Denis Lemke: A TCAV Legend’s Dedication to Coaching and Family Legacy
Denis Lemke’s career in tennis has been marked by a deep passion for the sport, a commitment to coaching, and a unique family legacy that spans three generations of State Grade players. His induction as a TCAV Legend is a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable contributions to both the tennis community and the development of players in Australia. From his early playing days to a distinguished coaching career that lasted over four decades, Denis has shaped the tennis landscape in ways few others have.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Denis’s journey in tennis began at the age of two in 1930, an early start that foreshadowed a lifelong love for the sport. He was fortunate to receive coaching from one of Australia’s greatest tennis coaches, Harry Hopman, and was part of Hopman’s squads, where he trained alongside legends such as Frank Sedgman and Merve Rose. Denis’s playing career was defined by consistency and excellence, as he played A-grade tennis for many years, a testament to his skill and dedication.
Denis’s playing achievements include competing in the Linton Cup and the Australian Championships, as well as winning the Victorian Hardcourt Junior Singles title. His success was not limited to the national level; Denis was also a ranked world veterans player and frequently travelled throughout Europe to compete in veterans’ events. His contributions to tennis were recognised when he was awarded a University Blue for Tennis by Melbourne University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce.
A proud family legacy in tennis, Denis’s son Matthew and grandson James have both achieved State Grade status in tennis, making the Lemke family the only family to have produced three generations of State Grade players. With another grandson, Nathan, now showing promise in the sport, the Lemke family’s influence on tennis continues to grow.
A Trailblazer in Tennis Coaching
Denis transitioned to coaching in 1962, at a time when the idea of becoming a full-time tennis coach was seen as an impossible dream. Undeterred, Denis became one of Australia’s first full-time professional tennis coaches, dedicating himself to the sport seven days a week for over 40 years. His early work laid the foundation for the career of many players, both amateur and professional.
In collaboration with Norm Cahill, Denis started and ran Australia’s first tennis camp in Corryong, located in the Snowy Mountains. This pioneering initiative was just the beginning, as Denis and his colleagues went on to run numerous other camps throughout the country, helping to shape the next generation of players and coaches.
As a coach, Denis had a profound impact on several tennis clubs, including Koonung Park TC and North Box Hill TC, where he was not only a coach but also President and an active committee member. His coaching extended to local schools and universities, including La Trobe University, Ivanhoe Grammar, and North Blackburn High School, where he helped develop young talent in these educational institutions.
Denis’s work as a coach wasn’t confined to Melbourne’s metropolitan area; he also ran country tennis clinics in places such as Benalla, Wodonga, Albury, Mildura, Yarrawonga, and Gippsland. These clinics helped bring quality coaching to regional areas, fostering a love for the sport in communities across the state. Denis also ran numerous tournaments for his pupils and other local players in the eastern metropolitan area.
A Life-Highlight Meeting with Roger Federer
One of the highlights of Denis’s tennis career came when he had the opportunity to meet Roger Federer at Roland Garros, during the French Open. His grandson, James, who was playing in the juniors, had the honour of hitting with Federer for an hour, an experience arranged by Tony Roche. Denis fondly recalls this moment as the ultimate coaching session, a life-highlight that showcased the intergenerational impact of his work in tennis.
Official Roles and Recognition
Denis’s contributions to tennis coaching and the broader tennis community have been recognised through various official positions and honours. He has served as President of the TCAV and as a member of the Davis Cup Foundation. He is also a Life Member of Kooyong Tennis Club and the Old Scotch Tennis Association. In addition, Denis holds Life Membership with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), where his passion for Collingwood Football Club is equally celebrated.
