USTA Northern Celebrates National Tennis Month

Eagan, Minn., May 4, 2026 – In celebration of National Tennis Month this May, USTA Northern will host a full slate of events, community activations, and opportunities designed to welcome new players to the game and engage tennis communities across the region.

From introductory “Try Tennis” experiences to special events and partnerships, National Tennis Month highlights the accessibility, health benefits, and lifelong impact of the sport—while reinforcing USTA Northern’s commitment to growing the game at every level under the theme "In May, We All Play.” The month will be highlighted with a visit from 2012 Junior US Open Champion and former tour professional, Samantha Crawford, who will host a Tennis Month and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) celebration event on May 31. 

“Tennis Month comes at the perfect time for those in northern climates,” said USTA Northern Executive Director and CEO Becky Cantellano. “As we head into the summer season, the availability of outdoor courts across our section provides a great opportunity to introduce more people to the sport. Tennis participation continues to grow, and we’re excited to build on that momentum by making the game more accessible and welcoming—especially for young players and their families.”

Highlights of Tennis Month in the USTA Northern Section are:

HopeKids Event - USTA Northern is partnering with HopeKids Minnesota and Gopher Buddies to host a free tennis event for families caring for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The clinic will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center. By fostering a supportive community, the initiative directly advances HopeKids’ mission. HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. HopeKids surrounds these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful message.