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Abstract

This study investigates the role of cognitive dissonance in the journey of professional tennis players as they strive for success in the sport. Utilizing Green’s (2005) sport development tasks and Festinger’s (1957) cognitive dissonance theory, in-depth interviews were conducted with eleven male players to explore their commitments from initial engagement to professional status. Findings reveal that athletes often escalate their commitment by withdrawing from conventional educational paths to prioritize athletic progression, heavily influenced by family support. Despite financial insecurities and limited career prospects outside tennis, players sustain their dedication, driven by a strong identification with the sport’s subculture and a unidimensional athletic identity. This escalation of commitment, while at times irrational, is rationalized through cognitive reframing and externalizing beliefs to maintain consistency with their identity. The study highlights the intricate interplay between identity, subcultural values, and cognitive dissonance in elite athlete development. It suggests that professional success is not solely dependent on skill and performance but also involves complex negotiations of identity and commitment, often at the expense of broader life experiences. The research calls for further exploration of diverse athlete narratives and the impact of cognitive dissonance on long-term development, aiming to identify more sustainable pathways in professional sports.

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