I’m 💔

Alan Jones-My long time Tennis coach and mentor who I trained with as a junior all the way to professional. A legend in the tennis world. Fun, cheeky, full of life and energy and able to bring out the best in everyone who trained with you.

Alan, you impacted my life more than anyone on the planet. I learned the meaning of hard work, discipline and perseverance and how it correlates to success. You were also way ahead of your time on the importance of movement in tennis. I always credit you, not just for helping me be a better tennis player, but for life lessons that gave me a game plan to go from a C student to an A student, and to persue and succeed at a music career. 
I try to instill in my kids the things you taught me and I always tell the story of the first time I met you.. I was the No 2 junior in the UK for my age group at the time and I thought I was ‘IT girl’. You rallied with me for 3 minutes and then you said, “You’re the laziest tennis player I’ve ever seen!”. 
I was floored and confused. That sentence changed my life though. You took me under your wing from there with a crazy combo of harshness, positivity and kindness. You always made time for me and helped me find my limits. I was so happy to reconnect with you 2 months ago, and I was so excited to have you work with my son, Maxwell. You were gonna make time for him too. I can’t believe this happened so fast. 
You have made such an impact on so many people’s lives. I feel lucky to have had you in my life on such a level and that you dedicated so much time to helping me grow.(Thanks for all the unforgettable trips to the players section at Wimbledon too!!) I’m glad I at least got to tell you some of this 2 months ago on the phone but gutted not to get to see you again as we planned. 
Rest knowing that you crushed this lifetime and you will go down as a legend in the British tennis history books. 
R.I.P. 
Deepest condolences to your fam Ryan, LAURA and Jo Durie