Meet Raynal, Kokomo's tennis champion both on and off the court. Fresh from his tennis victory at the 2026 Fiji Open where he became the first Fijian in more than a decade to claim the title - Ray - to those who know him could be forgiven for talking about rankings, trophies or competition.
Instead, he talks about his experience hitting with guests at Kokomo. About the father who messaged him months after returning home to say a simple tip had transformed his enjoyment of tennis after 30 years. About grandparents playing pickleball alongside grandchildren. About nervous first timers who arrive on Kokomo convinced racquet sports aren't for them, only to leave the court smiling.
It's this combination of elite sporting credentials and genuine warmth that has made Ray one of Kokomo Private Island's beloved personalities.
A national tennis representative who graduated as an electrical engineer, Ray's journey to Kokomo was anything but conventional. Balancing engineering work with national-level training eventually became unsustainable, before an opportunity during the pandemic introduced him to resort coaching. The response from guests was immediate.
"The feedback was good," he says modestly.
Good may be an understatement.
Today, returning guests often message ahead of their stay to check whether Ray will be on island. Many schedule tennis and pickleball sessions before they've booked spa treatments or diving expeditions.
While his Fiji Open victory confirms his standing as one of the country's finest tennis players, on Kokomo's courts the atmosphere is intentionally different.
"We're here to have fun," he says. "I want guests to learn something, improve their game and enjoy themselves while doing it."
That philosophy is reflected in every lesson. Rather than overhauling technique, Ray focuses on small adjustments that create immediate improvements, particularly important when guests may only be on island for a few days. The result is often transformative.
One guest later wrote to tell him that a simple observation about grip pressure had changed the way he played forever. "In 30 years, nobody had ever told me that," the guest had remarked.
For Ray, those moments are every bit as rewarding as tournament victories.
The rise of pickleball has only expanded his reach. As one of Fiji's earliest and most experienced pickleball coaches, he's witnessed first-hand why the sport has become a global phenomenon.
"It's easy to pick up," he explains. "A grandson can play with a grandfather. Everyone can play."
On Kokomo's courts, that inclusivity comes to life daily. Families compete together, couples challenge each other, and complete beginners find themselves rallying within minutes. The laughter is often louder than the scorekeeping.
When asked what tennis has taught him throughout his career, his answer extends far beyond sport.
"Patience," he says. "And having a strong mindset. In matches, you're not always winning. There are going to be setbacks. Life is the same."
It's a philosophy that seems to underpin everything he does. Whether he's competing on the international stage, representing Fiji, or introducing a Kokomo guest to pickleball for the very first time, Ray brings the same quiet enthusiasm, generosity and professionalism.
The 2026 Fiji Open trophy may be the latest addition to his achievements, but for Kokomo's guests, the real victory is simply finding themselves on court with him.
Book your next lesson with Ray through our .
