Twenty-year-old American tennis player Learner Tien, ranked world number 21, is already strategizing for life after his athletic career. As he prepares for his Madrid Open debut, Tien views professional tennis as a stepping stone, not a safety net. He notes a growing trend among athletes to diversify beyond their sport, driven by increased financial awareness and expert advisory teams.
"I think everyone recognizes that tennis doesn't last forever, and you want to use tennis to set yourself up for the rest of your life," Tien told Reuters. He advocates for a balance, ensuring athletes pursue financial understanding without neglecting their training.
Tien's perspective is influenced by cautionary tales of athletes who struggled financially post-career. This mindset aligns with a new global program by the ATP and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) aimed at supporting emerging talent with financial education resources.
ATP CEO Eno Polo stated that sports organizations have a responsibility to foster this awareness, ensuring young athletes have the resources and motivation for future success, acknowledging the risk of losing talent due to lack of support.