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IMG Academy announced today the addition of former longtime ATP World Tour pro Jimmy Arias as the new Director of Player Development. Arias will help manage technical instruction and program delivery for IMG Academy’s boarding school students and professional trainees.
“This is where I came as a teenager to develop my game, and it’s exciting to have the opportunity to come back and foster the development of such a talented group of players,” said Arias. “In all my travels as a player and as a commentator, there is no place in the world where players have such a dynamic team to help them achieve their potential.”
Arias was one of the original tennis students at IMG Academy, then the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, when it opened in 1978. He turned pro at age 16, and within three years, reached the U.S. Open singles semifinals, won the 1981 French Open mixed doubles and claimed four professional singles titles. Arias reached a career-high of No. 5 in the world in 1984 at age 20. Since his retirement from the professional ranks, Arias has been involved in the game as both a coach and a commentator for ESPN, The Tennis Channel, Rogers Sportsnet and the Canadian Broadcasting Network.
“Adding Jimmy’s knowledge of the game and insights on player development is a huge win for our program,” remarked Chip McCarthy, IMG Academy Managing Director. “Every player on our campus will benefit from the unique perspective he brings from a nearly four-decade career as a player, coach and analyst.”
The appointment of Arias comes on the heels of announcing the hiring of world-renowned strength and conditioning coach Yutaka Nakamura joining IMG Academy as Head of Tennis Physical Conditioning.
