‘I’ve been able to achieve a Law degree without sacrificing the sport I love’ says professional tennis player Alice

Posted on 1 July 2025 • Student stories

Thinking ahead to life after tennis, Alice, 26, was determined to lay the foundations for a new career, while still playing the sport she loves.

Discovering that she could do both by choosing to study at The Open University, Alice shares how she achieved a first-class degree in Law alongside a hectic competition schedule on the pro-tour.

A natural talent        

When she was at primary school, Alice only went along to her first tennis session to keep a friend company. Spotting her natural ability, the coach persuaded Alice’s parents to find out where the sport could take her.

“After playing for several years, I had the opportunity to train full time with Jeremy Bates’ Pro-Academy,” says Alice. “They have a classroom and tutors at the academy, so I was able to continue with secondary education, but it was very different to going to a regular school.”

Having done well in her A-levels and aware that playing careers don’t last forever, Alice made the savvy decision to make the most of her time off court.

Study on the go

Competing internationally on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour, Alice yearned to achieve a degree while she travelled, knowing that physically attending university wasn’t an option.

“When you’re on tour, there can be a lot of downtime and you can only spend so much time training,” Alice explains. “Tennis can be a bit of a bubble, and I really needed something else to occupy my mind.”

Not yet ready to hang up her racket, Alice searched for a solution.

I’d always been fascinated by Law, but didn’t think it was something I could pursue while I was still playing tennis until I discovered the OU,” Alice recalls.

“It allowed me to think about life after professional sport without having to sacrifice doing what I love. Having the flexibility to fit study around your life, rather than being tied to timetable like other universities, means you can make it work whatever commitments you have.”

A steady pace

Being the only player in her peer group studying while on tour, Alice was worried she would struggle to keep up with the demands of a Law degree.

“Before I started the course, I was really nervous. But as soon as I saw how much support was on offer, I realised that I could do it,” Alice shares.

“The way the course is structured makes the workload manageable. You’re eased into the learning gradually and the materials are designed so that you can break everything down into small chunks.”

Alice adds, “I would say the work gets more challenging year on year, but you develop the skills you need to succeed as you progress through the degree.”

For anyone starting out on their OU journey, Alice is keen to share her top tip.

“Make sure you attend your tutorials and connect with other students. Had I followed the traditional path of going to university straight from school surrounded by people my age, I would have missed out on so much insight from the diverse mix of students on my course,” says Alice.

“Hearing different perspectives from a range of ages, backgrounds and experiences enriched my learning in a way I never expected.”

Next steps

Thinking about what the future may hold, Alice has her eye firmly on the Bar.

“When I started my studies, I had no idea that I’d be so excited about my next career,” Alice reflects. “My degree awoke a passion for criminal law, so I’m looking to further my studies and become a barrister.”

Meanwhile, Alice is back on tour facing opponents on a different kind of court.

“I’m grateful that I’ve been able to achieve a Law degree without having to give up tennis. I’d recommend the OU to anyone who’s looking for a way to learn flexibly around other priorities in life. You don’t have to stop what you’re doing to pursue what you want in the future.”

Alice adds, ”I’m so glad the OU exists – it makes so much possible for so many people.”