**
In a notable display of collaboration amid a climate of political tension, representatives from Tennis Canada and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) convened in Toronto on Monday. Their objective was crystal clear: to enhance accessibility and affordability of tennis facilities, thereby fostering increased participation in the sport across both nations. This meeting took place against the backdrop of the National Bank Open, where the world’s best tennis talents were competing, yet the focus remained firmly on grassroots development.
Uniting for a Common Goal
The meeting saw facility development teams from both federations engaging in fruitful discussions, exchanging ideas and strategies to tackle a shared challenge: expanding access to tennis courts, particularly in regions with colder climates. While elite athletes vie for supremacy on the court, Tennis Canada and the USTA are united in their ambition to grow the sport at the community level.
“There’s a significant surge in tennis participation in both Canada and the U.S.,” remarked Anita Comella, Tennis Canada’s senior director of facilities development. “The question is, when interest peaks, where can new players actually go to play?” The enthusiasm was palpable as both sides shared insights on improving existing court infrastructure, from repairing outdated surfaces to implementing innovative solutions like bubble-covered outdoor courts.
Participation Growth Trends
Recent statistics underscore the urgency of this initiative. In 2025, over 6 million Canadians were reported to have played tennis, marking an increase of more than one million since 2023. Despite boasting around 7,500 courts, only 750 are available for year-round use, limiting play to just four months annually. In contrast, the U.S. recorded a participation increase of 1.6 million players, bringing the total to a staggering 27.3 million. The USTA has set ambitious targets, aiming for 35 million players by 2035—equating to roughly ten percent of the American population.
The two federations have recognised a shared demographic trend: a significant influx of new players, particularly from immigrant communities, is driving participation growth. “We are witnessing triple-digit growth in player participation year on year,” noted Christian Gabriel, USTA’s managing director of tennis infrastructure and venue strategy. “If courts aren’t affordable or accessible, we risk stifling this momentum.”
Strategies for Improvement
During their meeting, Tennis Canada and the USTA exchanged valuable insights on leveraging data and technology to enhance their respective programmes. They discussed effective methods for tracking participation metrics and employing evidence-based research to engage potential partners. A key point of discussion was the need to reclassify public tennis courts as vital recreational assets, akin to public swimming pools and ice rinks, ensuring these spaces are well-maintained and actively utilised.
While the USTA is bolstered by the commercial success of the U.S. Open, Tennis Canada primarily relies on revenue from the National Bank Open. Despite operating on different scales, both organisations share a commitment to increasing the number of accessible playing facilities. With facility development as a priority, Tennis Canada is currently collaborating with the National Bank and Rogers to fund initiatives aimed at revitalising outdoor courts and establishing 160 year-round facilities by 2029.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The discussion also touched upon the challenges of securing funding for sports facilities amid economic uncertainties. Both federations explored ways to reframe these investments as beneficial not only for tennis but for community health, leadership, and social cohesion. “What we’re discussing transcends tennis,” Comella emphasised. “It’s fundamentally about community building.”
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Tennis Canada and the USTA signifies a proactive approach to addressing barriers to tennis participation. By focusing on grassroots development and leveraging shared resources, both federations aim to cultivate a thriving tennis culture that can sustain and attract new players across North America. As the sport continues to evolve, this partnership illustrates how collective efforts can lead to long-lasting benefits for communities, fostering not only competitive talent but also a lifelong love for tennis.
