Behind every promising tennis player is often a coach working tirelessly away from the spotlight.
For South African juniors Connor Doig and John Bothma, that guiding figure is Stefan Fortmann, whose influence extends far beyond technical coaching.
From travel logistics to mental preparation, Fortmann has become one of the key figures driving the careers of two of the country’s most exciting young prospects.
Wimbledon Brings Mixed Fortunes for South African Duo
The Wimbledon junior campaign produced contrasting outcomes for the two South Africans.
John Bothma’s hopes of competing in the main draw ended before they truly began after he suffered a hip injury during qualifying at Roehampton.
An unfortunate slip on the grass forced him to withdraw, bringing his tournament to an abrupt conclusion.
Connor Doig, meanwhile, experienced a more encouraging run.
Although his doubles campaign ended early, the young South African impressed in singles by advancing to the third round, showcasing his growing potential on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Throughout Doig’s matches, Fortmann remained a calm and reassuring presence courtside, constantly offering tactical guidance while maintaining the composed leadership that has become his trademark.
More Than Just a Tennis Coach
Fortmann’s responsibilities stretch well beyond training sessions and match strategy.
According to the Wartburg-born coach, modern tennis coaching involves handling almost every aspect of a player’s professional life.
Alongside technical instruction, he often strings racquets, books accommodation, arranges travel and visas, prepares meals, provides emotional support and even fills the role of close confidant.
The demanding lifestyle means he spends enormous amounts of time alongside his players, often more than they spend with their own families.
His ability to manage these responsibilities has helped create an atmosphere of trust that is clearly visible during tournaments, where both players and their families regularly rely on his experience.
A Friendship That Started Long Before Wimbledon
Doig and Bothma have shared much more than tournament schedules.
Their friendship began during their junior school years, where tennis quickly became the common bond between them.
Despite facing one another numerous times in competition, they have remained close friends while progressing through South Africa’s junior tennis system together.
Fortmann considers himself fortunate to coach both players simultaneously, describing the experience as a rewarding journey built on years of mutual growth and development.
Learning to Handle Victory and Disappointment
Coaching two athletes competing at the same event can create difficult emotional situations.
With Doig progressing while Bothma was sidelined through injury, Fortmann explained that balancing those contrasting emotions is simply part of life in professional tennis.
He believes the sport teaches players and coaches alike to recover quickly from setbacks because defeats, injuries and disappointments are inevitable.
Rather than dwelling on difficult moments, the focus must always shift toward preparing for the next opportunity.
College Tennis Offers Another Path to the Professional Game
The next stage of Doig’s career will begin in the United States.
This August, he is scheduled to join Baylor University in Texas, where he will combine higher education with elite-level collegiate tennis.
The programme provides access to top-class facilities, competitive tournaments and valuable experience while allowing athletes to continue pursuing professional ambitions.
Bothma has yet to make his own college decision and plans to wait until after completing his matric before determining his next step.
Fortmann knows the collegiate pathway well, having competed for Elon University between 2011 and 2015.
His own experience has convinced him that college tennis has become an increasingly valuable route for aspiring professionals.
In his view, attending university does not replace the dream of reaching the professional circuit but instead strengthens the journey toward it.
Financial Support Makes International Success Possible
Developing world-class tennis players comes with enormous financial demands.
Fortmann openly acknowledges that the progress made by Bothma and Doig would not have been possible without generous sponsors who have quietly supported their careers over several years.
That financial backing has allowed both players to compete internationally, gain valuable experience against elite opponents and even record victories at Grand Slam junior events.
However, Fortmann also believes many talented South African juniors never receive similar opportunities because international travel and competition remain prohibitively expensive for many families.
Committed to Growing South African Tennis
After returning to South Africa following his own college career, Fortmann focused on strengthening the country’s tennis landscape.
His efforts included helping expand international tournaments hosted within South Africa while working closely with developing junior players.
It was during this period that he first met Bothma and Doig when they were just 13 years old.
Recognising their potential, he committed himself to helping them maximise their abilities and pursue professional careers.
Fortmann believes South African tennis has made encouraging progress in recent years by increasing the number of international junior competitions held locally, creating more opportunities for young players to gain valuable experience without leaving the country.
Success Comes With a Reminder to Keep Working
Despite celebrating several major achievements—including the pair’s success at junior Grand Slam level—Fortmann remains determined to keep both players grounded.
His favourite piece of advice perfectly reflects his coaching philosophy.
He tells his players to enjoy their trophies only “for as long as the banana stays green on your shelf.”
Once the banana turns brown, he says, the celebrations should end because it is time to return to training.
For Fortmann, success is never the final destination. It is simply another milestone on the long journey toward becoming the best player possible.
