Coach Unboxed EP14: Yannick chats with Carlos Alberto Kirmayr, a former Brazilian #1 player and ATP #36 singles and #6 doubles, who as a coach has guided Gabriela Sabatini, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to top 3 WTA and a US Open championship (with Sabatini). He now leads his training center mentoring future generations of players and coaches.

They discuss Kirmayr’s California college tennis days, the challenges of “going pro” back in the ‘70s and enjoying tennis as a lifestyle on tour and in the later years as he matured. He talks about the Davis Cup making him known in Brazil, playing other legends and the natural transition into coaching pro players due to his affinity with the tour. Kirmayr shares more on building off-court dynamics that contributed to his players’ success and how continuous coaching education should be a priority at all levels.

About Carlos Alberto Kirmayr: Fondly known as “Kirma,” he has a career spanning 65+ years dedicated to tennis. He started playing at the age of 4 and at 17 set off to study in the U.S., winning several college titles. From that success, Kirmayr represented Brazil for 15 years in the Davis Cup (also as a coach and captain). He became #1 in Brazil and went on to reach #36 ATP in singles and #6 in doubles, winning 15 doubles titles and 14 runner-ups. Some of his best wins came against John McEnroe, Ilie Nastase, Ivan Lendl, among other greats.

Kirmayr eventually became a tour coach, winning the 1990 U.S. Open title with Gabriela Sabatini and guiding her, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Conchita Martínez all to the top 3 WTA with combined 22 WTA singles titles and multiple Grand Slam semifinals. Fifteen years ago, Kirmayr opened this training center in Serra Negra, Brazil, offering a complete academic and tennis program for prospective college players. He has helped develop 200+ players, and also guided 5,000+ coaches through his advocacy and training, now continuing the work as the GPTCA National President of Brazil.   

Follow Carlos Kirmayr on Instagram @kirmayroficial and LinkedIn Carlos Kirmayr.

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Production: Unbox Sports; Location: ⁠Embarc Collective⁠; Music: ⁠BongÔMusics⁠; Photo: CarlosKirmayr