"What's needed in the area for high performance junior tennis players is a program where they can receive world-class instruction, live at home and continue their education in an effective and meaningful way." This declaration comes from the former number four internationally-ranked men's player, Gene Mayer, who today is considered one of the top tennis coaches in the world. To put his words into action, Mayer, along with former Port Washington Tennis Academy head pro Simon Shelton, announced they will be launching the Gene Mayer International Tennis Academy this fall.

The academy will offer training sessions on weekday afternoons and evenings throughout the school year. Its first semester will be held outdoors at the Shelter Rock Tennis & Country Club in Manhasset, from Sept. 6 through Oct. 14 and then move indoors to Alley Pond Tennis Center in Queens Village from Oct. 17 through Feb. 3, 2006. The second semester will commence on Feb. 6, 2006 and continue through mid- to late June.

According to Mayer and Shelton, the academy's mission statement asserts: "At the Gene Mayer International Tennis Academy, students realize their full potential as tennis layers and as individuals, while reaping the benefits of remaining in their family environments and receiving a quality education."

The academy has been designed for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 18 who have made a serious commitment to tennis and who are experienced and/or aspiring tournament players. Rates average about $100 for each two-hour session based on participating in at least two sessions per week for a semester.

Mayer and his older brother Sandy were taught the game on Long Island tennis courts by their father, renowned coach Alex Mayer. In addition to his #4 world's singles ranking, Gene also was ranked #1 in the world in doubles at the height of his career. During his time in the spotlight in the 1980s, Mayer captured 14 ATP singles and 16 ATP doubles titles, along with two French Open doubles championships. Today, he successfully coaches both top juniors and leading men's and women's touring pros and has developed a well-earned reputation as a technically adept tutor who helps his students as much with their mental approach to the game as he does with their strokes and fitness.

"We created the Gene Mayer International Tennis Academy to be the most positive and productive tennis training environment possible," noted Shelton, the academy director. "We envision it as a place where students can realize their on-court dreams, while fully developing their off-court potential."

Shelton, a native of Great Britain, was associated with the Port Washington Tennis Academy for the past eight years, the last two as head pro. His 20 years of experience on the teaching and administrative sides of tennis have provided Shelton with extensive skills in coaching at all levels (including coaching and traveling with Wimbledon semifinalist Kathy Rinaldi), directing programs and overall operations management of a top quality tennis facility.

To contact the Gene Mayer International Tennis Academy, write to PO Box 463, Port Washington, NY 11050 or call 859-5482.