Eric Hechtman
05:51, 5 November 2025 (UTC)Natalia D Novikova (talk)
Eric Hechtman is an American tennis coach and former collegiate player. He is best known for coaching Venus Williams and Serena Williams during the later stages of their careers. A former top-ranked junior and record-holding NCAA athlete, Hechtman has also worked with WTA professionals including Genie Bouchard, Peyton Stearns, and, as of 2025, Hailey Baptiste, whom he currently coaches.[1]
Early life and playing career
Eric Hechtman was born and raised in Miami, Florida. As a junior player, he was ranked No. 1 in the state of Florida in the Boys' 18s and reached No. 2 nationally in the Boys' 16s.[2]
He played NCAA Division I tennis for the University of Miami, serving as team captain for three seasons. He remains the program’s all-time leader in career match wins.[2]
Coaching career
After college, Hechtman became Director of Tennis at Royal Palm Tennis Club in Miami. He developed numerous junior players who advanced to NCAA Division I programs and simultaneously achieved a No. 1 national ranking in the U.S. Men’s Open division.[2]
He has received recognition as USPTA Coach of the Year and holds certifications from both the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).[2] Hechtman is also a contributing coach on SportsEdTV, where he shares educational coaching content with a global audience.[3]
Venus and Serena Williams
In 2019, Hechtman began coaching Venus Williams, working with her at all four Grand Slam tournaments and WTA events including Indian Wells, the Miami Open, and the Italian Open.[2]
In 2022, he was selected to coach Serena Williams during her final season, including Wimbledon and the 2022 US Open. The New York Times reported that Serena chose Hechtman due to his existing relationship with Venus and his coaching background.[4]
Other WTA coaching roles
In 2023, Hechtman coached Genie Bouchard during the clay season and began working with Peyton Stearns at the US Open. Under his guidance, Stearns reached the Round of 16, marking a career milestone.[2]
As of 2025, Hechtman is the full-time coach of American WTA player Hailey Baptiste.[1]
Eric Hechtman Tennis Academy
Hechtman leads the Eric Hechtman Tennis Academy, which offers private and virtual coaching, video analysis, tactical and physical training, and college consulting for juniors and adult competitors.[5]
Media and outreach
Hechtman discussed his coaching journey and principles on The Functional Tennis Podcast, where he emphasized mental resilience, structured preparation, and professional standards.[6]
He also contributes coaching content on SportsEdTV, where he shares video lessons and expert tips for players and coaches globally.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Eric Hechtman – WTA Coach Profile". WTA. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "About – Eric Hechtman". EricHechtman.com. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Eric Hechtman – SportsEdTV Coach Profile". SportsEdTV. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ Clarey, Christopher (June 27, 2022). "Serena Williams and Her Coach Are Still Learning About Each Other". The New York Times. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ "Tennis Academy – Eric Hechtman". EricHechtman.com. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- ↑ "Eric Hechtman - Coaching Serena & Venus Williams". The Functional Tennis Podcast. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
External links
- Official website
- Eric Hechtman Tennis Academy
- Instagram – @erichechtman
- WTA Coach Profile
- Functional Tennis Podcast Interview
- Eric Hechtman on SportsEdTV
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