May 1st, 2023
USTA Florida Celebrates Unstoppable Tennis Growth During National Tennis Month
ORLANDO, Fla., May 1, 2023 – USTA Florida today kicked off its celebration of National Tennis Month by spotlighting the continued growth of the sport statewide and the activities local facilities are engaging in to attract new and diverse participants. Long-recognized as a hot-bed for tennis play, Florida has experienced an unprecedented surge in demand for the sport, thanks to population growth and renewed interest in healthy activities.
“National Tennis Month is a great opportunity for us to put a spotlight on the incredible work our facilities and providers are doing to serve up opportunities to every Floridian who wants to play,” said USTA Florida President Phil Girardi. “Not only do we have the data to show that tennis continues to grow at a robust pace here in Florida, but our providers continue to tell us that new players are picking up racquets and hitting the courts every day.”
Throughout the month of May, USTA Florida will share stories from different types of venues that make up the diverse tennis eco-system in the Sunshine State. Featuring the work of tennis academies, public tennis centers, partner organizations and others, USTA Florida will highlight exponential growth in programs and events. We also will feature additional, new programs that are being launched to reach out to diverse players, including a special program in Jacksonville for wheelchair athletes. All stories will share a common thread: the growth of tennis and the need for more coaches and tennis courts.
“It’s important for municipalities to see the positive impact tennis has in the community. Not only is it a vital service for health and wellness, but it’s a tremendous driver of the local economy,” said Laura Bowen, USTA Florida Executive Director.
According to the Tennis Industry Association’s 2023 Florida Tennis Participation Report, more than 1.6 million Florida residents currently play the sport, and another 1.7 million said they want to play. Florida core tennis players log more days on the tennis court on average than in any other state in the nation. That makes tennis an excellent investment for both developers and public parks. USTA Florida is eager to work with municipalities and local advocates to tap into the pent-up demand.
USTA and USTA Florida is providing the following resources that can help every tennis community advocate for additional courts and programs that serve everyone:
- Statement of Guidance on Tennis Growth in Florida
- 2023 Florida Tennis Participation Report
- Here to Serve Podcast: Health and Wellness Benefits of Tennis
- Florida Tennis Growth Stories
“We are here to serve every tennis community in the state. We hope all tennis players, providers and fans will join us in celebrating tennis this May and share your stories of how tennis has impacted your life and local community,” added Girardi.
For more information, and to become an advocate for tennis in your community, visit USTAFlorida.com today.
*This Press Release was written by Laura Bowen, USTA Florida Executive Director*
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About USTA Florida: Established in 1949, USTA Florida is a section of the United States Tennis Association. It is a not-for-profit volunteer organization with approximately 40,000 members, 500 organizational members and a $7 million budget. As the official governing body of tennis in Florida, USTA Florida operates from an executive office in Orlando, with more than 30 staff members and more than 600 volunteers throughout the state working towards a mission to promote and develop tennis for all in Florida. To learn more about USTA Florida visit www.USTAFlorida.com.
For more information, contact:
Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, USTA Florida: kappelman@ustaflorida.com
