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Our latest Coach of the Quarter is Stefan Sterland-Markovic! We visited Stefan during a performance squad session and discussed his journey in tennis, his coaching principles and his influences as a coach. You can get in touch with Stefan by clicking the icons below.

QUESTION: Growing up in Spain, how has your international background influenced your approach to tennis and your experience within the UK tennis community?
ANSWER: Coming from a Spanish background has definitely shaped how I coach. In Spain, training is centred around discipline, mental toughness and consistency, and I try to bring that mindset to my sessions here in the UK. Coaching here has exposed me to a range of styles and approaches, which has helped me grow as a coach and better connect with players and fellow coaches.
"Coaching isn’t just about chasing results. It’s about genuinely caring for players as people, not just athletes"
QUESTION: Growing up, were there any other sports you played? Was tennis always the goal?
ANSWER: I played a few sports growing up – mostly team sports like basketball – but tennis was always my passion. My dad and sister both played, so it was always part of my life. Whether or not it became a career, I was always working towards playing at a high level.

QUESTION: How has your approach to getting the best out of players evolved over the years?
ANSWER: At the start of my coaching journey, I focused heavily on technique. But over time, I’ve realised how important confidence, mindset and resilience are in performance. Every player is different, with different personalities and challenges, so my approach is now much more about creating an environment where they can grow, compete and enjoy the process.
QUESTION: Have there been any mentors who’ve significantly shaped your coaching journey?
ANSWER: Absolutely. I’ve been lucky to learn from some brilliant mentors – Alison and Roger Taylor, who continue to mentor me today. They taught me the value of patience and longterm development, and that coaching isn’t just about chasing results. They also showed me how important it is to genuinely care about players, not just as athletes but as people.

QUESTION: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
ANSWER: One of the biggest challenges has been breaking through stereotypes as a female coach in what is still a maledominated field. I’ve had to prove myself and work hard to earn the respect of players – and sometimes other coaches. But those challenges have motivated me. Coaching isn’t about gender – it’s about knowledge, leadership and the ability to connect with players.
"Every player is different, with different personalities and challenges, so my approach is much more about creating an environment where they can grow, compete and enjoy the process."
QUESTION: What are your short- and long-term goals within tennis?
ANSWER: Short-term, I’m focused on completing my Level 4 Senior Performance course this year and continuing to support the competitive juniors in our programme at Esher. Longterm, I’d like to take on more leadership within performance coaching – whether that’s mentoring younger coaches, working with national-level players or creating inclusive environments that keep more girls in the sport.

QUESTION: What’s your approach to inspiring the next generation of players?
ANSWER: I believe in building a club environment where players feel supported, motivated and excited to train. Hard work can be fun, and I try to lead by example. Being a positive role model helps younger players grow not just in tennis but in confidence too.
QUESTION: What have you enjoyed most about being part of the Surrey Tennis community?
ANSWER: The sense of community. There’s a real passion for tennis in Surrey, and I love being surrounded by coaches, players and parents who are all pulling in the same direction – developing talent and keeping the game thriving.
QUESTION: And finally – what do you enjoy beyond tennis?
ANSWER: I enjoy going to the gym and doing Pilates, which helps me stay physically strong and mentally sharp. I also love a good spa day – recovery and self-care are so important when you’re constantly giving energy to others. Travelling has helped me connect with people from different cultures and brought fresh ideas into my coaching. All of this keeps me balanced, energised and ready to give my best to the players and the programme.
By Surrey Tennis
If you would like to nominate a coach to be Coach of the Quarter then click the button below and fill out an application form. Coaches must be working within Surrey.