Meet
The Team
LifeTime Tennis is regarded as one of Australia’s leading coaching teams, with a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion — and is now one of only four Tennis Australia National Talent Hubs in Queensland. LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West is led by directors Marc Svenson and Graeme Brimblecombe at Ambiwerra Tennis Centre, alongside LifeTime International, directed by founder Gary Stickler at Bracken Ridge. Our focus is giving players the tennis, personal skills, values and habits to succeed — not just in tennis, but in life.
Our Philosophy
Our programs were developed by Gary Stickler, former resident coach of Pat Rafter and Australian Tennis Coach of the Year, together with our team of LifeTime coaches. We work closely with Tennis Australia, its state bodies and local clubs and coaches to keep tennis one of Australia’s favourite sports.
Play, don’t just learn
People come to play tennis, not learn about it. Our playing formats let players of any level start playing straight away, adapt as skills grow, and keep everyone active for the whole session.
Own your development
As players progress, we build their self-learning. Our ProTennis program teaches self-evaluation, so players grow from every tennis experience — not just the ones a coach provides.
Proven at the top
This philosophy has been key to the success of players including Pat Rafter and John Millman. Our coaches have worked in Academy of Sport, AIS and national high performance programs, many with international playing and coaching experience.
An Official
National Talent Hub
LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West has been named a Tennis Australia National Talent Hub — one of only four in Queensland. It’s recognition of the team on this page and the pathway they’ve built: comprehensive, tailored programs that support players aged 7–11 on the player development pathway, right here at Ambiwerra.
Leadership
Home of our National Talent Hub and Pro Tennis Academy.
📍 Head centre: Ambiwerra Tennis Centre, CorindaFounder of LifeTime Tennis.
📍 Head centre: Bracken Ridge
Marc Svenson
LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West · AmbiwerraA former top Queensland Junior and Open player, Marc brings more than two decades of elite tennis experience and over 20 years coaching with LifeTime Tennis. As Director and Owner of LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West, he leads the team delivering our programs.
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For the past five years, Marc has focused on the management and development of LifeTime Tennis, where his leadership and vision have been instrumental in elevating our programs. He is passionate about creating environments where our coaching team can deliver world-class tennis programs.
Marc takes particular pride in his development work with Queensland’s most promising junior talent. His mentorship has helped numerous young players advance to International Tennis Federation (ITF) competitions and secure college scholarships abroad.
Graeme Brimblecombe
LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West · AmbiwerraDirector of LifeTime Tennis Brisbane West, Graeme brings more than four decades of coaching excellence and is one of Australia’s most respected tennis mentors — formerly Head Men’s Coach at the Australian Institute of Sport and Tennis Queensland Head Coach.
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Graeme has also held the role of Tennis Queensland National Development Squad Head Coach. His ability to identify and nurture talent has led to the development of countless junior players who have gone on to compete at international and professional levels.
For more than 30 years he has worked with Queensland’s and Australia’s most promising young athletes. His influence extends beyond technique to the mental strength, strategic thinking and dedication needed to succeed at the highest level — and his legacy lives on in the many players, coaches and ambassadors whose careers he has shaped.
Gary Stickler
LifeTime International · Bracken RidgeAustralian coaching legend Gary Stickler guided former world No. 1 Pat Rafter from junior levels to the heights of the pro tour, and developed Jason Kubler and John Millman from juniors into top 50 ATP players.
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Having worked with nearly 20 top 200 players, Gary is celebrated as one of the greatest junior coaches of all time, known for his innovative technical teaching combined with profound psychological and tactical insight. He has a unique ability to instil belief in players, valuing their individuality and using it to cultivate champions.
His coaching philosophy includes a one-grip system, refining each player’s unique game style, and the importance of high-percentage tennis — consistency built on shots that work 80% of the time. Above all, he believes in nurturing the personal growth and self-confidence of every player he works with.
High Performance Coaches
Roger Tyzzer
Brisbane WestFormer Head Coach of the South Australian Sports Institute, instrumental in developing world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and world No. 9 Alicia Molik.
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For more than a decade, the institute program was the most successful development program in Australia, with over 50 national individual and team titles. In 2000, Roger was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australian tennis.
Roger is a qualified and registered WTA coach and speaks internationally to elite coaching organisations, academies and parent and education seminars.
Matt Limpus
LifeTime InternationalFormer top junior regarded as one of Queensland’s best young coaches, with over 15 years working with national to international level players.
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Matt has won Tennis Queensland Coach of the Year awards and has been a lead presenter on Tennis Australia coach courses.
Bao
Brisbane WestBao brings over 30 years of experience in development and high performance tennis. High energy and hands-on, he loves supporting players at tournaments and helping them set and reach their goals.
Carrigan Hartley
Brisbane WestA New Zealand native who played US college tennis on a full athletic scholarship, Carrigan has been mentored for over two years by Graeme Brimblecombe, Roger Tyzzer and Marc Svenson.
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After a distinguished playing career, Carrigan has dedicated himself to coaching, making Australia his home to further develop his expertise. He combines technical knowledge with infectious energy and is passionate about developing players of all ages.
John James
Gregory TerraceA former top national junior who played US college tennis and on tour, John has worked with many of Queensland’s best Open players over the past 15 years.
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John is currently coach of St Rita’s and a performance coach for LifeTime International.
Development & Junior Performance
Ethan Gunn
Brisbane WestEthan specialises in our Red, Orange and Green Ball performance programs, with a real passion for developing younger players. A Tennis Australia qualified coach with a strong playing background, Ethan brings years of experience with LifeTime Tennis.
Roberto
Brisbane WestWith a strong playing background, Roberto is passionate about helping young tournament players set and achieve their goals.
Centre & Support Team
Jason Antoniolli
Brisbane WestOur professional stringer and pro shop manager. A former top Queensland junior with international playing experience and a Level 1 coaching qualification.
Ayako Svenson
Brisbane WestA former top junior who moved to Australia at 16 to pursue her tennis career, Ayako looks after much of the behind-the-scenes work at LifeTime.
Cody Fullarton
Exercise PhysiologistESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Level 2 ASCA Coach with a Masters in Sports Coaching from the University of Queensland.
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Cody ran his own exercise physiology business for 12 years from our Spring Hill clinic and has expanded to a second location at Mt Gravatt.
Award-Winning Coaching
Tennis Australia National Talent Hub
Tennis Queensland Coach of the Year
Tennis Australia Coach of the Year
Want to join a winning team?
Let our award-winning team at Queensland’s newest National Talent Hub help you find the perfect tennis program. Contact us and we’ll help you book a free trial.
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