While millions of people from all over the world follow tennis, its viewership was comparatively low in the United States.

The average American didn’t seem to be that invested in tennis compared to other nationalities. However, all that has now changed.

So, is tennis growing in the US? The answer is a resounding yes. The past decade or so has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the popularity of tennis with the American audience. More and more people are playing tennis on professional and amateur levels.

There are several reasons behind this tennis becoming increasingly popular in the US. We will look at a brief history of tennis and how it came to the US. Most importantly, we will cover the reasons behind this explosive growth and the future of tennis in the country.

Being a hard-core tennis enthusiast from my childhood, I was always disappointed with the low following of the sport among my American friends. However, I am quite pleased when I see how it is enjoyed by more and more people, especially the younger generation.

I went over several articles and had detailed discussions with my fellow tennis veterans on tennis in America.

History of Tennis in the United States

Tennis in the United States has a long and storied history. The game was introduced to the country by European immigrants in the late 19th century and quickly gained popularity.

The first tennis tournament in America was held in 1881, and the first national championship was played in 1887. The US Open, one of the Grand Slam tournaments, began in 1881 as well.

The sport's popularity increased rapidly in the early 20th century, thanks in part to the rise of American champions such as Bill Tilden and Helen Wills Moody. Tennis began to be played on a more professional level in the 1970s, and by the 1980s, it had become one of the most popular spectator sports in the country. Today, tennis is enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to world-class professionals.

Famous American Tennis Players

Over the years, many great American tennis players have emerged. Some of the most famous include:

• Jimmy Connors
• John McEnroe
• Pete Sampras
• Andre Agassi
• Venus Williams
• Serena Williams

Popularity of Tennis in the United States

Tennis is a popular sport in the United States, with an estimated 17.9 million players. The game has been played in the country since the late 19th century, and its popularity continues to grow.

Reasons for Rising Popularity of Tennis in the United States

There are several reasons for this growth, including the growing popularity of professional tennis and the rise of American tennis stars such as Serena Williams and Andy Roddick.

The accessibility of tennis facilities and programs has also played a role in the sport's popularity. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of public courts and indoor facilities available for use. This has made it easier for people of all ages and abilities to give tennis a try.

In addition, many communities now offer affordable tennis programs for children and adults.

Governing Body of Tennis in The United States

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the governing body for tennis in the country. It was founded in 1900 and is responsible for developing and promoting the game at all levels, from grassroots to professional.

The USTA is a not-for-profit organization, and its mission is to "grow tennis." It does this by providing support and resources to players, coaches, and facilities, increasing participation through initiatives such as 10 and Under Tennis, and organizing events like the US Open.

The USTA also offers membership benefits, including access to exclusive events, discounts on tennis products, and insurance coverage.

Statistics of Popularity of Tennis

• Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, with an estimated global following of 1.09 billion people.
• In the United States, tennis is played by an estimated 17.9 million people.
• The sport has seen significant growth in recent years, with a 5% increase in players from 2014 to 2015.
• Tennis is enjoyed by people of all ages, with nearly half of all players falling between the ages of 18 and 34.
• Women make up a majority of tennis players in the United States, accounting for 57% of all players.
• The game is also popular among minorities, with Hispanic and Asian players accounting for 20% and 5% of all players, respectively.

How Has Covid-19 Affected Tennis in the US?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on tennis in the United States. The sport was brought to a virtual halt in March 2020 when the USTA suspended all play due to the outbreak of Covid-19. This included the cancellation of the highly anticipated 2020 Wimbledon tournament.

While there has been some limited play since then, most professional events have either been canceled or postponed. This has had a major financial impact on the tennis industry, with many organizations facing significant losses.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, tennis appears to be weathering the storm relatively well. In fact, a recent study found that tennis is one of the few sports that has actually seen an increase in popularity during the pandemic.

This is likely due to the fact that tennis can be played safely outdoors, making it a good option for people looking for socially-distant activities.

While the game has started to resume in some parts of the world, the pandemic has caused many changes to be made in order to protect players and staff. These include the use of face masks, social distancing, and regular testing for Covid-19.

Future of Tennis in the US

The future of tennis in the United States looks promising. The sport has witnessed significant growth in recent years, and this is expected to continue. In addition, the USTA is committed to growing the game at all levels, from grassroots to professional.

Looking ahead, it is clear that tennis will continue to be a popular sport in the United States. Thanks to initiatives like 10 and Under Tennis, which makes the game more accessible for children, and programs like PlayTennis Roadmaps, which provide guidance for players of all levels, tennis will continue to grow in popularity.