Differences in career longevity before and after implementation of the Women's Tennis Association Tour Age Eligibility Rule and Player Development Programmes: a 25-year study.

Adolescent athletes participating on the WTA after the combined AER/PDP initiative had longer career durations, higher probabilities of 10-year and 15-year careers, and decreased risk of premature retirement compared with those participating prior to AER/PDP. Organisational practices that encompass both education and competition regulation can positively affect career longevity related to improving athlete well-being.