Beverly Hills Tennis Academy - Santa Monica, California

Kathryn Zaccarello

Roger is by far, without comparison the best instructor of tennis I have ever seen. It became clear to me about 5 minutes into our first lesson. He is different, and immediately pinpointed my stroke mechanics and corrected my technique. Roger patience for each student is remarkable and he takes his time to explain the logic behind proper technique so that you can fully grasp and remember it. He was able to improve my game within just the first lesson. I have been playing tennis my whole life and I knew his corrections were working because when I played like he instructed, my game felt much more natural. His form of tennis is full of grace and power. Roger teaches tennis using all the contemporary techniques of the current tour players. He combines his years of experience with his very current grasp of today's contemporary power game. My lessons with Roger are truly the highlight of my week. He takes the time to explain the game, both the physical techniques, but more importantly, the mental side of the game. He explains things in ways that are very unique and extremely vivid (funny too); trust me when I say that there is no one like him out there. I have worked with many teachers and coaches. I can unequivocally recommend Roger to anyone - (any student at any age or level). I feel lucky to be his student and I know the benefits of my time with him will last a lifetime. He has given to me the tools to succeed, confidence to use them, and the gift of tennis.

Thomas Susko

I have been taking lessons from Roger for about 7 years. I have very greatly improved in that timeframe.
I am continuing to build my skills. I consistently see the depth of Roger's knowledge having had a great coach himself when he was younger, and then being on the pro tour for a couple years. There are many coaches out there, but not many who have actually played professionally and can communicate that knowledge effectively to students.
He makes corrections in real time, which is why I have made so much progress and continue to do so.
Whether you're beginning or advanced, you'll find him to be excellent.
I estimate when I started I was barely 3.0, and am now at 3.75.
I play live ball in a very competitive environment and am very happy with my continuously improving performance.

Kelly Penland Katz

My 3.5 year old is taking lessons with Roger to get introduced to tennis. Roger has well thought-out drills that challenge his body and coordination while building the foundation of tennis. Working with three year olds is not for the faint of heart, but Roger is so patient and kind and definitely has been a “tennis whisperer” to my son. He is loving tennis and constantly asking me when his next lesson with Coach Roger is happening! Highly recommended if you want to do an early introduction of tennis to your child.

Shaina Oake

My husband and I have been taking tennis lessons for the last 10 months and we would highly recommend Roger as a tennis instructor. Our neighbor first recommended him to us and we are so glad he did. Tennis lessons are a highlight of the week for us and we have improved a lot since we first started. I'm more of a recreational player and my husband played in high school and Roger has helped us both become much better players. He focuses on technique and also how to play the game, positioning on the court etc. He provides constructive criticism in a friendly way and really wants to see you improve.

Chunny Pam

Roger is AMAZING!! When I first moved to LA, I was taking lessons from another coach. I had been playing tennis off and on for over 10+ years and felt that the coaching was lacking the depth and advanced direction that I needed. I decided to try another coach and was lucky enough to find Roger.
Upon my first lesson, Roger had assessed my skills, given me tips on each stroke, tweaked my backhand slightly and it dramatically improved. I was sold! Over the past 3.5 years, Roger has improved my game immensely. He can identify minuscule things in your swing and technique to make it better. He has many ways of teaching/explaining a concept, so if you don't understand one analogy, he has plenty more and one will make sense to you. He will demonstrate a new technique or idea and will breakdown the science and physicality behind it. He also takes the time to go through match play strategy and how to craft your game against different opponents.
I will never forget the night lesson I had with Roger where we worked on my forehand and 99% of the balls went in. For an hour straight, I was hitting heavy topspin forehands with great depth from anywhere on the court. I felt like a mini Nadal!
Aside from being a great instructor, Roger is also super personable and funny. He can work with anybody, from beginner to pro, child to senior, Roger does it all. It's always a pleasure getting to step on court with him and I am forever grateful for all that I've learned from him. I would recommend him to anyone. 10 out of 10!

Susan Chang

I really enjoy learning tennis with Roger. He focuses a lot on technique, which is good for minimizing on injuries, and maximizing on performance. I feel more and more confident with my tennis capabilities learning with Roger. Roger is also very understanding and patient, which is a very good trait in a teacher. He pays attention to detail, and has been helping me perfect my craft. I would recommend to Roger to a friend, family member, or neighbor. He is great!

Lily Safran

My fiancé and I have been taking lessons from Roger for six months now and it is the best thing to come out quarantine. Roger has been the best teacher and has really improved our game! He is patient and really focuses on form and technique. Couldn’t recommend taking lessons from Roger more!

Annie Darlington

I came to Roger as TRUE beginner. I decided a little over a year ago for some reason that I wanted to pick up tennis, and I went on the hunt for a coach. Barring PE classes and a couple seasons of the requisite 5-year-old AYSO soccer, I never played a 'ball sport' in my life, and I had never once swung a tennis racket. So I needed someone with some talent!

I tried a couple lessons with another coach, and it just wasn't the right fit. That coach couldn't adapt their teaching method to the ways that I was struggling. So I searched for a coach with a more extensive/diverse background and more certification. I teach dance professionally, and although that doesn't help me with my game, I can tell fairly quickly if someone is a strong teacher. Roger definitely fits the bill. His understanding of body mechanics and different methodologies for communicating along with his mastery of technique make him an amazing teacher.

Roger sees the smallest details in my stroke or footwork that are causing me problems...such small details I often can't feel them. Being such a beginner to sport and hand-eye coordination games in general, I can't apply his corrections as quickly as I'd like, but little by little they start to sink in. He is also unfailingly patient, optimistic, and supportive, but always gives good constructive criticism to sink your teeth into. (I personally don't like 'cheerleader' coaching; I want to know HOW to improve).

Maybe best of all, Roger's lessons are a blast. I tack them on to the end of my longest, most hectic day of the week, and they are always worth it. I get a bit of a workout in, a ton of laughs, and a sense of accomplishment as I feel my game improve. Could not recommend Roger more 🙂