According to Texas tennis professional Michelle Burdick, you have to have
more than a love for tennis to make it as a pro in the sport. "You have to
be outgoing, like people and have a good work ethic. It's not an easy career."
Burdick enjoys working with kids the most. "It's exciting to watch people
improve...to see them get better [at the game]."
It's the people aspect that tennis professional Paula Scheb is passionate
about. "People come in expecting a good time and 99 out of 100 is a wonderful
experience." Scheb currently holds the title of director of tennis at a club
in Florida.
Some tennis pros, like Simon Bartram, hit the tournament circuit for several
years prior to teaching others to play.
"I've been a certified tennis pro for 14 years -- three years of that I
played full time in tournaments." He warns those considering the occupation
that it's not a 9-to-5 job.
"My work time is everyone else's leisure time -- weekends and holidays
included."
For tennis pros making the circuit rounds, the schedule can be grueling.
"Some players compete in 25 to 35 competitions a year, and that's a lot. There's
no limit on the number of competitions a pro can compete in." Bartram says
travel is the most expensive aspect of touring.
What are the keys to becoming a successful tennis pro? Scheb, who has been
a professional for many years, believes you must "have a passion for tennis,
be prepared for long days, and make sure to build a foundation in teaching,
pro shop management, program management and budgeting or administration. Always
continue to seek more education."
A formal college education is not required, but Burdick recommends you
attend college and get a degree in a field you can fall back on. "Making it
as a tennis pro is tough."
Scheb recommends majoring in business, with some classes dealing in physical
therapy. After graduation, she says, "Students should hook up with a local
tennis club and find someone to help guide you -- like a head pro. Begin studying
for the USPTA [U.S. Professional Tennis Association] exam, which is given
twice per month during the tennis season."
Bartram notes that you must be certified by the National Tennis Association.
As for formal schooling, he mentions that it would be helpful to take classes
dealing with physical education, physical therapy and psychology. Business
can help, as well.
Beyond standard tennis training, there are intangibles that factor into
success: "You must be great with people and be able to communicate on all
levels. Be outgoing and social."
What is an average day for a tennis pro? If anything, it's not typical
at all. Burdick calls the hours "sporadic -- 7.5 hour days, six days a week,
usually." Her average day is spent on the courts working with students ranging
from junior (ages four to 18) to senior citizens.
"No day is the same," says Bartram. "You have to think on your feet. You
deal with different people and different events. Head professionals also must
deal with paperwork and follow-up phone calls, as well as billing for other
tennis professionals."
Scheb agrees being a tennis professional is definitely not all play, but
a major amount of hard work, too. "People say I have the greatest job, but
what they don't see is the business side of it."
According to all three pros, the job is demanding and requires the will
to work hard and long hours.
Finally, for Bartram, the recipe for success in his field calls for him
to be personable and professional, and to maintain physical fitness.
"These are all important," he explains, "because, as a tennis pro, you are
acting as an ambassador for the entire sport."