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Hi all, my name is David Gaves and I\\\\\\\’ve been a full-time professional tennis coach for 35 years. In that time, I have coached all levels including over 50 pro players (ATP, WTA, ITF Senior & Juniors) as well as several Olympians. I\\\\\\\’ve travelled extensively throughout my career (including players at all the Slams). I am now excitedly looking forward to the next professional challenge in my career.
Qualifications
- BSC (Hons) Sports Science from the University of Brighton.
- 3 A’ levels & 8 O’ levels
- LTA Level 4 Senior Performance coaching qualification.
- Current clean British Driving Licence
Coaching times & fees
- Please contact David direct for more information on his availability and salary requirements
- He can be contacted via WhatsApp or Email
- WhatsApp: +447392953111
- Email: gavesdavid@yahoo.co.uk
Further information
- Lawn Tennis Association Senior Performance Coach (Level 4)
I played Regional and County tennis as a junior. Realising in my late teens that I probably wasn’t going to make it as a professional, I dedicated myself to academies and becoming the best tennis coach I could be.
My interests outside of tennis include watching most sports, reading, travel and live music.
Experience
September 2017 to present – Senior coach at the WimX Tennis Academy
- Based in north London I coach all levels upto ITF Senior/British Tour as well as local University Teams.
2008 to 2016: – Academy Manager/International Pro Touring Coach at 2 International Tennis Academies in Istanbul.
Responsible for the daily organisation of 40-45 full-time professional players as well as coaching individual professionals. My off-court responsibilities included entering/withdrawing and budgeting/planning of foreign tournament trips (flights, hotels, visas etc). I was also responsible for the planning and scheduling of individual tournament programmes for all pro players. Additionally, I was the Head of International recruitment (players and staff).
Organisation of 26 full and part-time international and Turkish coaches.
Although I was Academy Manager, I was also responsible for 1:1 coaching, training, preparation and scheduling of the elite performance group.
Highlights:
- Coached Melis Sezer to be the first Turkish player ever in the top 100.
- Travelled to 10 Grand Slams as a coach. Coach to every Turkish Junior player to ever play in a Grand Slam upto 2020.
- Coached Ipek Soylu to ITF Junior #13 and the 2014 US Open Junior Doubles title
- Coached Basak Eraydin to 7 Futures Titles and the finalist of the U18 European Championships in 2012.
- Coached/mentored I. Shinikova to the most singles wins (60) in a year in the world (ITF/WTA, 2015).
- Coach to 6 Olympic tennis players (4 in Olympic Games, 1 in Youth Olympic Games and 1 in Paralympic Games).
2006 to 2008 – Private coach to Turkish Junior National Team player
He climbed from unranked to #6 in his age-group. I was responsible for all his on and off-court training (technical, tactical, physical, mental and emotional). I was also responsible for his tournament scheduling, preparation and training blocks as well as full tournament support during his national and international competitions.
2000 to 2008 – Head Tennis Professional at TED Club, Istanbul
- Coach to multiple Junior National Champions. Led a team of 17 local coaches.
1998 to 1999 – Head Tennis Professional at Westside LTC in Wimbledon.
1992 to 1998 – Head Tennis Professional at the Abu Dhabi Intercontinental Hotel and the Muscat Intercontinental Hotel.
- Appointed as the Davis Cup advisor and Omani National U14 Team Coach (1995/6) as well as Head Coach duties.
1990 to 1992 – Head Tennis Professional at CentreCourt Hotel & Tennis Centre, Basingstoke, England.
1988 to 1990 – Recreation Manager for Hilton Hotels, Cobham, England.
Testimonial
Dear Dave, I am honoured to give you a reference. Firstly, I have seen you coaching and mentoring at close quarters for a number of years now. I have always been impressed by your tennis knowledge, coaching acumen and all round professionalism. You would be an asset to any facility or player who wishes to hire you. With sincerest best wishes Paul McNamee 5 time Grand Slam doubles champion, 2 time Davis Cup champion, Former CEO and Tournament Director Australian Open
Mr M. Ex-professional tennis player
Testimonial
To Whom It May Concern, It is my great pleasure to write this reference for David Gaves, who served as my tennis coach during the formative years of my career, from the age of 12 to 18. Throughout this period, David played a pivotal role in my athletic and personal development, guiding me with exceptional coaching skills, unwavering professionalism, and a deep dedication to the growth of tennis in Turkey. Under David’s mentorship, my game improved significantly, both technically and mentally. His training methods were tailored to my needs, focusing on building a solid foundation, enhancing strategic thinking on court, and fostering resilience in competitive environments. Thanks to his guidance, I was able to earn a place on the Turkish National Tennis Team and transition successfully into competing at the international level. Beyond his coaching expertise, David’s professionalism and commitment to the sport have been truly inspiring. His contribution to Turkish tennis extends beyond individual players—he has consistently worked to raise the standard of the game and encourage its development at all levels. His passion for tennis, combined with his ability to motivate and support athletes, makes him an invaluable asset to any tennis program. I have no doubt that David will bring the same dedication, skill, and positive influence to any future position. I wholeheartedly recommend him without reservation. Sincerely Altug Celikbilek Turkish National Tennis Player Career best ranking of 154.
Mr C. Professional Tennis Player
Testimonial
To whom it may concern, I first met David when he was coaching in the Enka Academy in Istanbul. I had the pleasure of going with him to a couple of WTA tournaments (Lisbon & Madrid) and spending time on and off court with him. I only have positives to say about him. He was always very supportive and trying his best to help a player. At the tournaments, I believe he was very organized and helpful and made it comfortable for a player as the player only had to worry about his/her tennis. He also has a lot of experience with different levels of players, from juniors to pros who play at the very highest level tournaments, so I would highly recommend him to help a player at any level. Best regards, J. Wolfe (formerly Gajdosova) Career best ranking of 25.
Mrs W. Ex-professional tennis player
Testimonial
To whom it may concern, I trained with David for over three years, from 2013 to 2016. He is not only an exceptional coach but also a genuinely kind and supportive person. During our time together, I learned invaluable lessons both on and off the court that have stayed with me throughout my career. Sincerely Zeynep Sonmez Current WTA player (#77 15/08/2025)
Miss S.
Testimonial
Davis Gaves played a major role in the transformation of Turkish tennis from a more amateur sport into a professional one. I was making the transition from junior to professional during this period, and he was instrumental in helping me climb as high as No. 52 in the junior rankings. He always took a personal interest in me, played a key role in developing my technique, and accompanied me to Grand Slam tournaments, giving me invaluable experience. Later, he became one of the most important coaches in helping me rise quickly on the pro tour. He played a significant role in enabling many Turkish players like myself to break into the junior top 100 and, at the professional level, compete in Grand Slam qualifying rounds. With his constant smile and positive energy, he has always been an invaluable companion on a player’s journey. Cem Ilkel Turkish National Team Player. Career best ranking of 144.
Mr I. Professional Tennis Player
Testimonial
I worked with David for two years in Turkey, and in that time he was not only a great coach but also a great support for me. He has a lot of experience, knows how to make training both effective and enjoyable, and always brings positive energy to the court. David helped me improve a lot, and I really appreciated his professionalism and friendship. I’m sure that the same skills and attitude he brought to tennis will make him successful in whatever he chooses to work in. Whoever works with him will be lucky to have him on their team. Best, Nikoloz Basilashvili Career best ranking of 16.
Mr B. Professional Tennis Player