A day of learning, sport and shared experiences aimed at turning the values of high-performance tennis into practical tools for the workplace. This was the spirit behind the team building event organized by I Tennis Foundation for Coop Lombardia at the Villa Reale Tennis Club in Monza, where employees took part in a unique experience combining classroom sessions and on-court activities.
A special highlight of the event was the presence of Emilio Sanchez, former World No. 1 in doubles, former ATP World No. 7 in singles, former captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team and founder of the renowned Emilio Sánchez Academy. Through an engaging discussion with participants, Sanchez shared stories, experiences and lessons learned throughout his outstanding international career, addressing topics such as leadership, teamwork, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, conflict management and the importance of physical and mental recovery for long-term performance.
The day opened with contributions from representatives of Coop Lombardia and I Tennis Foundation, who introduced the event’s key themes and highlighted how change and new challenges can become opportunities for growth when approached with teamwork and a shared vision.
After discussing the mindset and values of elite champions, Emilio Sanchez brought tennis directly onto the court. The former World No. 1 in doubles personally led a practical session in which participants learned and practiced the game’s fundamental strokes through a series of engaging drills and activities designed to foster cooperation, concentration and team spirit. Enhanced by Sanchez’s charisma and remarkable ability to connect with people, the session culminated in a fun and competitive points challenge, turning the tennis court into a real-life laboratory for leadership, communication and teamwork.
During the afternoon, further sessions focused on physical preparation and personal wellbeing, mental resilience, error management and the value of communication, highlighting how many of the skills required in elite sport are increasingly relevant within modern organizations and businesses.
The initiative marks another important step in the partnership between Coop Lombardia and I Tennis Foundation. Coop Lombardia is already an Official Partner of the Little Tennis Champions 2026-27 charitable program, through which the Foundation supports talented young players from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing opportunities for sporting, educational and personal development.
We would like to thank Coop Lombardia for once again supporting and sharing the mission of I Tennis Foundation. Because tennis can be far more than a sport: it can be a powerful tool to develop people, create opportunities and build a brighter future.
TEAM BUILDING SPEAKERS
Emilio Sanchez, Founder of the Emilio Sanchez Academy, former ATP World No. 1 in doubles and No. 7 in singles, former captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team, and professional tennis coach;
Raffaele Dato, Head of Commercial Offer at Coop Lombardia;
Simone Bongiovanni, coach and team manager for “Little Tennis Champions” (2021–2026);
Marco Vigini, human resources expert and National Vice President of AIDP;
Matteo Musso, professional journalist and Head of External Relations at the Tennis Foundation;
Andrea Tortorella, athletic trainer for the Tennis Foundation.
