"People don't understand how hard it is to become a professional at 18 years old"

Fernando Murciego | 24 Jul 2026 | 22.30

John Isner: "People don't understand how hard it is to turn professional at 18 years old." Source: Getty

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Although it is already a widely practiced path, it is always interesting to debate about those players who choose to go through college before making the leap to the professional ranks. John Isner, back in 2003, was one of the pioneers on the circuit.

One of the first to show that it was not a problem to not be traveling the world at 19. Perhaps, at that age, it was more beneficial to get an education in college and mature as a person. There would be time to compete, especially if you have qualities like John Isner. That's how the Greensboro giant did it, entering the ATP in 2007 at the age of 22. In a text composed in his own handwriting on the blog Behind the racquet, he recounts how he lived through that period and the impact it had on his sporting career.

The great lesson John Isner learned in his early tennis career

"For me, the option of turning professional straight from my junior days was never on the table. I was always clear that I would go to college, so I think I made the right decision by going to Georgia.

"I grew up in North Carolina, which was lucky. I believe I made a lot of good decisions when I was in my third year, had wonderful parents who always encouraged me to play, but never really imposed it on me. I had great mentors and coaches in Greensboro, plus, I was fortunate to be in the same age group as two players who also reached the highest level. It was a good environment to hone my skills as a junior while leading a normal life as a kid, growing up, which was very important to me.

"My goal was to earn a college scholarship to relieve that financial burden on my parents. It was while I was at Georgia that I truly began to develop as a player, when I noticed that my game was truly improving. Now college tennis is in vogue, with cases like Emma Navarro, Danielle Collins, Peyton Stearns, etc. It truly makes sense; people don't understand how hard it is to become a professional at 18.

College should always be an option for all players. You can go to college, strengthen yourself physically, mature mentally, and prepare for the professional circuit. Ultimately, learn to lose, but also to win.

During my professional career, I was fortunate to play many times against the top guys, and sometimes I could even beat them. Playing against them is an unimaginable experience; just being on the same court with them is impressive. You really have no pressure at all; it's a great position to be in. Simply put, you've earned your place to face them on the biggest stages. This is something I miss and will surely remember forever.

Looking at today's American professional tennis, I see that many more players are trying, although I still think we need to get more people to embrace our sport. We lose too many men and women to other sports. I think of Madison Keys and what she did this season at the Australian Open, or what Ben Shelton did over the summer... these are very marketable and incredible players, they are much needed. Tennis is becoming a trendy sport, much more popular, so our goal should be to put as many rackets as possible in the hands of the youngest ones."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “La gente no entiende lo difícil que es convertirte en profesional con 18 años”

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