Stefan King

Assistant Professional

Stef’s first experience of Real Tennis came courtesy of Chris Ronaldson, who arranged an open evening at RTC for members of Thames Ditton Lawn Tennis Club. Lawn Tennis soon took a back seat as Stef developed his interest in the Game of Kings. A university place at Manchester to read European Studies and French meant that Stef was able to combine academia with real tennis, and he went on to represent MTRC in the Field Trophy. After some negotiation with the University, Stef arranged to spend the third year of his degree course at the Jeu de Paume et Squash in Bordeaux, where he had a great time and managed to improve both his French and his Tennis.

Following the completion of his degree, Stef returned to London and began working at The Harbour Club alongside Lachie Deuchar and Marc Seigneur. An 18 month stint there ended when he decided to embark on a round the world trip, which took in most of the Australian and some of the US courts. Upon his return to UK shores in 2000, Stef chose to pursue what some may call a real job when he accepted a position at PricewaterhouseCoopers. 3½ years later, he returned to Real Tennis, and in November 2003 was appointed Manager at the Harbour Club. Participation in two marathons, other running events, and a stage of the Tour de France has meant that Stef’s tournament play has been limited, but he was a member of the Harbour Club’s National League Division 3 team that reached the semi final in 2004.