When a tennis player leaves the tour, the next chapter can look very different from the first. Some former champions stay close to the sport as coaches, commentators or tournament leaders. Others build businesses, support charities or choose a quieter life away from the public eye.
There is no single career path after professional tennis. A player’s options often depend on their interests, finances, family plans and how much they still want to travel. Here are the main ways former tennis players have used their experience—and what makes each path a good fit.
What Do Former Tennis Players Do After Retirement?
Professional tennis develops skills that can transfer well beyond the court: discipline, communication, performance under pressure and a detailed understanding of competition. But leaving the tour is also a major change. Players lose the structure of weekly tournaments, regular coaching and the clear goal of improving their ranking. Many build a new routine gradually rather than starting a second career overnight.
| Career path | What it involves | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching | Working with players on technique, tactics and match preparation | Ivan Lendl, Amélie Mauresmo |
| Broadcasting | Explaining matches for television, radio or digital coverage | John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova |
| Business | Building or investing in companies and products | Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams |
| Advocacy and charity | Supporting causes through foundations, campaigns or public work | Billie Jean King, Andre Agassi |
| Academies and events | Teaching, mentoring or helping run tennis programs and tournaments | Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer |
Coaching: Turning Match Experience Into Advice
Former players can spot details that are hard to see from the stands. They know how a change in court position affects a rally, when a player should take a risk and what it feels like to serve under pressure at a deciding point. Coaching lets them share that knowledge, although success as a player does not automatically make someone a great coach.
Ivan Lendl showed how a former champion can make a strong impact from the sidelines. He coached Andy Murray during important years in Murray’s career, helping him sharpen his focus on major titles. Amélie Mauresmo, a former world No. 1, also moved into high-profile coaching roles, including work with Murray and Lucas Pouille.
Coaching can mean more than joining a star’s traveling team. Former professionals may work with juniors, run private programs or help national teams prepare for international events. These roles can offer a more settled schedule than life on tour, though top-level coaching still involves long trips and intense weeks.
Commentary and Media Work
Broadcasting gives retired players a chance to stay close to the action without competing. The best analysts explain not only what happened, but why it happened: why a player attacked a second serve, changed return position or started targeting the backhand.
John McEnroe is known for energetic match commentary, while Martina Navratilova has brought the perspective of a champion with deep tactical knowledge. Chris Evert and Tracy Austin are also among the former players who have worked as tennis analysts. Media work can include television, podcasts, writing and interviews, and it may be seasonal rather than a full-time job.
For viewers, a former player’s insight is most useful when it goes beyond predictions. A good analyst can make patterns easier to follow, such as how a player uses a heavy cross-court forehand to open space for a down-the-line winner.
Business, Investing and Endorsements
Some former players use their public profile to start a company or invest in other businesses. Maria Sharapova, who retired in 2020, developed Sugarpova, a candy brand, and has also pursued business and investment interests. Serena Williams has invested in companies through Serena Ventures. She described moving away from tennis as “evolving” rather than framing it as a simple retirement, so her post-tour story is still developing.
Endorsement deals may continue after a player stops competing, especially if they remain popular with fans. But a recognizable name is not a guarantee of a lasting business. Running a company takes different skills from managing a training schedule, and products need customers beyond the player’s existing audience.
Players who plan ahead may begin learning about business while they are still on tour. That can make the change less abrupt and give them time to test ideas before tennis stops being their main focus.
Foundations, Advocacy and Giving Back
Some former players put their energy into causes they care about. Billie Jean King has spent decades advocating for gender equality and greater opportunity in sport. Andre Agassi founded a charitable organization focused on helping children and education. His work included the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, which closed in 2017.
Charity work can take many forms: funding programs, raising awareness, mentoring young people or helping create access to sport. It often draws on a player’s public reach, but it also requires long-term work behind the scenes. The most meaningful efforts tend to be tied to a clear goal rather than a one-off appearance.
Academies, Events and Tennis Leadership
Retired players may also help shape the next generation of tennis. Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca combines training with education and has attracted junior players from around the world. Roger Federer has supported youth tennis through the Roger Federer Foundation, which focuses on education and early learning in parts of southern Africa and Switzerland.
Others work with tournaments, governing bodies or player organizations. Their experience can help with event planning, player welfare and the way the sport is presented to fans. Some also appear at exhibition matches, which offer a less demanding way to compete and entertain without returning to a full tour schedule.
Why Some Players Choose a Quiet Life
Not every former professional wants a public second career. The tour can involve years of travel, pressure and time away from family. After retirement, some players prefer to spend more time at home, pursue private interests or take a break before deciding what comes next.
That choice should not be mistaken for a lack of ambition. A player’s sporting career may have been intensely public, but their life after tennis does not have to be. For many, a successful transition means having the freedom to choose how much of their time and identity remains tied to the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do former tennis players usually become coaches?
Some do, but it is only one option. Former players also work in media, business, charity, tennis administration and education, or leave public life altogether.
Can a former professional make a living from tennis after retiring?
Yes. Coaching, commentary, exhibitions, academy work and tournament roles can all provide income. Some players also continue to earn through endorsements or business ventures. The opportunities vary widely by experience, reputation and location.
Are all former champions good coaches?
No. Playing at a high level gives someone valuable experience, but coaching also calls for patience, communication and the ability to adapt advice to another player. A successful player may or may not enjoy that work.
What is the hardest part of retiring from professional tennis?
For many, it is losing the structure and purpose of the tour. Training, travel and competition have shaped daily life for years. Finding new goals and routines can take time, so retirement is often a transition rather than a single moment.
Final Thoughts
Former tennis players take many different routes after competition. Some keep influencing matches from the coaching box or broadcast booth; others build businesses, support causes or step back from the spotlight. Their playing careers may open doors, but the best next move depends on the person—not just their ranking or number of titles.
