ATP Coach of the Month: Craig Boynton | ATP Tour

Coach of the Month

ATP Coach of the Month: Craig Boynton

The American prides himself on developing players on and off the court

September 16, 2024

Returning to the London apartment he shared with his coach Craig Boynton after completing an epic 11-hour Wimbledon victory over Nicolas Mahut in 2010, John Isner was feeling comfortable with life.

“I was feeling physically good, not knowing I was going to wake up exhausted the next day,” Isner told ATPTour.com this week. “So I said to CB, ‘I feel great.'”

“Yes, in the quarterfinals,” Boynton replied, fully aware that a 70-68 victory in the fifth set would come at a toll.

“And he was absolutely right. I was feeling great in the quarterfinals the next day, it was horrible,” Isner said with a laugh. “He’s very witty, one of the wittiest guys I know. He always has an answer for you. Ask anyone, the guy is hilarious.”

Boynton, one of the most respected voices in the sport, also known for his Santa Claus beard and outspoken personality, is the ATPTour.com Coach of the Month.

Boynton’s life has been tied to tennis since his years at Clemson University. After a brief career as a professional player, Boynton found his true place on the bench. A path he has followed for more than 30 years, working with some of the biggest names on the circuit.

Boynton has built a successful career, guiding figures such as Jim Courier, Mardy Fish and the aforementioned Isner.

Most recently, the American spent five and a half years working with Hubert Hurkacz before the two decided to part ways amicably a few weeks ago.

“It’s been a labor of love, not even a job. I’ve had a lot of fun, meeting fantastic people and helping great players,” Boynton said of his coaching adventure.

Boynton’s first coaching job came in 1993, when he began assisting Courier.

“With Jim, I was the traveling coach, and he brought a whole different level to the tour,” Boynton said of his work with the former world No. 1.

Boynton was particularly impressed by the American’s fitness and ambition.

“I remember Jim constantly saying, ‘Anybody can win a five-set match,'” Boynton recalled. “But I’m the only one who can win that five-set match again tomorrow.’ I got to see that firsthand. He was an amazing competitor, a fantastic worker.”

After several years coaching Courier, Boynton moved to Tampa Bay, Florida, in 2007 to head the tennis program at Saddlebrook Tennis Academy.

At Saddlebrook, Broynton met Isner, a 22-year-old American who was just starting to make a name for himself on the circuit. In March 2009, Isner asked Boynton for help, a task he eagerly accepted.

“I had the pleasure of knowing John for two years before we started working together,” Boynton said. “I got to watch him, watch his game develop. I knew him and we got along well. It was fun to watch him establish his game and start having success in 2009 and 2010.”

Isner was well outside the Top 100 when the two began collaborating.

By the end of the season, John had climbed over 100 spots in the PIF ATP Rankings after reaching the round of 16 for the first time at the US Open.

“You can adapt to the player,” Isner said of Boynton’s approach. “He was a key figure in my success, taking me from outside the Top 100 to the Top 20, where I managed to stay for a long time. I started working with CB and he got me to the top of the circuit.”

Boynton’s jovial attitude and holistic approach to balancing a player’s identity on and off the court was a huge benefit to Isner.

“In my particular case, he knew when to push me and when to ease up,” said Isner, who co-hosts the podcast Nothing Major with Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey and Jack Sock after finishing his racing career. “He knew me and listened to me. His work ethic is incredible, he loves being on the track and always makes training fun.”

During his three years under Boynton’s tutelage, Isner reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final, made an ATP Masters 1000 final and broke into the Top 10 for the first time in his career.

Following his time with Isner, Boynton served as a USTA Player Development coach, mentoring players such as Donald Young and Sock.

Later in 2019, Boynton began coaching Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.

When they began working together, Hurkacz was a newcomer to the Top 100. Under Boynton’s guidance, he reached his first Grand Slam semi-final, won two ATP Masters 1000 titles and, in August this year, posted a career-high ranking of World No. 6.

“Hubi and I had a wonderful five and a half years. It’s been a wonderful journey,” Boynton said. “I understand that these professional relationships come to an end, but I’m proud of the closeness I have with the players I’ve coached.”

“One of the things I value most about my time with Hubi is how meaningful it was to work with a European player for five and a half years as an American coach. That doesn’t happen often, and I’m proud of the relationship we built and the success we achieved together.”

Hurkacz shared the same sentiment towards his former coach.

“It’s been an amazing journey! I’m grateful for everything we accomplished together! Thank you CB,” Hurkacz wrote on Instagram with an emotional photo of the two smiling on the track.

Boynton remains passionate about coaching and is proud of the positive impact he has had on his players on and off the court.

Although he does not contemplate a life outside of training, he also wants to spend more time with his family and travel to places he has not visited during his time as a coach.