Can someone begin playing serious tennis (championships etc) at the age of 16 or is it too late now?

Question

and will there be any time for school studying or it demands constant devotion?

Answer 1

It is never too late, take a look at swimming champ Michael Klim, he started swimming at the age of 19 and look at him now! Swimming champ.

Don't think that its too late but don't think that you can just slack off now! You really have to put your best effort in and trust me it will be painful lol :p

Ok so you basically have a 200+ bonus since you have been playing since the age of 6. (Nine Years) This will most definenetly give you 100% bonus if not more. :p

I truly hope you will succed and I hope all goes well in your tennis, but make sure every day you got for a hit for about an hour if you wanna make it to the top.

Cheers Phil.

Answer 2

That is pretty late for a tennis player, but if you do have the talent and the temperment then no.

To be a serious tennis player you have to practice on a daily basis, any kind of break can mess up your game, so you would also have to have good time management skills if you are also going to school.

Answer 3

It is never too late to take on a challenge.  At any age, the challenge of learning something is what drives us.  Becoming good enough at it to compete successfully, is the end reward through perserverance and dedication.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

it doesn't matter when you begin if you're good enough. Look at Maria Sharapova. She won Wimbledon at 17 and she's still going strong so go for it with all your heart.

Answer 5

what achievments have you made? 16 is not too old it is young actually. Look at most of them they are in thier 20s and 30s.

Answer 6

If you have honed your skills and ready to compete it is not too late to start.

If you are talking about playing on the pro circuit, it has been done before. A pro player named Younes El Aynaoui started playing tennis at the age of 16, went to the Bollettieri Academy at the age of 18, worked as a bus driver there before turning pro at the age of 21. At 36 he is still a tour player. Coming back from an injury layoff he is playing (and winning a few) challengers to build up his ranking.

It you've got the talent, drive, and the determination then it can happen for you too. I would suggest contacting the USTA about your desire to play serious tennis. They have the resources you need to get started.

As far as school goes you'll only be playing a few weeks a year. If things get too much for you homeschooling is an option. There will be time to study but not much time for social activities.

Whether you are looking to play pro tournaments or just local championships start by contacting the USTA. If you've got the talent everything else will fall in line. Good luck.

Answer 7

It is kind of late, just a bit.  Or you just have to practice hard to play in championships, which is about 2-3 years of practicing to get good