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Monday, 12 September 2005, 15:12 GMT 16:12 UK

Academy where stars are born

The Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy has produced some of the biggest names in the game.

And its latest graduate - Maria Sharapova - has secured her place among the superstars.

Who is Nick Bollettieri?


Nick Bollettieri

When Maria was just seven years old her father, Yuri, took her from their native Russia to the Bollettieri Academy in Florida - risking everything in the hope that she could realise her potential.

A decade on, his faith has been repaid in spectacular fashion, and Sharapova joins the likes of Andre Agassi and Monica Seles on the growing list of Bollettieri stars.

The Bollettieri Academy was founded in 1978 as a full-time tennis boarding school.

Its programme is based around three guiding principles: discipline, responsibility and effort.

Bollettieri, now 72, was a former paratrooper and his pupils follow a tough, disciplined regime from an early age.

They're taught to believe in themselves, dictate the game and chase down every point with dogged determination.

Sharapova is the latest Grand Slam winner to emerge from the Academy, but even Britain has tasted success courtesy of Bollettieri.

Miles Kasiri was the 2004 runner-up in Wimbledon boys' singles and has spent two years at the Academy.

Bollettieri stars


While each player has own their own style, they all share the classic Bollettieri traits of power, conditioning and incredible mental toughness.

The Sport Academy's tennis coach, Dan Thorp has analysed Sharapova's game. He believes her self belief is one of the main reasons for her success.

"Sharapova has followed a very carefully structured physical conditioning programme from a very young age," says Dan.

"As a result she is in fantastic condition and - importantly - she knows it.

"She uses her condition to intimidate her opponents, by chasing, hitting hard and being relentless in her efforts."




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