Why should tennis be any different from basketball or football or even golf where most of the college athletes don’t make it to their respective pro leagues/tours? Why can’t they just be student athletes and simply pursue a career in the real world after they graduate? Nothing wrong in that!
Why can't NCAA players make it as Pros?
- Thread starter tennis24x7
- Start date
Aslan T
Rookie
Uh... OK bud...
LOBALOT
Hall of Fame
100%.... Why put all your eggs in one basket?
It is like those kids that major in psych because they think it is easier and they will have the grades to get into Med School and then at the end they don't get in. Then what?
Always have a Plan B (and Plan C if you can)!
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
tlsmikey
Rookie
Another aspect to consider is the cost associated with going pro. Most of the foreign players come from top level academies and have been given a large amount of sponsorship from a foreign country where in the U.S., that system doesn't really exist to the same level of support. If you are a great college player (Danielle Collins is a good example here), you can go pro but you then need to realize that you have to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars just to compete on the pro tour. You would need at least one coach and likely a hitting partner and/or trainer. Most likely three. Travel costs. Scheduling. Equipment. There is a very good chance that you could end up losing money (significant amounts) at the end of a few years on tour and at the end of the day, it makes more sense for most folks to just get their degree and earn a living rather than risk losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
because they are not good enough. so they go to college and play tennis and they all know they are never going to turn pro. It's like a student can't get into stanford so they go to harvard instead
Well, Harvard and Stanford are neck and neck. Stanford and perhaps Cornell or Dartmouth would be the more appropriate comparison
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
Harvard is NOT Stanford. It is below Stanford. I've been to both Stanford and Harvard. If I get accepted to both schools, Stanford no question about it. Proximity to Silicon Valley and the weather of California. Why would I want to spend four years of my college life in the Northeast with miserable weather?
I was talking about academics and cache’. Agree that Stanford is ideal for Silicon Valley
There is a big wide world outside of the US and 2022 world rankings list Harvard #2 and Stanford #4
Yes, Stanford definitely has the edge weather wise.
Stanford University
Stanford University has one of the largest campuses in the US and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It was established in 1885 and opened six years later as a co-educational and non-denominational private institution. Its location, less than an hour’s drive south of San...
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
There is a big wide world outside of the US and 2022 world rankings list Harvard #2 and Stanford #4
Yes, Stanford definitely has the edge weather wise.
Stanford University
Stanford University has one of the largest campuses in the US and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It was established in 1885 and opened six years later as a co-educational and non-denominational private institution. Its location, less than an hour’s drive south of San...www.timeshighereducation.com
These rankings are completely useless. It is like comparing between Lexus and Infiniti and asking which one is better. Just saying.
Given a choice between Stanford and Harvard, IMHO, 9 out of 10 people will pick Stanford over Harvard due the proximity of SV and the weather. Between November and March, it is depressing in Northeast, not to mention you get hit by the NorEaster and it is not pretty.
jcgatennismom
Hall of Fame
It's not all tennis or all career post grad. UTR has created a series of their own pro tourneys that are round robin where collegians, pros, juniors can earn $400-$3k for 15-20 hours of play (4-5 matches). While no ATP points are earned, the $ are better than Futures for most players. Even finishing 8th is around $1K. Lose in 1st rd of Future MD $25K after qualifying, and that's only about $250 earned. Let's say a grad takes a career job in a strong tennis area-he/she can supplement main job with paid hits, weekend coaching, prize $ tourneys, PTT events, etc and still keep up tennis level. If a player/worker works remote or has a flexible job, grad could even possibly travel and play Futures too. Now obviously that player will not be aiming for top 100 ATP but their college experience may allow them to pursue tennis as a fun side hustle with a decent return. When my son worked career related summer internships, he talked with his work supervisor and local TDs so he could fit in local prize $ tourneys-he'd go into work at 7am, leave at 4pm, arrange for his matches to be played 5;30ish etc. If a player is a seed for a tourney (top 4 or top 8 in a draw of 20-32), the TDs will usually try to accommodate player schedules. There have even been college players playing those PTT tourneys during final exam weeks-scheduling matches around exam schedules, earning $100-500 per match depending on results, and still earning the high grades. Tennis players are smart, disciplined, and adept at multi-tasking.
The players who are serious about their academics are probably not taking away the chance of someone who can do something in tennis. Those 100% tennis players are probably taking mostly online courses in fall (or taking fall off), playing Futures in the fall, and playing high in the lineup for the college team in spring. The guys balancing academics and tennis are probably only playing 1-2 Futures in fall. It doesnt really matter how many Futures a player plays, but how far he/she gets. I remember one US collegian who was top 10 jr iTF but it took him 15 Futures to win his 1st ATP point-USTA wasted WCs on him as junior.
Players are passionate about tennis. I can think of several players who had great jobs in IB/Finance etc, quit after 1-2 years to go into college coaching, being pro hitting partners, etc. Even if college grads know that cant make it on the tour, many like to keep a toe in the water-playing just enough Futures to qualify for a few the following year. So few can make $ on tour, it's great that there are more options besides the ATP/WTA for college grads to earn tennis $ even if it is not their main career.
Some reasons why international players who arent ready for tour still dont choose to play college: 1)almost no clay tourneys in college (think there is one in FL and one in Milwaukee in Fall)-Europeans may be clay specialists (this does not affect US players that much-mainly FL players are good on clay), 2) difference in scoring ( pro matches are longer with ads, college matches may not build endurance needed for pro matches), 3)college team atmosphere with chirping fans/not playing opponents is totally different from Future audience of a handful of fans-most international players adapt but some may not. I watched a fall invite and one of the better players at the event in Sept was back in Eastern Europe playing PTT events a month later and then Futures in the spring-he only played 2 college fall events before returning home. Now not ready for prime time players have two options: college then futures or PTT tour then Futures. Of course those in college, can play Futures and PTT while still in college.
Nacho
Hall of Fame
Yea, that is partially it. Tennis is also intense, and for many players it can become unfun; or they become injured and physically can't compete. However, this wasn't always the case, and the transitioning of young competitive players, to post-college participation is hanging fruit. Other Countries do it well, but the U.S. there is nothing readily available or interesting to keep players competing...Many drop it for years and then come back in their 30's. There are few if any interesting and local events, the league system is rigged for recreation players so its almost impossible to play unless you are an intermediate player, and its expensive to join clubs and get court time. Public tennis went the way of the dodo bird....A good way to keep Jr's competing and creating a mentorship between older and younger players is to bridge this gap, but it will never happen at this rate. Adult tennis is for rec. players, and it is no longer a lifetime sport. I know this seems like a different topic, but it has an effect on the development of younger players here in the states, or lack there of. Hence, you get more international players who are stronger and at a higher level. Some European countries have solved this by creating open teams, and open mixed teams, with clubs even paying money to get the best teams competing. Some Countries use UTR like systems to have all their events geared that way, and not by age group. This makes going through the tournament system understandable and with a variety of ages and playing types.
Lot's of young athletes in all sports dream of turning pro, not just tennis players. If they've been fooled that's on the parents and coaches.
Many former college players who do not play after college find it hard to find others to play with on the same level. They also don't want to have to play down. Trying to turn off or tone down the highly competitive nature they've come accustomed to every time on court take some time to get used to.
I will say I am going to play tonight in a group of 4.0-4.5's and are being joined by a very young former DI player. So golf while its widely acknowledged is a better business social outlet, it's far from the only one. Tired of golf this, golf that. Screw golf.
Many former college players who do not play after college find it hard to find others to play with on the same level. They also don't want to have to play down. Trying to turn off or tone down the highly competitive nature they've come accustomed to every time on court take some time to get used to.
I will say I am going to play tonight in a group of 4.0-4.5's and are being joined by a very young former DI player. So golf while its widely acknowledged is a better business social outlet, it's far from the only one. Tired of golf this, golf that. Screw golf.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
That's exactly the issue with tennis. If you are a former D1 college tennis player and have a UTR of 13+ or higher, it is not fun to play with someone with a UTR 10 or below. It is going to get boring very quickly. You don't see people drinking beer or cognac while playing tennis, do you? They drink alcohol while playing golf. That's a big social aspect that tennis doesn't have.
Golf is completely different. Unless it is "match" play, a +20 golf handicap player can still pair up with a "scratch" golfer and they are still going to have fun and social during a round of 18 holes golf. It is because you're playing against the course and not each other, and enjoy each other company. When you play golf, you have a "captive" audience for 3 1/2 hours. That's how networking & relationships are built. Not so with tennis. That's why a lot of former tennis players pick up golf as they get older.
Beer drinking takes place after tennis. Golf is a game tennis is a sport. Most of us get the networking benefits of golf. Due to the slow boring nature of the game, things like alcohol, gambling and cigars are needed to keep it interesting. 
Not knocking it, I like golf, but choose tennis for exercise and not being fat over riding a cart and hitting a non-moving object.
Not knocking it, I like golf, but choose tennis for exercise and not being fat over riding a cart and hitting a non-moving object.bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
Beer drinking takes place after tennis. Golf is a game tennis is a sport. Most of us get the networking benefits of golf. Due to the slow boring nature of the game, things like alcohol, gambling and cigars are needed to keep it interesting.
LOL.... Have you ever played an 18 holes round of golf walking on a 7200 yards golf course for four straight days? It is a lot tougher physically than you think.
bobleenov1963
Hall of Fame
It depends. If you're paying lot of $$$ and an important customer, they will let you walk the course. I was invited to play golf at a high end golf course and I was able to walk with other partners. We ate, drank and discussed business while playing golf, and walking. There is a vehicle that bring everyone food and drink every three holes.
Below is the email invitation:
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Good Afternoon
We'd like to ring in 2022 with another golf outing for our customers & partners. You are cordially invited to this Springs XXXXXXXX Golf outing on 13 April 2022 at the XXX golf Country Club. The format will be a shotgun start @ 0930 with registration opening @ 0830. The driving range, green fee, breakfast, lunch and dinner is $700 person but because you're one of our very valuable customers, that amount will be taken care by the event organizer.
We'll be selling mulligans to benefit The Fairfax County Abused Women's Shelter which helps provide women & their children support services who are victims of domestic violence & abuse. The XXXX team will be matching the donations so come ready to support a great cause! We recommend that you use electric push-cart to walk on this beautiful golf course and social with other partners; however, you can also use the riding cart if you choose to do so.
We look forward to seeing you on the course.
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dannythomas
Professional
Ignoring the older players like Isner , Johnson and Anderson the current crop includes outstanding examples like Collins, Norrie, Brady, Nakashima, Giron, McDonald, Salisbury, Krawczyk, Cressy. Of course that is a small percentage but there also numerous players who went pro when maybe they were not ready and could have benefitted from maturing at college .On the women’s side perhaps Vickery, Osuigwe, Volynets, Liu, Price fall into that category .
At the end of the day those college players who can continue to play ITF and WTA events, compete in NCAA individuals, resist the temptations of partying too much and add extra coaching and hitting outside of their college commitments have a chance to make it. Of course it’s not easy but it can be done. Emma Navarro is on the right track for that.
At the end of the day those college players who can continue to play ITF and WTA events, compete in NCAA individuals, resist the temptations of partying too much and add extra coaching and hitting outside of their college commitments have a chance to make it. Of course it’s not easy but it can be done. Emma Navarro is on the right track for that.
agree. I too was missing those weekly 'look, here's how I'm well off' posts
Much needed........I watched Bob play from my box seat at that course.
please stop. I spilled tea all over my keyboard....... ^^that's gold.
did he have top 100 potential?
No, but he will make more money outside of golf than all those silly college golfers, so ...
The Monaco mens doubles semi today featured a number of ex college players: Robert Farrah, Uni South California, Jean-Julienne Rojer, UCL, M Arevelo, Tulsa, Rajeev Ram, Illinois and Joe Salisbury, Memphis. Farrah was quoted as saying he wasn’t ready for the tour at 18 and college was the best route to the tour for him.
And quoting Johnny Mac on golf: "Should it require at least RUNNING a little bit to qualify as a sport?"
Then again... a baseball pitcher doesn't need to run a whole lot either, esp. now in the era of universal DH
He has to field his position which includes the occasional sprint to first base for the put out. And don’t forget the jog from the bullpen if he’s summoned in relief!And quoting Johnny Mac on golf: "Should it require at least RUNNING a little bit to qualify as a sport?"
Then again... a baseball pitcher doesn't need to run a whole lot either, esp. now in the era of universal DH
Kylie sounds as if she’s thoroughly enjoyed her student-athlete experience Co-captain of the tennis team and majoring in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology with hopes of becoming a medic. For me this is what college and being a student athlete is all about - being the best you can on the court and academically.
www.wearecollegetennis.com
Kylie Duckworth: From the Court to the Operating Room
The strains and challenges of being a student-athlete are numerous: maintaining a practice schedule, playing in tournaments during the fall, and having dual matches every weekend in the spring.
www.wearecollegetennis.com
Lovely! What an inspiration. A must-read for aspiring college athletes. Many take easy majors so that they can focus on tennis (or their chosen sport) but this shows you can challenge yourself and succeed!Kylie sounds as if she’s thoroughly enjoyed her student-athlete experience Co-captain of the tennis team and majoring in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology with hopes of becoming a medic. For me this is what college and being a student athlete is all about - being the best you can on the court and academically.
Kylie Duckworth: From the Court to the Operating Room
The strains and challenges of being a student-athlete are numerous: maintaining a practice schedule, playing in tournaments during the fall, and having dual matches every weekend in the spring.
awesome - she’s going to kick ass in medical school - takes some adjustment for most college students, suddenly 8am lectures every morning after a college career spent avoiding early morning classes, then much earlier mornings years the second half of the four years - but D1 college athletes laugh at being mentally ready to go at 8am, or 6am
if there’s one group of undergrads that I always say yes to for clinical shadowing opportunities, it’s student-athletes - if they can make time for it amongst their crazy schedules, let’s do it
tennis24x7
Professional
Thanks for enlightening me, shouldn't the juniors be earning these $$ so they can go to Europe and other places to play on clay rather than just a side hustle. Yeah the USTA is basically useless in promoting younger players, the one good thing they did is build the player development center in Florida.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
Biggest reason is the movement and speed. This kind of speed can't be taught, it can be improved by training but that only takes you so far
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