When professional tennis meets innovative training methodologies, something greater than mere lectures is born — the future of junior sports comes to life. It was precisely with this mission that Evgheni Celarschi, a coach and specialist of the National Tennis Federation of Moldova, traveled to Antalya, where the international Tennis Europe Coaches’ Conference 2026 took place from November 6 to 7.
The two-day program was remarkably intensive, split between in-depth analytics in lecture halls and hands-on practical sessions right on the courts. Speakers from across Europe shared cutting-edge player development methodologies with the attendees — ranging from the very first steps of young beginners to preparing juniors for the international stage.
The first day launched with practical sessions on court. International Tennis Federation (ITF) experts Tim Jones, Jan Willem Baars, and Jan Bunt visually demonstrated step-by-step methods to develop serve and return skills within the Red, Orange, and Green Ball programs. Renowned Polish specialist Piotr Unierzyski and his French colleague Bruno Jacquottet delivered a detailed analysis of training methodologies and junior development pathways for the 12–14 age category. Particular interest was drawn by the presentation of the Italian FITP team led by Michelangelo Dell’Edera, which showcased a proprietary approach to controlling time and space on court, as well as Swiss expert Jürg Bühler’s masterclass on building mental toughness in young athletes. The day concluded with a lively round table discussion where leading European specialists debated the future of the 14 & Under category.
The second day immersed participants in the nuances of physical conditioning and tactics. Nick Weal from Great Britain and Edita Liachoviciute from Lithuania conducted practical sessions on preparing U14 players for transitioning to the international level. On court, attendees also worked through match time-management drills presented by Kenan Malicbegovic, effective serve-and-return practice demonstrated by Ales Filipcic, and Robin Möller’s holistic coaching approach to junior personality development. In lecture modules, experts discussed practical final-week planning ahead of key tournaments, physiological foundations, and the specifics of working with various ball types.
“Conferences like this provide a fantastic opportunity to observe the most advanced methodologies that global federations and leading clubs are already implementing in their day-to-day operations. It was incredibly insightful to listen to presentations by key coaches from different countries as they shared practical experience across various topics and age groups. It is vital for us to stay aligned with current trends and follow modern directions in tennis development. Off-court networking is equally valuable — the chance to discuss pressing matters with colleagues, exchange ideas, and subsequently apply this knowledge back home in Moldova. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the National Tennis Federation of Moldova, as well as Tennis Europe and World Tennis, for the opportunity to be part of this international event,” Evgheni shared.
The participation of the FNTM representative in the Tennis Europe Coaches’ Conference marks a significant milestone for the entire national tennis school. The newest European trends, modern methodologies for mental fortitude, physical conditioning, and rapid on-court adaptation for juniors will soon be integrated into the training routines of Moldovan athletes!
