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In a positive display of cooperation, Tennis Canada and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) convened in Toronto on Monday to explore strategies for expanding tennis access and participation across North America. As the National Bank Open showcased high-level competition, representatives from both organisations focused on addressing a common challenge: providing affordable, year-round tennis facilities, particularly in colder climates.
Collaborative Initiatives for Tennis Growth
With political tensions simmering between Canada and the United States, the two tennis federations found common ground as they discussed the burgeoning interest in the sport. While elite players battle it out on the court, facility development teams from both Tennis Canada and USTA engaged in constructive dialogue. Their shared objective? To foster an inclusive tennis culture that meets the increasing demand highlighted in recent sports studies.
Anita Comella, Tennis Canada’s senior director of facilities development, noted 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 day was filled with exchanges of ideas and resources, emphasising a philosophy of collaboration rather than competition.
The Participation Surge
As of 2025, a remarkable 6 million Canadians are reported to have played tennis, a significant rise of over a million players since 2023. However, Tennis Canada faces a stark reality: of the country’s 7,500 courts, only 750 are equipped for year-round play. This limitation confines most activities to a mere four months annually, placing Canada at a disadvantage compared to other tennis nations that offer more comprehensive facilities.
Conversely, the USTA has witnessed a substantial increase in participation, with 27.3 million players reported in 2025—an increase of 1.6 million. The USTA has set an ambitious target to reach 35 million players by 2035, aiming for 10 per cent of the U.S. population to engage in the sport. Despite the differing numbers, both federations recognise a similar trend: a significant influx of new players, particularly among immigrant communities.
Christian Gabriel, USTA’s managing director of tennis infrastructure and venue strategy, articulated 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 and continue that kind of upward trajectory,” he remarked.
Focus on Grassroots Development
The discussions also revealed a commitment to grassroots tennis growth. While the potential for producing professional players like Leylah Fernandez is exciting, both organisations prioritised creating a solid foundation for recreational play. Participation among various demographics is on the rise; the USTA reported a 10 per cent increase in female players, and significant growth in Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities.
Furthermore, the two federations exchanged insights on data collection and technology to better track participation metrics and make informed decisions. They explored innovative ways to enhance the visibility and maintenance of public tennis courts, treating them as vital community assets akin to public pools and ice rinks.
Funding and Facility Development
The financial models of the two organisations differ significantly, with the USTA benefiting from the commercial success of the U.S. Open, while Tennis Canada relies heavily on revenue from its National Bank Open. Despite these disparities, both share a commitment to improving tennis infrastructure.
Facility development remains a crucial focus for Tennis Canada. The USTA expressed keen interest in Tennis Canada’s funding initiatives, including a partnership with National Bank aimed at revitalising outdoor courts. Additionally, a collaboration with Rogers seeks to establish 160 year-round courts across 30 facilities by 2029, with Rogers contributing $200,000 in seed funding for each project. To date, this initiative has already invested approximately $3.1 million of a planned $5.6 million, catalysing over $50 million in new tennis infrastructure.
In the face of financial challenges, both federations discussed strategies for securing funds for sports facilities. They highlighted the broader societal benefits of such investments, framing them as essential for health, leadership development, and community cohesion. Comella captured the essence of their mission succinctly: “What we’re talking about is actually less about tennis, and more about community building.”
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Tennis Canada and the USTA serves as a vital step towards not only enhancing tennis participation but also fostering community engagement through sport. As both nations experience a surge in interest, addressing the barriers to access and creating sustainable facilities becomes imperative. This initiative not only stands to benefit aspiring players but also reinforces the importance of sport as a unifying force within diverse communities. Ultimately, the commitment to expanding tennis access reflects broader societal values, promoting health, inclusivity, and social connection across borders.