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In a collaborative effort to boost tennis participation and improve facilities, representatives from Tennis Canada and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) convened in Toronto on Monday. Amidst the exciting backdrop of the National Bank Open, the two organisations exchanged valuable insights on expanding the sport, particularly in colder climates where year-round play remains a challenge.
A Neighbourly Collaboration
Despite political tensions between Canada and the United States, the meeting highlighted a harmonious partnership between the two tennis federations. Both organisations are facing a pressing need to provide more accessible and affordable tennis facilities to meet a growing demand. The discussions took place while WTA tournament matches captivated fans in the stadium, with facility development staff from both federations brainstorming solutions in a nearby meeting room.
Anita Comella, the Senior Director of Facilities Development at Tennis Canada, emphasised 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 remarked. The dialogue focused on practical strategies ranging from the renovation of existing courts to the implementation of innovative outdoor bubbling systems, demonstrating a commitment to sharing resources and knowledge.
Rising Participation Rates
Recent statistics underscore the significance of this collaboration. In 2025, over 6 million Canadians were reported to have played tennis, a notable increase of more than a million players since 2023. However, out of the 7,500 courts available in Canada, only approximately 750 are equipped for year-round play, a stark contrast to leading tennis nations. This limited access restricts participation primarily to the warmer months.
On the other hand, the USTA reported a significant rise in tennis participation, with 27.3 million players in the U.S. in 2025, an increase of 1.6 million from the previous year. The USTA has set an ambitious goal of achieving 35 million players by 2035, aiming to engage about 10% of the U.S. population in the sport. Both nations are experiencing similar trends, particularly among new citizens who are increasingly embracing tennis as a popular pastime.
Focus on Grassroots Development
The discussions between the two federations also highlighted the need for grassroots initiatives to foster a sustainable player base. Participation among women in the U.S. rose by 10%, while figures for African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander players increased by 14%, 12%, and 10%, respectively. Comella observed that newly arrived Canadians are identifying tennis as one of their top three favourite sports, reflecting a growing interest that could potentially lead to the development of future professionals.
The partners shared valuable insights on leveraging data and technology to track participation metrics and engage stakeholders effectively. Ideas included indexing public tennis courts in parks as essential recreational assets, alongside facilities like swimming pools and ice rinks, which could be programmed and maintained more efficiently.
Funding and Community Building
While the USTA’s funding largely stems from the commercial success of the U.S. Open, Tennis Canada relies primarily on revenue generated from the National Bank Open. Despite operating on different scales, both federations share a singular mission: to enhance tennis infrastructure and accessibility.
Facility development remains a top priority for Tennis Canada, which has forged a partnership with Rogers to deliver 160 year-round courts across up to 30 locations by 2029. This initiative, supported by a $200,000 seed investment from Rogers for each project, has already channelled approximately $3.1 million towards a projected $5.6 million investment, translating into over $50 million in new tennis infrastructure.
Discussions also ventured into the challenges of securing funding during economically challenging times. Both federations explored reframing the narrative around sports facilities, highlighting their broader benefits for health, leadership, and community cohesion. “What we’re talking about is actually less about tennis,” Comella noted, “and more about community building.”
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Tennis Canada and the USTA is not just about promoting tennis; it represents a significant step towards enhancing community well-being and fostering inclusivity through sport. By prioritising accessibility and year-round play, these federations are paving the way for a new generation of players and enriching the cultural fabric of both nations. As they tackle the challenges of facility development together, the implications extend far beyond the tennis court, potentially transforming local communities and encouraging an active lifestyle for all.
