RAUL BERMUDEZ
BERMUDEZ TENNIS ACADEMY DIRECTOR & HEAD TEACHING PRO AT REBSAMEN TENNIS CENTER

At the age of 7, Raul Bermudez picked up his first tennis racquet in his hometown of Caracas, Venezuela, and more than 35 years later his love for the sport has only grown. After ranking #1 in Venezuela, Raul came to the U.S. at 17 years old to begin his professional tennis career.

After playing professionally in Europe, South America, and the United States from 1996-1999, Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, recruited Raul to play on the men’s tennis team. In 2000, OBU ranked #1 in the U.S. in college men’s tennis under the instruction of Coach Craig Ward, and Raul was named “Best Player to Watch.” While at OBU, Raul served as the assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach (ranked #3 in the U.S.).

Upon graduating with a degree in physical education and business, Raul moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2003, he founded Bermudez Tennis Academy at Rebsamen Tennis Center, where he serves as the head teaching pro.

Over the past 20 years, Raul has coached hundreds of junior and adult tennis players, including many talented players who have gone on to earn college scholarships in both tennis and academics. 

In 2008, Raul was a doubles finalist in the St. Vincent’s Tour de Paul tennis tournament (formerly the Bolo Bash and now the Little Rock Open), the longest-running event on the USTA Pro Circuit in Arkansas. Raul created the Wildcard Tournament and has directed it since 2008.

Coach Raul, a USPTA-certified professional, has been a member of the 18 and Over 5.0 and 40 and Over 4.5+ and Senior Cup Arkansas state championship teams. Raul was selected to coach Zonals in 2022 and the Brewer Cup in 2023. He and his coaching staff love the game and enjoy teaching junior and adult players of all levels.