What are the chances he will actually go pro?

Question

my boyfriend just learned to play tennis this year and everyone at our school could not believe the natural talent he has. he is truley amazing

my question is, he has his heart set on going to college and becoming pro. Since i dont know anything about tennis, what are the chances this will happen? and what does he have to do to get there? also, what can i do to be supportive?

Answer 1

A Snowballs chance....

In h**l !!!

Answer 2

how old is he?  usually pros start off really young, like around 7 years old, maybe even earlier.  if he is in high school he may be able to hit the ball well enough to impress those who don't actually play the sport, but he probably does not have the experience needed to hang in there with the really good/prodigy type of players.  at the high school level, these players already know advanced strategies and has built up endurance to play real matches that can last up to about 2-3 hours.  if he really wants to get into the pros, he should practice more than just at school.  again, since he does not have the experience, he will need to practice a lot and get a coach that specializes in coaching people destined to become pros. becoming a pro at any sport is extremely hard.  the odds of becoming a junior pro is very slim, and becoming a real pro is even less.  like i said in the beginning, pros start of really young and usually high school is too late

now, to actually answer your questions...

i'd say that his chances are not very good, because of the reasons i previously stated

he needs to practice, and practice a lot.  he is already behind the rest of the real tennis prodigies.  he needs to get himself noticed by the talent scouts.  join the tennis team, practice before and after school, and with his tennis team at school

for support, just be there for him.  keep encouraging him

Answer 3

5%

Answer 4

0%

Answer 5

I believe that well-defined, determined goals are a must. Professional tennis is a lifestyle. Desire alone cannot make a pro... and even natural talent.

You have to be realistic. Although you havent mentioned the age of your boyfriend, I can deduce he's 16+???

Most pros start anywhere from 2 to 8 years old. The game has become increasingly competitive. He is years of experience behind. If anything is to be done, it must be done NOW. However, he may want to look at some alternatives: one does not have to turn pro in order to enjo the competitiveness of the game. he could join the USTA or another such group and enter many tournaments (which are numerous, including all abilities and age-groups, thousands of people do this.) He could play some opens, or challengers, and earn a national ranking. Maybe he could consider coaching in the future after he's gained more experience and insight into how the game works.

BE SUPPORTIVE by being realistic and maintaing a positive attitude. Dont hold him back from wanting to play pro immediately... he will figure this out as time goes on. With time, he may realize the reality of his dreams and may go on to pursue something attainable. I encourage you to watch tennis on TV and really get into the world of tennis so that you can have a better sense of what I am saying.

Also, be sure he gets PROFFESIONAL training. Practicing at the local park wont do it. There are many profesional tennis coaches that offer their services locally. My tennis coach was #750 in the world some 20 years ago, and now he coaches a very successful high school team and gives private lessons. Find someone who can help you!!!

Most of all, remember  that tennis is a game... a sport... no matter how beatufully elegant, how mental and aggressive it is... in the end it is just a game. Make sure he has a back-up plan.

Answer 6

He might want to become a  member of the USTA, to qualify for tournaments, etc. It's just a paid membership. They have commercials for it on TV tennis matches like the U.S. Open, etc.  

Answer 7

GDM, KS good answers. I prefer to be less analytical about it.

He has no chance.

Just because some dopey kids at school are amazed, it doesn't mean anything.