Is Pickleball Stealing the Spotlight from American Tennis: As the U.S. Open kicks off this week, attracting over a million fans to celebrate tennis, another racket sport is making headlines with its meteoric rise. Pickleball, a sport blending elements of tennis and ping pong, has seen a 223% increase in participation over the past three years, now boasting 13.6 million players in the U.S. Tennis, with its 23.8 million players, is feeling the impact.
Dr. Brian Hainline, President of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), voiced his frustrations at a recent news conference. He expressed displeasure over the “pock, pock, pock” sound of pickleball games encroaching upon tennis’s traditional territories. The rapid growth of pickleball has led to the replacement of many tennis courts with smaller pickleball courts, intensifying concerns within the tennis community.
Internationally, some tennis federations have embraced pickleball as a complementary sport. France’s tennis federation, for instance, set up pickleball courts at this year’s French Open to promote the sport among players and fans. However, the USTA has adopted a more defensive stance, focusing instead on promoting “red ball tennis,” a modified version of tennis designed to attract new players. Red ball tennis, which uses a softer ball on a smaller court, will be promoted as an introductory experience on existing pickleball courts.
“The idea is to use pickleball courts to introduce people to tennis through red ball tennis,” Hainline stated. He suggested that while pickleball may have its place, it does not compare to tennis’s depth and complexity.
Mike Nealy, CEO of Pickleball USA, responded to these remarks with optimism, highlighting the sport’s positive developments. New pickleball courts continue to be built, increasing the total to over 50,000 nationwide. Investment from celebrities and the emergence of social pickleball venues are also driving the sport’s growth.
“Pickleball and tennis can coexist,” Nealy argued. “Both sports offer unique benefits and have their own space in the sporting world.”
Top American tennis player Taylor Fritz echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the presence of pickleball without seeing it as a threat. “I don’t see any reason why both sports can’t exist,” he said.
Tom Cove, President and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, noted that pickleball’s accessibility and low barriers to entry contribute to its rapid expansion. The sport’s simplicity and low-cost equipment make it easy for new players to get started and enjoy immediate success.
Despite its challenges, tennis remains resilient. The USTA aims to grow its player base to 35 million by 2035, with initiatives like red ball tennis intended to attract newcomers and reignite interest in the sport.
In the end, while pickleball’s rise poses new challenges for tennis, it also highlights the diverse range of options available to racket sports enthusiasts. The USTA’s efforts to innovate and adapt may well shape the future landscape of tennis, ensuring it remains a prominent and evolving sport in the American sporting arena.
News in Brief: Is Pickleball Stealing the Spotlight from American Tennis
As the U.S. Open draws massive crowds, pickleball is making headlines with a 223% surge in U.S. participation, now at 13.6 million players. This growth has caused friction with tennis, which has 23.8 million players, as tennis courts are replaced by pickleball courts. Dr. Brian Hainline of the USTA criticized pickleball’s encroachment and promoted “red ball tennis” as a way to attract new players. In contrast, Pickleball USA CEO Mike Nealy and tennis player Taylor Fritz advocated for coexistence. With over 50,000 pickleball courts nationwide, the sport’s rise highlights both its popularity and the evolving landscape of racket sports.
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