For the fifth consecutive year, tennis participation in the U.S. increased. Last year saw a 1.9 … [+]
The COVID-19 pandemic year and the subsequent four years have been a period of significant growth for tennis in the U.S. Since the start of social distancing in 2020 and the return to normalcy, tennis has seen a remarkable increase in popularity. According to the USTA, tennis participation in the U.S. reached an all-time high of 25.7 million players in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth.
This surge in participation has created a demand for more tennis courts and facilities to accommodate the increasing number of players. The USTA has responded by investing $10 million in expanding infrastructure to support this growth.
Lew Sherr, the USTA’s CEO and executive director, expressed excitement about the continuous growth in tennis participation over the past five years. He highlighted the 1.9 million increase in players in 2024 as a significant milestone.
The data on tennis participation is derived from two research studies, the Physical Activity Council (PAC) Study and the PLAY Study, which track sports and fitness activities among Americans. The findings show that a majority of the growth in tennis participation came from individuals under 35 years old, with a significant portion being under 25.
Increased participation in tennis among younger demographics is crucial for establishing lifelong physical activity habits. Engaging in sports at a young age can lead to sustained physical activity levels and overall health benefits throughout life.
Playing tennis not only provides physical exercise but also mental health benefits. The sport challenges players to handle pressure, learn from failures, and experience victories, contributing to overall well-being.
Retention rates for new tennis players have also improved, with a five percent increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. This suggests that the growth in tennis participation is not just temporary but is leading to a sustained interest in the sport.
This serves as further proof that tennis is not just a passing trend like stockpiling toilet paper during the pandemic.
“The pandemic definitely gave tennis a boost,” stated Sherr. “But we have moved beyond that phase. Americans are now focusing on health and wellness, and tennis is considered the healthiest sport in the world.” A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed that regular tennis players live 9.7 years longer than non-players, surpassing the life expectancy of participants in other sports.
The number of Core players reached a record high of 13 million in 2024, a 13% increase from the previous year, constituting half of all tennis players. Core players are defined as those who play tennis at least 10 times in a year.
Tennis participation is becoming more diverse, reflecting the diversity of America. In 2024, there was a 26% growth in Black/African American players and a 15.4% growth in Hispanic players. Additionally, there was a 17% increase in senior players.
With the rising interest in tennis, there is a need for more courts and facilities. The USTA has pledged an additional $10 million in grants to build and renovate courts and extend court hours. This investment aims to enhance player experiences and improve infrastructure.
The USTA’s Tennis Venue Services (TVS) grant program has already awarded over $19 million since 2005. The recent $10 million increase is part of the U.S. Open Legacy Initiative, which honors Coco Gauff’s 2023 US Open win and supports public court refurbishments.
“We are focused on enhancing player retention by providing better facilities and coaching,” emphasized Sherr. Vahaly added, “This investment in facilities can sustain the momentum of tennis growth and make it an accessible, affordable option for all.”
The future of tennis in the U.S. looks promising, with increasing participation rates post-pandemic. As tennis continues to be a popular physical activity choice, it has the potential to make more Americans feel good about their health and well-being.
