Globally recognized, the play tennis!™ Academy founded by Frederic Dewitte stands as a beacon of athletic excellence. Situated on the tropical Ishigaki Island in Japan, the 46-acre facility offers a one-of-a-kind environment centered around tennis, water sports, and entertainment—fostering innovation and talent in aspiring athletes. For over 15 years, the Academy has guided hundreds of international players toward achieving their goals through customized tennis and academic programs designed to meet each individual’s needs.
Our Tennis and School Program fuses academic and sports education into a cohesive year round program which includes tournaments and a specifically tailored curriculum. The aim of the program is to mold each student into a multifaceted individual capable of succeeding on and off the court. After graduating, the child will be well equipped to either join the professional tour or attend a U.S. university with scholarship.
Our philosophy focuses on creating mentally resilient student-athletes that can face daily challenges head on. Through tennis, our graduates learn the importance of adopting responsibility for one’s actions, mindset and relationships. Upon completion, our students are ready to continue their professional tennis careers or join the business world.
Ninomiya (far right) and Kato (far left) participating in the Fed Cup alongside Naomi Osaka
Born Into the Club Med Spirit.
Frederic Dewitte is born in Mauritius at Club Med to a French Chef de Village father and a Japanese tennis instructor mother, blending leadership, sport and multiculturalism from birth.
A Global, Multicultural Upbringing.
Raised across Club Med resorts worldwide, Frederic grows up immersed in sport, creativity, music and international cultures that shape his coaching philosophy.
High-Performance Junior Development.
Training in Florida, Frederic becomes a Florida State Champion, reaches Junior World No.138, represents Japan and competes at the Australian Open Juniors.
Academic Excellence.
Receives a scholarship to California Polytechnic State University, studying International Affairs and Psychology while graduating in the top 10% of his class.
Club Med From the Inside.
Returns to Club Med as staff, gaining valuable experience in hospitality, operations and community building.
Founding play tennis!™ California.
Launches an innovative community model providing free tennis lessons while opening private courts to the public.
Entry Into Grand Slam Coaching.
Invited to coach Ayano Shimizu during the US Open, marking his first Grand Slam coaching experience.
Touring the WTA Circuit.
Travels with World No.17 doubles player Makoto Ninomiya throughout the WTA Tour and Grand Slam events.
The Birth of the Academy.
Officially launches the Frederic Dewitte Tennis Academy by play tennis!™ in partnership with Club Med.
Expansion in Japan.
The Academy launches its first summer camps at Club Med Kiroro Grand, welcoming players from across Japan.
Kabira Ishigaki Vision.
The Academy establishes its flagship campus at Club Med Kabira Ishigaki with elite long-term boarding programs.
Frederic will watch your game, identify your strengths, address any technical issues and consider any underlying overarching perspective-related blocks that may be affecting your performance.