**
In a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the accessibility of tennis across North America, representatives from Tennis Canada and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) convened in Toronto on Monday. Their discussions, which took place during the ongoing National Bank Open, focused on strategies to increase affordable playing opportunities and year-round access, particularly in regions with colder climates.
A Productive Gathering Amidst Political Tensions
While political relations between Canada and the U.S. may be strained, the two tennis federations demonstrated a robust spirit of cooperation. As the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament progressed at Sobeys Stadium, officials from both organisations delved into solutions for a shared challenge: how to provide more accessible and affordable tennis facilities.
Anita Comella, Tennis Canada’s senior director of facilities development, emphasised the urgency of their mission. “We have this participation growth explosion in both countries, and so when people get excited about playing, where do they go?” she remarked, highlighting the importance of exchanging ideas and resources. The meeting was marked by a series of productive exchanges, with members frequently promising to share insights and resources.
Growing Participation Numbers
The statistics underscore the need for action. In 2025, over 6 million Canadians participated in tennis, reflecting a significant increase of more than a million players since 2023. Despite Canada boasting around 7,500 courts, only approximately 750 are equipped for year-round play, leaving many enthusiasts sidelined for much of the year. Comparatively, the U.S. has seen a surge in tennis participation, with an increase of 1.6 million players in 2025, bringing the total to 27.3 million. The USTA has set an ambitious target of reaching 35 million players by 2035, aiming for about 10 per cent of the American population.
Christian Gabriel, USTA’s managing director of tennis infrastructure, noted the importance of accessibility: “If [courts] aren’t accessible at a price point that people can afford, or is aspirational, then it’s not going to ignite new players.” Both federations are witnessing considerable growth, largely driven by an influx of new citizens bringing diverse backgrounds and interests to the sport.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Community Engagement
The discussions also included an examination of how both federations leverage data and technology to track participation metrics and improve court accessibility. There was a consensus on the need to treat public tennis courts as vital community assets, akin to public pools and ice rinks, to ensure they are well-maintained and effectively programmed.
With funding structures differing—Tennis Canada relies heavily on the revenue generated from its National Bank Open, while the USTA benefits from the commercial success of the U.S. Open—both organisations share a common goal: to enhance tennis infrastructure. Tennis Canada is actively working on a funding initiative in collaboration with Rogers, aiming to create 160 year-round courts in up to 30 facilities by 2029, with plans already yielding over $50 million in new infrastructure.
Fostering a Community Spirit Through Tennis
The meeting underscored a broader vision beyond just tennis; it highlighted the potential for the sport to foster community engagement and well-being. As Comella aptly stated, “What we’re talking about is actually less about tennis and more about community building.” The federations are not only focused on increasing participation but are also keen on demonstrating how investment in tennis facilities can lead to improved health outcomes, leadership development, and social cohesion.
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Tennis Canada and the USTA marks a significant step towards transforming the landscape of tennis in North America. By addressing the challenges of facility access and affordability, both federations are not only nurturing future talent but are also reinforcing the sport’s role as a pillar of community health and engagement. As participation continues to soar, the groundwork laid today will be crucial for sustaining this momentum and ensuring that tennis remains an inclusive and vibrant sport for all.
