Tennis Development Week 2026 kicks off in KL to raise Malaysian talent

KUALA LUMPUR – A major initiative aimed at elevating Malaysian tennis has officially commenced as Duta International Tennis Academy, in collaboration with Florida’s renowned IMG Academy, hosts Tennis Development Week 2026.

The intensive 11-day event runs from Aug 21 to Aug 31, bringing world-class training programmes, competitive tournaments and educational seminars to local courts.

The action-packed schedule features performance clinics, junior discovery qualifiers, adult focus groups and grassroots sessions designed to nurture every level of player.

IMG Academy World Tour Tennis Clinician Peter Van Lieshout

IMG Academy World Tour Tennis Clinician Peter Van Lieshout highlighted the immense potential present within the Malaysian tennis landscape.

Having been part of IMG Academy since 2007 as both a former student and coach, Lieshout noted that surrounding themselves with top-tier organisations like Duta International Tennis Academy (Duta) aligns perfectly with their mission.

He stressed that the primary objective for the event is to ensure young athletes leave improved, inspired and thoroughly excited about the sport.

“Malaysia is a great country, having an academy like Duta can improve young athletes' development significantly,” Lieshout said.

With crucial competitions starting just days into the clinic, Lieshout explained that coaching staff are actively prioritising strategic and tactical development.

Rather than overhauling mechanics in a short window, the focus remains on instilling a strong competitive mindset, encouraging players to embrace challenges and teaching them to navigate pressure on the court.

He added that sustaining long-term growth in tennis requires keeping youngsters engaged in physical discipline while stepping away from digital distractions.

“The most important thing is keeping students engaged in activity because now students are less active as they are too occupied with staying at home and playing on their phones.

“So, it is very important to keep them involved in sport and encourage them to embrace discomfort, as this stimulates both the mind and the body at the same time,” he said.

Duta International Tennis Academy head coach and former national player V. Selvam

Duta International Tennis Academy head coach and former national player V. Selvam expressed his excitement over bringing the partnership to fruition.

Having represented Malaysia for 25 years and managed the academy for 26 years, Selvam described working alongside IMG Academy as a dream come true for local sports development.

“Actually, I’m introducing to our parents and the kids that this is IMG

“IMG is not only about tennis, but education as well,” he said.

He emphasised that the event provides an invaluable gateway, offering young talent direct opportunities to combine high-level athletic training with academic pathways.

Selvam pointed out that the winners of these tournaments will secure a spot to train at IMG Academy in Florida for four weeks, competing directly against juniors from around the globe.

“This tournament is not only held in Malaysia; it is held across countries around the world,” he added.

Addressing the issue of limited court availability across the country, he called upon the Youth and Sports Ministry to support infrastructure expansion, particularly for B40 athletes who possess high potential but lack facility access.

“I hope the ministry can look into this, as there are many players from the B40 group who have great potential but need support to access proper courts.

“They cannot play at clubs because most clubs require membership,” he said.