Meet Federico De León, Peninsula Papagayo’s new Head Tennis Professional
Born into a family of sports enthusiasts, Federico was instilled with a love of physical activity and the value of hard work and dedication from a young age. His two brothers are also athletes, one having played rugby for the Uruguayan national team and another a boxer. However, tennis truly captured Federico’s heart, leading him to pursue a career in the sport.
After completing a degree in accounting, Federico moved to Australia, drawn by the country’s world-class tennis facilities and status as the home of one of only four Grand Slam tournaments. He quickly became a leading coach, serving as the senior head coach at the DCTA Artarmon Tennis Club in Sydney before becoming a private youth high-performance coach.
Seeking to deepen his knowledge and skills, Federico spent two seasons in Mallorca, Spain, where he was mentored by the legendary coach Jofre Porta at his Global Team Academy. Porta’s holistic approach to player development, encompassing technical, tactical, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the game, resonated with Federico and remains at the core of his teaching philosophy.
Now, Federico has set his sights on a new challenge – expanding the racquet program on Peninsula Papagayo. With a focus on movement and programming for players of all levels, he plans to include local rankings, tournaments, and a pro exhibition to promote competitiveness and social engagement. He will also introduce pickleball and paddle tennis instruction to further broadening players skill sets.
Despite the long and intense hours he spends on the court, Federico is looking forward to a quiet life in the natural surroundings of Peninsula Papagayo. When he is not teaching or playing tennis, he can be found reading, writing, or pursuing his love of music on the saxophone.
Federico’s passion for tennis and dedication to his students have earned him a reputation as a top international coach. His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.