I too love playing tennis, in part because of the frugal aspect. I invested in a $100 or so Head racket about 3-4 years ago, and other than that and occasionally buying balls (usually find some decent ones), it’s been a really cheap way to have fun and get a good workout.

I think a lot of parents are tempted to live vicariously through children and are tempted to create the next Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi or Williams sisters. You could start practicing golf and then in 30 years you could try out for the seniors PGA tour. I’ve also read about guys playing in video game competitions and I think the prize money was around $50k. Not bad for playing games.

It also makes me wonder if there are any pro sports that I (at 28) could take up and make it big in. I’m obviously well past the prime for hockey, football, baseball, basketball… what is the average age for tennis players? I’m guessing I’m too late on that one, too. The best possibility I have been able to come up with is some sort of autosport (F1, Nascar) where my old age wouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage.

Until MarioKart becomes a professional sport, I guess it’s back to work for me.