runner-up in the individual state championship over 45, best ranking 253 on the ITF Senior Tour in the over 35 category. But that is and never was important to me!

How long have you been working as a coach?
For almost 30 years.

How would you describe yourself as a coach?
Outgoing, entertaining, I focus a lot on the emotional level, have good tennis knowledge with a good eye for the essentials.

Your goal: what should a TennisTraveller "take away" after a training session with you?
That the student leaves the court feeling satisfied and well.

How long have you been working in the hotel, at the camp, for the tour operator?
With the Lechlife Nature Hotel for two years, but I've gained a lot of experience with other providers over the years. I've worked for Robinson and for large tennis hotels in South Tyrol.

Three things you ALWAYS have in your racket bag (besides shoes, rackets, and balls)?
A mobile phone (it's hard to live without one these days), and always a great gift for kids.

Your favorite (tennis) holiday spot?
Italy, but I feel comfortable anywhere on holiday.

You love your job because…
…I get to meet many nice, diverse people, and in the few meetings we have, I can not only improve their tennis but also put a smile on their faces. Always guided by the motto that Roger Federer once said: “It’s nice to be important. But it’s even more important to be nice.”