Tennis Talk
May 2026
Hello Members of The Orlando Tennis Centre
Welcome back to another edition of OTC Tennis Talk! We're here to keep you informed about all the latest happenings at the Orlando Tennis Centre.
Let's celebrate, it’s National Tennis Month!
This May, we’d like to take a moment to share our appreciation for our members and your love for the game of Tennis. We see your dedication and commitment to show up for the sport you cherish day after day. You continue to inspire us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you here at the Orlando Tennis Centre. Happy National Tennis Month!
Group classes are now live! Sign up before they’re full!
Join us this summer at the Orlando Tennis Centre for our Adult and Youth Clinics. Our four-week programs are built to help all players learn and excel in the game of tennis. Whether you are picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to perfect a preexisting skill set, we have classes for everyone!
Special balls and racquets will be provided for youth clinics.
Interested in signing up? Visit orlando.gov/tennis and click the “Sign up for clinics” button to see our current class descriptions and times.
Meet our Coaches
Interested in taking one-on-one classes? Ever thought about joining a group clinic? OTC has a variety of coaches part of our team who are here to help make your tennis experience one you won’t forget!
Larry White is a PTR‑certified tennis instructor with over 24 years of experience teaching adults and juniors from beginner to advanced levels. A former professional circuit player, he earned top state rankings in Georgia and North Carolina and won the Georgia State Open Doubles Championship. He has coached at the UNC‑Chapel Hill Faculty Club, several top Southeast clubs, and served as a varsity head coach in North Carolina.
Ron Shelton has been teaching tennis since age 20, coaching through programs in Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, and now Florida. A certified tennis and pickleball professional, he holds backgrounds in Motor Learning, Sports Psychology, and Sports Management. Ron specializes in building strong fundamentals and helping juniors and competitive players develop technical skill and mental toughness.
Gus Fernandes is a USPTA and USPTR‑certified tennis professional with USTA SafePlay and CPR credentials. A former top‑10 ITF World Junior ranked player and three‑time ITF champion, he competed at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open juniors. He later reached #3 in NCAA Division I rankings as LSU team captain and went on to play on the ATP Tour. Gus graduated from Louisiana State University in 1997.
Paul Lefiti is a serve specialist with over 15 years of experience and the founder of the SERVESUP Motion Capture Serving Lab. He has been coaching at the Orlando Tennis Centre since 2024 and is known for making the mechanics of the serve easy to understand. Paul uses a simple, clear teaching style—backed by multi‑camera video, motion tracking, and speed measurements—to help players fix common issues, clean up their technique, and build a faster, more efficient serve. He works with players of all ages and levels, focusing on practical improvements that lead to real power and better results on the court.
Jordan Belga is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he received his B.S in Sport Management along with a minor in Business Administration. Coach Jordan’s career has brought him to become an OTC teaching pro and a recruiter for Yonex. He has been playing tennis since he was 9 years old and was a star junior player, with highlights that included being ranked No. 1 in the Boys' 12s and representing the U.S. in the World Junior Team Tennis competition in the Czech Republic. In college, he competed for the Florida Gators and helped lead the men's team to the SEC Tournament championship.
Memorial Day: Early Closure
Mark your calendars OTC will be closing early at 5 p.m. on May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Please make arrangements as needed.
Coming Soon: Orlando Tennis Centre’s Nutrition Column!
Keep an eye out for updates every month on tips, tricks and different recipes for healthy living!
Rules Corner
Our guidelines are in place to keep the facility running smoothly and ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable experience. We kindly ask that you keep these rules in mind:
- No food, soft drinks/tea/coffee, gum are allowed on the courts. If you need to eat or drink a non-sports beverage, please use picnic areas provided.
- All reserved courts will reopen 10 minutes after the set time if the party does not show.
- Only city certified Tennis Professionals are authorized and allowed to provide tennis instruction, private lessons and clinics at the Orlando Tennis Centre. The use of ball hoppers by members or guests is prohibited. A maximum of six balls at a time are allowed on the court.
- When thunder roars, go indoors: Stop all activities and go inside. Wait 30 minutes after the last lighting you see before resuming activities.
- Court playability is up to the discretion of the Orlando Tennis Centre staff.
- Players must be courteous to other players and to the Orlando Tennis Centre staff.
- Orlando Tennis Centre staff have the final decision regarding all delays or cancellations.
- Failure to observe the above rules and regulations may result in immediate stoppage of play and possible removal from the Tennis Centre or being suspended/banned from future use of facilities.
Read our full list of rules