"We try to stay in double rooms to save money" - Stefano Travaglia on the harsh reality of competing on the ATP Challenger circuit

Tennis fans are accustomed to seeing their favorite ATP and WTA stars living the life of luxury, which may lead some to believe this to be customary with every tennis player. This could not be further from the truth, as Italian journeyman Stefano Travaglia divulged how players not ranked in the top 150 fare on tour.

The 33-year old has been a staple on the ATP tour for almost two decades, having turned pro in 2008. Travaglia experienced a brief ascension on tour, reaching a career-high of World No.60 in 2021.

However, the Italian has fallen out of the top 100 in recent years. Travaglia has been making a living on the ATP Challenger tour, as his ranking now sits outside the top 200.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Travaglia delved into life on the Challenger Tour. The veteran spoke on how players deal with the frugal nature of playing at these events, often competing on empty courts and having to make sacrifices just to stay afloat.

The Italian earned €30,000 by the end of the 2024 season. However, this amount pales in comparison to that made by some of his compatriots in other sports, as the average football player in Italy's Serie C (the third division) earns double that amount.

Nonetheless, Travaglia stated his passion for the sport has prevented him from considering a different career. Despite the financial insecurity and stress that accompanies playing on the Challenger Tour, the Italian believes the support of his family and friends continues to drive him to push forward every day.

"At my age, I would need a physio every day," began Travaglia. "But I can't. It's an investment I can't afford. We try to stay in double rooms to save money.
"As for the Challenger circuit, the level is very high, starting from the qualifications. Young players produce modern tennis and aren't afraid of anything. So, you have to be very prepared physically. You play a lot, nonstop, to accumulate results, but you struggle to climb the rankings.
"Someone might ask me: 'But who pushes you to do it?' The answer is simple: the passion for this sport and the support of people who believe in me and encourage me every day."