A Russian tennis player named Anastasia Pivovarova, once noted for her longevity among junior competitors, has launched a project aimed at supporting athletes who have finished their professional playing days. She explains that she didn’t face major obstacles when retirement arrived, thanks to help she received from external sources. Yet she believes many former athletes struggle to chart a new path and find purpose after leaving the sport at the highest levels.
“The initiative came together quite recently, but the groundwork stretched over several years,” she notes. “Its purpose is to guide athletes who are wrapping up their careers and seeking new directions. The plan unfolds in stages, each tailored to the individual. No two cases are alike. A globally renowned champion follows a different trajectory from a well-educated athlete with entrepreneurial ambitions.”
The program operates through multiple phases. Initially, conversations and personal interviews are conducted, leveraging Pivovarova’s extensive experience and broad network. This phase maps out the athlete’s needs, potential, and the demand for retraining or launching a business. It recognizes that not every circumstance can be solved within a fixed program, and flexibility is essential to meet real demands.
Next, a series of assessments examines character, behavior, communication style, and how the athlete is perceived by others. These insights help identify the most suitable career paths and align them with the person’s existing assets. For instance, if an athlete already has a business idea, the team analyzes how to advance it or what additional elements are needed to satisfy new demands. If investment ventures require publicity, support is provided to boost visibility. Through this process, the athlete gains a clear understanding that a solid foundation exists to support future endeavors, reducing insecurity about the transition. The post-retirement period can be challenging—often marked by negativity, stress, and loneliness. In many cases, athletes find little sustained help once their competitive days end, with only a coach, family, or close friends remaining nearby.
The ongoing support system makes the difference. With strong backing, the transition feels manageable rather than overwhelming. The idea is to offer a smoother passage from competition to a new professional chapter, helping athletes preserve their confidence and long-term well-being. This approach emphasizes proactive preparation during an athlete’s career, so the move into post-sport life is accompanied by a sense of continuity and purpose, rather than a sudden disconnect.
In sharing the experience, the initiative highlights a personal example: the founder benefited from supportive structures during retirement and now aims to provide that same relief to others entering a new phase. The aim is not to erase the pursuit of achievement but to reframe it, channeling the same ambition into new ventures and responsibilities that align with each individual’s skills and dreams.
Additionally, the conversation touches on the broader landscape of professional tennis and the pathways athletes use to redefine success after retirement. It underscores the importance of mentorship, networking, and practical resources that help former players translate a lifetime of discipline into successful second careers. The focus remains on practical outcomes, tangible plans, and real-world steps that an athlete can take to stay active, relevant, and fulfilled after competition.
As a closing note, the project also reflects on relationships with public figures in the sport and the way career transitions intersect with public expectations. It calls for greater awareness of retirement realities, including the emotional and financial aspects, so athletes can navigate these changes with confidence and support. The ultimate message is clear: with the right framework and human backing, life after a sports career can be as dynamic and rewarding as the playing days themselves. The initiative presents a hopeful vision where athletes retain agency over their futures and continue to contribute to the sport and society beyond competition.