What is the Tennis:Europe difference?
At the same time Tennis: Europe, however, is also about something more than just tennis. It's about believing in the power of a team. Beginning as a bunch of individuals in an individual sport, the teams commonly develop into close-knit families. As a participant on Tennis: Europe, you get to compete as part of a USA Junior Team at tournaments in foreign locations - expanding your athletic, academic, and social horizons. Furthermore, you learn life lessons through new experiences, and you get to pursue the dream of living like a touring pro.
Our Team
Dr. Martin Vinokur – Founder, Director
Martin started TENNIS:EUROPE in 1973. He spent 10 years as the New York State School Tennis Coordinator and coached both boys’ and girls’ high school teams for 22 years. His Rye, New York, girls’ team won four consecutive league titles and 29 straight matches, earning him “Coach of the Year” awards. He was awarded the U.S. Professional Tennis Association’s outstanding service award for his many years of accomplishments in tennis. Martin played his college tennis for Clark University (MA), received his Master’s in history from Columbia and his PhD in political science from The American University. Before Tennis:Europe, he taught high school history.
Moritz Koenig – Consultant
Moritz, who speaks four languages, has participated in TENNIS: EUROPE since 2004 as a player, coach and, more recently, Associate Director. He received his degree from Amherst College (MA) and his MSC from Oxford University. At Amherst, Moritz was senior captain of the men’s tennis team that won the 2011 Division III National Championship. He was a two-time All-American, three-time All-NESCAC and an ITA and NESCAC All Academic. He played tennis for Oxford and on the ATP Futures circuit, gaining an ATP ranking.
Former Staff Member, Dr. Nicole LaVoi honored as a Champion of Equality at 2023 U.S. Open
We are pleased to congratulate Dr. Nicole LaVoi, director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the U. of Minn., as the honoree from the USTA Northern section for her commitment, leadership, research, service, passion for tennis and dedication to equality for women in sport. She was presented with her award at the Billie Jean King Champions of Equality night last August 28 at the U.S. Open.. Dr. LaVoi served on the Tennis; Europe Coaching staff for 3 summers in the 1990s. Dr. LaVoi played college tennis for Gustavus Adolphus, winning an NCAA Division III Championship, coached at Wellesley College and in recent years has spoken at various tennis conventions around the world, produced two Emmy nominated documentaries and written an award winning book, Women in Sports Coaching. Her credentials could fill many more pages. and like many of our past coaches, we are proud of her latest achievement.
History of Tennis: Europe
Accomplishments Over The Years
1973
First team of 5 players and Martin Vinokur traveled to European tournaments in Rotterdam, Holland, Hamburg and Munich, Germany. Bob Stein, whose idea launched Tennis: Europe, was one of the original 5.
1977
Tennis: Europe sent the first junior tennis team to travel behind the Iron-Curtain to Romania.
1980’s
Two past players gained ATP Top-20 rankings: ‘ Mel Purcell of Kentucky at #20 and Chip Hooper of Northern California at #11 in the world. Meanwhile, two-time participant Larry Scott later became CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
1986
Tennis: Europe conducted its first North America team to California, followed by a team that in 2009 traveled ‘Down Under’ to Australia.
1992
Tennis: Europe attended the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. The visit included a number of Olympic events, highlighted by a game of the American ‘Dream Team’ in the basketball tournament. The same year the State Department selected Tennis: Europe to present a tennis demonstration at Spain’s World Fair in Seville.
1997
Tennis: Europe celebrated its 25th Anniversary Year with Reunion Banquet in Manhattan.
2012
Tennis: Europe attended the London Olympics with tickets to tennis at Wimbledon, beach volleyball, swimming and badminton.
2024
Tennis: Europe now has taken a total of 5,709 teenagers to 1770 tournaments in Europe, North America and Australia improving their tennis match results but more importantly making a difference in their personal, cultural and educational development.