Border tennis star Jade Culph has taken on a coaching role with the emerging Kazakhstan.
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Culph started a month-long training camp in the US on Monday.
“It’s exciting and challenging,” he said from Florida.
“Knowing your athlete, mentally, physically, you’re constantly interacting with them.
“You’re asking them, ‘How’s your mindset’? ‘How are you feeling’?.”
Culph is working directly with national team member Timur Khabibulan, who has a career high singles ranking of 753.
“He has a good attitude and hits a really heavy ball,” he said.
“The aim is to develop toughness and an attacking all-round game for Timur, but also the other young guys.
“It’s also about hammering home the importance of mental toughness, work ethic and attitude.
“The goal is a Davis Cup spot.”
Kazakhstan competed in the World Group Playoffs this year, falling to Russia.
Australia defeated Slovakia in the same section, which is a level below the World Group.
Kazakhstan will now play China in April next year.
“It’s quite clear to me that Kazakhstan is really serious about Davis Cup,” Culph said.
“The country wants to make an impact.
“Over the last five to seven years in Australia, Davis Cup has lost some of its lustre.”
Culph’s stint is short-term at the moment, but it could lead to a permanent role.
He knew the Davis Cup captain Dias Doskarayev when the pair was involved in the US College system.
“We stayed in touch after I came back to Australia, and he called me in late October, just touching base about coaching possibilities.
“He rang me three weeks later, so it’s all come together very quickly.
“I spoke to people whose opinion I value.
“They want my passion and expertise, playing attacking tennis, and finishing points at the net.”
Culph’s plans will depend on the playing schedule of the country’s best players.
Some will contest Australia’s major events over summer, while others will travel elsewhere.
Culph, who turns 38 on Monday, has played and coached at a high level, but a longer term involvement with a Davis Cup outfit is the pinnacle.
It’s a long way from Albury to Astana, Kazakhstan’s captial city, and while Culph isn’t certain if he’ll live in the country, the opportunity is there to help the nation continue its rankings’ rise.
