Q&A for How to Become a Professional Tennis Player

No, however recent studies show that pro tennis players peak at around the age of 26-28. If you can still win tournaments, then you can just keep playing--even until you're 100!

Play against better players. If you are a junior tennis player, ask a college player or a local pro to hit with you. If they won't do it, ask them for a lesson. If you are an older player, challenge a better player to a match. There are also good instructional videos on YouTube.

Technically, yes you can, but there are always exceptions. Many junior players burn out before they can go pro. Also, anyone can turn pro, but that does mean that they will be successful. Junior tennis is also much different from pro tennis, so a successful junior player might not necessarily be a successful pro player.

No, you do not have to compete in junior tournaments. However, competing in junior tournaments will greatly improve your chances of being able to turn pro.

Yes, if you're willing to work long and hard at it.

No, but they are very good ways to become good enough to turn pro.

Most tournaments are gender specific: men compete against men, and women compete against women. The one exception is mixed doubles. In any case, practicing and playing against boys or men is a good way for a girl to improve her skills and prepare for the opponents she'll encounter at tournaments.

Yes, a professional tennis player will be paid for some events. For example, ATP and WTP are paid for every tournament. In Australia, AMT events are paid if you do well, but the other tournaments are not paid.

It's a good age to start.

Find other good players and compete with them often.

It's not mandatory, but it really helps.

Yes, if you're very talented. Most tennis pros started playing tennis competitively before the age of 10. You also have a great chance of playing college tennis if you train hard enough.

Up to ten or more years. Tennis is a hard sport to pick up and it takes a long time to master it. Not only does it take a long time, it also takes very hard work to achieve all of the techniques required at the higher levels of the sport.

Yes, if you're willing to play all the time and enter every tournament you can find.

No.

In casual play, your only recourse is to ask them to stop. In tournament play, ask officials to deal with the person.

No.

The top pros make thousands of dollars. Most pros make very little. Amateurs make nothing.

Yes. Most tournaments have entry fees.

All pros play lots of amateur tournaments before they turn pro.

It may be too late for Wimbledon, but you can still become a good player.

That depends on his skill level and luck.

Yes, if your parents approve.

Yes. Many people your age play tennis.

Everyone is welcome to join the USTA and to be a pro in the US.

It is never to late to start any sport. If you are looking to play professional tennis or college ball however, it is possibly a little late, depending on how much natural talent you have and your willingness to work really hard. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the sport and play some junior tennis tournaments.

You would be getting a late start but it is still possible you could be a professional. Most of the really good players started playing before age 10.

If you keep on winning, keep on practicing, competing, and working hard you should have a very good chance.

Yes, if she is capable and competent in the game.

It's possible if you work hard!