7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW …

… about being a low-ranked tennis player.

John Loomis

1. IT AIN'T CHEAP.
"I made $218,000 last year, but I have a lot of expenses. Coach, trainers, massage therapists—it adds up quickly. We save where we can. I fly coach instead of business class and stay in nonluxury hotels. In some cities I even have host families. I've stayed with my 'family' in Australia for 10 years now."

2. WE'RE ALWAYS PAYING OUR DUES.
"Top 100 players are set, because they automatically get into the main draw of Grand Slams, which pay the best. If you're ranked lower, you have to win three rounds in a qualifier just to get into the main draw. Playing extra matches is tough, but it can get you loose if you haven't played in a while."

3. THEY AREN'T ALL WIMBLEDON.
"There are four tiers of tournaments. Top 50 players, who have to enter a certain number of higher tourneys, are discouraged from the low-tier ones. Then again, someone like me may play in the qualifying draw of a Tier I instead of the main draw of a Tier IV because I can earn points—and a higher ranking."

4. EVENTUALLY, WE HAVE TO QUIT OUR DAY JOBS.
"I'm 33 and I've been at this for 12 years, so I've begun to think about what to do after I retire. It's not something we discuss with each other. I know a lot of girls take online classes. You see them studying around the courts. At the same time, some girls don't enjoy playing, but they stay on the Tour because it's better than being in an office."

5. PERKS DON'T PLAY FAVORITES …
"There's always talk that better-known players get preferential treatment, but that's rarely the case. Sometimes seeded players have bigger lockers, but usually we all get the same amenities."

6. … BUT THAT'S ALL WE DO.
"It's fun to be the underdog. No one expects you to win, so you're relaxed. But you can't overthink it. If I'm beating a Top 10 player and I suddenly realize, Oh my god, I can win this match, I get tight."

7. ENDORSEMENTS? HAH!
"The top players will always get more attention, and since they get people to watch tennis, I'm all for it. Of course, I wouldn't mind if I were more marketable. Women are always going to be a little jealous, right?"

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