NEW YORK (AP) — Is American tennis facing a challenge from pickleball?
This week, as the U.S. Open kicked off — showcasing the sport of tennis to over a million fans — leaders in the tennis community are grappling with a surprising truth: the country’s fastest-growing racquet sport isn’t tennis but pickleball. In just the last three years, pickleball’s participation has skyrocketed by an impressive 223%.
“Honestly, it’s frustrating to hear the sound of pickleball being played,” remarked Dr. Brian Hainline, President of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), during a recent press conference. He expressed concerns about the distinct “pock, pock, pock” sound that accompanies pickleball matches.
Combining elements of tennis and ping pong, pickleball is played with paddles and a wiffleball, and its popularity has surged from virtually nothing to 13.6 million players in the United States. This growth has some tennis enthusiasts anxious that pickleball could soon outnumber tennis players, who currently stand at 23.8 million. Even more alarming for tennis advocates is the impact of pickleball, as many tennis courts have been taken over or converted into smaller courts designated for pickleball.
“When a sport explodes and starts to encroach on yours, it’s natural to be concerned,” Hainline explained in an interview with The Associated Press. “This encroachment has hit our infrastructure hard. Many pickleball supporters came in and said, ‘We need these tennis courts.’ It started as a grassroots movement, which is great, but it often felt a bit anti-tennis.”
Interestingly, some tennis organizations in other countries have welcomed pickleball, believing that more racquet sports can ultimately lead more players to tennis. For example, France’s tennis federation even introduced a few pickleball courts during this year’s French Open, inviting players and fans to try it out.
In stark contrast, the USTA has taken a different stance. Visitors to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the U.S. Open won’t find any demonstration courts, exhibition matches, or tributes to pickleball.
Instead, the USTA is launching more than 400 pilot programs nationwide to promote a simplified version of tennis called “red ball tennis.” Advocates believe this format provides an ideal entry point for all ages to learn tennis, with pickleball courts being the perfect space for these activities.
“Anyone can start playing tennis at any age,” Hainline noted. “We think that introducing this great sport is often best done on a shorter court with a larger, low-compression red ball. And what better short court can you find than a pickleball court?” Hainline stressed that hitting a fuzzy red tennis ball with a racket creates more sound variation and offers a richer playing experience than the plastic sound of a pickleball hit against a flat paddle. Players can choose to continue playing with red balls or evolve to bouncier balls leading to full-court tennis.
“Not to belittle it,” Hainline said regarding pickleball, “but seriously, when you compare it to tennis … it’s different.”
So, what is the reaction from the head of the governing body for pickleball about Hainline’s comments and the USTA’s strategies? Mike Nealy, CEO of Pickleball USA, expressed, “While I may not agree, there’s so much good happening with pickleball. I prefer to focus on what I can control, which is fostering the growth and support for our game.”
Nealy shared some encouraging news: there’s ongoing construction of new pickleball courts nationwide, bringing the total to over 50,000. Investments in pickleball are also increasing, with clubs converting former retailers into play spaces, professional leagues backed by celebrities like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Drake, and social venues where players can enjoy pickleball along with food and drinks.
“There’s room for both games to thrive,” Nealy stated regarding the relationship between pickleball and tennis. “While there may be tensions when tennis players feel overlooked, they are different games that complement each other.”
Top American tennis player Taylor Fritz echoed this sentiment. “Some tennis enthusiasts simply dislike pickleball, but personally, I don’t mind it. I even enjoy playing from time to time. I don’t see a reason why both sports can’t coexist.”
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association conducts a yearly survey on physical activity preferences among Americans, which has shown a significant rise in pickleball’s popularity. Yet, when asked about when pickleball might surpass tennis, SFIA President Tom Cove chose not to speculate. He acknowledged that the pickleball trend is unprecedented and noted several statistics that suggest growth is likely to continue.
A key factor in pickleball’s surge—initially fueled by retirees during the pandemic—is now driven by younger players aged 18 to 34, with a notable addition of one million new players under 17 last year. Among the 13.6 million pickleball players reported, 4.8 million are active participants playing eight times or more annually.
What sets pickleball apart, Cove explained, is its accessibility. The cost for equipment is low, and the game can be played in various settings, even on a driveway. Players can engage in competitive games quickly without needing extensive practice or a similar skill level among participants. “Pickleball allows for early enjoyment,” Cove stated. “People grasp the basics quickly and feel a sense of fun and competition without the pressure.”
Seeking to harness some of this excitement, the USTA is inspired by pickleball as it strategizes the future of tennis. Over the last three years, tennis has experienced its own 10% growth, according to SFIA data, and the USTA has set an ambitious goal of raising its player base from 23.8 million to 35 million by 2035, aiming for about 1 in 10 Americans to play.
This outreach includes a special demonstration court for “red ball” tennis situated beside the stadium at Court 17 during the U.S. Open. Originally aimed primarily at children, this format is now being promoted to adult fans, who are also intrigued by pickleball.
“Honestly, I think I prefer it over pickleball,” 27-year-old Angelique Santiago from Boston shared after her first red ball experience. “The ball is softer than a pickleball, and the racket feels much gentler too. It’s easier to enjoy rallies. … I would definitely play again.”
Such feedback is gratifying for Hainline, who believes comparing tennis to pickleball is “like comparing apples to potatoes.” He added, “We’re providing another option and allowing people to choose what they like.”
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This article was contributed by AP Tennis Writer Howard Fendrich.
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