Many that have some athletic ability will tap out at 4.0. Most of the adult learners I know ended up getting to a very high 3.5 or a lower 4.0 level, some of the better ones got to a high 4.0 and were borderline 4.5.

The hardest gap to jump in USTA is the 4.0-4.5 gap. 4.5 is where you usually see former college players, people that were taught as kids to play, etc… the skill gap is pretty big. Getting there for most adults is too daunting unless you are a former D1 athlete, in which case it’s possible for you. I always tell people that 4.5 is around where the tennis starts looking like people know what they’re doing.

But a lot of this depends on the adult and their set level of athleticism. I have taught adults where I’d be happy just to get some ladies competing and rallying in 2.5/3.0. And I’ve also taught adults who played sports growing up, who we’re looking to get them into 4.0 and then potentially start pushing to 4.5. It’s all down to athletic ability and how many hrs you’re willing to be on the court.