In a significant move for tennis development in North America, officials from Tennis Canada and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) convened on Monday at the National Bank Open in Toronto. The meeting aimed to tackle a pressing issue: how to make tennis more accessible and affordable, particularly in colder climates that limit play to a few months of the year. Amidst a backdrop of elite WTA tournament matches, the two federations engaged in meaningful discussions on strategies to foster year-round participation.
Building Bridges Between Neighbours
Despite current political tensions between the Canadian and U.S. governments, the atmosphere between the two tennis bodies was notably collaborative. The representatives from both federations focused on sharing best practices to address a shared challenge: the increasing demand for tennis facilities. With discussions taking place in the wings of Sobeys Stadium, the emphasis was on cooperation rather than competition.
Anita Comella, Tennis Canada’s senior director of facilities development, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “We have this participation growth explosion in both countries, and so when people get excited about playing, where do they go?” she asked. The exchange was marked by a spirit of camaraderie, with participants frequently promising to share information and resources. “It’s not about scarcity or propriety. It’s about sharing, expanding and growing where we can,” Comella added.
Rising Participation Rates
The statistics surrounding tennis participation are striking. In 2025, over 6 million Canadians were reported to have played tennis, marking an increase of more than 1 million since 2023. Yet, Tennis Canada faces a significant hurdle: of the 7,500 courts in the country, only around 750 are equipped for year-round play. This limitation restricts access to the sport for much of the year, placing Canada behind other nations in terms of available facilities.
In contrast, the U.S. has seen a surge in participation, with 27.3 million players recorded in 2025—an increase of 1.6 million. The USTA has set an ambitious target of reaching 35 million players by 2035, which would equate to approximately 10% of the U.S. population. Both federations are witnessing substantial growth, particularly among immigrant communities. “We’re both seeing triple-digit growth year over year in terms of player participation. Obviously, as a world sport, immigrants coming to the United States are bringing a lot of that ethos, that kind of interest,” explained Christian Gabriel, USTA’s managing director of tennis infrastructure and venue strategy.
Addressing the Infrastructure Gap
During their discussions, representatives exchanged insights into innovative solutions for improving tennis facilities. Among the topics covered were the development of outdoor courts, the restoration of ageing facilities, and how to cultivate partnerships with local municipalities. The USTA shared its experience with specific growth areas, noting increases in participation among women, Black and Hispanic communities, and Asian players.
Both federations emphasized the importance of data and technology in tracking player engagement and facility usage. They explored ways to better categorise public tennis courts as vital community assets alongside parks, swimming pools, and ice rinks, which could lead to enhanced maintenance and programming.
Tennis Canada has made facility development a top priority, receiving support primarily from the National Bank Open. In a notable collaboration with Rogers, the organisation is on track to establish 160 year-round courts by 2029, with an investment of $5.6 million aimed at revitalising community tennis infrastructure. This initiative has already seen over $50 million in new investments, demonstrating the potential for impactful partnerships.
Gabriel and Comella’s discussions also delved into the financial challenges of securing funding for sports facilities in tough economic climates. They recognised the need to shift the narrative surrounding such investments, framing them as beneficial for community health, leadership development, and social cohesion. “What we’re talking about is actually less about tennis,” Comella remarked, “and more about community building.”
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Tennis Canada and the USTA signifies a critical step towards ensuring that tennis remains accessible to all, regardless of geographical or economic barriers. As both nations see a growing interest in the sport, the challenge lies in translating enthusiasm into sustainable participation. By prioritising year-round access to facilities and fostering community engagement, these federations are not only cultivating a new generation of players but also strengthening the social fabric of their communities. The implications of this partnership extend beyond tennis courts; they could foster healthier lifestyles and enhance social connections in communities across North America.