Kenta Naka - High Performance Tennis Coach

Canterbury
New Zealand

Hi there everyone,

I\\\’ve worked in Europe for close to a decade in Germany, having coached all levels of players ranging from Regional, National level, top 100 ITF junior players, as well as having coached at the Australian Open women\\\’s event. My philosophy is to emphasize the importance of helping guide players to be good people, resilient, and understand how to work toward goals holistically – working toward strong fundamentals and Tactical/Strategic simplicity.

I would love to work with good people who cares for a healthy environment and the betterment of one another. Looking forward to speaking with you!

Qualifications

PTR Level 1
WTA Coach

Coaching times & fees

Please contact Kenta direct for more information on his availability and salary requirements
He can be contacted on WhatsApp or Email
WhatsApp: +4915739497848
Email: hiurajpnz@gmail.com

Further information

National Coach (Germany)
National Coach (Thailand)

Experience

Professional Coach at Alexander Waske Tennis-University, Offenbach – May 2023 — January 2025

Players who I have worked with:

Maria Timofeeva (WTA best 94) – Camberra WTA + Australian Open Qualifying 2025
Hugh Winter (Australia) (60 ITF Junior)
Thailand’s #1 Junior Thanaphat Boosarawongse (Top 87 ITF Junior)
Nikolai Barsukov (Germany) (99 ITF Junior)
Chen Yiru (China) (94 ITF Junior)
Tudor Batin (Romania) (86 ITF Junior) – Currently remaining as mentor/advisor
Jacob Olar (USA) (123 ITF Junior)

Tournaments of Note where coached player has Won:

J300 Boys Doubles Poland (Runner Up)
J200 Girls Singles Austria (Winner)
J200 Boys Doubles Norway (Winner)
J100 Boys Singles Dubai (Winner)
J100 Boys Singles Sweden (Winner)
J100 Boys Doubles Sweden (Winner)
J100 Boys Singles Estonia (Runner Up)
J60 Boys Singles Dubai (Winner)
J30 Girls Singles and Doubles Netherlands (Winner)

Mentoring and advise students to grow as a person first, athlete second, and player third. These steps are followed for every person to maximise their progress that will last past their tennis into their life. Perserverance, tolerance, respect, discipline, and education.
In depth analysis of the athlete through testing, charting and video analysis
Goal Setting and Diary to make sure daily, monthly, yearly goals are tracked
Have worked to help Belgian and Indian Davis Cup players, have had the privilege to be on court with Angelique Kerber, 2 Junior world #1s

Assistant Head Coach at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur July 2023 — September 2023

After having gone through a trial period in Niece at the main site of the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, I was employed to be assistant head coach of the Malaysia branch to be closer to family. However, unfortunately it wasn’t the best fit for me – and during the trial perioed decided to move back to Germany.

Head of Junior Development at Alexander Waske Tennis-University, Offenbach June 2018 — May 2022

Head of the Tennis Europe and young professional program, as well as helping ITF Tour players, and assisting preseasons for players from Futures through to Davis Cup/Fed Cup level players.
Responsible for 12 young junior players ranging from 11 to 15 years old who are playing Tennis Europe tournaments, 10pro International Tournaments, and beginning to compete at ITF junior tournaments
Desigining daily schedule for tennis and fitness, tournaments, progress
Video Analysis Technically and Tactically Tournaments of Note where coached player has Won:
10Pro Tournament Boys Under 14’s Boris Becker Academy (Winner)
10Pro Tournament Boys Under 14’s Rafael Nadal Academy (Runner Up)
10 Pro Tournament Boys Under 14’s Kim Clijsters Academy (Runner Up)
Under 18’s Girls Ingelheim J4 Tournament (Winner)
Under 16’s Girls Boris Becker J4 Tournament (Winner)
Under 16’s Boys Boris Becker J4 tournament (Winner)
Under 12’s Kassel J4 Tournament (Runner Up)
Several Runner up finishes at other local tournaments

Testimonial

To whom it may concern, It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference for Kenta Naka, whom I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside for the past three years. My name is Dewald Linde, an internationally accredited tennis coach with over 20 years of experience, specializing in sport psychology. I currently serve as one of the head coaches at the Boris Becker International Tennis Academy and am proud to hold the highest coaching licence in the world. During my time working with Kenta, I have been consistently impressed by his passion for tennis, his dedication to his players, and his exemplary character. What truly distinguishes Kenta is his compassion, both towards the sport itself and the athletes he coaches. His commitment goes far beyond technique; he genuinely invests in the holistic development of his students. Kenta possesses a rare ability to motivate and inspire his players. He employs a diverse array of methods, ranging from positive reinforcement to clear, structured discipline when necessary. Importantly, he always employs these strategies thoughtfully, with the singular aim of improving his players, both on and off the court. His technical knowledge of the game is outstanding, underpinned by significant experience at the international level—including coaching players who have competed up to Grand Slam level. Kenta’s insights and tactical acumen are further enhanced by his own background competing and coaching internationally, making him a valuable asset to any tennis program. In summary, I can recommend Kenta Naka without reservation. His integrity, expertise, and dedication will be an asset to any future endeavor he chooses to pursue. Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dewalt Linde - Assistant Head Coach - Boris Becker International Tennis Academy

Testimonial

I first met Kenta in the summer of 2023 when I came to practice tennis at the Alexander Waske Tennis-University. At the moment, I was struggling a little bit mentally and started felt a little burnt out. After arriving to the academy, the first person I saw was Kenta. A smiling Japanese man who introduced himself to me. We went to a couple tournaments together and the first thing Kenta gave me was a warm-up and cool down routine that still stuck with me until today. Kenta is not only an incredible coach on the court as he has given me many tips to help my serve and forehand, he is an even better person off the court. When I first met Kenta, I felt this positive energy through him. It feels as though he really does care for me, not only as a player, but as a person as well. Kenta always reminded me that even though I am struggling or going through a tough time, that I have a potential and whatever happens with my life, he will be like always be there, like a brother to me. Kenta always spent time with me off the court, texting me and asking how I am, if I had a good rest and asking if I wanted to go have dinner to go take a walk in the park. It’s clear that Kenta isn’t doing his job just to pass time, but he really cares for his players and puts his heart and soul into the job. Although my results didn’t get better right away that summer, after leaving the academy, I discovered that joy of tennis that I have lost again. I found myself again. Kenta really made me feel that I wasn’t on this journey myself, that he is my brother and friend. When I started to enjoy tennis again, my results started to get better. The routines that Kenta gave me made me less injury prone and start to improve and play better again. I stay in touch with Kenta regularly, even with the smallest of things where I feel I can’t go to my parents for, I would speak to Kenta, as he would listen to me and never judge. Currently, I am a tennis player at Columbia University, coming off an Elite Eight appearance at the NCAA and my level is improving every single day. But most importantly, I am loving tennis as much as ever before. With tennis coaching, I feel that skill is very important, but what’s more important is that the coach really cares. But when you look for a coach with great skill and experience along with a deep connection with a player, you will find Kenta there. Even though I didn’t speak much of Kenta’s coaching abilities, I can say that he is one of the best coaches tennis-wise that I have ever met and I have worked with good coaches around the world.

Thanaphat Boosawarongse - ITF top 100 Junior and #1 ranked u18 for Thailand, Current Columbia University Player

Testimonial

Working with Kenta was great. I felt as a coach he was very professional and cared a lot about my development. He would always be good with pushing me and he would always be there to do extras, like stretching, fitness or something on court. I had an amazing time when I was with him.

Hugh Winter - ITF top 100 Junior and Current Pepperdine University player

Testimonial

My dauhgter Juliane Koschinski practiced at Alexander Waske Tennis University in Offenbach, Germany, from September 2021 until September 2024. In that time Mr Kenta Naka was Julianes main coach from September 2021 until June 2022 (1st year) and from May 2023 until September 2024 (3rd year). In the meantime Kenta wasn't working for Tennis University. In October 2024 Juliane left Tennis University for concentrating on high school diploma. In the first year Mr Naka and another coach practiced a group of 12 children including Juliane. Juliane practiced mostly 3 times a week all day long and on saturday in the morning. In that time Kenta was responsible for Julianes tennis-education in all levels: fitness and playing (technically and tacticals). He scheduled every day with severel sessions of this points and had talks about different aspects of tennis. In the third year Mr Naka was her coach as well, but with several interruptions of 2 or 3 weeks because Mr Naka had to coach other players on international tournaments. Juliane practiced 4 / 5 times a week mostly directly with Juliane and with 1 to 3 another players under directions of Mr Naka. In that 3 years Juliane moved from unlisted to rank 1ooo of ITF-Juniors (girls), did win 1 ITF J30 junior tournament in singels and doubles an got Hessian champion age 17/18. She traveled with Mr Naka to international tennis tournaments in Mallorca, Peja, Malta and Bangkok. Tennis is a tough sport: you always have to be focused and concentrated. Your emotions and problems should stay outside the court to be successful. Juliane always loved to practice with Mr Naka, because Juliane is a girl with a lot of emotions and Mr Naka is a very empathic coach able to understand her emotions. He always believed in her and gave her positive energy and time and space to develop and grow. In that 2 years Mr Naka and me had a close communication about all things concerning Juliane and tennis. He was transparent, reliable and honest - we were a team - basis of success. I can only report good things about Mr Naka and his work with Juliane. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. Kindly regards Karsten Koschinski Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Str. 26 63225 Langen Germany +49 163 219 48 44

Karsten Koschinski - Father of Juliane Koschinski - Collaboration during earlier times at Alexander Waske Tennis university

Testimonial

I have worked side by side with Coach Kenta for over 2 years. He is a great professional and also a fantastic human being. A real Team Player who always brings positive energy to the Tennis court and the best results when on tour. I have learned a lot from him and I am sure he will be successful in his Coaching career.

Francisco Costa - Former Davis Cup Captain of Brazil - Senior Coach at Alexander Waske Tennis University

Testimonial

Kenta was my coach from summer 2023 till the end of last year, before he unfortunately went back to New Zealand. After just a few sessions with him on court, I felt that I could talk to him about my worries, requests, or simply things that bothered me. He would always listen and look for a solution. I could ask him for advice in any kind of situation and never had to worry about him criticizing me or passing my views and words to others. In these almost two years, we had many stages in training where I struggled with my mentality and I often didn't see any motivation to keep going. Kenta knew how I could find back to my love to the sport and to the hard work that we put in every day, even if it was very difficult sometimes. Kenta has a rare ability to bring out the best in people, not just as athletes but as individuals. He helped me find new motivation for the sport and encouraged me to push past mental blocks without ever adding pressure. His sessions weren’t just about technique or drills — they were about mindset, confidence, and feeling good in your own skin. He has always cared more about the well-being of his players than his own and that’s what makes him different from every other coach I’ve worked with. One of the trips that stayed with me the most was the one to Dubai with Kenta and three other players. We spent three weeks full of unforgettable memories — discovering new places, having lots of fun all together, and still trained and played tournaments in nearly 35-degree heat. Even when I didn’t feel well – after losing a match or when I got sick – Kenta always tried to stay positive and make the best out of the situation. He helped turn bad moments into better ones, and that meant a lot to me. Kenta isn’t just a great coach — he’s someone who truly cares. I feel lucky to have been coached by him and can only hope our paths cross again one day. Kind regards, Daria

Daria Barsukov - ITF Junior Player