Top Australian Tennis Coach Arrested Over Multiple Alleged Child Sex Charges, Including Rape

Prominent Australian Tennis Coach Charged with Child Sex Offenses
By Andrew Prentice for Daily Mail Australia
Published: 01:08 GMT, 12 February 2025 | Updated: 03:38 GMT, 12 February 2025

[Image 1: Ryan Kebblewhite in court]
Caption: Ryan Kebblewhite appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on February 10.

Renowned Australian junior tennis coach Ryan Keith Kebblewhite, 38, has been charged with multiple historical child sex offenses, including rape. Kebblewhite was arrested on February 9 while mentoring young players at the KDV Sport Centre on the Gold Coast. The charges stem from alleged incidents in Adelaide and the Gold Coast, involving offenses against a child known to him through a sports academy.

Details of the Charges
Police allege Kebblewhite committed two counts of rape, two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, and one count of grooming. Authorities stated the crimes occurred over a period of time and involved systematic abuse.

[Image 2: KDV Sport Centre]
Caption: The state-of-the-art KDV Sport Centre where Kebblewhite coached.

Academy Response
KDV Sport Tennis Academy manager Ross Taylor confirmed in a message to parents that a staff member had been stood down pending investigation. Taylor emphasized the academy’s cooperation with police and commitment to member safety. The $20 million facility, frequented by rising stars like Lleyton Hewitt’s son Cruz, boasts 20 tennis courts, a gym, pool, and spa.

Court Proceedings
Kebblewhite, a father of two, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on February 10. The case was adjourned until March 4, with no bail details disclosed.

[Image 3: Kebblewhite coaching]
Caption: Kebblewhite had coached at KDV for several years before his arrest.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through Australia’s tennis community, prompting calls for heightened vigilance in youth sports programs.

Updates to follow as the case develops.

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