From the moment I arrived in southern France, I knew I was in for something special. The journey itself was breathtaking—a scenic train ride along the Mediterranean coast, followed by a short drive to the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. I hadn’t even stepped onto the courts yet, but I could already feel the energy of this world-renowned training center.
About the Academy
The Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and in fact its name sake, Patrick Mouratoglou, is not as well known in the USA as in Europe. But let me assure you, “The Coach”, as he is known is one of the true super coaches of the professional world. Current and former players he’s worked with include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Holger Rune. Mouratoglou began the Academy in 1996, and in 2016 broke ground on the current complex in Biot, very close to Nice, on the southern coast of France.
Whilst initially focussed on high level junior and professional players, Mouratoglou has expanded and now has 14 locations across the world, including five in the USA. Many of these locations are at resorts, and all of them offer adult programming.
What An Adult Tennis Player Experiences at Mouratoglou
In March, I was traveling to Monaco, and, when planning the trip, I realized how close I would be to the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy. With 34 hard and red-clay courts, the academy welcomes players of all levels, not just elite athletes, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to experience a day in the life of an adult camper.
My day began with a morning fitness class tailored to adult players. As someone who prefers long distance running, I found the workouts to be very dynamic and focused on mimicking the on-court movements of a player. The team leading the fitness session was very engaging, and hearing many accents from around the world definitely made it feel like I was getting the full academy experience.
After the fitness sessions, we moved to the stunning red clay courts, the same surface that has challenged and refined some of the world’s top players. As I practiced, I found myself surrounded by professionals in training—an inspiring reminder of the academy’s prestige. I only wish my strokes were as good as theirs.
The cafeteria at lunchtime was a unique experience. I sat with the adults I had spent the morning playing with. There were players from across Europe and a couple from the USA. All were there due to their love of tennis, and it was interesting to hear how they were combining their vacation with serious training. The food options on site ranged from a French coffee shop, to the cafeteria for the campers, as well as a full-service restaurant for those seeking an upscale experience. Fortunately for me, their dessert options were in abundance, however, as a result, any fitness I gained in the morning was lost at lunch.
Adult players like myself can choose between a half-day program—90 minutes of intense on-court drills and another 90 minutes of fitness training—or a full-day intensive camp with two 90-minute training sessions and daily fitness training. The structured format provides flexibility while maintaining high-quality instruction from the academy’s international professional staff.
In and Around the Academy
Walking around the grounds, I was struck by the academy’s rich history and its deep ties to some of the biggest names in tennis. Patrick Mouratoglou, one of the most high-profile coaches in the sport, has worked with legends like Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. The academy has hosted an impressive roster of players, including Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Andy Murray, Holger Rune, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Alexander Zverev, and Stan Wawrinka. Seeing the courts where these champions have trained added another layer of awe to my experience. In addition to the players directly coached by “The Coach”, many more base themselves there for various training blocks as well as during the European clay court swing. The academy is only 30 minutes from the historic Monte Carlo Country Club, home of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
The academy also features an impressive indoor court facility, ensuring that training can continue regardless of weather conditions. This all-weather adaptability means that players—whether aspiring juniors or elite professionals—cancould maintain their training routines without disruption. The availability of these courts reinforced just how well-equipped Mouratoglou is for high-level training.
One of the most unique features of the grounds was the court designed for UTS—Ultimate Tennis Showdown. If you’re unfamiliar with the league and the format, to start, the court has no doubles lines! Patrick Mouratoglou’s brainchild, UTS, is an innovative format that combines exhibition tennis of the highest level with adapted rules and scoring to make for a fast-paced and fun format. Having recently watched the UTS New York on television, it was great to see the home of the UTS in person.
One of the standout aspects of the academy was its holistic approach to player development. Beyond the courts, the facility includes a medical center, a spa, physiotherapists, education and tutoring, as well as the specialized strength and conditioning zones that I got to experience—highlighting its commitment to complete athlete wellness.
The academy’s hotel, though I didn’t stay overnight, was impressive. Modern, spacious, and beautifully designed, it exuded a sleek yet welcoming atmosphere. One of the first things that caught my eye was the swimming pool—it was shaped like a tennis racquet! Unfortunately, when I visited, it was winter, and the pool was a tad chilly for my liking. However, I did have visions of professional tennis players lounging poolside during the long Mediterranean summer evenings. The 155-room Mouratoglou Hotel & Resort offers a luxurious stay with access to the academy’s top-tier facilities, including a restaurant, four pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Families and long-term visitors can also opt for furnished apartments, making the experience even more convenient.
Exploring the Local Area
The appeal of the academy extends beyond tennis. Situated just 15 minutes from the beaches and vibrant lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur, it offers a perfect balance between training and exploration. A local bus serving Nice even stops just outside the academy, making it easy to venture into the stunning surroundings.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the day, I realized just how special this place truly is. Mouratoglou Tennis Academy isn’t just a training center—it’s a hub for passion, development, and tennis excellence. Whether you’re a junior dreaming of the pro tour or an adult player looking to refine your game, this academy offers an experience unlike any other.
This was my day at Mouratoglou, and while my time there was brief, the impact was everlasting. In my opinion, it’s a must-visit for any tennis enthusiast looking to immerse themselves in the sport at its highest level.
