Vincent Allegre’s career as a tour player was only the beginning of his tennis experience.
“I became a tennis professional when I retired from playing professionally,” Vincent says. “I wanted to stay involved with the sport that I loved, and found that teaching and coaching would be the best way to pursue my passion for the game. It also was a way to give back to the sport that brought so much to my life.”
As a top-10 junior in France, Vincent was recruited by the No. 1-ranked University of California at Los Angeles. As a member of the UCLA tennis team he reached the top four in the NCAA Division I and was named an All-American.
After graduating he played on the professional circuit (ATP tour) at the Grand Prix level. Others on this circuit included top players such as Sampras, Agassi, Safin, Federer, Hewitt and Roddick.
Vincent is now a tennis professional at Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo (South Orange County), Calif., and also travels to private facilities in the area.
“I really enjoy meeting different people with skills and abilities that vary,” this USPTA pro says. “It is very rewarding to be able to help them with their game no matter what their level is. My areas of expertise are private and group lessons. I can really work with a student specifically on his technique and also mix it up with different drills that will reinforce it.
“My greatest accomplishment as a tennis pro is probably helping to grow interest in our sport,” Vincent says. “I have taught many new students who started playing and learning the game later in their lifetime and who fell in love with it.
“I am currently working on growing interest in our sport in Southern California through our tennis programs, camps and tours.”
Vincent earned a degree in physical education from the University of Paris V and a B.A. in economics from UCLA. “As a French-born person, I am proud to have become a U.S. citizen,” he says.
“Since I moved to the United States seven years ago, I have really enjoyed the California lifestyle by going surfing every week,” Vincent says. In addition to surfing, he enjoys skiing and spending time with friends and family.
