Junior "Professional"
Many top juniors compete as amateurs in professional tournaments, often starting as young as age fourteen, maybe even younger. These amateur players are only allowed to accept prize money equal to their expenses during that tournament week. For example, if an amateur “earns” $2,500, but his or her expenses are only $1,000 for the week then he or she has to turn
down the other $1,500 in order to retain amateur status. Junior tennis is a very expensive proposition given all of the traveling and coaching required to gain both experience, as well as professional ranking points in the hopes of a future pro career. The Junior Grand Slam events allow professionals to participate. Recently, American Donald Young, who has struggled to win a pro match for the past several years, captured the prestigious Junior Wimbledon title. So where does the line end between amateurs and professionals these days? There are constantly references to the fact that professional tennis is “entertainment.” In that field, child actors and musicians are paid very well if they are talented, popular, etc. and the industry is also regulated to try to protect them. Should professionals be allowed to compete in all national and international junior tennis tournaments? I think it’s time to allow for that change… The primary reason for a junior player to retain his/her amateur status is in order to be able to compete for an American college tennis team. However, some juniors know that they want to bypass college and try the pro tour or their families simply can’t afford the junior tennis experience unless they can compete as a professional. In the end, the parents and junior player need to think very carefully about both the present and the future before making the choice regarding turning professional. The lines between amateur and professional tennis player and junior and “pro” tennis player have been blurry for years. It’s time to simply acknowledge the reality of the situation and move forward.
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