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!
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.
Jason Kleynhans
Dedicated, motivational and Encouraging
Age when I started with tennis:
12
2021
Year my coaching career started:
Double-handed backhand
WBDN
Favourite Grand slam
Right-handed
Height: 1.75cm
TENNIS FACTS
Tennis coaching qualifications
Play and Stay
Favourite pro player
Carlos Alcaraz
INTERESTING INFO
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Tennis gives me a sense of freedom and control, allowing me to channel that energy into guiding my players toward their goals.
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I firmly believe that the best way to predict your future is to create it, and I bring this mindset into every coaching session.
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Helping individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals is my passion - I thrive on breaking through obstacles and building confidence together.
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