News

May 1, 2007 — Taylor Dent, the Florida-based ATP touring professional, has become a certified Professional 1 member of the United States Professional Tennis Association, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals.

Dent, who tested in Kansas City, Mo., at the Homestead Country Club under USPTA testers, Gary Trost, Bunny Bruning and Kendell Hale, earned his USPTA certification after an extensive examination of tennis operations management skills, tennis-teaching skills, stroke analysis, and demonstrations of group and private lessons. Although he was given the option to take the shorter executive test offered to touring professionals, Dent insisted on taking the regular exam. The only other touring professional to ever insist on taking the regular USPTA certification exam was Arthur Ashe in 1985.

The USPTA certification process provides assurance that the tennis-teaching professional’s knowledge and abilities have been tested thoroughly. There are three rating classifications for each newly certified USPTA member, which are Professional 3, Professional 2 and Professional 1. Professional 1 represents the highest tested level in USPTA certification. A candidate must be at least 22 years old and have at least three years or five seasons of teaching experience. The candidate must pass the on-court and written portions of the certification exam.

“Taylor was very eager to share his knowledge with the other test-takers,” said Hale. “He was very interested in getting to know more about the teaching side of the game.”

Dent’s recent certification complements his impressive playing career and his aspirations of becoming a tennis-teaching professional. Dent said he decided to become certified when he thought his injured back was going to prevent him from returning to his playing career.

“My dad encouraged me to become certified,” said Dent. “Plus I had enjoyed working with a couple of juniors at the Nick BollettieriTennis Academy, so I decided to sign up for a certification exam.”

Dent, who began his professional playing career in 1998, has won four ATP singles titles and reached the finals of three other ATP events. He is also the son of former ATP Australian player and USPTA member, Phil Dent. Dent has been ranked in the top 21 in ATP singles and holds an overall career record of 127-104. He is known for his serve-and-volley style of play, which is quite rare among contemporary players. Unfortunately, recurring injuries have sidelined him this past year. Prior to his professional playing career, Dent attended Monte VistaHigh School in Newport Beach, Calif.

“I would like to congratulate Taylor on his recent USPTA certification,” said USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “We’re honored that he has joined our tennis-teaching family and will represent our Association as he segues from a tennis-playing career to a tennis-teaching career.”