EMPOWERING GROWTH AND COMMUNITY THROUGH TENNIS
At Second Serve Tennis, our mission is to build life skills and foster community both on and off the court. We provide access to tailored coaching that develops your game at your own pace, offering options ranging from intense workouts to technique-focused sessions, all designed to motivate and inspire our students.
PHILOSOPHY + APPROACH
At Second Serve Tennis, we believe in nurturing not just athletes but well-rounded individuals. Our coaching philosophy—shaped by Alex’s diverse career and international experiences, including teaching tennis and English in Spain—is centered on self-awareness, immersion, perspective, and relationships. We offer personalized training that targets your needs, whether that's improving technique, boosting physical fitness, or experiencing the sheer joy of the game.
Why Choose Second Serve Tennis?
- Expert Coaching -
With 100+ athletes trained, including from beginners to advanced, our coaching philosophy focuses on building life skills through tennis, fostering community connections, and ensuring everyone’s journey is as rewarding as it is fun.
- Personalized Training -
Whether you’re aiming for an intense workout, a focus on technique, or a mix of both, our programs are tailored to fit your individual goals. Our small group sizes ensure personalized attention, maximizing your development.
- Detailed Offerings -
Dive into the world of tennis with our comprehensive offerings! From private lessons to group classes join us and experience the thrill of the game surrounded by a vibrant tennis community.
WAYS TO GET STARTED
Book a 15-min consult with Coach Alex
This allows our coaches and athletes to gain valuable insights into each others goals and styles.
Free consultation over the phone at your convenience.
Schedule a 60-min 1:1 private lesson
Get on the court with a 60-min lesson to get a feel for our coaching first hand.
Use promo code “FIRSTSERVE” to receive 10% off your first lesson.
Purchase a lesson package
Transform your game with our 4-package of private lessons designed for players of all levels. From mastering the fundamentals to fine-tuning advanced techniques, our coaches guide you every step of the way.
What our parents and athletes are saying
Jason + Patrick
Parents of Athlete
"Our daughters’ lessons with Alex are not just about grip and hitting the ball. Alex uses various techniques to bring the best out of players and improve their all around game. We've watched our daughters improve not only in her skills as a budding tennis player but also in her confidence, discipline, fitness and leadership skills. They look forward to their lessons with Alex and have decided that tennis is their sport."
Mariana
Current Athlete
“Alex and her team have brought such joy to me and my family. Having worked with Second Serve myself as well as observing them working with kids (my own included) of all ages, I can say that the services go far beyond just tennis skills. With each lesson, the team creates a beautiful balance of sportsmanship and enthusiasm, dedication and fun, all while building the necessary skills to become a better tennis player. Personally, I have gone from nominally coordinated complete novice, to happily competitive registered USTA tournament player. Moreover, the Second Serve team fosters a wonderful community of folks of all ages, levels and backgrounds, encouraging participation beyond the court from volunteering to tournaments, friendships to fun challenges. The mental health impact and physical benefits cannot be overstated and I always excitedly look forward to my weekly lessons. Everyone should play! “
Jackie
Current Athlete
“Alex and Second Serve Tennis are the best in the game! As an adult beginner, I wasn't sure what to expect. Alex is truly gifted at explaining how to play the sport, and I cannot believe how quickly my skills developed. But, more than that, it's been SO much fun! Thank you to Alex and Second Serve for such a wonderful experience.”
Nick
Current Athlete
“Alex has been such a wonderful coach, helping build back my tennis skills after many years off the court. I'm an adult player who grew up playing tennis, so my focus has been relearning my strokes and eliminating the bad habits that can creep in while playing at a more leisurely level. Alex has helped me slow down the game, feel the difference in shifts to form and she is always a joy to be around. If you're looking for an expert coach that will make you love the game, Second Serve should be your first stop.”
Andrus
Parent of Athlete
“Coach Alex is everything you could want in a youth tennis coach. She knows child development and the game of tennis very well; she is fun, which encourages our children to continue playing; and she is consistent in discipline and expectations, which encourages good character development.”
Jean-Pierre
Past Athlete
“I started actively playing tennis after meeting Alex in 2018. She gave me a strong foundation and helped me develop an appreciation and passion for the sport. Today, I play tennis at least twice a week and it enabled me to make strong friendships.”
Meet the Founder + Head Coach
Alexandra de Guzman, a Charlottesville-based coach, boasts over two decades of competitive tennis experience. Originally from New Jersey, she excelled as a junior player, ranking top five in sectional singles and securing a national USTA doubles title. Transitioning to collegiate play, she competed in NCAA Division I tennis at The College of William and Mary, graduating with a B.S. in Kinesiology and minor in Art and Art History. Following graduation, she served as the Women's Assistant Tennis Coach at William and Mary before joining the esteemed Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Certified by the USPTA, PTR, and as a Tennis Performance Specialist, she has coached nationally-ranked juniors and worked at the prestigious Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville.
Alex spent two transformative years abroad in Spain, teaching tennis and English while refining her teaching philosophy centered on self-awareness, immersion, perspective, and empathy. Returning to the U.S., she continued to blend her passions, managing international university programs for an educational travel company. Actively involved in her community, she contributes to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Region's Development Committee.
