Futures

[T.P3D0R]

Does a 4.5 have any business playing in a futures event? I have no intention of attempting to make a living out of tennis, but think that it would be neat to try a Futures event. I will be near one in July, so it wouldn't be out of the way. However, there is also an Open tournament the same time and place, which is probably less challenging. I figure if I did the futures event, I wouldn't make it past the qualifying bracket, but may get 1-3 matches in depending on how well I'm playing. Basically I'd be registering the ITF IPIN + Tournament entry for one to a few matches - not really worth it in value, but could be a neat experience.

I haven't been to or watched a futures event before, would a young 4.5 be a good fit for a future event, or is the level of competition too high?

 

[dmcb101]

Does a 4.5 have any business playing in a futures event? I have no intention of attempting to make a living out of tennis, but think that it would be neat to try a Futures event. I will be near one in July, so it wouldn't be out of the way. However, there is also an Open tournament the same time and place, which is probably less challenging. I figure if I did the futures event, I wouldn't make it past the qualifying bracket, but may get 1-3 matches in depending on how well I'm playing. Basically I'd be registering the ITF IPIN + Tournament entry for one to a few matches - not really worth it in value, but could be a neat experience.

I haven't been to or watched a futures event before, would a young 4.5 be a good fit for a future event, or is the level of competition too high?

From what I heard from another fellow teaching pro that I work with, a lot of D1 college kids play in the qualifying who are in good form. This pro that I am referencing is a 4.5-5.0 player (closer to 5.0) and has played many of the qualies and has never as much as win a set. I would say the open would be more appropriate but he said it was cool getting to play against guys who could stick with the pro's. He said it was amazing to see first hand what players today could do with the ball. Give it a try!

 

[Devilito]

Does a 4.5 have any business playing in a futures event? I have no intention of attempting to make a living out of tennis, but think that it would be neat to try a Futures event. I will be near one in July, so it wouldn't be out of the way. However, there is also an Open tournament the same time and place, which is probably less challenging. I figure if I did the futures event, I wouldn't make it past the qualifying bracket, but may get 1-3 matches in depending on how well I'm playing. Basically I'd be registering the ITF IPIN + Tournament entry for one to a few matches - not really worth it in value, but could be a neat experience.

I haven't been to or watched a futures event before, would a young 4.5 be a good fit for a future event, or is the level of competition too high?

waste of money unless you're making Open finals or winning Open events. Given the cost of an ITF membership plus the entrance fee to the Futures, you're better off taking that money and buying a few hours of private lessons with some of the pros at that event. You're mistaken if you think you're going to learn anything by missing every single return and getting your serves spanked on and engaging in next to no rallies because your game just isn't good enough to rally at that level in a match situation

 

[Govnor]

Isn't futures like 6.0 level? Can't see how it'd be worth it unless you have some alternate motive.

 

[Moz]

waste of money unless you're making Open finals or winning Open events. Given the cost of an ITF membership plus the entrance fee to the Futures, you're better off taking that money and buying a few hours of private lessons with some of the pros at that event. You're mistaken if you think you're going to learn anything by missing every single return and getting your serves spanked on and engaging in next to no rallies because your game just isn't good enough to rally at that level in a match situation

Just had a quick look out of curiousity. I think the yearly IPIN costs $55 and entry costs $20 for a futures. That doesn't look too bad considering the entry fees to some open tournaments.

You'll get destroyed but it would be good for humility!

 

[goran_ace]

You know how there are other threads on here about 4.0 people who get annoyed having to play against 2.5 or 3.0 players? I never played at the futures level, but I did play at open level and that's pretty much how I felt about drawing one of those 4.0/4.5 guys who would enter just to see what it would be like to play against open level players. Just something to think about...

 

[asimple]

You know how there are other threads on here about 4.0 people who get annoyed having to play against 2.5 or 3.0 players? I never played at the futures level, but I did play at open level and that's pretty much how I felt about drawing one of those 4.0/4.5 guys who would enter just to see what it would be like to play against open level players. Just something to think about...

I have to admit it never bothered me that much and in fact I much preferred to draw one of these guys first round. It got me used to the courts and comfortable with the tournament before I either got a real match or my *** kicked by one of the top guys.

 

[T.P3D0R]

Interesting perspectives. I played DIII college a few years ago, which doesn't by any means justify me as a good player, but I don't think that my presence in a futures events is comparable to a 4.5 playing a 2.5. I could be wrong though. I played against what felt like a 2.5-3.0 a few weekends ago in an open tournament - the challenge with them is the sketchy mechanics and junk shots that end up coming over. My reasoning is that if anything, I just wouldn't push the opponent very much and they would have many opportunities to hit winners and run me around the court.

Judging by the responses though, I should probably just stick with the Open events then.

 

[asimple]

Interesting perspectives. I played DIII college a few years ago, which doesn't by any means justify me as a good player, but I don't think that my presence in a futures events is comparable to a 4.5 playing a 2.5. I could be wrong though. I played against what felt like a 2.5-3.0 a few weekends ago in an open tournament - the challenge with them is the sketchy mechanics and junk shots that end up coming over. My reasoning is that if anything, I just wouldn't push the opponent very much and they would have many opportunities to hit winners and run me around the court.

Judging by the responses though, I should probably just stick with the Open events then.

I think you should give it a try. If it only costs around $100 then why not. You'll most likely get beaten badly but you'll see how good/bad you really are. Those guys are there to make money and certainly aren't going to mind an easy round.