A research study conducted by the International Tennis Federation, YouGov and Two Circles found that 45 percent of respondents from five tennis-playing nations cite health benefits at the top reason for playing the sport. Forty percent of players also pointed to the social aspects and camaraderie tennis brings as being another attraction for participation. The participants of the study were from the U.S., China, India, Brazil and Argentina, which make up approximately 62 percent of global tennis players (per the ITF’s 2021 numbers).
The research focused on players and potential players aged 18 and older, and what role tennis has in their physical and mental health. Results show that beginners aged 35-44 are especially drawn to the sport for its health benefits. Intermediate and advanced players also cite improving physical and mental wellbeing as their primary reason. Additionally, more than 75 percent of casual players (playing less than 10 times annually) said they would like to play more frequently.
The information is part of the ITF’s Global Tennis Report, which it conducts every Olympic year. It details trends in participation and other statistics for a broad survey of the sport. The full findings of the 2024 report will be released at the organization’s annual general meeting in Hong Kong in October.
