March 28, 2025

How College Tennis Works vs Tennis in Europe

Discover the main differences between university tennis in the US and tennis in Europe

What are the differences between tennis in Europe and college tennis in the US? Keystone Sports ambassador Linn Goerdes shares her firsthand experience of transitioning from European tennis to competing in the US. Discover a new coaching style, match format, and team dynamic. This article explores the differences and challenges European players face in college tennis.

Linn Goerdes, a tennis ambassador at Keystone Sports, is currently competing and studying at the University of North Georgia. Having experienced both the European and American tennis systems firsthand, she shares her insights on transitioning from tennis in Europe to college tennis in the US.

1. Coaching and Training Style

First of all, the way we train and the coaching style in the US are very different from what I was used to back home. In Europe, tennis training tends to focus more on playing points and hitting drills with balls fed from a basket to improve consistency, technique, and match endurance. The emphasis is placed on repetition and refining strokes through high-volume practice.

On the other hand, in university tennis, coaching takes a more strategic approach. Coaches focus on match play scenarios, doubles and singles strategies, and decision-making during points. Rather than simply improving strokes and mechanics, players are taught how to build points, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and adapt their game based on different playing styles. Training focuses more on tactics and strategy rather than just technical execution.

Additionally, in US university tennis, there is a greater emphasis on results than on individual development. Success is often defined by consistency and the ability to sustain long rallies rather than hitting the perfect shot. Instead of focusing on one particular skill, the goal is to keep the ball in play, apply pressure, and minimise errors. In many ways, it becomes as much a mental battle as a physical one, with traits such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience playing a crucial role in match outcomes. Adjusting to this approach required me to change the way I thought about both training and competing.

2. Mindset and On-Court Attitude

Of course, mindset and on-court attitude play a significant role as well. Before coming to the US, I was very quiet on the court and only pushed myself when necessary. Now, I often shout “Come on!” or “Let’s go!” when I win a point.

In my first match in the US, I double-faulted on the first point. My opponent screamed at the top of her lungs and stared straight into my eyes. That was the moment I realised that university tennis in the US is completely different from national tournaments in Germany. I’d estimate that 20% of match outcomes depend on who has more energy on the court and who can outmatch their opponent mentally rather than physically.

3. Differences in Strength & Conditioning Training

Another key difference is fitness training. In Europe, I used to go to the gym two or three times a week and did some conditioning here and there. Americans, on the other hand, love heavy weightlifting and long-distance running. We have lifting sessions three to four times a week before classes and conditioning once or twice a week—sometimes even more, depending on our match schedule.

The lifting sessions here are far more intense than casual gym workouts. You’re expected to push yourself to the max every time you step into the gym. We record our maximum lifts for each exercise, and our athletic trainers use this data to set our next targets. The same applies to conditioning.

Back home in Europe, conditioning meant a 3km run or a HIIT circuit. Here, it’s a whole different level. The workload is much higher, and the rest periods are much shorter. We also complete conditioning circuits in the gym.

All of this may sound tough, but once you get used to it, you start to love it. Seeing your body get stronger and finishing a workout you thought you couldn’t complete is an incredible feeling. Of course, all of this is designed to help us perform at our best in matches and tournaments.

4. Match Format and Ranking System

The match format is not exactly the same as in Europe. University tennis in the US uses ‘No-Ad’ scoring, meaning that the next point after 40-40 (deuce) decides the game, eliminating the traditional advantage scoring. This speeds up matches and makes them more intense, but it also removes the opportunity to battle through deuces, which often benefits more consistent players.

Another key difference is the “No-Let” rule on serves. This means that if the ball clips the net but still lands in the service box, play continues instead of a re-serve. As a result, players must stay focused and react to unexpected situations.

Match formats vary depending on the competition. Doubles matches are typically played as a six-game pro set with No-Ad scoring, while singles matches follow a best-of-three set format in regular dual matches. In some cases, doubles are played as a single extended eight-game set with a tiebreak at 7-7 instead of two full sets. These formats keep matches exciting while maintaining a highly competitive atmosphere.

All results count towards the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) and World Tennis Number (WTN), the main systems coaches use for recruitment and player comparison. This differs from Europe, where national rankings determine a player’s level. These international systems provide a broader, more accurate assessment of performance beyond national rankings.

5. Tennis Becomes a Team Sport

One of the biggest surprises for me was that university tennis is more than just an individual sport. Most tennis players in Europe compete only for themselves, and their performance affects only their personal ranking. But in university tennis, every match contributes to the team’s overall score. Team success is more important than individual achievement.

A typical match consists of three doubles matches and six singles matches. Each match adds one point to the team’s total, and the team with the most points wins. Players compete not just for themselves, but for their teammates, coaches, and university, which adds a whole new dynamic. Unlike European tennis, university matches are fuelled by camaraderie, loud cheering, and sideline support. One of the best parts of playing university tennis is the team aspect, which fosters strong friendships and a sense of belonging.

Even though the system here is different from tennis in Europe, I love the atmosphere of competing in the US. There is so much more to it than just playing tennis. There are so many factors that affect your performance that I had never considered before. I think it’s a unique experience and one that’s definitely worth exploring.

Want to Play University Tennis in the US?

At Keystone Sports, we specialise in helping tennis players like Goerdes secure tennis scholarships at American universities. Our extensive network of university coaches and our expertise in the US collegiate sports system allow us to match players with programmes that best fit their goals.

Start your scholarship journey by completing our free assessment today!