Professional sport is a career that is relatively short in comparison to so many other paths that can be followed.
While an individual from the general public could ultimately end up working from the age of 18 to 65 in one field or one job, a professional sports star will typically do around 30 years less (if they are lucky)!
Of course, most would continue for as long as they could, but the physical demands required can take a huge toll on the body in a competitive environment, thus making it almost impossible for most to still perform at their peak or optimum capacity once they hit 35+.
Even so, only a very few athletes are able to reach 35 without trouble.
Tennis is one such sport that requires a lot of strength in various forms, with each of them impacting their bodies in one way or another.
Hence it is very rare to see players competing at the highest level as they get older.
Nonetheless, advancements in science and technology have made it seem possible and a little more common.
Looking ahead
As a result, many have to think about what they want to do once the time comes for them to accept that they can no longer compete to the required level or standard on the court.
Retirement is something that everyone will go through, but sometimes it can come in a variety of different shapes.
Here are just some of the things that tennis players can consider doing once they put down the racket and stop playing professionally…
Media duties
If the player was at the top of their game at one point in their career, or they have shown that they can talk the talk and have a knowledge of the sport that their peers do not, then they could ultimately end up working within the media.
There have been so many instances in the past where you could be watching a tennis live stream when you have seen an ex-pro being asked questions and for their analysis on the match that has been watched.
It is a common way for many pros and one that often seems to be the most logical step.
However, with so many wanting to get involved in media opportunities and carry on doing something within tennis, it can be extremely competitive.
It is not a guarantee that they will be able to get a role, nor is there always going to be one that is vacant.
Tennis coach
Some professionals may look to try and give back to the sport by becoming a coach.
This can be done at various levels, with some having been able to go on and remain in the competitive game by coaching some of the elite talent currently appearing in the Grand Slams each year.
Again, this is something that is incredibly difficult to do once retired, and opportunities are always slim.
Some, though, may look to give back to the community they are from and become a coach to the next generation of players.
It is a little less common, but is not unheard of.
Public Speaker
Public speaking and charity events have always been huge, with many of them looking to obtain a guest speaker to increase engagement and attract potential sales of the event.
The biggest tennis players could look to step into a role where they prepare a speech and tell a room of people about how they were able to be successful in the sport and how it could be transferred to the industries in which those in attendance work in.
These events may not be too frequent, but they can still prove to be very lucrative.
Verdict
There are numerous things that a tennis player can do once they decide to retire from the professional sport.
Although the three mentioned above can be considered to be among the most common, there are alternative routes that could be followed.
Those outlined are undeniably the most favored, but they are extremely competitive.
Athletes who are looking and seeking fulfillment with life away from the court should easily be able to find something that can help them to fill the void, even if it does take a little period of adjustment.
They could just go and play golf; it’s what a lot of other athletes do once they have the time.
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