Oyebogs Becoming a Global Name in Tennis

After carving out a successful career playing and coaching that involved moving to the United States in 1994 to train at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (now IMG Academy), Oyebog decided it was time for him to tackle some of those injustices residents of his home nation were facing daily.

So in 1999, Oyebog created Oyebog Tennis Academy (OTA) by collecting used balls and broken racquets from clubs and negotiating court time so his players could find a distraction from their daily lives.  

“This all began from my personal story. Most of my friends weren’t allowed to play tennis growing up, and I wanted to expose underprivileged kids to tennis and help change their lives,” Oyebog said.

As he gained a following, Oyebog opened ‘the wall,’ which stemmed from his mother’s garden at their home in the city of Bonaberi. The wall was and is a safe space for kids to escape, smile and learn the fundamentals of tennis.

As word spread and funding grew, thanks largely in part to Westport, CT tennis supporters, Sunny and Guy Sherman, Oyebog purchased land in 2011 and built nine hard courts, six clay courts, dorms, a healthcare facility and a school in nearby Souza, elevating the academy to new heights. 

Since its inception 25 years ago, OTA has sent more than 20 players to the U.S. on college scholarships and changed the lives of thousands.

“When we started, it was a place where boys and girls could play, forget about war, malaria and just wanted a playground for something fun. Of course I prayed we could do it as long as we could, but I did not expect 25 years. It has had a ripple effect where kids are giving better lives to their families, and that’s where our biggest accomplishment lies,” Oyebog said.

For the 25th anniversary celebration in mid-February, Oyebog decided to go big. Real big. He set the Guinness World Record for the largest tennis lesson of all time, 1,490 students, nearly doubling the previous record. Before the lesson, he honored tennis legend and longtime friend and supporter, Yannick Noah.

“This clinic not only will help bring attention to the program but help step up tennis in Africa. Some of the greatest tennis ambassadors of tennis have completely forgotten about Africa, so we did this to show them we’re here and need their support to continue to grow,” Oyebog said.

One of the top-ranked African juniors in the world is Oyebog’s son, Junior. Like so many before him, Junior learned to play at the wall in Bonaberi.

Now 16, Junior trains full time at IMG Academy in Florida and is traveling the world competing in ITF tournaments. Recent stops included Tunisia, Peru and the Dominican Republic, where he won four matches with partner Abhishek Thorat to earn the J200 doubles title.

The majority of time spent on the road has been by himself, as his coaches are in Florida while his father (his primary coach growing up) splits his time between his home in Westport, CT and his native Cameroon. At 16 years old, the experience has forced Junior to grow up fast.

“There’s a learning curve that any junior player would have to go through to find their way on their own. I’ve definitely learned a lot over these past two years. I don’t have my parents or my coach there to lift me up, and it’s forced me to get used to rough and rocky times,” Junior said. “I’ve struggled being mentally tough, but I’ve learned to focus more and just do whatever it takes to get through.”

Junior battled to win a J300 event at Indian Wells in March 2023 with partner Jagger Leach and a J100 singles title in Calgary (Canada) in June 2023.

While he does travel alone, Junior has the constant support of his father, mother Nathalie, and his three siblings, Lucy, Leigh and John, all who play tennis.

“Additionally, my dad has done a lot for sure. Having him understand the journey of what it’s like and what it takes, is refreshing. As long as you give 100 percent and keep fighting and digging, he’s happy. Results may not come now, but they’re going to show up sooner or later,” Junior said. “Not every day does someone get to have a dad that’s supportive and helps you follow your passion. I wouldn’t exchange it for anything.”

“I’m extremely proud of my son, Junior. I see myself so much in him in terms of serves and emotions. I look at him when he handles stress, loses a match, and he gets very tough on himself, and I recall being like that at some point in my junior career. I’m in a good situation to help him and guide him through those tough times,” said Oyebog. 

Junior recently signed with IMG Tennis, helping him secure deals, training opportunities and financial assistance moving forward. 

While he’s been fully integrated in American and international tennis from a young age, Junior has not forgotten his roots. He took a monthlong trip back to Cameroon in December and January with his sister, Lucy, a 15-year-old rising ITF player in her own right.  

“Going to Cameroon serves as an inspiration and motivation for me. The conditions back home aren’t the best, so we had to move, but it’s still home and where I grew up. Everything I know and love comes from there, and it’s a good refresher,” Junior said.