Located in Ojus, Florida, just minutes from Aventura, Extreme Tennis Academy has quietly built a reputation as one of South Florida’s most demanding and development-focused training environments. Led by CEO and Head Coaches Freddy Azucey and Carlos Maehama, the academy combines technical instruction, competitive exposure, and a culture centered on honesty and accountability.
During a recent on-court session, Azucey’s coaching philosophy was evident from the first drill. His instruction was precise, direct, and focused on details that separate solid players from high-level competitors.
“Well, you know that’s a great idea about the forehand,” Azucey told one player during a live-ball drill, “but make sure when that racket goes back, you follow with your left hand.”
The emphasis on mechanics quickly transitioned into movement and spacing.
“Try to create some space between you and the baseline,” he added. “After you hit the ball, you recover back again.”
Throughout the session, players were pushed to play with intention. The focus was not just on hitting the ball, but on understanding positioning, balance, and timing.
“The main focus is the step forward and take the ball on the rise,” Azucey explained. “Hit the ball at a speed that you can control.”
Technical corrections were constant. Whether reinforcing hip rotation on open-stance forehands or demanding quicker reactions, every repetition carried purpose.
“If I’m going to hit open stance, I make sure that I rotate my hip,” he demonstrated. “I’m not just going to go here—I follow my racket with my left hand. That’s what creates separation.”
Beyond technique, the training environment stresses awareness and readiness.
“Every time your opponent hits the ball, you have to be ready right away,” Azucey said. “React and put the ball on the court.”
That level of detail and intensity defines the academy’s approach—and it is something players quickly notice.
For Manuela Gomez, one of the academy’s players, the biggest difference has been the honesty in coaching.
“I think the honesty of our coaches has helped me the most,” Gomez said. “Nowadays, people are very used to hearing compliments, but here we really hear what we need to hear.”
That approach has translated into tangible growth.
“My confidence on the court has improved a lot because I started to be more honest with myself,” she explained. “When I first started here, I thought I was at a different level. Training more hours every day made me realize I wasn’t as good as I thought—and that helped me improve.”
Gomez also pointed to the overall environment as a key factor.
“The courts here are amazing. I like the environment, the coaches, and the players—we all get along,” she said. “Miami is like the city of tennis, so I’m really happy to be here.”
Fellow player Noah Dubitzky echoed that sentiment, highlighting the competitive culture within the program.
“I like the variety of players,” Dubitzky said. “Everyone is very focused and determined to improve and get better. I also like the intensity that the coaches bring.”
Dubitzky has centered his development on physical and mental consistency.
“My strengths are my discipline and my willingness to put in hard work,” he said. “My goal over the last couple of months has been to increase my endurance and my consistency on the court.”
One of the academy’s advantages is its location within a dense competitive circuit. Players regularly compete in UTR events across South Florida, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Kendall.
“Being in Aventura, we’re only about 45 minutes from Boca, and there are good UTR tournaments there,” Dubitzky added. “There are also strong tournaments in Delray Beach and Kendall, so the competition here is really strong.”
Combined with year-round weather, the setting allows for continuous development without interruption.
Behind the scenes, the academy’s leadership brings international experience. Freddy Azucey, a former ATP/ITF circuit player, has worked as a PTR-certified development coordinator for the Dominican Republic’s Davis Cup team and has helped develop players such as Roy Lederman, Gabriela Paz, Adriana Perez, and Sofia Melikishvili. Carlos Maehama adds a global perspective, having coached the Japanese junior national team and worked extensively in USTA Junior Team Tennis programs in North Miami-Dade.
Together, they have built a program that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term results.
For more information about Extreme Tennis Academy, its programs, and training opportunities, visit their website www.extremetennisacademy.com or follow them on Instagram @extremetennisacademy.
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Written by Associate Editor Osvaldo Godoy. Video shot by Alex Binstok. Video edited by Nathalia Suarez. Top photo credit: Extreme Tennis Academy