How to Become A Professional Tennis Player In South Africa

A professional tennis player – someone who earns a living playing or teaching tennis.

What makes a professional tennis player?

Technically, the only things you need to become a tennis player are a racket, a tennis ball, and a court. However, in order to become a professional player, you must learn the game, practice relentlessly, and earn ranking points by winning tournament matches.

What is Open era means in tennis?

The Open Era is the current era of professional tennis. It began in 1968 when the Grand Slam tournaments allowed professional players to compete with amateurs, ending the division that had persisted since the dawn of the sport in the 19th century.

Why is it called love in tennis?

At the beginning of the game, when both sides have no score, the game is love-love because in tennis, love means having a score of zero or nil. Others theorize that love arose from the French word for “egg,” l’oeuf, because a zero on a scoreboard resembles an egg.

CAREER REQUIREMENTS

Education and TrainingProfessional athletes typically hold a high school diploma; knowledge of the sport and its rules is crucial for advancement; consistent coaching is essential
ExperiencePrevious experience playing the sport at amateur levels
Key SkillsIn addition to sport-specific skills, professionals must be physically fit at a superior level and have athleticism, dedication, and discipline
Salary (2015)R 651756.99(median annual salary for professional tennis players)

Below are steps to Become A Professional Tennis Player In South Africa

STEP 1: BEGIN TENNIS LESSONS AT A YOUNG AGE

Taking tennis lessons at a young age is a mandatory requirement in order to become a tennis player. While the specific age may vary, this is where young players will begin learning about the game and developing the fundamentals to play at a high-level.

SUCCESS TIP:

Obtain private coaching. An amateur or junior athlete showing promise in the sport and dedication to improving may choose to pursue private coaching. This offers the chance to receive individual instruction from a coach.

STEP 2: PLAY IN JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS

The USTA offers junior tournaments for younger players, which allows them to compete against their peers and assess their skills. Junior tournaments are held all over the country, and players as young as ten can begin playing in these events. Playing well in these tournaments may also secure a junior ranking from the USTA.

SUCCESS TIP:

Enroll in a tennis academy. While not required to become a professional tennis player, enrolling in a tennis academy can be beneficial.

Tennis academies offer year-round training opportunities and present players with a chance to compete with other aspiring professionals on a regular basis. In addition to providing tennis training, some of these academies provide education for students that might prepare them for college or a pro-athlete career.

STEP 3: TURN PRO

Once players reach a certain level of play or turn 19 years old, they are eligible to play on the USTA’s professional circuit. A tennis player’s success in tournaments will determine how much money they make and how high they are ranked. Players must win or play at a very high-level at the junior and amateur level to be eligible for professional tournaments.

Hopeful professional tennis players must begin lessons at a young age, play in junior tournaments, and consider enrolling in a tennis academy before they have an opportunity to become a professional.

How do you become a professional tennis player In South Africa?

Technically, the only things you need to become a tennis player are a racket, a tennis ball, and a court. However, in order to become a professional player, you must learn the game, practice relentlessly, and earn ranking points by winning tournament matches.

How much does it cost to be a professional tennis player In South Africa?

In tennis, players are independent contractors and can incur costs anywhere from R 2188083.01 to R 2917444.01 a year to play professionally if they field a full support team (including a coach and trainer). Even if they go it alone, expenses typically range from R 583488.80to R 1458722.00.

How old do you have to be to become a professional tennis player?

How Old Do You Have to Be to Start Pro Tennis? To play in a USTA professional circuit match, you have to be at least 14 years of age. That is it. While playing in a pro circuit event is not the same as being a professional player, it is a good place to start on the path towards being a pro.

How do I become a tennis coach in South Africa?

Become a Coach

Tennis Volunteer Course (16 hours)

Play Tennis Course (32 hours)

Level 1 National Tennis Instructor (80 hours)

Level 2 Advanced Tennis Instructor (80 hours)

Level 3 Professional Tennis Coach (80 hours)

Is it hard to be a professional tennis player In South Africa?

It can be more difficult to succeed in tennis and other individual sports than in team sports because you don’t earn a salary and have to pay for your own travel. Many top-ranked tennis players are from countries with national programs that support the most promising young athletes with training and coaching.

How do I register with tennis in South Africa?

To register as a tennis coach complete the following:

TSA/Recognised Coaching Certification.

Valid First Aid Level 1.

Police Clearance.

CPD Point Requirement Each coach need to fulfil the CPD Point Requirement.

Register on Sporty and Pay Registration fee.

How many hours a day do professional tennis players train In South Africa?

four hours

“Generally most players spend four hours a day playing tennis in training. This is split up into a two-hour block in the morning and a two-hour block in the afternoon – meaning if they want additional strength or conditioning work they have to squeeze it in-between blocks,” Egan tells ninemsn Coach.

Do tennis players drink alcohol?

“There is very little alcohol consumed as players take their matches and practice very seriously.