Top coach is just chuffed at former student's success

ROBERT Beak is still kicking himself. A former student of Beak’s Tennis, Storm Sanders, makes her first appearance in a Grand Slam today.

Local tennis coach Robert Beak. Picture: Chris Ison

ROBERT Beak is still kicking himself.

The Rockhampton-based tennis coach arrived back earlier this week from a holiday in Melbourne, but would've stayed had he heard the news.

A former student of Beak's Tennis, Storm Sanders, makes her first appearance in a Grand Slam today when she takes on Italy's Camila Giorgi in the first round of the 2014 Australian Open.

"(To have watched Sanders play) would've been unreal. If I had known she was playing I would've stayed the extra few days to watch," said Beak, who started coaching Sanders as a five-year old.

"I'm still kicking myself that I didn't. It's sensational that she's playing. Aside from the experience, the good thing is she gets a decent amount of prize money even if she gets beaten in the first round.

"It's so expensive for players travelling all over the world to play in tournaments, and while they get a little help from the AIS, and sponsors, and the like, it's hard for them, so this will be a big help."

Beak wasn't surprised by Sanders' rise up the ranks - she's possessed the work ethic and the determination from a young age - but, she wasn't the most naturally talented tennis player he'd worked with.

Instead, she possessed an unparallel work ethic, a determination and a love for the sport.

"When she came to me, she wasn't the most talented, but I still remember saying to one of the coaches back then: Hasn't that girl improved?.

"She started slowly, but all of a sudden, whether something clicked, I don't know, but she really started coming on. And then she moved (to Perth)."

Eager to give his junior players the edge, Beak was in the Victorian capital for the annual Australian Grand Slam Coaches' Conference at Melbourne Park.

He watched on as World No.1 Rafael Nadal's uncle and life-long coach Toni Nadal shared his wisdom, before Maria Sharapova's coach Sven Groeneveld offered up his coaching insight.

Unbeknown to him, his wife had purchased tickets to a dinner where two of the greatest tennis players ever, Rod Laver and Roger Federer, were special guests.

Following the dinner, he witnessed the pair go head-to-head on Rod Laver Arena in a charity match organised by Federer.

"It was just a marvellous experience and something that you could say would never happen again, and to be part of it was something special," Beak said.

Sanders plays on Show Court 3 today at 11am (local time).

Originally published as Top coach is just chuffed at former student's success