The lower rungs of professional tennis host countless stories of promising players struggling on the road to glory. They are junior champions and NCAA standouts who once boasted winning records, team pride and public acclaim but quickly faded from spotlight after jumping to the pros. Many rank in vast expanse outside the top 150, playing profitless challenger tournaments around the world, far from loved ones and unable to afford traveling coaches. Matches seldom come with perks that seem second nature at Grand Slams: ball kids, lines judges, roaring crowds. Wins can feel tiny, almost meaningless in the grueling climb to the top.
From UVA to the Australian Open Final Four: How Danielle Collins Broke Through
