Florida Tennis Magazine’s Matt Pressman visited Hobson Performance Tennis in Bradenton to speak with academy director Ashley Hobson about his coaching journey and approach to player development.
Hobson’s path into tennis coaching was not traditional. Originally from South Africa, he studied law before deciding to pursue coaching full-time.
“I actually went to law school, got into coaching one summer and I was like, why would I ever do law?” Hobson said. “And I’ve never looked back after that.”
After gaining early experience in his home country, he moved to the United States and began working at the Van der Meer Tennis Academy. During that period, Hobson also had international opportunities that expanded his perspective on coaching.
“I moved to Japan for a year,” he said. “It was radically different… there was no English, no signs, nothing. But it was a great experience.”
From there, Hobson became a national coach in Hong Kong, working with both Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams, along with junior national squads.
“We did three tiers of team events throughout the year,” he said. “It was an incredible experience.”
While in Hong Kong, Hobson worked with players who later pursued professional careers or college tennis in the United States. He also highlighted key team achievements during his time there.
“One of my favorite things was that our 14s and 16s teams qualified for the world group, which had never been done before,” he said.
After his time in Asia, Hobson returned to the United States and started an academy at Stone Mountain Tennis Center in Georgia. Several players he coached during that period continued to develop, including athletes who later reached the NCAA level.
Years later, Hobson moved to Florida, where he now operates Hobson Performance Tennis in the Bradenton area. His current model focuses on small training groups and individualized coaching.
“We’re small intentionally,” Hobson said. “I want to do more of a European model—one coach to four players.”
His coaching philosophy centers on long-term development, both on and off the court.
“I enjoy working with players and working with kids,” he said. “I’m more about their lives and changing their lives than tennis—but tennis is the vehicle.”
Hobson has also worked with notable junior players in Florida, including prospects who have competed in professional events and high-level junior tournaments. His experience includes developing players from early stages through competitive pathways such as college tennis.
During the conversation, Hobson also shared his thoughts on the Sarasota Open, now held at IMG Academy, and its impact on the local tennis community.
“It’s really important to be able to watch high-level tennis,” he said. “It’s motivating for the kids—they can see how far off they are and how much work they need to do.”
He also pointed to Florida’s long-standing role in tennis development, with major junior events and year-round playing conditions attracting players from around the world.
“Florida has that history,” Hobson said. “Players come here from all over the world to train and compete.”
According to Hobson, the state’s conditions also help prepare players for the physical demands of the professional circuit.
“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” he said. “The conditions build tough players.”
At his academy, Hobson is also working to reduce barriers for players by organizing local tournaments and limiting the need for travel.
“We’re trying to lower the cost of travel and training,” he said. “Because it can become prohibitive in tennis.”
As tennis continues to compete with other sports, Hobson stressed the importance of continued development at the grassroots level.
“We need to really push tennis again,” he said. “It’s the best sport to build character and prepare people for life.”
For more information about Hobson Performance Tennis, including programs, coaching philosophy, and upcoming opportunities, visit their official website at hobsontennis.com
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Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Photo credits:
Hobson Performance Tennis