We’re counting down to the GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling opening in August, so take a look at the world-class coaching team who’ll be leading the extraordinary facility.
Leonardo Azevedo, National Coach
Renowned as a world-class coach - including for his work with former world No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero - Leonardo Azevedo brings vast experience at the highest level of both male and female professional tennis, with a particularly strong record in developing juniors.
The 42-year-old has coached across the world for almost 20 years, from junior level to Grand Slam, Davis Cup and Olympic Games preparation, and has worked with some of the world’s most promising players such as Juan Carlos Ferrero, Marion Bartoli and Guillermo Garcia Lopez.
Leo Azevedo, GB National Tennis Academy Head Coach: “It is an honour to be appointed the first Head Coach of the new GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling. Tennis in Britain and Scotland has been on a fantastic journey over the last two decades and we don’t need to look far from Stirling to be inspired by just what is possible.
“I’m very passionate about the development of young talent and this will be the perfect environment to achieve that – everything is in place to allow young players to thrive. I could not wish for a better team to work alongside, with Colin, Esteban and Leon all bringing different strengths and experiences to the programme which will help provide young players with a truly world-class tennis education.”
Colin Fleming, Lead performance coach
Colin Fleming is the Lead Performance Coach at GB National Tennis Academy. Colin will bring all his experience in professional tennis as winner of eight ATP World Tour Doubles titles, as a double Olympian competing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, member of GB Davis Cup Squad, Gold medallist in The Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010 and Grand Slam Quarter-finalist of Men’s Doubles (Wimbledon and twice in the Us Open). Colin is currently a member of the GB Fed Cup Coaching Team and Tennis Scotland Performance Consultant.
Colin was previously Tennis Scotland National Coach where he supported lead Individual coaches in the development of young Scottish talent including Jonny O’Mara, Aidan McHugh, Gordon Reid, Maia Lumsden, Jacob Fearnley, Connor Thomson and Ali Collins. Colin also coached the GB Age Group.
Upon his appointment, Colin Fleming said: “The team that has been assembled is unique and I do believe we will complement each other well which in turn will be a real asset for the academy.”
Esteban Carril, Performance Advisor
Esteban Carril is a highly sought after, world-renowned coach who will bring vast experience and genuine world class quality to the GB National Tennis Academy. Esteban has been LTA Performance External Consultant since 2017, working together with the Performance Team to help in the development of young British tennis players.
Previous to this appointment, Esteban was coach of Johanna Konta who reached the Top 10 of the WTA rankings under his guidance. Esteban also coached Spanish Roberto Bautista, consolidated for many years as an ATP Top 30 player.
Ahead of the opening, Carril says: “I am excited to work with aspiring juniors at the GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling with the vision of developing players to fulfil potential and enjoy careers in tennis.”
Leon Smith
Captain of the GB Davis Cup team since 2010, Glasgow-born Leon Smith was the youngest GB captain since Pail Hutchins in 1975. Smith began coaching professionally at just 18 years old and worked with Andy Murray when he was a junior player during which time, he won the Junior Orange Bowl under-12 title and five ITF Futures titles.
Smith, who has served as Head of Women’s Tennis, Head of Men’s Tennis and coached GB under-18s, said: “We are delighted that Leo has been recruited for this vital role. Leo comes with a significant track record internationally for producing world class players. We are all excited to see what he and the team can achieve in Scotland. It is also great to see Davis Cup player Colin Fleming join the coaching team. As the new Fed Cup coach, Colin has impressed and will be another great asset for the GB National Academy in Stirling, while Esteban is a world-class coach in high demand and we are delighted that he completes the team at Stirling.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive said: “We have confidence that we’ve built a world-class coaching team with Colin, Esteban and Leon all providing invaluable support, insight and skillsets.
“With Scotland and Britain recently enjoying such unprecedented levels of success in world tennis through Andy and Jamie Murray and Gordon Reid, the time is now to capitalise on their success and achievements. I’m confident we have put everything possible in place to help young talent thrive in Stirling when the GB National Tennis Academy opens later this year and we all share an excitement at what lies ahead.”
The team will be based at the GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling which aims to play a crucial role in helping Britain become one of the most respected nations in the world for player development by providing bespoke world-class programmes for players.