Tesimonials
What Arun’s Students Say About Arun's Enduring Influence
A Legacy of Excellence - A Philosophy of Growth
On this Page
Share
Student Stories
Since founding his academy in 1984, Arun has developed a junior program unmatched in Northeast Ohio, producing NCAA champions, state champions and world-ranked professionals. Trained under the legendary Harry Hopman and armed with a Ph.D. in Philosophy, Arun blends rigorous technique with deep intellectual insight, forging players who excel not only in competition but in character. His mastery of coaching tennis, his scientific approach to training and his unwavering commitment to each student have earned him the reputation of “teacher of teachers.” From beginners to Grand Slam contenders, Arun’s students credit him with shaping their games and their lives.
Andrew Rueb
- Two-time Ivy-League player of the Year.
- Captain of the Harvard Tennis team.
- 1995 Scholar Athlete of the Year at Harvard.
- Highest Singles ATP World Ranking: #375.
- Highest Double ATP World Ranking: #203.
Currently the Men’s Head Tennis Coach at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Dr. Jetli continues to blaze a trail of tennis excellence across the record books of Northeast Ohio. Since he began his program in 1984, he has established a junior development program without peer. The numbers speak for themselves: 17 NCAA Division I-A captains and 8 Division III captains, as well as garnering 9 Ohio State high-school titles. In addition, he has coached four top ranked professional players at various Grand Prix and Grand Slam tournaments across the globe. Arun has been my coach since the age of 12 and under his tutelage I went on to be the captain of the Harvard tennis team and to play at Wimbledon. All in all, he has succeeded at every level of player development from taking beginners and turning them into high-school players to coaching tour professionals.
After getting his Ph. D. in Philosophy from The American University 1981, Arun has turned his intellect towards cultivating talent on the tennis court. He studied under the legendary Harry Hopman and made his teachings the bedrock for his academy. The two-on-one drills, which Hopman used to forge Laver and Rosewall’s game, are implemented to hone the footwork and train the volleys of his students. In fact, he is one of the only a handful of coaches who has consistently produce great volleyers – one of the lost arts of the modern game. When we traveled together on the circuit, many touring pros sought out Arun for volley assistance.
Arun is the teacher of teachers. Many of the areas pros have spent time under his direction. His players and pros have gone on to coach top college programs at Cleveland State, San Diego State and Colgate College as well as numerous high-school teams. He has also been a consultant on various programs throughout the area and was instrumental in University School’s four state team championships. It has been said that all of Cleveland tennis is a footnote to Arun.
Michael Isroff
- Two-Time Captain of University of Kansas Tennis Team.
- Big Eight Singles Champion.
Currently Portfolio Manager at PT Asset Management – Greater Chicago Area.
I first met Arun when I was a twelve-year old, just beginning to play competitive tennis. I was a complete novice. Under his guidance, my game
improved dramatically. I was able to play in college (where I was a two-time captain at the University of Kansas) and professionally.
I owe Arun so much, not only for my dramatic improvement on the tennis court, but also for the life lessons he taught me. Hard work, mental and physical preparedness, discipline, passion and honesty are a few of the tenets Arun has imparted on me, and with his help, these qualities continue to resonate deep within the person I am today. Arun is a tremendous teacher, listener, thinker and friend – he is a true role model.
Todd Meringoff
- ECAC Player of the Year.
- Co-Captain of the Harvard Men’s Tennis Team.
- 2 times Rolex Invitational Winner
- Highest Singles ATP World Ranking: #610.
- Highest Doubles ATP World Ranking: #320.
Currently working as the SVP Global Head of Treasury Risk at State Street – Boston Massachusetts.
I had the privilege of learning tennis from Arun for over two years as a newcomer to the professional tour. From the very beginning, it was clear that Arun is not just a great teacher, he is a remarkable human being. His ability to cover every dimension of the game – technical training, mental resilience, physical conditioning and high performance intensive training, sets him apart. He doesn’t just coach; he cultivates excellence. I only wish I had met him earlier in my career.
What truly makes Arun exceptional is his unwavering belief in each student’s potential. He saw strengths in me I hadn’t yet recognized and helped me get ready for tour events in record time. His mentorship shaped not only my game but my mindset, my discipline, and my confidence.
Srinath Prahlad
- Indian Junior Nationals Champion.
- Silver Medalist at the Asian Games – 1998 Bangkok Thailand.
- Member of the Indian Davis Cup Team 1998 – 2001.
- Highest Singles ATP World Ranking: #290.
Currently the CEO of Sat Sports – an elite coaching and mentorship academy for top global tennis talent – Bengaluru India.
I first met Dr. Arun Jetli when he visited India with his professional players for a satellite tournament. His ability to read players is unmatched and he saw potential in me long before I saw it myself. He later invited me to train at his Cleveland academy, where his mentorship helped me refine my skills and grow into the player I aspired to be.
Arun is part of a rare breed of coaches whose dedication and involvement with their players go far beyond the norm. He constantly brings fresh, innovative ideas to the court and has a unique ability to ignite energy and enthusiasm in his students. Beyond technique, he taught me the finer nuances of the game and helped me understand tennis on a deeper level.
One of Arun’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to blend his extensive tennis expertise with his philosophical background, aligning body, mind, and spirit in his training. Through his mentorship, I gained not only technical proficiency but also the self-confidence to thrive both on and off the court.
Tennis became a tool for personal and spiritual growth, reshaping my perspective on the sport and life itself. Thanks to the foundation Arun helped me build, I am now proud to be one of the most sought-after tennis coaches in India. Today, I coach Rohan Bopanna, who has been ranked in the top 20 on the ATP Tour.
