Aljosa Nipic - Tennis Coach

I began my tennis journey at the age of 6, hitting balls against a wall, and by 8, I joined my first organised practice at a local tennis club. My early passion and dedication paid off, and I quickly found success in local and national tournaments. I became a national champion in several categories, including U12, U14, and U16.

At 16, I signed a contract with a sports manager, which unfortunately turned out to be a significant mistake. The person I trusted to guide my career was not who they seemed, and after six months under their management, my game deteriorated to the point where I struggled to keep the ball in play. Despite working tirelessly for the next four years, sacrificing my free time, friendships, and even my education, the pressure and manipulation from this manager took a heavy toll. He went as far as threatening my mother and me, claiming that our apartment was at risk if I didn’t perform as expected.

By the time I was 20, I managed to break free from the contract and decided to try my hand at college tennis. However, the experience was also challenging, as I struggled to meet the expectations of my coach and the team. The pressure became overwhelming, and I ultimately stepped away from tennis for a year.

After taking some time to reflect, I returned to the sport on my terms, much like the boy who started hitting against the wall at 6. I enrolled in a sports faculty, choosing tennis as my focus, and attended every coaching conference I could, often borrowing money from clients to do so. Through hard work and a renewed perspective, I slowly built a clear understanding of tennis and coaching.

Coaching, for me, is more than a profession—it’s a way to heal and rediscover my love for the game. I approach every opportunity with the same passion and determination that drove me as a young player, and I am committed to helping others achieve their full potential, both on and off the court.

I am currently employed as the Head Coach at Kristiansand Tennisklubb, where I have worked for the past five years. During this time, I have faced the challenge of operating in a club environment that initially lacked competitive ambition. However, despite the suboptimal conditions, I have successfully built a strong competitive program that has surpassed all expectations.

For the first time in the club’s history, Kristiansand Tennisklubb had four players qualify for the prestigious year-end Masters tournament, which features the top eight players in the country. These players include:

• Tomas Lund (U13)
• Alexander Hogga (U15)
• Jorgen and William Wirak (U19)

In addition to developing a competitive program, I have significantly increased participation in the club’s adult recreational courses, beginner courses, as well as red and orange ball programs for younger players. The work has been demanding, but also incredibly rewarding, as the participants have shown great appreciation for the effort and dedication I’ve invested.

With the current generation of players preparing to depart for opportunities like NCAA scholarships, I am now ready for my next challenge. I am excited for new coaching opportunities where I can continue to grow as a coach and make a lasting impact.