From Romania to New York: The Tennis Journey of Alexandru Pop-Moldovan

Many of the top coaches and teaching pros at clubs throughout Long Island come from places all over the world. The tennis community on Long Island is one big melting pot, and because of that, various techniques and training methods are available.

One of those teaching pros is Alexandru Pop-Moldovan, who works at Christopher Morley Tennis. Born in Romania, Pop-Moldovan was one of the fixtures of junior tennis in Romania for years. He developed his own 10 & Under training methods, even writing his own book.

“I tried to play on the tour for a few years, but the costs became too much, so I quit when I was about 21,” Pop-Moldovan said. “I went to a coaching school and graduated from there. I got involved in the federation with tournament players. I wrote a book about 10 & Under tennis.”

After spending years spreading his technique across the country, Pop-Moldovan headed west for the United States. He brought his unique teaching methods to the States to begin the next chapter in his life.

“I wanted to make a change in my life and come to America,” said Pop-Moldovan. “In the States, what I like is the positivity of the people. Also, you can do things like high-performance training, because you have the courts, facilities and resources, and everybody wants to go to a good college and after that, turn pro. Everyone wants to invest and wants to improve, so there is a high level of motivation.”

With his girlfriend, Raluca, Pop-Moldovan moved across the pond to begin the next step in their lives. The two have since married.

“I am a family guy and I like to keep everything balanced,” said Pop-Moldovan. “We adapted to American life. We had a lot of Romanian friends here, so it was easy for us to adapt. I tried to learn to speak better English and apply it on the court. I tried to implement what I learned in Europe here.”

That is the one thing many foreign pros and coaches have to deal with when coming over the States. Not only is the language barrier a task to overcome, but also the day-to-day routine of living in the hectic and populous Greater New York area, something that Pop-Moldovan has succeeded in doing.

“The toughest part was getting into a daily routine. Socializing, and being able to relax while communicating,” said Pop-Moldovan. “But coaching is different. There is the international language of tennis. So adjusting to teaching on the court here wasn’t that difficult.”

His teachings at the junior level are a result of his experience working with professionals. Not only did he attempt to make it on the Pro Tour himself, but he is also the coach of Florin Mergea, who, along with partner Rohan Bopanna are ranked inside the top 10 of the ATP World Tour.

“It’s so nice to see and talk with other amazing coaches all around the world,” he reflected. “I learned a great deal, saw a lot of things happening and wanted to share that with my kids. If the kids I coach see that what I am teaching is working for a professional player, it becomes more realistic to them.”

The 34-year-old’s methods of coaching have worked, and as a result, has led some of his juniors to find success, coaching his players to over 20 tournament wins. But coaching isn’t the only thing he does to keep busy. Coming to America has opened his eyes to other sports, such as paddle tennis and Beach Tennis.

He has reached the semifinals of the Long Island Tennis Challenge, won a New York Beach Tennis tournament and competes in Division I Paddle Tennis.

Not only are these new sports and experiences extremely fun for him, but it also gives him an opportunity to meet new people.

“I like to socialize a lot and meet new people. I am starting to play beach tennis and paddle, and a lot of nice people are playing,” Pop-Moldovan said. “It opened up another door for me to share what I know about tennis, and to learn more from other people. These are great and experienced people, so it is good for me to learn from them as well as share what I know.”

So as he continues to teach people the things he knows and to learn from others, Pop-Moldovan is a perfect example of what the tennis community on Long Island is all about. There are always new doors to be opened, and he has set some goals for himself and his players.

Alex Pop-Moldovan with Florin Mergea, currently ranked 16th in the world in doubles, at the 2015 U.S. Open

Alexandru Pop-Moldovan (standing left) and Doru Murariu (standing right), fitness director from the Tennis Players Fitness Institute during a 10 & Under Tennis demonstration