On today’s episode, I discuss my experience playing in my first professional tennis tournament, an ITF Futures event. Futures tournaments are where pros first earn ATP and WTA points to increase their rankings and gain entry into Challengers and eventually ATP/WTA tour-level events. Many characterize the Futures tour as the minor leagues of professional tennis, but make no mistake: these tournaments are filled with world-class players.

I learned a lot about Futures events and what it takes to be successful at this level. In particular, I discuss how you sign-up for these events, how you can get into the main and qualifying draws, the different lists that players are placed on when you apply, and what I learned about my game and the pros from playing in this tournament. Challenging yourself is the best way to improve yourself, and I had a blast testing my game against world-class competition.

On this episode, you will learn:

What an IPIN is and why you need it to enter Futures tournaments

The level of play at Futures events

How you can earn ATP/WTA points in Futures tournaments

How difficult it is to make it on the pro tour

The difference between amateurs and professionals

Why videotaping your matches is so beneficial for your game

How I fared against a professional tennis player

Why controlled aggression is the key to winning at this level

and more.

I really appreciate you tuning in to this episode, and I hope that your tennis game will benefit from my Futures tournament experience!

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Links Mentioned in This Episode

Controlled Aggression Article

ITF Website

ITF FAQs

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