Is it worth trying to go pro in tennis?

            Tennis has one of the most competitive environments in the sports world. Imagine you are a teacher and you are in the top #300 in the world; you are one of the lucky teachers who can live from his work. This example seems harsh? Well, the world of tennis is even harder! Indeed, if you are not part of the top #200 in the world for the men and top #100 for women, you won't be able to make a living from your work. So, here is the question every tennis player ask himself: is it worth trying to go pro in tennis?

          At the age of 17/18 years old, each player has to make a decision whether to turn professional or play just amateur, study and get a 'real-life job'. Most of those players have years of experience. They started playing when they were really young, and all of them dreamt of becoming the next Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, or Serena Williams. They all wished at one point to pursue a tennis career as they had good tennis results. They were maybe number one of their country as junior players (under 18). But is it still enough? The competition in this sports is so difficult that the answer is not simple.
          The ideal answer would that if you have a great level and great potential, you should try to turn professional. Fulfill your dream and it will pay off at one point. But the reality stands with money. The most real but brutal answer is that if you have a lot of money to spend, then go for it. If your parents have money, if you have good sponsors, or if your tennis federation is sponsoring you, then you have more chances to reach your goal than someone who has a lot of potential but no money.
         As you probably know, tennis is a very expensive sport, especially when you get to a competitive level. You need to have money to pay a coach, pay for the courts to practice and for your material, then pay the fees of the tournaments you play, find a place to stay during the tournament and also feed yourself. All that, knowing that if you don't get to the semi-final of the tournament, you most likely won't get any money at all. And even in making semi-final, you will have spent more money than you can earn.

        So, if you want to try to be professional and have the money for it, then yes, go for it! But if you don't, I would highly recommend you to start looking for good sponsors or deals you could have. Save every cent you can! But the way is long before you make a living from playing tennis professionally.