In this edition of our SPC Coach Spotlight Series, we feature Abdullah, a passionate tennis coach whose journey began on the streets of Pakistan and has taken him all the way to Neom, Saudi Arabia. From humble beginnings and self-motivation to mentoring players across borders, Abdullah’s story reflects dedication, resilience, and a deep love for growing the game.
Please tell our readers a little about you and your career in tennis so far.
A: First of all, I’d like to thank you, Mark, for all your hard work and for giving me the chance to share my story on this platform.
I started playing tennis when I was nine years old — and it’s quite an interesting story how I got into it. Every day, I used to walk past the tennis courts on my way to play football with my friends. One day, I stopped to watch a group of army officers playing tennis. A waiter handed them drinks, and one of the officers, Uncle Akhtar Nawaz, noticed me and called me over. The waiter even gave me a glass of juice — and that small moment stuck with me. From that day, I kept returning to the courts, and eventually picked up a racket myself. That’s how my tennis journey began.
Over time, my passion grew. I competed nationally and even travelled to Malaysia to play internationally. Later, I discovered my love for helping others improve, which led naturally into coaching. I’ve since worked with players of all ages, focusing on the fundamentals, discipline, and a genuine love for the game.
Most recently, I worked as a tennis coach at Neom in Saudi Arabia, organising tournaments, planning lessons, and managing equipment. It was a fantastic experience that helped me grow both as a player and a coach. My goal now is simple — to help new players improve and to keep spreading tennis wherever I go.
Please tell us what it was like growing up in Pakistan and playing tennis in the early days.
A: Growing up in Pakistan and playing tennis early on was both tough and rewarding. Tennis isn’t as popular as cricket here, so finding good courts, proper coaching, or regular tournaments was difficult. But despite those challenges, I became more determined to play.
Even with limited resources, the local tennis community was supportive — coaches, players, and families encouraged each other. Every small win felt like a big success. Those early days taught me discipline, patience, and resourcefulness — lessons that shaped who I am today as both a player and a coach.
How did coaching come about for you in Pakistan?
A: Coaching came naturally. As I played more tournaments and improved, younger players and their parents started asking me for advice. I enjoyed helping them and soon realised how rewarding it was to see others progress.
Eventually, I decided to take it seriously — learning how to train players more effectively and communicate better. Coaching in Pakistan was special because it allowed me to give back to the sport that gave me everything. It became more than a job; it became my passion and purpose.
Abdullah, what can you tell us about the level of tennis in Pakistan — and the level of coaching there?
A: Tennis in Pakistan is improving, especially in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, where there are more tournaments and better facilities. However, players from smaller towns still struggle to access quality courts and equipment, and don’t get many chances to compete internationally.
The level of coaching varies. Some trainers are very talented, but many still need more exposure to international methods, fitness science, and modern techniques. The good news is that the Pakistan Tennis Federation is hosting more coaching workshops, slowly raising standards nationwide.
Who are the next big names from Pakistan tennis?
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Asad Zaman – A rising under-18 player, winner of several provincial and national titles.
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Abubakar Talha – Another under-18 player, champion at the SICAS Punjab Junior Tennis Championship.
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Bismel Zia – A talented young girl supported by the Pakistan Tennis Association, recently selected for an under-14 development event in Asia.
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Hajra Sohail – Another promising junior player performing well in national tournaments.
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Mohammad Yahya – Competes in men’s events and is progressing steadily through national rankings.
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Abdul Basit – Emerging in the men’s category, improving his position in national competitions.
You recently had a spell at Neom in Saudi Arabia — can you tell us a bit about the culture and experience there?
A: My time in Neom was amazing. The people there — especially the kids — were respectful, kind, and community-oriented. Saudi culture is known for its hospitality, and that really stood out to me.
Neom itself is diverse, with people from many countries bringing together traditional Saudi values and modern ideas. It’s a unique place where you feel both the warmth of local culture and the excitement of innovation. I found it to be polite, family-oriented, and welcoming, especially towards professionals coming in to share their skills.
As an experienced coach now, what are your aims and goals for the near future?
A: My goal is to help players become confident enough to compete internationally — not just locally. I want to build structured training programmes that improve skill, fitness, mindset, and discipline.
I also want to mentor younger coaches by sharing knowledge and creating a stronger coaching network. In the long run, I hope to raise the overall standard of tennis and help players proudly represent Pakistan on global stages.
Quick-fire Questions
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Sporting Idol: Alexander Zverev
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Favourite Quote: “Life never gives you a second chance.”
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Favourite Food: Biryani, Pulao
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First Coach: Coach Meharban
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Other Sports Followed: Horse riding, archery, swimming
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Favourite Author: Mohsin Hamid
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Right or Left Handed: Right handed
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Favourite Holiday Destination: Switzerland
Closing
Thank you, Abdullah, for sharing your inspiring story with the SPC community. Your journey from Pakistan’s local courts to coaching in Saudi Arabia is a brilliant example of how passion and perseverance can take you anywhere.
Inspired by Abdullah’s story?
▪️ Explore tennis coaching jobs worldwide: www.sportsprosconnect.com/jobs/
▪️ Join SPC today and connect with our global network of coaches.
▪️ Follow Abdullah on LinkedIn
▪️ Check out Abdullah’s SPC profile here: https://sportsprosconnect.com/profiles/abdullahkarim/
