Jimmy Arias wants to model students at the IMG Academy after this tennis legend...

Former World No. 5 Jimmy Arias, who is now the Director of Player Development at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, says that he likes to model the students at the academy after tennis legend John McEnroe.

Jimmy Arias says he likes to model students after John McEnroe

The 56 year old Arias, who won 5 ATP singles titles in his career, recently spoke to Buffalo News about his role at the IMG Academy.  “I like to model our students after John McEnroe. The main reason is that we want them to play to the best of their ability. The harder they work, the more I will try to help them improve.”

The American is also trying to change some parts of the program at the academy so that players compete against different opponents, which will help them compete better. "I have tried to change the program so the players play against different opponents. I want each individual player to be concerned about getting better, winning as much as they can and learning how to compete, regardless of their competition.”

One of the other aspects of his job that Arias loves is helping kids develop their game and improve their mindset, by remaining positive at all times. “I like nothing better than working with the kids. If they are not playing well, I try to change their outlook on their game. As long as I can affect their game and see improvement, I am very happy. ... When I teach I ask each player how they are thinking when they play a match. If they are nervous, what do they do to overcome negative feelings? I stress being positive at all times."

Among Arias' career highlights were reaching the semi-finals of the US Open in 1983. He also won the 1981 French Open Mixed Doubles event with Andrea Jaeger.

John McEnroe is considered to be among the greatest players in tennis history, with an outstanding record in singles & doubles. He reached the No. 1 spot in singles and doubles, and won 77 singles and 78 doubles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles titles and nine men's Grand Slam doubles titles. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Q0vPt6