Tennis has long been one of the most iconic and widely played sports around the world. Whether played on the clay courts of Paris or the hard surfaces of New York, the sport has a rich tradition that draws participants from all walks of life. However, like all sports, tennis is evolving, and participation trends are shifting. From the influence of the pandemic to new formats of play, the dynamics of how, where, and why people are playing tennis have changed. Let’s take a closer look at the current trends in tennis participation.
One of the most significant influences on tennis participation in recent years has been the COVID-19 pandemic. As people sought outdoor activities, tennis became a popular choice. The sport’s combination of health benefits and accessibility made it a preferred option for many. Public courts saw an influx of players, many of them new to the sport. This trend continues today as more people appreciate tennis for its health benefits and flexible play.
1. Focus on Outdoor Sports: With outdoor sports becoming more popular during and after the pandemic, tennis saw growth as it is primarily played outside. Players enjoyed the physical and mental health benefits of getting outdoors and staying active.
2. Accessible Facilities: In many regions, there has been an effort to increase the number of public courts available. This investment, combined with flexible scheduling, allowed people to play tennis more casually and without the need for expensive memberships.
Tennis is seeing an influx of younger players, thanks to efforts by various tennis federations and clubs to make the sport more appealing to kids. Youth tennis programs are growing steadily across countries, offering modified courts, balls, and rackets to make the sport more engaging and easier to learn. These programs are not just about teaching technique; they are designed to be fun, social, and fitness-focused.
Junior-Friendly Equipment: Modified equipment (like lower-compression balls and smaller courts) makes the game accessible to younger players.
School Programs: In many areas, schools are partnering with local tennis organisations to bring tennis into physical education curricula.
Emphasis on Fun: Beyond competition, the new generation of tennis programs focuses on enjoyment, which is helping to retain younger players.
More adults are also turning to tennis as a recreational activity, joining local leagues, signing up for tennis socials, or simply playing with friends. Tennis offers a great way to stay active, and players of all skill levels can enjoy the game. Many players are attracted to the sport’s flexibility — it can be as competitive or as laid-back as desired, and it’s suitable for a wide age range.
Adult Tennis Leagues: Adult tennis leagues have become increasingly popular, offering structured, yet casual competition for players of all abilities.
Flexible Formats: With shorter match formats and modified scoring (such as tie-break sets), tennis is more approachable for busy adults looking to fit the game into their schedules.
Social and Community-Based Play: Tennis is increasingly seen as a social sport, with clubs and communities organising events to encourage more inclusive, non-competitive play.
Technology is playing a growing role in the way tennis is taught and played. From apps that analyse your swing to platforms that make it easier to book courts and find partners, innovation is making tennis more accessible than ever before. Coaches are also incorporating advanced analytics and video analysis to help players improve their game.
Smart Rackets and Wearables: These devices track data such as swing speed, shot accuracy, and footwork, helping players analyse and improve their technique.
Court Booking Apps: Platforms that allow players to book courts and connect with other local players have simplified access to the game.
Virtual Coaching and Training: During the pandemic, many players turned to online coaching platforms. This trend has continued, with more players using digital tools for personalised training.
Though tennis is enjoying growth on its own, there’s another sport gaining popularity that is helping to fuel this rise — padel tennis. Padel, a fast-growing racket sport, is seen as an accessible introduction to tennis. Played on a smaller court and with simpler rules, padel attracts new players who may eventually transition to traditional tennis. Many tennis clubs are incorporating padel courts to offer players variety, and the skills developed in padel, such as coordination and strategy, can easily transfer to tennis.
As tennis continues to evolve, the future looks bright. The sport’s increased accessibility, both in terms of facilities and technology, combined with a growing focus on youth participation and recreational play, ensures that more people than ever can pick up a racket and enjoy the game. Whether it's through traditional tennis or via complementary sports like padel, tennis is well-positioned to attract new generations of players.
