Would it be too late to start playing tennis seriously at 15 and try to go pro?I know the basics already.?

Question

Would it be too late to start playing tennis seriously at 15 and try to go pro?I know the basics already.?

Answer 1

Unless you have otherworldly talent, it would be a near impossibility for someone to start at such a late stage and become a professional.  Research has been done to discover why certain areas can produce an inordinate amount of professional tennis players.  What was discovered was that teaching proper technique and having that reinforced for a prolonged period is the key.  Unfortunately, the earlier that is done, the more the brain can adapt to perfect the strokes and have that stroke be an innate mechanism.  Also, that prolonged period of early training helps in using anticipation, angles and the other intricacies of tennis that one needs to be a professional. Additionally, this is usually accomplished over a period of 10 years, which is about the amount of time that it takes for the brain to form the connections to hardwire the skills necessary to play at such a high level.  Of course, there are exceptions, someone who has Nadal's athleticism or the innate arm speed of a Roddick might have a chance to compensate for the deficiencies created by such a late start, but it not something that often happens.

Answer 2

You are going to have to develop very quickly in order to be able to turn pro soon enough to be able to enjoy any kind of success on tour. The top players on tour started playing when they were 5, and probably started playing competitive at a high level by age 12. That gives them a tremendous head start in their games, gaining match experience, and developing physically and mentally. You can turn pro when you are 21, but you are going to have to set realistic goals for yourself, and you are going to have to commit yourself to reaching those goals. You better also start getting some real match and tournament experience soon, since competitive tennis is in a whole different league from just learning and practicing the game, and playing socially

Answer 3

Yes. Most pros started at 5 and were perfecting their groundsrokes by 6! Someone your age would already be playing juniors and by 17 or 18 playing on tour with the bigboys.