Here's why to choose to go to college in America

At many colleges, the facilities available for players is much better than what is on offer when travelling on the futures circuit (where every pro journey starts). Top college players have access to multiple coaches, physios, strength trainers, nutritionists, statisticians and psychologists. Regular training sessions and competitions are arranged for them, and if they have a scholarship it can actually be cheaper than playing a year on the pro circuit. For many players, they leave college at a much higher level than when they started and afterwards they very quickly transition through the futures circuit. 

Many people know that at futures level, almost every player is running at a net loss. This puts a lot of pressure on players as they know that if they do not succeed they will end up in a lot of debt. However, players at college are able to regularly compete and raise their tennis level whilst earning a degree. This means that if they do decide to turn pro after college they know that they will be able to find a job with their degree when their tennis career ends. 

It is easier than ever to transition onto the pro tour after college now with the ATP Accelerator Program. The program is designed to help successful college players with wildcard opportunities at Challengers. Players ranked 1-10 in the ITA year-end rankings who have finished their education will get 8 Challenger main draw wild cards (those who are still in education will receive 6), and players ranked 11-20 will get the equivalent number of wild cards but for qualifying. Any player who makes the quarterfinals or better of the singles national championships (and who would not qualify for the program already with their ITA ranking) will also get access to the wildcards.