John Hillebrand: A TCAV Legend’s Lifelong Passion for Tennis

Known affectionately as AJ or Mr. H, John Hillebrand has been a passionate and dedicated figure in the world of tennis for his entire life. His journey in the sport began at a young age, and through his unwavering commitment, John has become one of the most respected figures in Australian tennis coaching. Inducted as a TCAV Legend, John’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep love for the game.

From Rural Beginnings to Tennis Enthusiast

John was born in Beringa, a small town just north of Ballarat, and grew up on a farm near Colac. As a young boy, John played a variety of sports, but it wasn’t until one Saturday afternoon while waiting for a turn to bat in a local game of cricket that he made a life-changing decision. He realised that cricket was too slow for him, and in that moment, he resolved to devote all his energy to tennis. Playing on the local courts allowed him to escape the monotony of farm life, specifically the task of milking cows, making tennis a welcome and exciting alternative.

A Tennis Career Takes Shape

John’s love for tennis continued to grow as he matured. Early in his career, he was employed as a “useful” for Sir Isaac Isaacs at his Mt Macedon property, earning 25 shillings a week plus board. While working at the estate, he had access to a tennis court—though he wasn’t allowed to use it until he acquired proper tennis attire, which he quickly did. John’s commitment to tennis led him to pursue qualifications in the RAAF, which further honed his skills and knowledge of the sport.

In 1937, John moved to Melbourne to work for several large corporations before eventually becoming a professional tennis coach—a role he had already begun in his spare time by teaching local children for free.

A Long-Standing Coaching Legacy

John’s coaching career officially began in 1952 when he established his business in Park Street, Moonee Ponds, a location he affectionately dubbed “Looney Ponds”. His coaching business flourished, and over the years, John managed a variety of weekly teams, sometimes entering as many as 23 teams in day and night competitions. His work ethic and commitment to his students were evident, with John often losing track of time during lessons, much to the amusement of his wife, Monica, who would remind him that the next session was about to begin.

John’s influence in tennis extended to coaching players such as Owen Davidson, Kerry Harris, Wanaro N’Godrella, and Janette Bergman. His work also took him overseas, where he spent time coaching in New Caledonia, spreading his expertise across the Pacific.

Professional Umpire and Advocate for Tennis Innovation

In addition to coaching, John served as a professional umpire with the VLTUA and was selected as a Davis Cup Umpire, a role that saw him travel the world and officiate high-level tennis matches. His expertise in the sport also led to him being chosen to test the use of en-tout-cas as a court surface, an important innovation in tennis at the time.

John’s passion for tennis also extended to writing. He contributed many articles for newspapers and magazines under the by-line “one of the roving kind”, sharing his insights and experiences with a wider audience.

A Life of Perseverance and Fitness

Now 95 years old, John maintains an active lifestyle, exercising at least three times a week, though he jokes that he feels a little lazy compared to his previous routine of six workouts a week. His philosophy in life is to exercise regularly, take vitamins, and enjoy a spoonful of cider vinegar with honey. John firmly believes that the brain rules our lives, and no matter the challenges we face, perseverance is key.

John has been married to Monica, who celebrated her 100th birthday in August, for 67 years, and together they have two children—Veronica and John junior.

Leadership and Service to Tennis Coaching

John’s leadership within the tennis community was significant. He served as President of the PTAA for seven years and was the third Vice President of TCAV, helping to shape the direction of tennis coaching in Australia.