Russian tennis player Anastasia Pivovarova, the world’s second oldest racket among juniors, started a project to help athletes who have completed their careers. As Pivovarova admits, she had no difficulties during this period as she received tangible support from outside. However, according to the tennis player, many athletes who quit the big sport are left with their problems and do not know how to realize themselves in the future.
“I started this project quite recently, but I’ve been preparing for a long time, for several years. This is to assist athletes who are ending their careers and trying to realize themselves in a different direction. The stages are different, everything is chosen individually because every situation is different. For example, there is a world-renowned top athlete – a career track. The situation of an average athlete who is educated and has his own business projects is completely different.
We are working in several stages. I primarily do interviews, and I do this personally because I have a lot of experience on this journey and a wide variety of contacts that can help the athlete. Therefore, at the first stage, the situation is examined: what does an athlete need, what are his needs and opportunities, whether there is a demand for training, whether there is a demand to start his own business. Our needs cannot always be met by a project.
Then we run tests, investigating character, behavior, communication skills and how others perceive a person. From this we conclude which areas of activity are most suitable for him and combine them with the opportunities that he already has. For example, he has his own project and we are looking at how it can be developed further or what needs to be added to meet another need. If a business is about investment, but someone lacks publicity, we help them with it. As a result, the athlete understands that he has everything necessary to realize his future career and knows that a good foundation has been laid on which he can rely. Then he more calmly endures the period after the end of his career – the period is often negative, depressed and stressful. Few help athletes at this stage: the agent usually works with you throughout your career and then you are left alone or, at best, with your family and circle.
I have tremendous support in this, so I know what it takes to feel comfortable. I had no issues at the end of my career and wanted to share such a painless transition experience with other athletes,” he said.
formerly Pivovarova judicial coincidentally, Daniil Medvedev lost the first place in the ATP ranking.