Over 25.7 million Americans embraced tennis in 2024, marking an 8% participation surge despite pickleball's explosive popularity. The USTA reports this fifth consecutive year of growth highlights tennis' expanding appeal across age groups and ethnicities, with one in twelve Americans now playing the sport annually.
Our target of 35 million players by 2035 reflects both ambition and realism,said USTA CEO Lew Sherr in a
statement announcing record $10 million infrastructure investments for 2025. This funding commitment represents an eightfold increase from 2023's $1.2 million program that upgraded over 500 public courts nationwide.
The resurgence unfolds against pickleball's dramatic three-year rise from niche sport to 13 million participants. While pickleball grew 200% since 2021, tennis demonstrates remarkable coexistence potential:
- 45% of 2024 growth driven by under-25 players
- 26% increase in Black participants
- 17% rise among senior athletes
USTA's analysis combines data from two 18,000-person surveys tracking physical activities. Youth engagement proves particularly crucial, with under-35 players accounting for 60% of recent growth. Strategic court upgrades aim to sustain momentum through extended play hours and accessible facilities.
The Hispanic tennis community expanded 15% last year, while multi-generational play patterns emerge as families adopt tennis for shared fitness. Industry experts suggest the sport's social nature and pandemic-era safety adaptations continue driving interest, even as alternative racket sports gain traction.
