Tennis industry leadership gathered for the first of four Tennis Industry United (TIU) “Appreciation Tours” on September 30, 2021, at the historic Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga. The tour is the brainchild of industry leaders to show their appreciation to all those associated with the growth of tennis during the COVID-19 restrictions.
The Atlanta Athletic Club hosted the event, which included an evening cocktail party in their beautiful 1898 clubhouse with representation from the leadership of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Tennis Industry Association and major tennis equipment manufacturers. TIU partners, led by USTA representative Glenn Arrington and I hosted the evening event? for the attendees.
USTA Director of Engagement and Services Mickey Maule, reported on the growth of tennis since COVID-19 restrictions were put into effect. In 2020, a 22% upwards bounce in tennis participation was realized in the U.S. More than 21.6 million people played the sport in 2020, with more than 6.7 million being either completely new players or those returning to the sport after having been away for a while.
Tennis balls and big box sales of racquets hit all-time highs in the entry-level racquet market. Lesson and clinic revenue also grew to new levels and the need for certified teaching professionals in the industry was in high demand.
In conjunction with the TIU Appreciation Tour event, a continuing education day for professional development was held in the Atlanta Athletic Club indoor tennis facility with 80 local tennis professionals teaching classes, including cardio tennis with Michele Krause, injury prevention with Dr. Neeru Jayanthi of Emory Sports Medicine, and how to promote, introduce and retain players to the sport with local pros.
The Participation Challenge Ahead
There are two pressing issues for the tennis industry as it moves forward with its growth following the COVID-19 bump. The first issue is the disruption of the supply chain and second is the lack of teaching experience getting into the profession. One will have a short-term effect; the other may have a long-term effect on the game’s stability.
The industry, just as all consumers, is currently in short supply of tennis products and the outlook does not look favorable for 2022. Demand for racquets, tennis balls and other tennis items have been in short supply since early 2021. Production of tennis balls, a vital product for league, tournament and recreational play, is in short demand due to the lack of production of rubber during the global shut down. Rubber is used in so many products that the prioritization of rubber supply continues to lean toward crucial needs versus sports equipment. Ramping up production may not impact availability until late 2022 or on into 2023. Pricing of these products have already begun to increase and could deter participation.
The second major concern, and one that can affect the stability of tennis, is the lack of young tennis professionals getting into the job market. Understandably, the hospitality business has been one of the hardest hit industries for staff since the county’s re-opening. The hospitality industry is not a “9 to 5, Monday through Friday” profession. This holds promise for tennis teaching professionals.
The number of tennis professionals reaping the benefits from the 1970s boom are beginning to look past their court days and are weighing retirement. Industry leaders are concerned and looking to where the next generation of teaching professionals can be found. The USPTA, PTR and USTA have developed programs and certification to attract new, young professionals. These programs have potential to bring a new generation of well-rounded tennis pros into the market. The tactics that will help attract this group of new professionals will come from employers and consumers as compensation for this cohort will need to be addressed in a new competitive market. The next generation of teaching professionals will have an opportunity to build on a stable foundation and to enhance all players in their tennis hours.
A Bright Future
The Atlanta event was the first of four events to be held in the United States. The next stops on the Tennis Industry United Tour include Dallas, Denver and Scottsdale. The tennis industry will continue to showcase the game’s health and social benefits as the sport has a bright future for players and those in the industry.
Jeff Chandley is director of tennis at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga. He can be reached at [email protected].