BENEATH the brilliant canopy of a cerulean sky, The Courts at KLGCC Resort in Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, buzzes with life. The sun hangs high, casting a warm, golden glow that bathes this complex in inviting light.
The vibrant greens of the tennis courts contrast sharply against the azure backdrop, while the sounds of laughter and rhythmic thwack of tennis balls create a lively soundtrack.
Friends gather for an atas rendezvous, while athletes and sports-loving individuals hone their skills, all within this bustling lifestyle hub that promises not just sports, but also a sense of community.
At the centre of this energetic ecosystem is Abd Hazli Zainuddin, the gentleman I've come to meet today; a soft-spoken yet dynamic figure whose journey to success, I duly learn, is the embodiment of perseverance and resilience.
His handshake is firm and his smile radiates warmth as he welcomes me. While I feel like a frazzled, perspiring mess in the sweltering heat, he presents a picture of effortless cool in his crisp white shirt and relaxed pants.
The handsome 44-year-old gestures for me to join him on a tour of the complex, and I can sense a deep pride in him — a pride born from transforming dreams into reality. With each step, he greets patrons with genuine enthusiasm, embodying the vibrant spirit of The Courts, where wellness seamlessly intertwines with lifestyle.
YOUNG BOY, BIG DREAMS
Hazli's story began far from the polished courts of KLGCC (Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club). Born and raised in Paroi Jaya, Negri Sembilan, he was once just a simple boy with dreams of playing football.
"I started off as a junior Negri Sembilan football player — from 1992 to 1996," shares Hazli, who has a business management background and is the founder of Sports Town, a "hub" for all things tennis-related. "I played striker or defender, depending on where the coach needed me most!" continues the affable national head coach for Tennis Malaysia.
"I was playing at state level, was planning to go national etc. but back then — sometime in 1995/96 — the Malaysian football scene was rife with issues. I found myself at a crossroad. It wasn't long after that that I fell in love with tennis."
He was 16 when tennis entered his life, thanks to a friend from a much wealthier background. "At the time, I was just playing tennis socially. It was my friend who was the tennis player. It so happened that he had no one to hit with that day, so he invited me to play with him. He gave me a ball and racket, and asked me to be his hitting partner," recalls Hazli, chuckling at the memory.
Continuing, he confides sheepishly: "I wasn't an atas person. My parents were just government servants with a modest income." Tennis, he thought, was a luxury he could hardly afford. But fuelled by the desire to play, he began making the daily trek to Tepian Gelanggang in Seremban (once a training ground for the National Tennis Association).
Recalls Hazli: "There was a tennis court there run by Mohd Azam Baba, Negri Sembilan's tennis coach. We were basically paying RM30 a month just to play tennis. There was a wall there at the tennis court. I wasn't good enough yet, so nobody wanted to play with me. I'd go there and hit against the wall almost every day — alone.
"I thought nothing of walking 3km to the court every day — and then walking home again," shares Hazli, the third of five siblings. "In those days, it was pretty safe to walk everywhere. We'd even walk to school. I remember every day, I would practise, juggling my time between tennis and football."
Suddenly, a chuckle ensues when he recalls how he used to gather his friends and taught them how to play tennis at some abandoned courts near the football stadium in Paroi. "With no nets available, we improvised by using a fence to divide the two courts, playfully hitting the ball back and forth. We were just a bunch of kampung boys, making the most of what we had, and often roller-blading or cycling in between our matches!"
FINDING HIS FOOTING
As the sun beams down, Hazli paints a vivid picture of his young self — an ambitious teen, determined to break through barriers. "Football gave me my fitness and mental strength. I was already competitive when I switched to tennis," he explains.
He also participated in various junior circuit tennis tournaments, which took him to Kedah and Penang. "To my surprise, I reached my first semi-final in a national tournament," shares Hazli. "This achievement prompted my father to approach the late Akbar Baba, then president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia, who later helped secure my place in the national academy."
Yet, even in the national academy, doubts lingered. "After six months, I felt disillusioned. The conditions weren't right for my growth," he admits, adding that he eventually made the decision to return home and focus on his studies.
He earned a place at Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam, where as fate would have it, he once again rediscovered his passion for tennis. "The university had free courts and I picked it up again, participating in numerous university games," shares Hazli with a small smile.
The journey was anything but straightforward. Hazli recounts how, at 26, he finally found his footing, representing Malaysia for four years. "It was a proud moment, but I needed to earn money to support my studies at university," he admits, adding: "My family didn't have the means to do so. I started coaching at a local academy — Duta International Tennis Academy at Bukit Tunku."
Continuing, he shares: "I was making just RM400 a month," he confides, adding wryly: "It was all part of the grind. Each lesson, each hour spent coaching, was a stepping stone towards my dream. By the age of 23, I climbed to the top three in national rankings," he shares, the tone of pride palpable.
With the money he earned, he bought his first car — a modest Kancil — which enabled him to commute from Shah Alam to Jalan Duta almost every day for his coaching sessions.
CONTINUING THE DREAM
But life was never just about tennis; it was about supporting his family. "I married my wife when I was just 23, and she was 18. She's German-Italian. We were young and I was still struggling," he laughs, the memory bittersweet.
The couple navigated cultural differences, financial strains and the challenges of a young family. "I was determined to provide for them, despite what others thought," he confides, expression earnest.
Then came the turning point in 2009, when he opened his first pro shop. "That was my first baby," he reflects, pride radiating from his voice. But just as Hazli began to find his footing again, the world faced an unprecedented challenge — Covid-19. "It was a tough time. We were established, but two years of zero business hit hard," he says.
Yet, in adversity, opportunity arose. "Sime Darby awarded us the chance to run a tennis academy (at The Courts)," he recalls. It was here that Hazli saw a glimmer of hope; a chance to create something bigger.
"I approached Gary, my partner, and suggested we collaborate to turn it into a more comprehensive lifestyle hub." With backgrounds in property development and sports management, their partnership began to take shape.
"We wanted to create a space that wasn't just about tennis," he explains. The idea evolved into a wellness hub, integrating sports, relaxation and community. "This place represents a fusion of lifestyles, a sanctuary for everyone — whether you're here for tennis, yoga, or just a meal at the cafe."
Despite initial resistance, Hazli remained steadfast. "There were challenges in the first two years, especially with the concept being new in Malaysia," he admits, adding: "But we pushed through, and eventually, the results spoke for themselves." His vision of "wellness in style" became a reality, drawing people from all walks of life to experience what The Courts had to offer.
GREATEST MOTIVATION
As we continue our stroll through the impressive complex, the sounds of laughter and chatter permeate the air. A bright yellow ball suddenly comes whizzing in our direction, prompting a good-natured chuckle from Hazli as he throws it back into the hands of a grateful woman in the midst of a pickleball game.
In companionable silence we walk on, taking in the scene around us. The aroma of fresh coffee suddenly wafts from the cafe just ahead, where friends and players seem to be taking respite from the sweltering heat.
The doting father of two pauses, taking a moment to appreciate the vibrancy around him, the laughter of social players on the pickleball courts mingling with the more focused energies of serious athletes practising their game. "This is what I envisioned," he says softly, a satisfied smile on his face.
At the core of Hazli's drive is his commitment to giving back. "Success isn't just about what you achieve for yourself. It's about the impact you have on others," he reflects, as we take our seats at the cafe, away from the bustle of the courts.
I learn that his dream extends beyond The Courts; he envisions a community centre that supports underprivileged children, providing them with opportunities to thrive through sports and education. "I want to create a legacy that goes beyond my own achievements," he asserts, eyes lighting up with conviction.
His family is his greatest motivation — his beautiful wife, who has stood by him through thick and thin, and his two children, son Imran Daniel and daughter Daania Daniella, who are carving impressive paths in the world of tennis.
"Imran received a full sports scholarship to study in the United States. He's the best Under-18 player in Southeast Asia," confides the doting father, his beam as bright as the sun above us.
As he shares anecdotes about his children, his enthusiasm is contagious. "Dania is also a top player in the country. We've built a life around sports," he explains, before pulling out his phone and proudly scrolling through images of his son. He stops at one — Imran with tennis legend Roger Federer — and beams again, before continuing softly: "You know, just hanging in there and grinding is the mantra. Life is a journey, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow."
PERFECT HARMONY
As the sun begins to lower in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over The Courts, Hazli and I prepare to part ways for our respective commitments. He pauses for a moment, reflecting on his journey. "I still play competitively. Tennis is an integral part of who I am," he shares, his voice infused with the passion that has driven him all these years. "Even with the demands of the business, I carve out time to compete. It keeps me connected to my roots."
A gentle breeze stirs the air, and Hazli's final words resonate deeply. His path, filled with both challenges and triumphs, serves as a powerful reminder that success transcends personal milestones; it lies in the positive impact one creates in the world.
"For me, success is going to bed at night knowing I've done my best for my family and my community," he concludes, a satisfied smile illuminating his face.
As I walk toward my waiting car, the sounds of players' laughter and the rhythmic thwack of tennis balls gradually fade into the background. The Courts at KLGCC continues to stand as a vibrant testament to one man's determination and dreams.
Sports Town chief executive officer, doting family man, and just your all-round good guy… Hazli is not just the king of the courts; he is a visionary, a mentor and a man committed to making a difference — one swing at a time.