Meet our Nike Tennis coach Matt

Matt Richmond is entering his second consecutive summer working for CMT Learning at Nike Tennis Camps as a member of the coaching staff. As a Sport and Exercise Science student at Loughborough University, Matt currently plays and trains for their men’s first team, recently returning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology having won their transatlantic varsity against the strong American side.

The MIT challenge followed the Loughborough boys’ success in winning the BUCS League Premier B Division for 2015/16 and was the perfect round up to a phenomenal season.  As an additional bonus to the end of his undergraduate season with Loughborough, Matt has reached a career high rating of a 1:2.

Before University, Matt was training part-time alongside his A-level studies as part of the AASE programme, competing regularly in British Tours and local tournaments. It’s not all tennis for Matt though as he has another sporting love: football. Matt debuted for Loughborough University in his final undergraduate year and has been successful in making an impact within the team.

As he steps into his second summer for CMT Learning we asked Matt what he enjoys most about working on Nike Tennis Camps.

“The kids make the week,” said Matt. “You get to meet so many different characters and it’s great to feel like you have helped improve their tennis!"

“I can’t complain about the food at camps either" [laughs]!

Want to know more about Matt? – this is how he answered our quick fire questions…

How old were you when you started tennis? “I started tennis when I was ten-years-old at a little club called Kibworth!”

What is it about tennis that makes you enjoy it so much? “I enjoy the competitiveness of tennis, so I enjoy it most when I am on court playing a match.”

What is your best achievement in tennis to date? “It was pretty great when I got my 1:2 rating, but my greatest title would be gaining promotion to the national premier league with Loughborough University.”

How long have you been coaching for? “I have been coaching for three years now.” 

What is your favourite food, film and band? “Favourite food: meatballs, favourite film: the first ever Pokémon movie, favourite music: anything really, but I’m not a fan of heavy metal or rock!”

What is your guilty pleasure? “Ben and Jerry’s without a question. I can be bribed with any tub except peanut butter."

Who is your favourite tennis player and role model? “Rafael Nadal: his work ethic and modesty is unrivalled.”