ATP, in collaboration with LaLiga, launch training course for professional tennis players

The ATP, in partnership with LaLiga, has launched the ATP Business Programme, a new educational programme. The programme is designed to build ATP players’ knowledge of the sports industry and open up professional opportunities following their playing careers. LaLiga, through its Education Department, LaLiga Business School, in collaboration with ATP, has led of the design and organisation of the course, in collaboration with ATP, based on its Global Players Program, the exclusive course for active LaLiga players, which is now in its second year.

This season the programme comprises 30 tuition hours, delivered online and in person over four months. In total, more than 20 ATP players have enrolled for its first edition. The programme, launched with an in-person session at LaLiga's headquarters in Madrid, was opened by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and LaLiga President Javier Tebas. The course will also feature a two-day classroom session in New York during the US Open.

In the photograph you will find these tennis players: Jan-Lennard Struff, Matwé Middlekoop, João Sousa, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Gastão Elias, Federico Delbonis, Malek Jaziri, Marcelo Melo, James Cerretani, Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Pablo Andújar, Mackenzie McDonald, Grégoire Barrère, Quentin Halys, Emil Ruusuvuori. Also on the programme but not pictured: Robin Haase, Marc-Andrea Hüsler, Matthew Ebden, Jamie Murray, Philipp Oswald, Stefanos Tsitsipas

The programme will be taught by various industry experts with first-hand knowledge of both the tennis and wider sports industry. Topics covered will range from sports marketing, sponsorship and personal branding, to social media, fan engagement, event management and governance. At the initial in-person session, players also had an exclusive opportunity to learn about the rebranding of LaLiga, which will be implemented this summer.

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman: “This programme is something very close to my heart. When I reflect on my own journey, education helped me unlock career prospects post-tennis and took pressure off me as a player. It also gave me more insight into how to manage my career. We’re proud to collaborate with LaLiga to deliver this incredible opportunity to ATP players. It will no doubt be valuable for players, both during and after their time on Tour.”

For Javier Tebas, LaLiga president: “It is an honor for LaLiga to co-organize with the ATP, through LaLiga Business School, this training program for professional tennis players. Training is essential for the freedom of athletes and for their professional future after their sports career. Therefore, it is great news that more and more professional athletes have access to quality training to improve their present and future experience”.

Former Player and ATP’s Ambassador for the ATP Business Education Programme Michael Berrer: “I have experienced first-hand how important education was and still is. The ATP Business Education Programme introduces players to the foundations of sport business and provides them with input from industry leaders. These skills and knowledge will help them tremendously during and after their careers.” 

Programme participant and ATP Board Member Pablo Andujar: “It is a good move from the ATP to organise these programmes for players. I think this is a great experience for players that want to develop their post-tennis careers. I’m excited for our sport to continue working in this direction.”