Our Team

Advantage Tennis Academy Ownership Team

The Advantage Tennis Academy (ATA) is managed by a seasoned staff of professionals with expertise in delivering superior instruction for both technical, and strategic training as well as world-class conditioning to allow our students to get the most out of their tennis career.

ATA has a full staff dedicated to your training and structuring your program. This is a full-time job and we have a full team available to support your development. Owners, Directors, Head Coaches, Fitness Staff, and Office Staff are all part of the "Team".

 

Jimmy Johnson, the ATA Founder & Director

JIMMY JOHNSON

Founder & Director, Newport Beach, CA

Jimmy brings over 25 years of coaching experience and a significant playing history to Advantage Tennis Academy, as well as a background in managing and directing academies and tennis clubs/facilities. He played both junior and Division 1 college tennis and then went on to play the ATP Tour. After playing on the tour, he continued to pursue his education at a highly specialized “Tennis Technical Program” at Tyler College in Texas. This program equipped him with an in-depth understanding of the biomechanics of successful stroke production.

His coaching experience ranges from beginners to ATP players, with a specialty in identifying talent. Jimmy attributes his success as a coach to his ability to push players to higher levels than they thought possible and his emphasis on helping students improve key aspects of their technical game.

Combining his deep understanding of the principles of kinesiology and strategy with his own extensive experience, Jimmy consistently produces a high number of successful players.

 

 

Mahmoud Karim, ATA Owner & Tennis Director

MAHMOUD KARIM

Founder & Director, Cairo, Egypt

Mahmoud grew up in Cairo, Egypt, where he was ranked in the top 3 nationally 12s-18s. Throughout his junior career, Mahmoud has represented Egypt in Junior ITFs, Arab Leagues and Championships, African Championships, and Pro Futures. Following that Mahmoud finished his High School at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Florida, where he achieved Division 1 Scholarships at both Rice and Loyola Marymount University. Mahmoud played the pro tour for a few years while struggling through a recurring shoulder injury keeping him out of competition for several months at a time.

After going through extensive rehab Mahmoud finished his Bachelor's degree at California State University in Fullerton and dedicated his life to both coaching tennis and creating a competitive environment for the development of athletes. In 2005, Mahmoud partnered with Jimmy Johnson to build and grow Advantage Tennis Academy.

For over 18 years, Mahmoud has coached top nationally and internationally ranked juniors, including both ATP and WTA touring pros. He has coached and mentored junior players having competed in over 10 Junior Grand Slams and continuing. Mahmoud’s unique ability to understand the mental aspect of tennis helps him connect with players and instill in them the mental toughness tactics that are critical for any aspiring athlete. Mahmoud assists the Advantage players on a day-to-day basis with developing their tennis foundations, proper footwork, and game-winning strategy.

 

Adrian Games, the ATA Owner & Tennis Director

ADRIAN GAMES

Owner & Tennis Director, Newport Beach, CA

Adrian Games has a wealth of teaching and playing experience. He competed extensively over his career playing across the globe learning the game and chasing his dream. Kept competing through his late 30’s maintaining top USTA National rankings and Sectional Top 5 rankings and competing in 5.5 leagues until 2015. While still competing he ran a few of the largest full-service tennis facilities. He directed all aspects of the tennis programs and 500+ player tournaments. He organized some of the largest, most engaging INT USPTA Tennis Conventions which were combined with the Tennis Channel Open where tennis professionals attended to build their knowledge of the game. Now he is fully committed to the development & growth of the ATA students. “My goals, hopes, and focuses are all dedicated to the ATA player now,” he says, “it is a pleasure to be an integral part of these kids' journeys. A role I do not take lightly.”

Adrian has played, taught, and trained for over twenty years building his experiences. He grew up in the academic world after years as an athlete growing up in the same world as the kids currently at ATA. He has trained top national junior players to world-ranked professionals during his career. He has worked with juniors and adults of all levels, State Champions, Division I College players, and WTA Top 10 players. Including his own daughter who is a 13-year-old 5-star junior player ranked as high as USTA #11 in the nation. She is following in his same footsteps and exceeding them as a proud part of the ATA curriculum which has done so much for her game. Adrian has been a USPTA P-1 and PTR Professional, former USPTA Intermountain President, Past National USPTA Executive Board member, and a USPTA Intermountain Pro of the Year! He is proud to have joined Jimmy and Mahmoud as part of the ATA ownership group in 2015 and honored to be a part of such an impressive team across the board.