Definition

Noun: A person who earns their livelihood by playing tennis professionally or by teaching tennis as a profession. It refers to a professional in the sport of tennis.

Usage

The term "tennis pro" is used to identify someone whose career is centered on tennis, either through competition or instruction. It is a compound noun where "pro" is a common abbreviation for "professional."

Examples

• After years of training, she finally became a tennis pro and joined the tour.
• The club hired a new tennis pro to give lessons to members.
• He retired as a competing tennis pro and now works as a coach.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used informally to distinguish a highly skilled amateur from a true professional: "He plays like a tennis pro."

Variants and Related Words

• Professional tennis player: A more formal term for someone who competes for prize money.
• Tennis coach/instructor: Specifically denotes a teacher of tennis, which is one role a "tennis pro" may have.
• Pro (noun, informal): A general abbreviation for a professional in any field.

Synonyms

• Professional tennis player
• Touring pro (specifically for players who compete on professional tours)

Antonyms

• Amateur tennis player
• Weekend player
• Novice

Related Phrases

• To turn pro: The act of becoming a professional athlete.
  • Example: She decided to turn pro after winning the junior championship.

Noun

1. someone who earns a living playing or teaching tennis