Alex Earle - Tennisclub Weissenhof - Head Groundsman

Alex’s journey into grounds management began through volunteering at a small club, gradually progressing to some of the sport’s most prestigious venues. This grounding has given him a genuine appreciation for all areas of the profession and a belief that the industry rewards the passion and energy put into it.

Now Head Groundsman at Tennisclub Weissenhof in Stuttgart, home of The Boss Open, Alex leads on the preparation and delivery of elite grass courts for a major ATP Tour event. His career has taken him across continents, with time spent working in Australia, the UK and now Germany. Each move has brought challenges but Alex’s confidence in his skills, ability to connect with colleagues of all ages and willingness to embrace both tradition and innovation have helped him thrive.

A key strength is his ability to balance established practices with modern technologies and attitudes. Whether using data from tools such as Pogo moisture and Clegg readings to make informed decisions, or respecting long-standing methods valued by experienced colleagues, Alex is adept at creating a culture where innovation and tradition work side by side. This has been vital in building team unity and ensuring high-quality playing surfaces.

Beyond his day-to-day role, Alex is passionate about promoting the industry to the next generation. He has used social media, career days and his own international journey to inspire young people to consider grounds management as a career - showing that the profession can offer opportunities to travel, work outdoors and be part of world-class sporting events. His ambition is to bridge the gap between grassroots clubs and elite venues, creating pathways for grounds staff to gain hands-on experience at professional tournaments. By sharing these insights and experiences, Alex hopes to motivate others to raise standards and to see the industry as both accessible and aspirational.

For Alex, this profession has given so much. His goal now is to give back by creating opportunities for others.

Alex is someone who consistently pushes the standards, not just his own but those around him as well. His attention to detail is second to none and he combines that with a clear vision of where we are heading and how to get there. Whether it’s planning ahead or making live adjustments to operations in the field, Alex has the confidence and ability to shift gears to ensure the best possible outcome. He communicates exceptionally well across all levels of the team and his understanding of how to engage people goes beyond. Alex has a natural talent for creating impactful, visually sharp social media content that not only promotes the work we do but gives the wider audience a genuine insight into the value and depth of the grounds industry. His content consistently represents the profession with pride and authenticity. Alex is also driven by a strong internal motivation to grow, always seeking knowledge, understanding his path forward and investing in the journey. That drive extends into how he brings others with him. Whether working one to one or in a team setting, Alex knows how to get the best out of people through clear guidance and shared purpose. He’s a forward thinker with a strong technical base and is without doubt an outstanding employee who will make a real difference and will be a major influence in the future of our industry."

John Entwistle, Head Groundsperson - The All England Lawn Tennis Club