BRADENTON, Florida • IMG Academy has announced the addition of internationally renowned strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura to the IMG Academy Tennis program. Nakamura will assume the role of Head of Tennis Physical Conditioning. He will oversee all aspects of physical conditioning at IMG Academy including programming and delivery for boarding school students, professional trainees and youth and adult campers.
“I am looking forward to reigniting the culture that has driven so many players who have developed at the Academy and succeeded at the highest level,” remarked Nakamura. “I’ve been to many facilities over the years, and nowhere else has the resources and the team to drive player development holistically like IMG.”
The appointment marks a return to IMG Academy for Nakamura, who served in a similar capacity as Performance Director of Tennis from 2005 – 09. During that time, Nakamura oversaw the physical conditioning and development of many top players, including the likes of Kei Nishikori, Tommy Haas, Mary Pierce, Max Mirnyi and Xavier Malisse. Nakamura most recently served as Maria Sharapova’s physical trainer for the past seven years, a span in which she won three Grand Slam titles and reached No. 1 in the world twice.
“Having Yutaka’s expertise and presence on campus will immediately elevate the delivery of our tennis program,” said Chip McCarthy, IMG Academy Managing Director. “His methodology has helped take so many players to the next level in their careers. Every athlete in our program will benefit from his passion for performance excellence.”
About IMG Academy
IMG Academy is one of the world’s largest and most advanced multi-sport training and educational institutions. IMG Academy helps countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes reach their full potential in and out of sport by providing world-class teaching and coaching, tailored programs and professional facilities. IMG Academy also serves as a training and competition venue for amateur and professional teams, a host site for a variety of events, and a hub for sports performance research and innovation.
Topics: 10sballs, IMG, Sports, Tennis, Tennis Physical Conditioning, Yutaka Nakamura