From College Courts to Centre Court: How U.S. College Tennis Links to Wimbledon

Why the NCAA is one of the most underrated pathways to the pro tour

1. Wimbledon is full of former college stars. Players like Cameron Norrie and Danielle Collins came through the U.S. system.
2. College tennis builds world-class habits. Year-round training, elite competition, and access to facilities rival the pro tour.
3. You can still go pro after college. Many ATP and WTA players peaked in their 20s - not as juniors.
4. The U.S. system supports late bloomers. College gives time to grow physically, mentally, and technically.
5. NIL and scholarships let you train like a pro. Today’s college players can earn money while staying eligible.

1. Wimbledon Is Full of Former College Players

When you tune into Wimbledon, you’re not just watching products of academies and national federations - you’re watching college graduates.

Recent examples:

• Cameron Norrie (TCU) – Wimbledon semifinalist
• Danielle Collins (Virginia) – Grand Slam finalist
• Ben Shelton (Florida) – US Open semifinalist, Wimbledon quarterfinalist
• Jennifer Brady (UCLA) – Australian Open finalist
• Steve Johnson (USC) – Former world No. 21
• Dominic Stricker (Baylor commit) – Wimbledon R4 (2023)
• Ollie Tarvert (University of San Diego) - First British male in eight years to qualify for Wimbledon

“College tennis gives you structure, competition, and development. I wouldn’t be here without it.” – Ben Shelton

The pipeline is real and growing. College tennis is no longer just a backup plan. For many, it’s the launchpad.

2. College Tennis Builds Pro-Level Discipline

College tennis in the U.S. is intense, often more structured than the early stages of the pro circuit. Players compete in:

• Dual matches against top athletes from around the world
• Fall tournaments and invitationals
• National team events and ITA Championships

Plus, they get:

By the time you graduate, you’ve trained and competed like a professional - without the financial risk.

3. You Don’t Need to Peak at 18

Wimbledon success isn’t just for teenage prodigies. Many pros develop in their early-to-mid 20s - after college.

The message? If you're not ready at 17, that's OK. College tennis gives you time and structure to grow into your game.

4. The U.S. System Supports Late Bloomers

In Europe or South America, players often face a “make it or quit” scenario by 18. In the U.S., you can keep developing while earning a degree.

• A player with a UTR of 11–12 at 17 might struggle on the pro circuit, but thrive in college
• With three years of structured development, they could leave as a UTR 13+ and ready to compete on tour
• And they do it while avoiding the financial and mental burnout of early pro life

5. College Tennis Now Pays You to Play

Thanks to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation, today’s college athletes can:

• Sign sponsorships
• Earn appearance fees
• Promote their own brand
• Monetise social media

And yes—international athletes can also participate, through structured, visa-compliant programs.

Pair that with an athletic scholarship and you get a unique proposition:

• World-class training
• Global competition
• Tuition and costs covered
• Earning potential
• A degree as backup

Wimbledon might be a dream, but college tennis makes it a realistic goal.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

At FirstPoint USA, we help tennis players like you secure scholarships and opportunities at top American colleges - many with direct links to the pro tour.

Register your interest today and take the first step toward your college and pro tennis goals.