About Journey Tennis

Building confident tennis players - one journey at a time

Journey Tennis is built on a simple belief:

Every tennis player's development is a journey, and long-term progress matters more than short-term results.

Formerly operating as Vassallo Tennis, Journey Tennis continues to deliver the same trusted coaching programs under a clear structure, a defined development pathway, and a continued focus on helping players grow with confidence, skill, and enjoyment.

We work with juniors, teens, and adults across all ability levels - from first-time players through to competitive athletes-creating an environment where learning, discipline, and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Meet Paul Vassallo

Head Coach & Founder

With nearly 30 years of coaching experience, Paul has guided players to National and ITF titles, Division 1 college scholarships, and led Tennis Australia's Talent Development programs as Director of Talent.

He has overseen Tennis Australia's Super 10s, National Development Program and National Development Squads, international tours and camps, and captained Australian juniors at Junior World Teams and Junior Davis Cup, giving him rare insight into elite junior development. Combined with extensive private coaching and club leadership at both grassroots and development levels, his experience is well-rounded. Guided by the philosophy "Focus, Intent, Respect, Compete", Paul prioritises enjoyment as he and his players progress together

Meet our coaching leads

  • Julian Cree

    Senior Coach

    With over 20 years of coaching experience and a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach qualification, Julian specialises in developing players from Hot Shots beginners through to competitive and elite junior levels.

    He has coached multiple players to National and ITF competition, including an Australian National title winner. Known for his ability to strengthen technical foundations while building tactical awareness, Julian helps players of all ages perform with confidence in match play.

    Julian creates a positive, energetic, and fun environment where players feel supported to improve, enjoy the game, and reach their full potential.

  • Nathan Nair

    Senior Coach

    With a strong background as a high-level junior in Victoria and a collegiate scholarship at Ottawa University in the United States, Nathan's journey brings valuable playing and coaching experience to players at every stage—from beginners through to advanced juniors.

    He has built a reputation for understanding each player’s game and guiding improvement with clarity and purpose. By combining sound technical instruction with practical match-play awareness, Nathan helps players build confidence and make meaningful progress through positive challenge.

    Nathan is passionate about creating a supportive, engaging, and enjoyable environment where players feel valued and motivated. His approach ensures every player can develop their skills, enjoy their tennis, and reach their personal best.

Our coaching philosophy

At Journey Tennis, we prioritise development first.
Our programs are designed to:

  • Teach correct technique from the start
  • Build confidence through positive coaching
  • Encourage discipline, resilience, and respect for the game
  • Support players to progress at the right pace for them

We believe players perform best when they feel supported, challenged appropriately, and are clear about what comes next.

That's why every program fits into a structured pathway, so players and parents always understand the next step.

View your pathway

Coaching for every age and stage

Journey Tennis delivers programs across the full development spectrum, including:

  • Hot Shots Programs

    for young beginners

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  • Group Lessons

    for juniors and adults

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  • Private & Semi-Private Lessons

    for targeted
    improvement

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  • Squad Sessions

    for committed
    junior players

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  • Adult Tennis Programs

    for beginners and
    returning players

    Learn more

Players progress based on ability, readiness, and commitment, not just age.

Our commitment to parents & players

Parents trust Journey Tennis because we provide:

  • Clear guidance on development and progression
  • Honest feedback and realistic recommendations
  • Safe, structured, and supportive coaching environments

Players value Journey Tennis because:

  • Sessions are engaging and purposeful
  • Improvement is visible and encouraged
  • Confidence and enjoyment are prioritised

We coach the person first - the tennis player follows.

Choose a location

Our locations offer a friendly and welcoming environment where students of all levels can enjoy their lessons with one of our dedicated team members.

Mill Park Tennis Club

156 Mill Park Drive
3082 Mill Park,
VIC Australia

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South Morang / Mill Park Lakes

280 Gordons Road
3752 South Morang,
VIC Australia

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Marymede Catholic College

60 Williamsons Rd
3752 South Morang,
VIC Australia

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St Monicas College Epping

Augustine House,
400 Dalton Road
Epping Victoria 3076

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  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

  • Since starting group lessons, my child's confidence has grown enormously. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and really understand how kids learn.

    Parent - Junior Player (Age 9)

Frequently asked questions

Children can start tennis at Journey Tennis from age 3 through our Hot Shots Blue Stage program. Sessions at this age are 30 minutes, held on a small court with a mini net and age-appropriate racquet, with a focus on movement, balance, and coordination through games. Players progress through Blue, Red, Orange, and Green stages based on readiness — not strictly by age.

Yes. Every program at Journey Tennis is designed to welcome players with no prior experience. Young children start in Hot Shots, which uses modified equipment and game-based activities to build confidence from day one. Adult beginners and returning players can join structured group lessons or private coaching sessions tailored to their starting point. The best first step is a free trial lesson — your coach will assess your current level and recommend the right program before you commit to anything.

Wear comfortable sports clothing and bring a water bottle. If you have a tennis racquet, bring it along — if not, don't worry, your coach can advise on the right racquet for your age and stage after your first session. For Hot Shots players, Journey Tennis uses low-compression balls and age-appropriate equipment provided during lessons.

Session length depends on the program. Hot Shots Blue and Red Stage sessions run 30 minutes, which is the right duration for children aged 3–8. Orange and Green Stage Hot Shots sessions run 60 minutes. Group lessons, squad sessions, and adult lessons are typically 60 minutes. Private lessons are available in 30, 60, and 90-minute formats depending on the player's age, goals, and training load.

Yes. Private and semi-private lessons are available for juniors and adults at all ability levels — from complete beginners building strong foundations through to competitive players working on technical refinement and match preparation. Sessions are available in 30, 60, and 90-minute formats and are tailored to each player's specific goals and development stage. Semi-private sessions work well for two players of similar ability, such as siblings or training partners.

For Hot Shots and group lesson players, one session per week is a great starting point — consistency over time is what drives development at this stage. Players looking to accelerate progress or preparing for competition typically train two to three times per week, combining group or squad sessions with private coaching. Your coach will provide honest guidance on the right training frequency for your child's age, goals, and current stage of development.

Yes. For players ready to compete, Journey Tennis's squad sessions and private coaching include match-play scenarios, tactical preparation, and the mental skills needed to perform under pressure. Paul Vassallo has captained Australian junior teams at Junior World Teams and Junior Davis Cup events, and the Journey Tennis development pathway connects directly to Tennis Australia's competition structure. Not every player needs to compete — but for those who do, a clear pathway is in place.

The best way to start is by registering for a free trial lesson. Your coach will assess your current ability, recommend the most suitable program, and introduce you to the Journey Tennis environment so your first paid session starts with confidence. Use the Register for a Free Trial button on this page or contact the team directly on 0413 274 964 or coaching@journeytennis.com.au.

Start your tennis journey with confidence

Whether you're enrolling a child, supporting a junior player, or returning to tennis yourself, Journey Tennis offers a clear, supportive pathway to help you get started.

The best way to experience Journey Tennis is with a Free Trial.