When to Turn Pro?
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has dealt with the “age eligibility” issue forever, but the question of when to turn pro can also be a challenge for promising young boys. For example, American junior, Donald Young, has been balancing junior events with a steady stream of wildcards into tournaments on the ATP Tour. Donald, one of the world’s top juniors, is a smooth, talented lefty with a flair for the game, but he has yet to win a
match on the ATP Tour after a couple years of trying. Not every Number One pro has dominated the junior ranks so how does one decide whether to continue in the junior tournaments, try college tennis or turn pro at 16? Clearly, there is no simple answer, and it depends on each player’s circumstances. Are there agents knocking on the door offering money and endorsements? Does the player himself/herself really want a pro career or is he/she following the dreams of a parent? What is plan B if a serious injury occurs in a couple years or if the player turns pro and is still toiling on the satellites at age 21 after 5 years on the circuit? Is the player’s body and/or game fully-formed or does he/she still need to gain strength or skills? Both the parents and the player and his/her coach need to carefully weigh all of the variables described above, as well as the intangibles before making a decision.
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