
Anne Keothavong
Anne Keothavong is a respected British tennis coach and former professional player, best known for her leadership as captain of Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup team. Born in Hackney, London, to parents who emigrated from Laos, she began playing tennis at a young age and rose through the junior ranks to enjoy a successful professional career. As a player, Keothavong reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 48 in 2009, becoming one of the highest-ranked British women of her era. She won 20 titles on the ITF circuit and represented Great Britain in Fed Cup competition for over a decade.
After retiring from professional tennis in 2013, Keothavong transitioned into commentary and coaching, quickly establishing herself as an insightful and motivational leader. In 2016, she was appointed captain of the British Billie Jean King Cup team, a role in which she has excelled. Under her guidance, Great Britain returned to the World Group level in 2019, marking a significant achievement after years of striving to compete at the highest tier.
Keothavong is known for her supportive yet determined coaching style, blending tactical expertise with personal experience as a former top-level competitor. She has been widely praised for fostering team spirit, resilience, and belief among her players, helping them perform on the global stage. Beyond her coaching, she remains an influential voice in British tennis, advocating for the development of future generations and inspiring young athletes with her dedication, professionalism, and passion for the sport.
Martyn Waghorn
Martyn Waghorn is an accomplished English professional footballer whose career has spanned the Premier League, Championship, and Scottish Premiership. Born in South Shields in 1990, Waghorn began his career at Sunderland, making his Premier League debut as a teenager before gaining valuable experience on loan at Charlton Athletic and Leicester City. His performances for Leicester earned him a permanent move in 2010, where he became a key part of their Championship squad.
Waghorn’s most successful spell came in Scotland with Rangers, where he quickly established himself as a prolific striker. Joining in 2015, he scored 28 goals in his first season, helping Rangers secure promotion back to the Scottish Premiership and win the Scottish Challenge Cup. His ability to score in big matches and lead the line made him a fan favourite during his time at Ibrox.
In 2017, Waghorn returned to England with Ipswich Town before moving to Derby County a year later. At Derby, he was instrumental in their 2018–19 campaign, scoring crucial goals in the Championship and helping the club reach the play-off final at Wembley. Known for his work rate, versatility across the forward line, and eye for goal, he remained an influential presence throughout his time at Pride Park.
Waghorn also enjoyed a spell at Coventry City, continuing to contribute his experience and professionalism at Championship level. Across his career, he has earned a reputation as a committed and reliable forward, admired for his determination, leadership, and consistent ability to deliver for his teams.Leon Smith
Leon Smith is a highly regarded British tennis coach and leader, best known for his role as captain of Great Britain’s Davis Cup team. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1976, Smith developed a passion for tennis at a young age and soon turned his attention to coaching. Remarkably, he achieved prominence without having played professionally, instead building his career on his exceptional ability to nurture talent and inspire players.
Smith first came to wider attention as the childhood coach of Andy Murray, working with him from the age of 11 to 15. His guidance during those formative years helped Murray develop the technical and mental skills that later propelled him to Grand Slam success and the world No. 1 ranking. Smith went on to hold several important roles in British tennis development, including Head of Player Development in Scotland and Head of Coaching at the Lawn Tennis Association.
In 2010, Smith was appointed captain of the British Davis Cup team, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position. Under his leadership, the team achieved a historic triumph in 2015, winning the Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years. His success has been built on his calm authority, tactical acumen, and ability to unite and motivate his players.
Beyond the Davis Cup, Smith has remained a central figure in British tennis, contributing to the sport’s growth and mentoring the next generation. He is widely respected as a coach who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and a deep commitment to his players’ success.
Johana Konta
Johanna Konta is one of the most successful British tennis players of the modern era, renowned for her powerful game and consistent performances on the biggest stages. Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1991, she moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager and went on to represent Britain with distinction throughout her professional career.
Konta broke into the world’s elite in 2016 when she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, becoming the first British woman in more than 30 years to advance that far at a Grand Slam. She followed up this breakthrough with strong results on the WTA Tour, winning the prestigious Miami Open in 2017 and reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 4 the same year.
Her Grand Slam achievements were a hallmark of her career. In addition to her Australian Open semifinal in 2016, she went on to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2017, thrilling home crowds with her deep run, and at the French Open in 2019, demonstrating her adaptability across surfaces. She also reached the quarterfinals of the US Open in 2019, completing a remarkable record of consistency at all four majors.
In total, Konta captured four WTA singles titles and recorded numerous wins over top-10 opponents, establishing herself as one of the most dangerous players on tour. She also played a vital role in Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup campaigns. Her achievements inspired a new generation of British players and cemented her place among the nation’s all-time greats.
Nigel Sears
Nigel Sears is a distinguished British tennis coach with decades of experience developing players at the highest levels of the sport. Born in 1957, Sears played competitive tennis before turning his attention to coaching, where he built a reputation for his technical expertise, tactical knowledge, and ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
Over the course of his career, Sears has coached numerous top players on the WTA Tour. He is best known for his work with Slovakian star Daniela Hantuchová, whom he guided into the world’s top 10, and later with Ana Ivanović, the 2008 French Open champion, helping her return to the top 20 after a difficult spell. He also worked with Anett Kontaveit early in her rise, playing a key role in shaping her professional development. In addition to his success on tour, Sears has been a respected figure in British tennis, serving as Head of Women’s Tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), where he oversaw national programs and player pathways.
Sears is admired for his calm, analytical approach and his emphasis on both physical and mental preparation. His coaching philosophy combines disciplined training with an understanding of the individual needs of his players, allowing them to grow in confidence and consistency.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is also the father-in-law of Andy Murray, further cementing his family’s connection to British tennis. With his vast experience and proven track record, Nigel Sears remains one of the most respected and influential coaches in the game.