Rise Tennis Programme Coaching Excellence

Sofiane Mdarhri and Frédéric Mazel have spent years honing their craft as tennis coaches, helping players reach their full potential. Their Rise Tennis Programme, based in the South of France, is a unique coaching initiative designed to support players in all areas of their game — from technique to emotional control.

Mark Wylam: Please tell our readers a little about yourself and your career in the tennis industry:

Sofiane:
I’ve been a tennis coach for 18 years, starting in the Paris region of France. Over the years, I’ve gained valuable experience at several prestigious academies such as All In Academy, Mouratoglou Academy, and Cadart Country Tennis Academy. I’ve also worked in Australia with various academies.
Eight years ago, I fully dedicated myself to high-performance coaching and began traveling with players on the ITF Junior and Pro circuits, working with both male and female players ranked up to WTA/ATP 400.
I specialize in technical efficiency, helping players refine their strokes, but I also emphasize concentration, emotional control, and smart decision-making under pressure. Tennis at the elite level requires daily commitment, technical, strategic, and mental improvement. It’s about learning to compete and solve problems — something I aim to instill in my players.

Frédéric:
I’m 54 years old, married, and the father of a 28-year-old daughter. I started my tennis career as a player before transitioning to coaching. Over the years, I’ve coached at various levels, from juniors to players ranked ATP 350 and WTA 120.

In 2012, I developed a deep interest in mental coaching and became certified in mental preparation. My approach to coaching isn’t just about improving technical skills; it’s about building resilience, precision, and a strong mindset. What excites me most is watching players develop self-esteem and confidence, regardless of match results.
Working with Sofiane has been incredibly rewarding, and I trust the coaching process we’ve created.

Mark: Tell us more about the Rise Tennis Programme you have founded with Frédéric Mazel

Sofiane:
The Rise Tennis Programme is a fully individualized training experience for high-level players who are committed to progress. It takes place in the South of France, where we offer a unique environment that combines technical expertise, mental coaching, and emotional control.
The programme is built around the player’s needs, whether it’s improving technique, biomechanics, or mental focus. Each training block is carefully tailored to prepare players for upcoming tournaments while helping them build skills for long-term success. We don’t just focus on training; we also provide coaching during tournaments to support players during competition.

Mark:What sets you apart from other programmes in the tennis world and where can we find you?

Frédéric:
What makes the Rise Tennis Programme unique:
▪️ In-depth weekly interviews to understand the player’s personality, game style, and specific needs
▪️ 100% individual attention with one coach per player, at all times
▪️ A high-performance environment that combines hard work and enjoyment
▪️ Clear, measurable goals set at the start of each week, with continuous progress tracking
▪️ Flexibility to join at a time that works for the player
▪️ Full player ownership of their training, so they know exactly what they are working on and why
▪️ Transition training to tournaments: We travel with players to offer coaching support during competition
▪️ Training focuses on emotional management, simulating match pressure to enhance focus and decision-making

📍 Location: Aix-en-Provence, in the South-East of France
🚆 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence TGV station
✈️ 30 minutes from Marseille International Airport

Mark: Can you please tell us about how you have helped some ITF juniors and the target market of The Rise Programme?

Sofiane:
One example is Ghali, an ITF junior ranked around 750, who joined the Rise Tennis Programme for a two-week block last June. Initially, Ghali struggled with forcing his forehand too much, lacking speed and playing too short.
We helped him understand the difference between hitting hard and hitting with quality. We focused on improving his footwork and balance, especially on the forehand side, to enhance control and stability.
In tight matches, Ghali would often go for winners too early instead of constructing points. We worked on building rallies and engaging in longer points, which ultimately improved his patience and composure during crucial moments.
Through this process, he became more emotionally controlled, which had a direct impact on his performance under pressure.

🎯 Our target market includes:
▪️ ITF juniors (12–18 years old) aiming for a breakthrough
▪️ Young professionals looking for structure and motivation
▪️ WTA/ATP players needing specific training blocks or fresh input during tournament phases
▪️ Tennis parents with long-term performance goals for their children

Mark: Is there anything else about the programme you think SPC readers would like to know?

Frédéric:
The Rise Tennis Programme is dynamic, evolving with each player. We alternate between focused on-court exercises and reflective sessions, allowing players to gain self-awareness and track their progress.
Each week is unique, tailored to the player’s state and objectives. It’s about more than just tennis; it’s about growth as an athlete and as a person.

Mark: Finally, how can the next generation of tennis players contact you and book training blocks?

Sofiane:
📧 Sofiane: mda.sofiane@gmail.com | 📞 +33 6 50 09 41 43
Frédéric:
📧 Frédéric: fredericmazel.pro@gmail.com | 📞 +33 6 20 48 31 05

Check out Rise Tennis Program’s page on SPC here >>