Part One: Pro tour primer

During a recent lesson, the subject of pro tennis came up. That brought back memories of my college tennis days and competing in Satellite tournaments (now called Futures). Just how tough is the road to a successful pro career ?

 Collegiate, national, or top sectional experience, is needed  for building the foundation. First you play qualifying events (called Futures), so you can get into the main draw and win a match. A main draw win, gives you that coveted ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) point. That gets you a top 1500 world ranking, and a chance to get into the next stage (Challenger Tour). A wild card (WC) is another way of landing into the main draw. These are awarded to up and coming players.

You’ll need seed money of $100,000/year for at least 3 years to cover living expenses and also business expenses ( travel , hotel, equipment, court & coaching fees). Those without means, sleep in vans or park benches (just kidding !). Sometimes there is free lodging. Well at least there’s money to be made. That wasn't always the case
In 1955 Tony Trabert (former World No. 1), received a $75 gift certificate for winning Wimbeldon. Current world no.1 Novak Djokovic got $1.4 million for his 2011 Wimbledon title. In 1960 former world no.1, Margaret Court, received an umbrella after winning the 1960 Australian Open. Kim Clisters, current world no.12, won $1.9 million for her 2011 Australian Open title.

In next post I’ll be covering the next level of tournaments: Futures & Challengers