U.S. Tennis Participation Reaches Recent Heights, Surpassing 27 Million Players

New York – The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) announced Wednesday that tennis participation in the United States reached a record 27.3 million players in 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth for the sport. This surge in popularity highlights a significant trend that began during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, with a 54% increase in participation since 2019.

Growth Across Demographics

The independent study findings reveal broad-based growth across various demographics. More than half of all players, approximately 14.5 million, played tennis 10 or more times throughout the year. Notably, there was an influx of 4.9 million first-time players, representing a 9% increase.

The USTA has set an ambitious goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035 and is making substantial progress. Participation rates increased among women (1.1 million more, a 10% rise), Black individuals (450,000 more, up 14%), Hispanic individuals (550,000 more, a 12% increase), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (260,000 more, up 10%).

Pandemic’s Impact and Continued Momentum

Recreational tennis experienced a boom during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic as individuals sought socially distanced outdoor activities. This initial surge has translated into sustained growth, demonstrating the sport’s enduring appeal.

Data Methodology

The reported figures are based on an analysis conducted by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) utilizing data from the Physical Activity Council (PAC) Study on Sports and Physical Activity and the PLAY Study (formerly known as the Participation and Engagement Study).

Looking Ahead

The USTA’s continued efforts to promote and grow the sport, coupled with the increasing accessibility of tennis facilities and programs, position the sport for continued success in the years to come. The organization aims to build on this momentum and achieve its goal of 35 million players by 2035.