Tennis Lessons
Whether you are a beginner or advanced, our certified professional instructors will help you improve your skills.
Arrange a private, semi-private or small group lesson with one of our Tennis Professionals. Tennis lessons are a terrific way to improve you technique, tactics and strategies. With focused attention and instruction, it is a great way to improve your tennis ability.
Tennis Programs are a great alternative to lessons. Learn more about programs on our Adult Tennis Programs or Junior Tennis Programs pages.
To get started with private tennis lessons, contact our Pros:
Pierre Tafelski- Tennis Director
Pierre has over a decade in high performance as a NCAA Division 1 player, NCAA Division 1 Head Coach and Director of High Performance in Canada. He brings a wealth of experience from all over the world coaching internationally ranked players.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Coach 3
Fun fact: Pierre once swam with sharks in the sea. Loves to spend time playing soccer and traveling.
Contact Info: pierre@rideausportscentre.com
Sacha Krishna- Head Pro & Head of Adult Programs
Sacha has been coaching juniors and adults for over 20 years. Sacha always ensures a positive learning environment for his students, bringing a passion and enthusiasm for the game guaranteed to improve your game and hook you for life.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Club Pro 3
Fun Fact: When he’s not on the court, Sacha spends his time playing hockey, watching MMA, and playing with any dog he meets!
Contact Info: sacha@rideausportscentre.com
Rachel Cruickshank- Head of High Performance and Competitive Development
Rachel has competed at the local, provincial, national and international level, winning over 10 Ottawa City Championship titles and competing in several International Tennis Federation (ITF) events. She has over 10 years experience coaching recreational and competitive juniors and adults
Certifications: Tennis Canada Coach 3 Certification, Tennis Canada Course Facilitator
Fun fact: Rachel once met Roger Federer at Wimbledon
Contact Info: rachel@rideausportscentre.com
Alex Harea- Head of Junior Tennis Development
Alex grew up playing competitively at a provincial level and developed a passion for teaching early on in his life. With experience building some of the largest junior recreational programs in the National Capital Region, Alex specializes in play-based, student-centred development for children and adults.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Club Pro 3
Fun Fact: When he’s not on the court, you can find him writing and producing original music under the name “Harea Band”.
Contact Info: alex@rideausportscentre.com
Renga Moi Hutchinson – Tennis Professional
Renga has been teaching Tennis for 17 years at hotels, resorts and schools in the Caribbean, and most recently at RSC. Renga has a patient approach and specializes in beginner and intermediate level students looking to improve and have fun playing tennis.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Club Pro 1
Fun Fact: Renga trained Haydn Lewis, who had a career high ATP ranking of #583
Contact Info: renga@rideausportscentre.com
Zhenya – Tennis Professional
Zhenya’s background is in high performance and coaching. He brings over thirty years of experience coaching juniors and adults of all levels, and has worked with many provincial, national and NCAA players. He is also an OTA Regional Coordinator for Ottawa and University of Ottawa Tennis Team Head Coach. Zhenya is always open to learning, finding new ways to coach, share his knowledge, experience, and love of the sport with others.
Certifications: Tennis Canada Certified Coach 2, Club Pro 2, Cardio Tennis Certified
Fun fact: When not on the court, Zhenya enjoys a good book or a film, as well as taking his toy poodle for a nature walk.
Contact Info: zhenya@rideausportscentre.com
Sabina Machalova – Tennis Professional
Sabina has a wealth of high performance knowledge from her experiences competing at the National and Collegiate level. From the Czech Republic, she clinched the Under 18 National Champion in Singles and Doubles. Transitioning to the collegiate level, Sabina competed as an NCAA Division 1 player at the University of Mississippi, earning rankings – #16 in Singles and #20 in Doubles. She also spent a number of years coaching at the University of Michigan.
Certifications: Undergoing Club Professional 2
Fun fact: When not on court, you can find Sabina enjoying books or watching documentaries.
Contact Info: sabina@rideausportscentre.com
