Meet Remi Feneon – Our Head Coach

If you’ve spent any time around Burnside Park Tennis Club, you’ll probably know Remi Feneon, our Head Coach. But you may not know just how much tennis experience is behind the friendly face you see on court!

Remi’s love affair with tennis started in France, where he enjoyed a very successful junior playing career. Between 1988 and 1992 he was ranked in the Top 20 under-16 and under-18 juniors in France, before heading to America to play college tennis at Ole Miss.

His years in the US were another big part of his playing journey. Between 1992 and 1996, Remi was ranked in the Top 20 in singles and Top 10 in doubles, and was named All-American for two years running.

After representing France in international competitions, Remi continued playing at a high level and has never really stopped! He has won numerous tournaments over the years, including the Canterbury Open three times, the Canterbury Interprovincial twice, and National titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles in 2023.

He has also represented New Zealand at the World Veterans Championships, competed in more than 50 tournaments on the French money circuit, and is currently ranked in the Top 3 of the 50+ rankings in New Zealand.

But while Remi has had an impressive career as a player, it is his coaching career that has really taken him around the world.

A passion for coaching

Remi has been coaching for 30 years, with his coaching journey taking him through France, America, South Africa and New Zealand.

He holds ITF Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications and has worked with players ranging from complete beginners through to elite international competitors.

Over the years, he has coached at academies, clubs and regional and national programmes across four different continents. He has coached more than 300 children through various programmes and has helped develop players who have gone on to represent New Zealand.

He has also had the opportunity to work with some very talented players, including two former top ATP Cup players, and has helped produce National Champions in both South Africa and New Zealand.

Closer to home, Remi was Canterbury Regional Coach from 2006 to 2012 and has been named Canterbury Coach of the Year three times.

So what does he enjoy most about coaching?

For Remi, it isn't simply about producing elite players or winning tournaments.

One of the great things about having Remi at Burnside is that he can work with everyone. Whether you're a young Hotshot picking up a racquet for the first time, a junior wanting to improve your game, an adult learning the basics or a competitive player looking to take your tennis to the next level, Remi has the experience to help you.

His coaching has included Hotshots, Tennis Xpress, Interclub, academy programmes and private lessons, so there aren't many areas of the game he hasn't been involved in!

And after three decades of coaching, it is clear that Remi still loves being on court.

Remi at Burnside

We are very lucky to have Remi leading our coaching programme at Burnside Park Tennis Club.

He brings not only an impressive playing and coaching background, but also a huge amount of knowledge gained from working with players and coaches around the world.

And perhaps most importantly, he brings that experience back to our courts here at Burnside, helping our players — young and old — get better, enjoy their tennis and hopefully develop the same love for the game that has kept Remi playing and coaching for so many years.

So next time you see Remi on court, say hello — and if you're lucky, he might even give you a few tips! 🎾

(photo is of Remi and his wife Joelene)