National Play Tennis Day 2024

February 23rd is National Play Tennis Day in the United States. This annual event aims to promote the sport of tennis and encourage people of all ages and abilities to get out on the courts and play. With tennis continuing to grow in popularity, National Play Tennis Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this iconic sport.

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History of National Play Tennis Day

National Play Tennis Day was established in 2022 by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) as a way to celebrate tennis and grow participation. The inaugural National Play Tennis Day was held on February 23, 2022, and it continues to take place each year on that date.

The TIA is the national trade association for tennis, representing manufacturers, retailers, teaching professionals, media, tennis facilities, and more. Their mission is to promote the growth of tennis by bringing the industry together. Along with establishing National Play Tennis Day, the TIA also founded programs like Tennis Welcome Centers, Grow the Game grants, and the USA Tennis Conference.

Why Have a National Play Tennis Day?

There are several reasons why having a designated National Play Tennis Day is beneficial:

• Promotes the sport – It provides a focal point to highlight tennis and its many benefits. Media, retailers, organizations, and fans can rally around the day to celebrate tennis.
• Encourages participation – It motivates people of all ages to get out on the court and play, especially those who may be new to the sport. The day removes barriers and makes tennis accessible to everyone.
• Supports the industry – It brings together stakeholders like manufacturers, facilities, coaches, volunteers to grow the sport together. The collective efforts support the tennis industry as a whole.
• Generates awareness – It offers opportunities to promote tennis at local, regional, and national levels. The increased visibility helps educate people about tennis and its offerings.
• Boosts the economy – It stimulates spending and economic activity around tennis as people take lessons, buy equipment, join leagues, and more. The uptick around the day supports the greater tennis economy.

How to Celebrate National Play Tennis Day

There are many fun ways for people and organizations to celebrate National Play Tennis Day:

• Host events – Organizations like the USTA, parks departments, schools, and tennis facilities can host events like free lessons, kids’ clinics, social mixers, tournaments, and more. This makes tennis more accessible to everyone in the community.
• Offer promotions – Retailers can run National Play Tennis Day promotions on equipment, apparel, court time, and services to get people excited about playing tennis. Discounts and giveaways are a great way to celebrate.
• Arrange games – Groups of friends, families, coworkers, and neighbors can gather to play tennis at local courts and parks. Tailgate parties, round robins, and social leagues are fun ways to enjoy friendly competition.
• Support programs – Take part in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL), Girls Tennis Clubs, USTA Leagues, Play Days, and other programs that promote access and diversity in tennis.
• Use social media – Share photos and stories of you playing tennis using the hashtag #NationalPlayTennisDay. Posting on social media helps spread awareness.
• Watch pro tennis – Attend or view professional tennis tournaments and events to help support the pro game. It’s inspiring for all players!

Tennis Participation in the U.S.

National Play Tennis Day aims to increase tennis participation, which has seen steady growth in recent years:

• Over 21.64 million people played tennis in the U.S. in 2021, an increase of 22% from 2019.
• Tennis participation increased across all age groups, with particularly strong growth among ages 18-34, which saw over 40% growth since 2019.
• The sport has achieved record diversity, with participation by people of color increasing to 27% of all players in 2021 versus 15% in 2015.
• Over 3 million kids aged 6-12 played tennis in 2021, the highest participation rate for this age group since 2010.
• Cardio tennis participation has nearly tripled since 2015, with over 2 million participants enjoying the high energy workout.

These metrics demonstrate tennis is growing and attracting a broader demographic of new and returning players. National Play Tennis Day provides the perfect opportunity to continue boosting participation.

Benefits of Playing Tennis

Playing tennis offers many great benefits for both physical and mental health:

• Improves aerobic fitness – Tennis is a cardio workout that strengthens the heart. Just 30 minutes can burn over 200 calories and improve stamina.
• Builds strength and endurance – The stop-and-go nature of tennis develops muscle while enhancing speed and agility. A tennis match requires endurance.
• Increases coordination – Tennis involves precise, balanced movement and quick reactions, which hone fine motor skills and coordination.
• Keeps you flexible – The kinetic chain involved in tennis strokes stretches muscles and joints, maintaining and improving flexibility.
• Enhances mental acuity – Tennis stimulates the mind by requiring strategy, focus, anticipation, problem-solving, and quick decision making.
• Reduces stress – The physical exertion can help release stress and tension. The social nature also provides enjoyment.
• Boosts confidence – Tennis achievements like learning new skills or winning games promotes a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.
• Offers social connection – Tennis is often played with others and brings people together through friendly competition and camaraderie.

Playing tennis delivers a full-body workout that engages the mind while providing an outlet for social interaction. Any age or ability can enjoy the many benefits of tennis.

National Play Tennis Day 2024: Growth of Tennis

Tennis has seen a resurgence over the past decade, growing significantly in popularity worldwide:

• Tennis participation globally rose 15% from 2018-2021, according to data from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
• The sport has added over 50 million new players since 2019, primarily under the age of 10. This youth influx bodes well for the future.
• Tennis ewuipment sales topped $917 million in 2021, an 18% increase since 2019, making tennis one of the fastest growing sports.
• Famed tournaments like Wimbledon, Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open have enjoyed strong attendance and viewership growth.
• Tennis courts and instruction are thriving as well. In 2021, 80% of tennis facilities saw increased interest in lessons and court time.
• Racquet technology, apparel, footwear have all evolved with new innovations broadening accessibility and frequency of play.
• Diversity in the sport continues to increase, with gender equality improving and more countries than ever participating in global tennis events.

The rise of icons like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff have sparked new enthusiasm in tennis, while veterans like Roger Federer and Venus Williams continue to inspire generations of athletes. Overall interest and investment in tennis is paying dividends for the sport.

Celebrity Tennis Fans

Many celebrities are huge tennis fans. Spotting famous faces in the stands is part of the fun of attending major tournaments:

Actors/Actresses

• Ben Stiller – Known as a massive tennis fan, Stiller is often seen at the U.S. Open. His favorite player is Roger Federer.
• Hugh Jackman – The actor appreciates tennis and has attended Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and Billie Jean King Cup matches.
• Natalie Portman – She plays tennis herself and has attended tournaments like Indian Wells. Serena Williams is her favorite.
• Jon Hamm – The Mad Men star has been spotted at the U.S. Open cheering on Andy Roddick and John Isner.
• Mila Kunis – She’s a longtime fan and LA tennis regular. Kunis plays often and attended the 2018 U.S. Open.

Musicians

• Justin Timberlake – A tennis talent himself, the singer participates in celebrity tournaments and attends major matches.
• Drake – The rapper is a fan with court side seats when the pros come to play in Toronto. He’s cheered on Milos Raonic.
• Harry Styles – Styles loves tennis and has attended Wimbledon numerous times, even meeting Andy Murray.
• Bruno Mars – The singer watched Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic compete at the 2013 U.S. Open finals.
• Elton John – The music icon is passionate about tennis and a regular at Grand Slams, often cheering for Swiss players.

Seeing celebrities enjoy tennis shows the sport’s broad appeal. The star-studded crowds add extra electricity to pro tournaments!

Iconic American Players

The U.S. has produced many top tennis champions who have made indelible marks on the sport:

Billie Jean King

• 12 Grand Slam singles titles
• 16 Grand Slam doubles titles
• Founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour
• Defeated Bobby Riggs in 1973’s “Battle of the Sexes”

Chris Evert

• 18 Grand Slam singles titles
• Rivalry with Martina Navratilova spanned decades
• Held world #1 rank for seven years
• One of greatest clay court specialists ever

Arthur Ashe

• 3 Grand Slam titles including 1968 U.S. Open
• First Black player selected to U.S. Davis Cup team (1963)
• Retired in 1980 and remains influential as humanitarian

Jimmy Connors

• 8 Grand Slam singles titles including 5 U.S. Open wins
• Held top ATP ranking from 1974 to 1977
• Played professional tennis until age 41

Andre Agassi

• 8 Grand Slam singles titles including the Career Golden Slam
• Held world #1 rank for 101 weeks
• Powerful, aggressive playing style raised the bar

Venus & Serena Williams

• 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, 30 total Grand Slams
• 117 combined WTA titles
• Credited with ushering in a new era of women’s power

Pete Sampras

• 14 Grand Slam singles titles including 7 Wimbledon wins
• World #1 rank for record 286 weeks
• One of best servers ever with precise volleys

Andy Roddick

• 2003 U.S. Open champion
• Set record of 155 mph serve in 2004
• Carried American men’s tennis after Sampras/Agassi era

This list of champions showcases the competitive spirit and high caliber of American tennis through decades of history. Their achievements continue to motivate new generations.

Opportunities for Youth & Diversity

National Play Tennis Day promotes initiatives to make tennis accessible for all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels:

Youth Tennis

• Programs like USTA Net Generation introduce kids to tennis with kid-sized courts and equipment.
• Schools partner with the USTA to offer free tennis during PE with portable nets and modified balls.
• Events like World TeamTennis Junior Nationals give ages 10-18 competitive playing opportunities.
• Scholarships and grants from organizations like the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network provide access to lessons, equipment, and travel.
• Training at world-class academies helps talented juniors hone their skills and potentially pursue careers.

Diversity & Inclusion

• The Racquet & Rally Fund supports BIPOC youth tennis programs and scholarships.
• New rules allow coaching during matches to make tennis less dependent on cost.
• Group lesson programs like Girls Tennis Clubs empower young girls on and off the court.
• Grants help make tennis facilities and courts accessible in all neighborhoods regardless of income level.
• Outreach initiatives train coaches and volunteers to foster welcoming, inclusive environments.

Increasing opportunity for all youth and communities ensures a stronger, more diverse future for American tennis.

Looking Ahead to National Play Tennis Day 2024

For its third annual National Play Tennis Day on February 23, 2024, the TIA is planning its largest celebration yet including:

• A record 2,000 Play Tennis events hosted at facilities nationwide with group lessons, mixers, and kid-friendly activities
• Grants totaling $150,000 awarded to 75 community organizations to increase access and promote diversity
• Launch of a new USTA & Net Generation mobile app to help families find nearby public courts and Register & Rally programs
• Free digital lesson plans and toolkits for schools and coaches to introduce tennis in PE and after school
• In-store retail promotions with exclusive National Play Tennis Day gear, prize packs, discounts and giveaways
• Social media challenge encouraging people to upload a video of them playing tennis using hashtag #PlayTennis2024, with prizes awarded to creative videos
• ESPN and Tennis Channel special programming covering National Play Tennis Day events, youth stories, player profiles and more
• Exclusive National Play Tennis Day merchandise from top brands to help fans show their love of tennis in style

Dedicated industry partners, retailers, facilities, teaching pros, volunteers, community leaders and other enthusiasts will help make the third annual National Play Tennis Day on February 23, 2024 bigger than ever!

Conclusion

National Play Tennis Day promotes this iconic, lifelong sport that offers so many physical and mental benefits. On February 23rd, grab your racquet and get out on the courts to join in celebrating the sport with friends old and new. Let’s grow tennis together!

FAQs:

1: What is tennis play?

Tennis play refers to playing the sport of tennis – hitting a ball back and forth across a net using a racquet. It can be singles play with one player on each side or doubles with two players per side.

2: What months do you play tennis?

Tennis is typically played year-round. Outdoor tennis is most popular in warmer months from spring through fall, while indoor tennis is played more often in colder months. Competitive tennis tournaments happen all calendar year.

3: Why is tennis a fun sport?

Tennis is fun for many reasons – it provides good exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction and friendly competition. The back-and-forth rallies keep you engaged. It can be played recreationally or competitively. Tennis also offers constant opportunities to improve your skills.

4; Do you play tennis everyday?

Most recreational players don’t play tennis every single day, but avid players may play several times per week. Elite competitive players train and practice daily. Playing 1-3 days per week is common for casual players. Rest days are important to prevent overuse injuries.

6: Is tennis a beautiful sport?

Yes, tennis is often regarded as a beautiful sport. The fluid motions and athleticism of the players can appear very graceful and elegant. The strategic back-and-forth action in a match can also be described as a “dance”. And iconic tennis venues like Wimbledon provide beautiful backdrops.

7: Is 30 minutes of tennis enough?

For casual recreational play, 30 minutes of tennis can be enough to get good exercise. However, typical tennis matches tend to last 1-2 hours. Competitive players may play or practice for several hours daily. Any amount of tennis provides benefits.

8: Is tennis a hard sport?

Tennis requires a blend of athletic skills – coordination, speed, agility, endurance, mental toughness – that makes it a moderately difficult sport to master. Learning proper stroke technique and footwork takes time. Tennis can provide varying levels of challenge for all ages and abilities.

9: Can tennis burn fat?

Yes, tennis is a great fat-burning aerobic exercise. A 1-hour singles match can burn around 600 calories for a 155-lb person. The stop-and-go movements work the whole body to burn calories and fat. Playing tennis 3 times a week can help with fat loss.

10: Is tennis good to lose weight?

Absolutely – tennis is an excellent activity for losing weight due to the aerobic demands and total body workout. Consistency is key – aim for 45-90 minutes of tennis 3-5 days per week along with a healthy diet to see effective weight loss over time.

11: How much exercise is tennis?

A 1-hour singles tennis match provides a vigorous aerobic workout that exercises the whole body – arms, legs, core, etc. The duration and intensity makes tennis an ideal cardiorespiratory, muscle-strengthening and calorie-burning exercise.

12: Can playing tennis make you taller?

Playing tennis, especially at a young age, won’t directly make you taller. But the exercise can help strengthen muscles and bones which support normal growth and development. Proper nutrition is the biggest factor influencing height. Genetics determine someone’s maximum height potential.

13: Is tennis a full body workout?

Yes, tennis is considered a full-body workout because it works all the major muscle groups. Lower body, core, shoulder, arm, and back muscles are engaged in the various tennis movements and strokes. All areas get strengthened over time.

14: What is the healthiest sport?

Experts consistently rate tennis as one of the overall healthiest sports due to its benefits for aerobic fitness, muscle and bone strength, flexibility, calorie burn, stress relief and more. The low-impact, high intensity workout carries minimal injury risk.

15: Will tennis tone my arms?

Playing tennis regularly will help tone and strengthen your arm, shoulder and upper body muscles. The repetitive strokes like serves, forehands, backhands use the arms in many directions to build muscle. Push-ups between games can further tone arm muscles.

16: Is tennis a big sport?

Tennis has around 1 billion fans worldwide. It’s considered one of the most global sports and is played recreationally and competitively in over 200 countries. Tennis is a marquee sport at the Olympics. So while not as big as soccer/football, tennis has a large footprint.

17: Why is tennis 40?

Tennis scoring uses the unique system of “15, 30, 40”. It’s believed this originated from the French game “jeu de paume” which used a clock face with quarters scoring 15, 30, 45. At some point 45 was changed to 40 in modern tennis.

18: Is tennis an Olympic sport?

Yes, tennis has been part of the modern Olympics since 1988 after being out of the Games for 64 years. Greats like Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi have won Olympic gold in singles and doubles. It’s a prestigious event in tennis.

19: Why is tennis a luxury sport?

Historically tennis had a reputation as an elite activity restricted to wealthy classes. The sport required exclusive equipment, club memberships and lessons. While still expensive, tennis today is more accessible at public courts. But the upscale country club image persists.