Mr. Dancevic shares his story of going from playing to coaching
Frank Dancevic, a former Canadian tennis player, has had a distinguished career spanning over 15 years. During this time, he represented Canada in the Davis Cup semifinals and reached a career-high ranking of 65 on the ATP Tour. In 2019, Dancevic transitioned into a leadership role as the captain of the Canadian Davis Cup team. Under his guidance, the team, which included players such as Dennis Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime, Vasek Pospisil, and Brayden Schnur, went on to win the Davis Cup in 2022. Additionally, Dancevic has been involved in coaching some of the best players on the professional tour, including Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov, as well as high-performance players from the Canadian Tennis Federation.
Frank is ATP Official Licensed Coach.
About My Career
I’m Frank Dancevic, a former professional tennis player from Canada who competed on the ATP Tour. I played for over a decade, achieving a career-high singles ranking of 65. Throughout my playing career, I had the privilege of representing Canada in various international competitions, including the Davis Cup. After retiring from playing, I transitioned into coaching, where I aim to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation of players.
Biggest Change from Playing to Coaching
The biggest change has been shifting from being solely responsible for my performance to focusing on developing others. As a player, I relied on my skills, instincts, and strategies, but coaching requires a different mindset. It's about understanding each player’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and psychological aspects while also being a mentor and motivator in their journey.
Key to Success
The key to my success has been continuous learning and resilience. In both playing and coaching, I’ve prioritized understanding the game thoroughly and adapting to new challenges. Building strong relationships with players, instilling confidence, and fostering a positive training environment have also been important elements in achieving success.
Future Goals
My goals for the future include mentoring young talents to reach their potential at local, national, and international levels. I want to develop a stronger coaching program that incorporates modern training methods and mental conditioning. Additionally, it would be fulfilling to contribute to Canada’s tennis development and perhaps even inspire young players to pursue professional careers themselves.
Advice for Young Coaches
For aspiring coaches looking to go professional, my advice is to stay passionate and curious. Continuously educate yourself about the game, different coaching styles, and player development strategies. Build relationships within the tennis community, seek mentorship from experienced coaches, and don't hesitate to gain hands-on experience at local clubs or academies. Remember, patience and persistence are key as you navigate this rewarding profession.