National Tennis Pro Day
In the world of tennis, a select few possess an unparalleled mastery — their skills and dedication truly remarkable.
Offering a riveting back-and-forth that can be as energizing as it is surprising, professional tennis is a sport that deserves a little nod in celebration of National Tennis Pro Day!
History of National Tennis Pro Day
With origins that can be found all the way back in the 12th or 13th centuries with a French handball game, tennis is a sport that has stood the test of time. Of course, rackets were eventually added, rules and scoring were developed, and the game turned into the modern expression that it is today. With a huge following beginning in England and Europe, tennis has also become super popular in Asian countries such as China and Japan.
Tennis first came to the United States in the late 1800s, after the influence of British soldiers. Both singles and doubles games were played, including men and women in the sport. And the first championship games, the US Open, were not far behind in 1881.
However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that tennis players had the opportunity to start making a career out of this beloved game. Whether earning a living from playing, teaching or coaching the sport, these folks work hard to perfect their game skills and this day is dedicated to all of the tennis pros out there.
National Tennis Pro Day is a fairly recent event that came to be in 2021 when Maria Oddy came up with the idea of showing appreciation for and celebrating tennis pros all around the world.
How to Celebrate National Tennis Pro Day
Looking for ideas on how to celebrate and enjoy National Tennis Pro Day? Get started with some of these ideas:
Thank a Tennis Pro
Whether amateur or professional, tennis players who participate on a competitive level often have a coach who guides them through their practice and prepares them for games. In fact, many famous professional tennis players, including Roger Federer, give a ton of credit to their coaches for their wins. So it would definitely be a good idea on National Tennis Pro Day to take some time to say thank you – whether with a card, a small gift, or just a pat on the back!
Catch a Tennis Match
This might mean making plans to attend the US Open, watching tennis on television, or just checking out some matches in a local competition. However it’s done, watching tennis can be a fun and entertaining activity in honor of National Tennis Pro Day.
Become a Tennis Pro
Sure, playing tennis can be loads of fun. But becoming a professional player, teacher or coach is serious business. Those who want to become pro players often start at a very young age, show a penchant for it, get a coach and then play competitively.
Those who want to become a coach for tennis need to become certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association. This includes attending classes at a teacher’s academy, taking an exam, and qualifying for levels 1, 2, or 3 through practical exams. It may be a rigorous process, but it can be the start of an exciting career opportunity as a tennis pro!
