About Excel Tennis Coaching Melbourne
Established in January 2000, Excel Tennis has grown into one of Melbourne’s most trusted and well regarded tennis coaching providers.
For more than two decades, we have focused on creating positive tennis experiences that help players enjoy the game, build confidence, and continue improving over time. Our programs welcome juniors and adults at different stages of their tennis journey, from those new to the sport through to players who train and compete at a high level.
Excel Tennis is built on a simple belief: great coaching, a supportive environment, and clear structure make tennis more enjoyable and more sustainable for players and families.
Our Vision
To inspire players of all ages to enjoy tennis, embrace healthy competition, and build a lifelong connection to the sport.
Our Mission
To deliver professional, well organised coaching programs that develop skills, confidence, and character, while supporting every player to progress at their own pace.
Our Values
Our values guide how we coach, communicate, and build our community.
Excellence in Coaching
We maintain high standards in coaching, organisation, and player care.
Enjoyment
Players learn best in an environment that is positive, encouraging, and supportive.
Growth
We recognise that every player’s journey is different and focus on steady, long term improvement.
Respect
We promote sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork on and off the court.
Community
We foster a welcoming and inclusive club environment where players and families feel connected.
Join Excel Tennis
Whether you are picking up a racquet for the first time or looking to enjoy competition as part of a team, Excel Tennis provides the structure, guidance, and support to help you enjoy your tennis and continue improving.
Marcus Petrou
Director & Head Coach
Marcus Petrou is a highly experienced tennis coach with a long history of developing players across all stages of the game, from young juniors discovering tennis for the first time to athletes competing at national and international levels.
Marcus worked closely with world class international coaches in Australia and Europe, trained within leading tennis academies, and competed extensively on the international circuit. While still competing internationally as a player, he began his coaching career at the age of 16. By the age of 18, he had achieved Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach status, and his coaching pathway has continued to evolve alongside his on court experience.
Playing Background
As a player, Marcus competed extensively across Europe and internationally. He was the winner of the Bourge Open in France, a finalist at the Luneville Open, and competed in over 200 tournament finals, satellite events, and professional money tournaments worldwide.
During this period, Marcus was also an official member of the Cyprus Davis Cup Team during the era that included Marcos Baghdatis, former world No. 8 and finalist of the 2006 Australian Open.
Marcus also spent time as a hitting partner for ATP professionals ranked inside the world’s Top 50, gaining first hand exposure to the training standards, pace, and technical demands of the professional game. This experience significantly elevated his understanding of tennis and provided him with a deeper perspective on elite training environments.
Coaching Experience and Philosophy
After stepping away from full time competition, Marcus progressed into senior coaching roles, including selection as an Assistant Coach with the Victorian Institute of Sport. He has worked alongside respected international coaches and within high performance training environments, gaining insight into what genuinely supports player development over time.
Marcus has also supported players through international training experiences, including accompanying juniors to leading overseas academies, further broadening his understanding of global development pathways and training environments.
At the same time, Marcus has always remained deeply committed to participation based coaching. As a father of three, he understands the importance of creating sessions that are engaging, positive, and age appropriate, particularly for younger players and families new to tennis.
His coaching philosophy balances structure with enjoyment, and technical clarity with emotional support. Whether working with beginners, competition juniors, or highly committed players, Marcus prioritises confidence, consistency, and long term development over short term outcomes.
Player Development Outcomes
Over the course of his coaching career, Marcus has personally coached and developed players who have achieved a wide range of competitive milestones, including:
- Three players achieving Australian No. 1 rankings in 12 and Under Singles
- Top 3 and Top 10 national rankings across 14, 16, and 18 and Under Singles and Doubles
- Australian National Championships Singles and Doubles titles at 12 and Under and 14 and Under
- Multiple Top 100 International ITF Junior Singles rankings
- International ITF Junior Singles titles
- International Junior Grand Slam main draw appearances
- Numerous United States college scholarship placements
- Players achieving ATP and WTA world rankings as high as 343
While these outcomes reflect the upper end of Marcus’s coaching experience, they sit alongside his broader work helping hundreds of players build skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the sport.
Leading Excel Tennis
As Director and Head Coach of Excel Tennis, Marcus brings together his competitive background, coaching experience, and commitment to positive club culture. He leads a coaching team focused on delivering well planned programs, clear communication, and an environment where players of all ages can enjoy tennis and continue improving at their own pace.
