National Tennis Month 2024 was a smashing success
Once again, National Tennis Month proved to be a wildly successful initiative, bringing lifelong players back to the courts while bringing tennis newbies into the fold, proving that tennis truly is for everyone.
Throughout May, more than 500 official National Tennis Month events were held across the country, and more than 4,800 people registered to take part in the fun. Over 42,000 people visited the National Tennis Month website to learn more about specific events and how to celebrate the healthiest sport in the world.
In addition, more than 50 cities and states issued official proclamations declaring May as National Tennis Month. From Dallas and Annapolis, Md., to the states of Illinois, Georgia and Connecticut, players and providers all over the country helped to share the benefits of tennis with all those who took part in the month’s activities.
And those perks extended beyond the health and wellness benefits. Those who succeeded in getting their city or state to proclaim May as National Tennis Month or who submitted a success story for an event are eligible to win a USTA prize pack of swag, while event hosts or players who registered to participate were entered to win tickets to the 2024 US Open.
Cardio Tennis, as well as a modified version of tennis with smaller courts and low-compression balls, basked in the spotlight during National Tennis Month on Hit to be Fit Day on May 19, which encouraged players of all ages and abilities to pick up a racquet and enjoy some of the sport’s health benefits. Players had some time to learn the sport or warm up before playing Cardio Tennis Triples.
People smile at the Hit to be Fit Cardio tennis Clinic at the USTA National Campus. Photo by Julio Aguilar/USTA.
Over 200 sites across the United States hosted Hit to be Fit Day events, with attendance averaging about 24 players per event. The flagship event at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla., welcomed 105 attendees.
Michele Krause, one of the creators of Cardio Tennis and a consultant for the USTA was thrilled with the results of Hit to be Fit Day, especially because it was an inaugural event, and equally thrilled to see tennis getting the attention it deserves.
“The industry is coming together and embracing it and understanding the importance of National Tennis Month,” Krause said. “I think this year was by far the best National Tennis Month we've ever had.”
Two women hug at the Hit to be Fit Cardio tennis Clinic at the USTA National Campus. Photo by Julio Aguilar/USTA.
Here are just a few examples of successful National Tennis Month activities:
The Bossier Tennis Center in Bossier City, La., played host to the ninth annual Katy Build Tennis Tournament. From a junior tournament kicking off the event with 50 elementary and middle school students playing for prizes to the divisional draws with 49 teams and over 350 players, the event was a smashing success on and off the court.
The tournament also serves as a fundraiser to build homes for veterans in memory of three high school friends who lost their lives in an automobile accident on their way to a high school football game in 2006. Since the first tournament in 2015, the event has raised over $300,000 to help provide housing in the community.
In Kansas City, Kan., One Love Tennis held a free play-day for at-risk youth. The organization hosts adaptive programming throughout the year to increase students’ overall self-esteem, socialization and team-building skills, and the National Tennis Month event served to generate new interest while keeping existing participants excited about tennis.
"To put it simply, National Tennis Month was a fantastic success,” said Elliott Pettit, USTA Senior Director, Retention & Brand, Strategy & Innovation Administration. “We saw proclamations pouring in from across the country, media coverage celebrating the health and wellness benefits of the sport, participation from professional players, and most importantly; a mass of new play opportunities to help grow the tennis community.”
“It's never a bad time to celebrate the world's healthiest sport and National Tennis Month is such a great way to bring people together to get connected and engaged with all tennis has to offer,” adds Pettit. “We are already looking forward to next May and hope all who participated this year enjoy a great summer on the courts."
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