JOHANNESBURG
Meet the team
Marku Burger
Head Coach
Driven, motivated, inspirational
Height: 1.78m
Tennis South Africa (TSA)
national coaching certificates
Right-handed
Year my coaching career started:
Age when I started with tennis:
Number of hours coached:
7753
7
2016
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Double-handed backhand
TENNIS FACTS
View my certificates here:
Highest South African ranking
40
Number of times provincial colours were awarded
4
No of years as school team captain
3
Favourite pro player
Federer
INTERESTING INFO
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I enjoy the challenge of helping a player work through the tough stages of tennis to eventually get to that little breakthrough that propels their tennis forwards.
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The technical part of tennis and how the whole body works together to hit the perfect shot fascinates me.
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Passion is not just to teach a player tennis but through tennis teach them a life skill that they can take with them going forwards.
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Held the no 1 player ranking in high school for three consecutive years. During this time, I helped the school win two of the most prestigious national high school tournaments in the country.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
As a family we have enjoyed a 3 year coaching relationship with Marku.
He is professional yet personal in his approach and has the ability to tailor his coaching style to fit the individuals requirements as well as their level of tennis.
Without exception our tennis has improved significantly under Marku’s guidance and I would highly recommend him and Evolve Tennis to those looking to improve their games!
Definitely the best tennis setup in Johannesburg.
Marku is a friendly and respectful coach and has helped create a wonderful experience for me and my family. He is courteous and professional at all times. Technically, Marku is also incredibly strong and shares his knowledge with delight!
Thank you Marku for a wonderful journey and thank you for all your help!
I’ve met Marku in 2017 as a rookie tennis player with a broken forehand and backhand.
He made me improve so much I had the confidence to take part in a few tennis leagues. He is an outstanding coach knows how to work with people.
You work hard to get better and also have some fun times and a nice laugh. His Namakwaland jokes are the best.
Danie van Zyl
Director
Ambitious, Optimistic, Hardworking
Height: 1.89m
Professional tennis coaching certificates
Right-handed
Year my coaching career started:
Age when I started with tennis:
Number of hours coached:
18720
7
2007
View my certifications here:
TENNIS FACTS
No of times provincial colours were awarded
9
No of times South African colours were awarded
3
My age when I first reached a top 3 SA ranking
10
Favourite pro player
Federer
INTERESTING INFO
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One of my favourite memories as a junior was winning the South African Nike Junior Masters and representing South Africa as #1 in the Nike World Masters. I also represented South Africa as #2 in Egypt, France, Slovakia and Bratislava.
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The 40 Love Tennis academy where I was the tennis director grew from 2015-2021 from 2 coaches 50 students to 8 coaches 285 students.
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I believe that life is like riding a bicycle. Without moving forward its hard to maintain your balance. Click here to read more about my journey that led me to Evolve Tennis Academy.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Danie is a phenomenal coach, who knows what it takes to grow a player to reach high levels! I have reached ten South African teams where I competed internationally with Danie's help and guidance!
He is not just a great technical coach, but also a great mental coach. He is someone you can look up to and constantly pushes you to become a better version of yourself - Not just on court, but off court as an individual as well.
Since my daugther started coaching with Danie, she has developed a huge love and passion for tennis. So much so that she is prepared to go to practice every single day of the week!
I have seen her grow so much in just over a year and this is all due to Danie's amazing attitude, drive and ability to motivate her!
I can definitely recommend this great team of people!
Our family trains with Danie and we couldn't be more excited and motivated to play tennis. Not only are the boys having fun learning technical skills. They are also being taught focus, discipline, humor and passion for the game.
There is so much inspiration to experience from Danie and his career 'evolution' as a tennis player. Thank you Danie & team!
Tinashe Chirare
Teddy Tennis & Adult Tennis
Dedicated, friendly, skilled
Height: 1.83m
ITF Academy
Right-handed
Number of hours coached:
9561
Single-handed backhand
View my certifications here:
Tennis South Africa
First Aid
Year my coaching career started:
2013
Age when I started with tennis:
8
TENNIS FACTS
Number of years as a JHB coach
4
Best National ranking as junior
9
Favourite pro player
Djokovic
INTERESTING INFO
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I was a National Player in Zimbabwe as a junior.
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I started as a coach in South Africa in 2018 after coaching in Zimbabwe for five years.
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I am truly passionate about coaching.
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My favourite grand slam is the French Open because I admire the players' skillset on clay.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Our little boy recently started Teddy Tennis with coach Tinashe, and has loved his weekly outdoor time on the courts. Tinashe is really gentle, kind and great with kids. His approach is calm but enthusiastic too. He has immense patience and coupled with his passion for the game, he does whatever he can to keep these little ones engaged and excited, which is no easy task at all!
My family and I have noticed significant improvement since being coached by Tinashe this year and we have a new found love for the game. He has a great coaching style showing skill, passion, encouragement and patience. He is also incredibly good with kids and they have such fun with him during lessons.
3.5
Age when I started with tennis:
2003
Year my coaching career started:
Double-handed backhand
17941
Number of hours coached:
Right-handed
Height: 1.68m
De Wet Buys
Junior players & Adult Tennis
Lighthearted, experienced, tennis fanatic
TENNIS FACTS
International tennis coaching exposure
UK
Current South African ranking (35+)
#9
Favourite pro player
Federer
INTERESTING INFO
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I have coached and developed multiple juniors that achieved South African junior colours.
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I have a lot of experience in studying the game of tennis to get my students to a better level.
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I believe in the power of vision to push you to new heights. If you can see it, you can achieve it.
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When I think of tennis it makes me feel like the first time I saw my wife.😁 The excitement is real. I live for tennis.
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My favourite grand slam is French Open. I love the quality of matches and the colours it brings out of the players wardrobe.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I have been coached by De Wet Buys for more than a decade. He is an exceptional player himself, but more than that, he is a 'coach for all seasons' and talents. He has a special knack of bringing out the best in every player, never putting them under pressure, and in so doing ensuring that tennis is a lifelong, enjoyable pursuit.
Dewet is a wonderful coach and an inspiring tennis player. He is able to relax you and he works with your skills to get the most out of what you’ve got. He is pleasant, lighthearted and fun to be with. My tennis and my confidence has improved quickly with De Wet’s coaching.
Age when I started with tennis:
2013
Year my coaching career started:
6
Double-handed backhand
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9871
Number of hours coached:
Right-handed
Height: 1.70m
Shannon Cox
Junior players & Adult Tennis
I am to help build character through tennis.
TENNIS FACTS
Best South African ranking - Open Women's category
#4
Best women's international ranking
#9
Favourite pro player
Nadal & Caroline Garcia
INTERESTING INFO
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I can't choose a favourite grand slam.😁They each have something I love. On the clay, the difference in playing styles on and long matches that push the players to their absolute limits, is so thrilling. Sliding, doing the splits, diving. The speed of the rallies on grass together with the extra traditions. The amazing colours the players wear at the US open showcases different styles and attitude. The extreme elements at the Australian is epic.
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Attitude is contagious. Is yours worth catching?
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Shannon Cox has been my tennis coach for a year and a half at the Bryanston Sports Club. I used to play when I was in school, but hadn’t played since then. My tennis has improved so much in the time I’ve had lessons and Shannon has been professional and has so much knowledge to impart. I’ve learnt things that I didn’t even know existed and my confidence has grown. The lessons were varied and she definitely keeps me on my toes. I would recommend her anyone, whichever level of tennis they play.
Age when I started with tennis:
2022
Year my coaching career started:
10
Double-handed backhand
2146
Number of hours coached:
Right-handed
Height: 1.52m
Zinhle Khumalo
Junior players & Adult Tennis
Sharing the joy of progress over perfection.
View my certifications here:
TENNIS FACTS
Favourite grand slam
The Australian Open
Favourite pro player
Serena Williams and Gaël Monfils
INTERESTING INFO
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The Australian Open is my favorite Grand Slam because it starts the year with athletes who are fresh, healthy, and eager to bring their A-game from a clean slate.
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Tennis, though intense, is my perfect way to relax and unwind.
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As Napoleon Hill wisely said, 'If you can't yet do great things, do small things in a great way.' This philosophy resonates deeply with my approach to coaching and life.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I wanted to thank you for the training sessions. Your efforts and patience to me and my ancient friends have not gone unnoticed. Your approach has made this whole experience not only informative but enjoyable as well.
With the confidence i have gained through ur training i feel like i can take on todays Nadal and win!
2004
Matriculated
Pizza
Favourite food
Two kiddies
Jessica de Klerk
Tennis Admin Guru
Team player, dedicated, organised
INTERESTING INFO
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My favourite tennis player is still Roger Federer. It will take a while for another player to take his place, as he has been a family favourite for many, many years.
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My dream come true must be my two children. They inspire me everyday and motivate me to be the best possible version of myself.
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Although I love to dance and go to the beach in my free time, I also enjoy watching tennis and like to play socially on occasion.
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I believe that with God, anything is possible.
WBDN
Favourite grand slam
Childhood hometown: Welkom
Behind the scenes partners
Wilson
Sponsor
Attorney
Website & Marketing
Infinety
Company branding