Starting January 5, 2025, pricing for 1-hour private lessons will be updated.
Current students will keep their existing rates. New students enrolling on or after January 5, 2025 will be billed at the new rates. The prices shown below reflect these updated rates.
Owner and Director
Craig Johnson founded Grip n Rip Junior Tennis at the Newport Beach Tennis Club in 2006. With an impressive career as both a player and coach, he was an All-American at Pepperdine University and competed on the ATP Tour. He achieved a career high singles ranking of 318 in the world and a doubles ranking of 281. Following his professional career, Craig coached for World Team Tennis before settling back into Southern California to open Grip n Rip Junior Tennis. Outside of tennis, Craig enjoys golf and spending time with his wife Michelle and their two boys, both of whom are exceptional athletes.
For any questions, inquiries, or collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact Craig directly at craignbtc@gmail.com
Owner and Director
General Manager & Staff Pro
John-Michael has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since its inception in 2006. Beyond his prowess as both a tennis player and coach, John-Michael assumes a multifaceted role, overseeing administrative tasks and implementing efficient systems and processes. His dedication ensures that the entire Grip n Rip program operates seamlessly, catering to the needs of staff, students, and parents alike. He is a vital part of Grip n Rip, and his contributions are deeply appreciated
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with John, please reach out to him directly via email at gnrjrtennis@gmail.com.
General Manager & Staff Pro
Programming and Communication Director & Staff Pro
John boasts an impressive 40-year tenure in the tennis industry, having served in various roles such as college player, instructor, presenter, and tennis director. He is a former Division 1 player and has been a UPSTA Elite Professional since 1987. John has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis since 2015. With his extensive experience, he has owned and operated numerous junior programs, utilizing his expertise to enhance the skills of Grip n Rip players as they progress towards tennis excellence. Grip n Rip Tennis sincerely appreciates John’s invaluable contributions to the program.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with John, please reach out to him directly via email
at: jsctennis@gmail.com.
Programming and Communication Director & Staff Pro
Programming Director & Staff Pro
Hailing from Uruguay, Lucas Monterroso has been a valued member of the GNR family since June 2020. With a background as a standout tennis junior and college player, Lucas brings a self-motivated coaching style to the court. He instills his passion and drive in all players, irrespective of their level or experience. Lucas is the visionary behind the creation of the High Performance program at Grip N Rip Junior Tennis, focusing on guiding players along the competitive track and paving their paths toward collegiate or professional tennis careers. Grip N Rip Junior Tennis greatly appreciates his significant contributions to the program.
Suited for More Experienced Players
To schedule a lesson with Lucas or inquire about the High Performance Program, please don’t hesitate to contact him directly via email at: lucastennisgnr@gmail.com
Programming Director & Staff Pro
Staff Pro
Suited for More Experienced Players
Sunil has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Junior Tennis since 2011. Passionate about coaching and deeply committed to our tennis community, Sunil brings his wealth of experience to every lesson. With a diverse coaching approach, he thrives on working with players of all levels and ages. However, his extensive playing background makes him a standout choice for competitive athletes.
Sunil’s tennis journey is nothing short of remarkable. He proudly represented the Indian Davis Cup team in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2007, showcasing his talent and dedication on an international stage. Holding the prestigious title of Indian No. 1, Sunil’s ATP rankings of 340 in singles and 296 in doubles speak volumes about his skill and expertise on the court.
Private Lesson Rate: (1 hour)
To schedule a lesson with Sunil, please reach out to him directly via email at: sunilsipaeya@hotmail.com
Staff Pro
Staff Pro
Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Andrea Gonzalez has been an integral part of Grip n Rip Junior Tennis for many years, drawing inspiration from her family’s deep roots in the sport. Her father, the legendary Pancho Gonzalez, once held the prestigious title of the #1 player on the tour for many years. With over 35 years of experience in teaching and playing competitive tennis, Andrea brings a wealth of expertise to the program, specializing in working with young players. She fosters their love for the game while instilling values of sportsmanship and dedication.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with Andrea, please reach out to him directly via email at angonmangy@yahoo.com.
Staff Pro Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Staff Pro
Farshid is a highly experienced tennis coach with over 20 years in the industry. A former professional player, he began his tennis journey at age four and quickly rose through the ranks in Iran, winning multiple titles and representing Iran in the Davis Cup junior team. After moving to Australia, Farshid won Division 1 titles in Adelaide and transitioned into coaching full-time with the Tennis Federation of Australia, while also competing in ITF and Futures events in France, Germany, and Sweden. Certified by both Tennis Australia and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Farshid is dedicated to helping players of all levels improve their skills and develop a lasting passion for the game.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with Farshid, please reach out to him directly via email at farshid_khodai@yahoo.com.
Staff Pro
Staff Pro
Specializes in Younger Players/Beginners
Blake Barber has been an integral part of Grip N Rip Tennis since 2010, specializing in coaching junior players and fostering their passion for the sport. With a focus on fundamental skill development, he guides young talents towards success on the court. Blake provides steadfast support to players of all levels, offering both technical instruction and motivational encouragement as they pursue their tennis goals.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with Blake, please reach out to him directly via email at: blake.barberr@gmail.com
Staff Pro
Assistant Manager
We are excited to welcome Vitor to our junior tennis program as our newest Assistant Manager! Originally from Brazil, Vitor brings a wealth of experience both as a player and mentor in the sport. Having trained his entire life at the prestigious Larri Passos Tennis Academy—the same academy that shaped former world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten—Vitor has developed a deep understanding of high-performance tennis.
Currently playing college tennis, he combines his competitive background with a passion for player development. His firsthand experience at elite levels of the game makes him an invaluable asset to our team, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of players. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our program!
Assistant Manager
Staff Pro
We are excited to welcome Isaac to our junior tennis program as our newest Staff Pro! Coach Isaac brings great energy, patience, and creativity to the court, making him a perfect fit for young players ages 5–10. With experience teaching Red Ball and Orange Ball classes and creating fun, skill-building games, he helps students develop proper technique, footwork, and confidence.
Certified in SafeSport, CPR/First Aid, and RSPA instruction, Isaac focuses on creating a positive, supportive environment where every child can learn, improve, and enjoy the game.
Private Lesson Rate (1 hour):
To schedule a lesson with Isaac, please reach out to him directly via email at: 21euisungisaac@gmail.com
Staff Pro
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