2007 PTR member of the year: Luke Jensen
Passion, expertise, and enthusiasm in promoting the PTR are just a few of the qualities that PTR executives say make Luke Jensen a very special member. Jensen joined the PTR two years ago, and since that time, he has actively promoted the PTR to touring pros and the tennis community, including taking the PTR On Campus program to Syracuse University, where he coaches the women’s tennis team.
“Whether he’s speaking at a symposium or teaching clinics, Luke is accessible and great for the game,” says PTR International Director Inaki Balzola. “He’s smart, open-minded and a constant ambassador for tennis.” And for all of these qualities and more, Luke Jensen is RSI’s choice for PTR Member of the Year.
Jensen, who won 10 pro doubles titles, including the 1993 French Open doubles crown with his brother Murphy, is currently a tennis analyst for ESPN. He says his teaching philosophy comes down to “having and following a long-range plan and committing to it.” He insists that a teacher should always “evolve” and “adapt.”
“It was important for me to get certified and learn how to fix my own problems,” he says, adding that he wants more young people to seek a career in tennis. “There’s a real opportunity in American tennis, and I want to make sure kids are given the right conditions, attitude and game, along with the willingness to commit.”
“Luke,” says PTR Executive Director and CEO Dan Santorum, “represents the next generation of high-profile teaching pros and makes a difference wherever he goes.”
Tips for success
- Education and college is important for aspiring tennis pros. Jensen points to James Blake and John Isner as great examples of what hard work and persistence in tennis and school can do.
- Understand the fundamentals of the game before moving to the next level.
- Practice smarter, you’ll beat the other guy.
See all articles by Cynthia Sherman
About the Author
Cynthia Sherman is a contributing editor for RSI magazine.
RSI magazine search
RSI magazine articles
RSI magazine categories
- Ask the Experts
- Associations
- Awards
- Ball Machines
- Balls
- Business/Marketing
- Clothing
- Courts/Lighting
- Education
- Footwear
- Frames
- Grips
- Industry News
- Media
- Miscellaneous
- Our Serve
- Peoplewatch
- Playtests
- Racquetball
- Review
- Reviews
- Science
- Squash
- Stringing
- Stringing Machines
- Strings
- Tennis
- Tips and Techniques
- Tournaments/Events
- Your Serve
RSI magazine archives
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- November 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- November 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- November 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- June 2005
- May 2005
- April 2005
- March 2005
- February 2005
- January 2005
- November 2004
- October 2004
- September 2004
- August 2004
- July 2004
- June 2004
- May 2004
- April 2004
- March 2004
- February 2004