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Your roadmap to mastering the skills needed for a professional tennis career
Tennis is a fast-paced and widely loved sport, enjoyed across the globe. While many engage with it casually or recreationally, others dream of stepping onto the court as a professional. Like any top-level sport, professional tennis demands a mix of commitment, resilience, and raw ability. If you’re serious about turning pro, there are key actions you must take to boost your chances of making it big in the game.
The Journey to Pro Tennis: A Snapshot
- Achieve peak physical fitness and play as frequently as possible. Most pros train for a minimum of 2 hours daily—regular practice sharpens your performance.
- Join school tennis teams, sign up for tournaments, and take part in summer leagues and independent competitions.
- Compete in junior Zone Advancement Tournaments (ZATs) to collect ranking points. Higher rankings unlock entry into elite tournaments and open new doors.
Action Plan
Building Experience
Get physically ready. No matter if you're a teen or in your twenties, being in top physical condition is essential to handle the demands of professional tennis. The sport tests your endurance and strength, so your body must be primed for the challenge:
- Incorporate cardio into your routine—aim for running at least three times a week.
- Add light weight training—not for bulk, but to enhance stamina and physical readiness for intense matches.
- Work with a personal trainer who can craft a workout plan tailored to your goals and availability.
Maximize your practice time. Consistent practice is the cornerstone of tennis mastery. To reach the professional level, you'll need to dedicate countless hours to training and playing, constantly honing your edge against competitors. Your routine must reflect the seriousness of your ambition:
- Design a weekly training schedule that pushes your limits and fits your growth needs.
- Many aspiring pros train six days per week, for hours each day.
- Experts estimate it takes around 1,000 hours—or roughly 5 years—to achieve expertise in sports-related fields.
PRO TIP
Peter Fryer
Tennis Coach and Writer
Tennis Coach and Writer
Commit to daily tennis if you're serious about turning pro. Tennis expert Peter Fryer shares: "Professional players typically train for 3–4 hours a day—this includes at least 2 hours on the court, 1 hour of physical conditioning, and another hour focused on flexibility. Ahead of major events like the Grand Slam, US Open, or Wimbledon, that training can stretch up to 8 hours a day."
Join summer tennis programs during your secondary school or college years. There are many intensive summer tennis programs for students at this stage. These programs immerse you in the competitive tennis environment and are perfect for building experience, improving skills, and stepping into the competitive circuit.
Play for your school's tennis team if available. If you’re in middle or high school and there's a tennis program, sign up early. Competing at the school level helps you dedicate more time to the sport and provides a solid stepping stone toward a professional career. See school competitions as your first big break.
Take part in competitive tennis beyond school. In addition to school matches, many top players also compete in outside events to sharpen their skills and gain recognition.
- Begin with junior Zone Advancement Tournaments (ZATs) to gather ranking points. These points help you qualify for more advanced events.
- Progress by "champing up"—once you earn enough points, you'll move up to tougher tournaments.
- Reach the "super champ" tier to enter national competitions and cement your status as a top junior talent.
- High U.S. rankings can lead to invitations to elite international events like the junior U.S. Open and junior Wimbledon.
Secure a college tennis scholarship and play at the university level. While competing in both school and independent tournaments, aim to earn a scholarship at a university known for its tennis program. This path not only covers your education but gives you significant time to commit to the sport.
- You’ll need a solid academic background in addition to a strong match record to qualify for scholarships.
- Achievements like winning major junior tournaments or competing at junior Wimbledon can boost your chances.
- Top men's programs include USC Los Angeles, University of Virginia, and Baylor University.
- For women, standout programs include Duke University, Vanderbilt University, and UCLA.
Model the mindset and routines of elite players. The best in the game follow unique strategies and habits that elevate their performance. These habits distinguish them and drive long-term success.
- Target specific areas of improvement each session instead of just playing for repetition. This method gradually enhances your overall performance.
- Create a consistent pre-match routine. Top players stick to rituals that mentally and physically prepare them for matches. Find what works for you and make it your own.
- Find and refine your personal style. There's no universal way to play tennis—what’s effective for one might not suit another. Prioritize regular practice and feedback to identify what techniques work best for you.
Serena Williams, Professional Tennis Player
Hard work lays the foundation for greatness. "Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come."
Building a Network of Skilled Players
Seek out tough opponents to elevate your game. Before officially pursuing a professional path, make it a priority to face players who test your skills. The more challenging the match, the more you grow as a competitor.
- Join leagues or clubs that include players more advanced than you. High school players, for example, can benefit from training with college-level athletes.
- Skip matches against opponents you easily defeat. While victories feel good, they don’t offer much in terms of growth.
- Challenge older, more experienced players. Not only do they offer a wealth of knowledge, but they also appreciate the energy younger players bring, creating a mutually beneficial experience.
Work with a coach who knows the professional circuit. No matter how dedicated your solo practice is, a knowledgeable coach can unlock your true potential. Whether it's a seasoned mentor or a hired expert, the right coach will take your game to the next level.
- Be ready to get pushed. A quality coach won’t go easy—they’ll stretch your limits to help you grow.
- Absorb everything you’re taught. Repeat key lessons to yourself until they become second nature on the court.
- Don’t settle—seek out truly great coaches. A poor coach can slow your progress, while a great one can fast-track your path to the pros.
Find a mentor with professional experience. Alongside your coach, having a mentor who's walked the pro path can provide valuable insight and support. Mentors don’t need to be local—they just need to be invested in your growth and willing to share their knowledge.
- Ask your coach or teammates if they can connect you with skilled or former pro players.
- Network at tournaments and tennis events—build genuine relationships before asking for mentorship.
- Check out mentor initiatives through tennis organizations both local and national.
What It Really Means to Be a Pro Tennis Player
Get into the game early. Experience is everything in professional tennis. The most successful players began their journey in early childhood, making tennis a lifestyle from the very start.
- Most elite players picked up a racket at age 6 or 7.
- Starting late lowers the odds of reaching the top ranks.
- Beginning in your late teens significantly reduces your chances of turning pro.
Study the traits that set top pros apart. World-class players tend to share a mix of physical and mental traits that elevate them above the competition. These qualities are key to making it to the top.
- They’re often quicker and more agile than the average player.
- They may train fewer hours on court—but train smarter.
- They dedicate more time to strength and fitness conditioning.
- They usually maintain leaner physiques for peak performance.
Understand what you’re giving up. Going pro in tennis demands serious commitment and big personal trade-offs. You’ll sacrifice time, freedom, and a more traditional lifestyle in exchange for a shot at greatness.
- Your school performance may take a back seat as training and matches take over.
- Many young pros start in middle or early high school and delay college until much later.
- Your relationships—with friends, family, and partners—will be impacted by constant training and travel.
Know the financial reality. Turning professional in tennis comes with a heavy price tag. It's not just about skill—it's about whether you can afford to stay in the game.
- Early coaching fees can add up fast.
- Travel, tournament entries, and accommodations cost thousands annually.
- Most players lose money or break even before hitting big leagues.
- Competing professionally may run you around $160,000 per year.
- Seek out financial assistance from groups like the United States Tennis Association to help cover costs.
Sign up with the United States Tennis Association (USTA). If you're serious about making it in U.S. tennis, the USTA is your launchpad. Membership opens doors to tournaments, leagues, and point-based rankings that inch you closer to the pro scene.
- The USTA is one of the main pipelines into a professional career.
- Use their site to find nearby tournaments: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/Common/Default.aspx
- Outside the U.S.? Look up the main tennis body in your country to get involved.
- Treat your body like your most valuable asset. If you're injured, step back and heal completely before returning.
- Stay hungry but balanced. Obsessing over results can drain your passion. Take mental breaks during tough losses or slumps.
- Invest in quality gear—your tools matter.
The insights here reflect real stories from Mytour readers like you. Got something valuable to share? Drop your tip in the box below and help others on their journey.
- Mastering your serve is crucial—it’s how you begin each point with power and control.
- Challenge yourself by playing against opponents who surpass your skill level. They'll highlight gaps in your game you didn’t know existed.
- Partner with a physiotherapist to stay ahead of injuries and keep your body in peak condition.
