The USTA has unveiled an ambitious strategy to propel the United States to the top spot in global tennis by 2035 — increasing the country’s tennis-playing population to 35 million total players, or 10% of the country’s population. This initiative, aimed at inspiring healthier individuals and communities, emphasizes player retention, coaching, and court availability.
“When players have exceptional experiences, we all succeed. When the delivery system flourishes, tennis grows. At the USTA, our role is to be a connector of excellence across the entire tennis ecosystem,” said Lew Sherr, USTA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. “By ensuring players new and old have access to the programs, coaching and facilities they need to progress on their tennis-playing path, we can continue to grow the game and deepen its positive impact — creating new opportunities for human connection and improving the physical, mental and emotional health and safety of our communities, both on and off the court.”
In the last four years, tennis has seen a significant surge in participation in the U.S., with a remarkable 33% growth driven by newcomers to the sport. This growth is evident across diverse communities, with Hispanic/Latino and Black/African-American players experiencing a surge in participation by 105% and 63%, respectively, over the past five years, reflecting a more inclusive and representative tennis landscape. Despite this positive trend, many individuals who try tennis do not continue. To address this, the USTA plans to support local communities and offer diverse tennis formats, equipment, and programs to encourage lifelong participation.
The USTA’s strategy includes a commitment to:
- Creating and scaling programming to keep players on the court for life, offering competitive and casual play programs for all ages and interests.
- Expanding quality coaching by raising coaching standards and increasing the number of SafePlay-approved coaches to over 80,000 nationwide.
- Maximizing court availability by partnering with local governments, schools, and clubs to build, renovate, and protect tennis facilities across the country.
- Supporting the next generation of stars by developing, supporting, and showcasing top U.S. tennis talent, inspiring millions more to take up the sport.
“Tennis is the healthiest sport in the world. In fact, tennis extends our lives by almost 10 years — which is more than any other sport or form of exercise, while improving cognition, psychological well-being, and strength and agility. We can’t let current or future generations miss out on these life-changing benefits,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, USTA Chairman of the Board and President.
To learn more about the USTA’s growth strategy and its progress, visit their page.
