A passion for tennis runs through his family. Max’s father is an avid tennis player and still enjoys playing both club and SWD provincial tennis. Max fondly remembers that it all started for him as a 6 years old whilst on holiday in Durban with his family. The hotel where they stayed had tennis courts. Max was eager to play and asked his dad to buy him his first tennis racquet. He treasures the memories he has of them on the court playing tennis together. Max joined KeNako Academy at the beginning of 2016. Besides being a talented tennis player, he enjoys fishing, boats, breathing in fresh air and living an active lifestyle.

You can find this motivated young player on the tennis courts 6 days a week. Each week he has five individual tennis sessions and two squad sessions. His program combines intense court training with a custom‐designed plan working on elements such as grip, game style, movement on and off the court, body strength, core strength and overall athleticism. His ambition is evident for all to see and it is one of his major strengths. Max is sponsored by Dunlop.

The first tournament he competed in was the U13 Interpro played in Pretoria, where he represented SWD. He competed in the singles, doubles and a mixed match. Highlights of his last 5 years include winning the RVTA Mini Series in Potchefstroom in 2014 and making the Provincial Team.

Max attends school at Rundle College where he is an IG 2 student. His subjects include; Environmental Management, Business Studies, Maths, Geography, Afrikaans and English. After he matriculates he intends attending college or university in America. He aspires to play as a professional on the international tennis circuit.

He decided to join KeNako because he wanted to spend more time on the court and perfect his technique. Max said: “I think the academy is well organised, it has great facilities and everyone is really friendly. I am surrounded by really nice people. Simultaneously I have the opportunity to get a great education which is fantastic. In the gym Jan-Harm is knowledgeable and experienced and all the professionals are accommodating and supportive.” He believes he has a strong mental game. When he does get stressed during a match he compensates by motivating himself. He believes his competitive advantage lies in his effective and powerful service.

The player that he looks up to is French professional Gaël Monfils, who is a former French number 1 and who has reached a career-high singles ranking of world number 7. Max not only enjoys Monfils’ tennis skills but also his on and off-court personality.

Max was one of KeNako Academy’s first intake of tennis players and it is his efforts and those of his tennis playing colleagues Guy and Drew Conroy-Evens that will see the tennis side of KeNako growing. It was not that long ago that KeNako enrolled its first 4 golf playing students! Keep working hard Max and you will achieve your goals!