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🎾 New Players

The 6.3 Million: America's Tennis Newcomers

They're doctors and teachers, retirees and college students. Meet the 6.3 million Americans who discovered tennis in 2024 and learn what's driving this incredible wave of new players.

Beginner tennis player receiving instruction from coach on outdoor court, showing the welcoming nature of tennis for newcomers

Tennis instructors across the country report unprecedented demand from first-time players

In 2024, something beautiful happened on tennis courts across America. Every day, an average of 17,260 people picked up a tennis racket for the first time or returned to the sport after years away. That's one new player every five seconds.

These aren't just numbers β€” they're real people with real stories. The executive who traded her lunch hour for court time. The retired couple discovering a shared passion. The college student who fell in love with tennis after watching the US Open. Together, they represent the largest influx of new tennis players in the sport's history.

Who Are the 6.3 Million?

🌟 Complete Beginners (3.8M)

Never held a racket before 2024. These players are discovering tennis from scratch, often through community programs, friends, or inspired by professional tennis.

πŸ”„ Returning Players (2.5M)

Played tennis before but took a break (often years). They're rediscovering their love for the sport, typically motivated by lifestyle changes or renewed interest.

Source: 2024 U.S. Tennis Participation Report

The Age of New Tennis

New Players by Age Group

πŸ‘₯ Prime Tennis Age

62% of newcomers are between 18-35, bringing energy and long-term growth potential to the sport.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family Players

Ages 36-45 show strong participation, often starting tennis as a family activity with their children.

🎯 Active Retirement

Players 55+ are the fastest-growing segment, viewing tennis as ideal for healthy aging.

What Brings People to Tennis?

Group of friends laughing and playing doubles tennis, showcasing the social aspect that attracts new players

🀝 More Than Just Exercise

While fitness remains the top motivation, the social aspect of tennis is what keeps newcomers coming back. 65% of new players cite social connection as a key factor β€” tennis courts have become the new community centers.

Top Motivations for Starting Tennis

Real Stories from Real Players

πŸ‘©β€πŸ’Ό

Sarah, 32, Marketing Director

"I started playing during COVID when gyms were closed. Three years later, I've made my closest friends on the tennis court. It's not just exercise β€” it's my social life."

Plays: 3x per week β€’ Started: 2021 β€’ Current NTRP: 3.5

πŸ‘΄

Mike & Carol, 64 & 62, Retired

"We tried tennis after retirement and it's been amazing. We've traveled to tournaments, made friends at our club, and stayed more active than we ever imagined possible."

Plays: 4x per week β€’ Started: 2023 β€’ Current NTRP: 3.0

πŸŽ“

Jason, 24, Graduate Student

"Started playing to de-stress from grad school. Now I'm addicted. There's something about the strategy and athleticism that just clicks for me."

Plays: 5x per week β€’ Started: 2024 β€’ Current NTRP: 4.0

Breaking Down the Barriers

⚠️ Common Concerns (And Why They Shouldn't Stop You)

"I'm too old/young/out of shape"

Tennis accommodates all fitness levels and ages. Modified games, slower balls, and shorter courts make it accessible for everyone.

"It's too expensive"

42% of players have access to free or low-cost public courts. Equipment can start under $100.

"I don't know anyone who plays"

Tennis communities are incredibly welcoming. Apps like Doyouplay connect you with players at your level instantly.

"I'll embarrass myself"

Everyone starts somewhere! 3.8 million people started as complete beginners in 2024 β€” you're in great company.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

πŸ“šStart with Lessons

89% of successful newcomers took at least 3-5 lessons. Proper fundamentals early prevent bad habits and injuries.

πŸ‘₯Find Your People

Join beginner groups or use apps to find players at your level. Tennis is more fun with friends!

🎯Set Realistic Goals

Focus on consistency over power. Most players improve 1.5 NTRP levels in their first two years.

πŸ’ͺStay Patient

Tennis has a learning curve, but that's part of the joy. Every improved shot feels like a victory!

The Future is Bright

The influx of 6.3 million new players isn't just changing tennis β€” it's enriching it. Courts that once sat empty are now bustling with activity. Tennis programs are expanding. Communities are connecting.

More importantly, these newcomers are discovering what long-time players know: tennis isn't just a sport, it's a lifestyle. It's the joy of improving, the thrill of competition, the bonds of friendship, and the satisfaction of staying active and healthy.

If you're thinking about joining these 6.3 million players, there's never been a better time. The tennis community is more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant than ever before.

Ready to Become Player #6,300,001?

Join millions of Americans who've discovered the joy of tennis. Find your first playing partner today.

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Ivan
Nalini Arora
Bart Proost
Dan Zamylin
Carlos
Mike B
Morris
Sam Brown
Diane H
Achyut Vemuri
Stacy
Eric Williams
Tommy
Robert Petrosky
Mike
Soorya Srinivas
Quan T.
Mikhail Beltran
Yassine
Marco Iwabuchi

Your neighbors
are looking for
someone to play
with right now

Tennis players looking for matches

  • Ivan (3.0)

    Location: Brooklyn

    looking to play in brooklyn

  • Nalini Arora (3.0)

    Location: Downtown Los Angeles

    Have tennis lined up for the week but open for the weekend.

  • Bart Proost (3.0)

    Location: Los Angeles

    Looking to play at Vermont canyon 11am Tuesday- Friday

  • Dan Zamylin (3.0)

    Location: Sherman Oaks

    Playing at VNSO this Sunday

  • Carlos (3.0)

    Location: Metrocenter/North Rhodes Park

    Playing at Echo Park tomorrow Thursday from 8 am till 12 noon / Doubles or singles

  • Mike B (3.0)

    Location: Rancho Park

    Any 3.0-3.5 players free to play this weekend?

  • Morris (4.0)

    Location: Del Aire

    I typically just rally and don't play sets. I'm in El Segundo so I play anywhere from South Bay to Santa Monica. Ready to play Today!!

  • Sam Brown (4.0)

    Singles tomorrow at or around 5pm????

  • Diane H (3.0)

    currently have torn rotator cuff -cant play

  • Achyut Vemuri (4.0)

    Location: Pasadena

    Interested in rallies, marches, singles, doubles… just want to play and have fun!

  • Stacy (2.5)

    Location: Los Angeles

    About a 2.5. Love doubles but play singles, as well.

  • Eric Williams (3.0)

    Location: Wilshire Montana

    Would love a hit tomorrow between 11am and 3pm at the Christine Emerson Reed Tennis Courts in Santa Monica!

  • Tommy (4.0)

    Hi! Anyone free to play tomorrow (Monday) after 2pm but before 6pm? Poinsettia preferable but Vermont or Riverside ok. 4.0+

  • Robert Petrosky (2.5)

    Location: South Los Angeles

    Anyone wanna play Sunday around noon?

  • Mike (3.5)

    Location: Los Angeles

    4.0 Doubles anyone?

  • Soorya Srinivas (3.5)

    Location: Marina Del Rey

    Looking to hit today, I have courts I can book for free in Marina Del Rey. I am available from 3pm and 5:30pm

  • Quan T. (3.5)

    Location: West Los Angeles

    Looking for a 3.5-4.0 player for today 05/01 from 3PM-5PM at Cheviot Hills. Court is ready! Sorry for the last minute

  • Mikhail Beltran (3.0)

    Location: Northeast Los Angeles

    Will be at Hermon Park early morning practicing serves. Anyone up to rally from 9-11am?

  • Yassine (3.5)

    Location: Castle Heights

    Anyone 3 to 4 available to rally at 6pm in Marvista??

  • Marco Iwabuchi (4.0)

    Looking to play doubles β€”need one at ladera park at 4 pm text me at 4158660676

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