Tennis is growing at a rapid rate in Potchefstroom thanks to the culture of excellence that has developed at the Riaan Venter Tennis Academy (RVTA).
This world class tennis academy located at the NWU Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds boast hard, grass and clay courts and this adds to the multipurpose appeal of this academy.
Not only is the academy of a top standard, but the results of 2023 speak for themselves where the RVTA players have played brilliant tennis, winning numerous titles in the process.
The founder and coach at RVTA, Riaan Venter, looks back at 2023 with a smile, knowing that the processes put in place are reaping rewards at national and international level.
“It really has been a fantastic year for us with numerous highlights. Suzanie Pretorius and Mari-Louise van Zyl represented South Africa at the Fed Cup. It is really amazing to have two players from the Academy who represented SA at that level,” states Venter.
The Academy also boasts three national masters champions in Jahnie van Zyl, Kaitlyn Ramduth and Reuben de Klerk.
Five players featured in the final, while seven players reached the semi-final stage of the Masters tournament.
Jahnie van Zyl had an exceptional year reaching the number one spot in Africa and narrowly losing in the final of the African championships in Togo.
The Riaan Venter Tennis Academy is a true hub of junior tennis excellence with players eating, breathing and sleeping tennis.
“Players train for 6-7 hours per day where we focus on technical aspects, conditioning, movement on the court and so forth. It is also important that these players focus on their academics and have a balanced lifestyle,” added Venter.
Venter is also appreciative of the NWU’s effort in investing in tennis.
“The NWU does a lot to assist the Academy. We have a fantastic facility here. Top tennis players move to Potch in order to join and make use of the courts and other sporting facilities in Potch. It is also ideal that everything is available in one central area,” stated Venter.
The Riaan Venter Tennis Academy has 28 tennis players as well as six coaches that focus on high performance training.
“We want tennis players to leave the academy as well rounded and successful people with a focus on discipline and hard work. Success breeds success,” said Venter.
According to Venter a family culture is also a really important aspect of the Academy.
“Players are family here at the academy, who help each other to be better tennis players and humans in general.
There is a good level of competitiveness, but the camaraderie is also an important aspect, to be able to be joyful of other’s success as well. I believe Potch can be proud of the level of tennis and the achievements that came from the Academy.”
