At the very top of the tennis world, professional tennis players are some of the best athletes in the world. Tennis players have to be in peak physical condition, have incredible hand-eye coordination, and have a great understanding of the game. So, it’s understandable that the question of when pro tennis players start would come up. What age do pro tennis players start?
How Young Can Pro Tennis Players Be?
The youngest professional tennis players begin their careers in their early teens. Players as young as 11 or 12 years old can start competing professionally. Of course, this is not common, and the vast majority of players start in their late teens or early twenties.
The youngest professional tennis players in recent years include:
- Cori Gauff, who made her professional debut at 15 years old.
- Oleksandra Oliynykova, who made her pro debut at 16 years old.
- Naomi Osaka, who made her professional debut at 16 years old.
Why Do Some Pros Start Young?
There are a few reasons why some players choose to start their professional tennis careers at a young age. First and foremost, it can be a great opportunity for a young player to make a name for themselves and gain some notoriety in the tennis world. Additionally, the earlier a player starts, the more time they have to hone their skills and gain experience in the sport.
What Are The Risks Of Starting Young?
Starting a professional tennis career at a young age can be risky. The physical demands of the sport can be taxing on a young body, and injuries can derail a career before it even starts. Additionally, young players may not have the emotional maturity to handle the pressure of competing at a high level.
What Age Do Most Pros Start?
Most professional tennis players start their careers in their late teens or early twenties. This gives them time to physically and emotionally mature, as well as have time to perfect their technique and strategy. Starting at this age also gives a player time to gain experience in amateur tournaments before taking the step to the professional level.
Who Are Some Examples Of Late Starters?
There are some professional tennis players who didn’t start their careers until their twenties. These players had to work harder to make up for lost time and prove themselves on the professional circuit. Some of the most notable examples of late starters include:
- Rafael Nadal, who won his first Grand Slam at age 19.
- Roger Federer, who won his first Grand Slam at age 21.
- Serena Williams, who won her first Grand Slam at age 22.
What Factors Should A Player Consider Before Turning Pro?
Before deciding to turn pro, a tennis player should consider a few factors. First, they should make sure that they are physically and emotionally ready for the demands of the professional tour. Additionally, they should make sure that they have the support of their family and coaches, as well as the financial resources to support a professional tennis career.
What Are The Benefits Of Turning Pro?
Turning pro has a number of benefits. Professional tennis players have the opportunity to travel the world and compete in some of the biggest tournaments in the world. Additionally, they can make a good living from the sport, and gain notoriety in the tennis world.
Conclusion
Professional tennis players can start as young as 11 or 12 years old, but the vast majority of players start in their late teens or early twenties. Before turning pro, a player should make sure that they are physically and emotionally ready for the demands of the professional tour, as well as have the support and financial resources to support a professional career. Turning pro can be a great opportunity to travel the world and make a good living from the sport.