Tennis has never been tougher. The physicality of the game continues to demand the best out of athletes. One only needs to watch the classics on the Tennis Channel to realize the dramatic changes over the years. The average height on the men’s side has surpassed 6ft, the tallest towering to 6ft 10 (Ivo Karlovic’). The men’s game combines a scary arsenal of weapons, insane movement, and the fitness? Well, freakish!

No one doubts the advancements in technology have enhanced the sport but the evolution of the player and competition is undeniable, propelling the sport into a level that is truly insane. Factor in superior teaching and technique, advancements in training (on and off the court), nutrition, mental training, depth of talent, shear number of tournaments world-wide, court accessibility and enhanced media coverage and you see why.

Adapting to the modern game and grueling schedules isn’t easy and time management is essential. From a young age, testing your limits becomes a daily challenge. The mental and emotional toughness required to sustain a successful junior career, let alone a pro career, is difficult to appreciate.  Unless, of course, you’ve lived it. Justin Gimelestob offered an experienced perspective on the sport in Sports Illustrated a few years back.  It’s worth the read, if you haven’t seen it, Justin Gimelstob on Toughest Sport.

If you're a complete player, this isn't news to you. You weren't surprised when Roger Federer was included in the top 10 when the Wall Street Journal ranked the top Athletes of our time. Check it out. WALL STREET JOURNAL TOP 10 ATHLETES 

With how far the sport has come, just what will tennis look like in 5, 10, 20 years from now?  Judging by what we’ve seen at some of the junior tourneys or in the trenches of the Futures tour, the game will continue to demand more and more of its athletes.  Have what it takes?