Is tennis popular today? Here’s what the numbers really show
Jan, 22 2026
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When you think of tennis, you might picture Wimbledon’s grass courts, Serena Williams smashing a serve, or Rafael Nadal sliding on clay. But is tennis still popular today-or has it faded into the background like vinyl records and fax machines?
The short answer? Yes, tennis is still very much alive. But not in the way you might expect.
Tennis isn’t just a summer sport anymore
Tennis has grown beyond the traditional image of wealthy clubs and slow-paced matches. Today, it’s a global, year-round spectacle. The four Grand Slam tournaments-Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open-draw over 1.2 million fans in person each year. The 2025 Australian Open alone sold 720,000 tickets across 15 days. That’s more than the entire NBA Finals attendance in 2024.
TV and streaming numbers don’t lie. The 2025 US Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner pulled in 4.1 million viewers in the U.S. alone, up 18% from 2023. In India, the Indian Wells Masters hit 12 million live streams on Sony Sports Network. Even in countries where tennis wasn’t traditionally big-like Brazil and Nigeria-viewership jumped by over 30% in the last two years.
Why? Because tennis is now a digital sport. Fans don’t just watch matches-they follow players on TikTok, debate line calls on Twitter, and buy gear from Instagram shops. Players like Iga Świątek and Taylor Fritz post daily behind-the-scenes clips. Świątek’s TikTok account has 8.7 million followers. She doesn’t just play tennis-she’s built a personal brand around it.
The rise of the next generation
Tennis isn’t just surviving-it’s being reinvented by a new wave of players. The ATP and WTA tours now have more players under 25 than ever before. In 2025, seven of the top 10 men’s players were born after 1997. The youngest Grand Slam winner since 2005 was 17-year-old Cori Gauff, who won the 2024 US Open. Her win sparked a 40% spike in junior tennis registrations across the U.S. and Europe.
Junior participation is up 12% globally since 2022, according to the International Tennis Federation. In Australia, where tennis has deep roots, 187,000 kids under 14 are now enrolled in organized programs. That’s the highest number since 2008. Schools are bringing back tennis courts. Community centers are installing floodlit hard courts so kids can play after dark.
And it’s not just about kids. Adult participation is climbing too. In the U.S., 21 million people played tennis at least once in 2025. That’s more than golf, soccer, or basketball. The average player is now 34 years old-older than ever-but playing more frequently. People are choosing tennis because it’s social, low-impact, and doesn’t require a team. You can play with a friend, a spouse, or even solo against a wall.
Tournaments are evolving to stay relevant
Tennis tournaments used to be about tradition. Now they’re about experience.
The Miami Open added a music festival with live DJs and food trucks. The Laver Cup, a team event between Europe and the World, now has fan zones with VR tennis simulators and augmented reality scoreboards. At the 2025 Madrid Open, fans could order food via app, get real-time stats on their phones, and even vote on which player gets an extra 10 seconds to serve.
And the schedule? It’s packed. There are now 64 ATP and 61 WTA tournaments worldwide, up from 52 and 50 just five years ago. New events popped up in places like Riyadh, Nairobi, and Santiago. The WTA launched its first-ever women’s-only tournament in Jakarta in 2024. It sold out in 72 hours.
Even the Grand Slams are adapting. Wimbledon now has night sessions with floodlights. The French Open introduced a retractable roof over Court Philippe Chatrier after years of rain delays. The US Open lets fans keep their phones on during matches-no more “phone silence” rules. It’s all about making tennis feel modern, not museum-like.
Money matters-more than ever
Prize money has doubled since 2018. In 2025, the winner of the Australian Open took home $3.2 million. That’s more than the NBA’s sixth-place playoff team earned in 2024. The WTA’s total prize pool hit $1.1 billion last year, nearly matching the ATP’s.
Sponsorships are booming too. Nike, Rolex, and Wilson still lead, but now you’ve got fintech apps like Revolut and crypto platforms like Coinbase sponsoring players directly. In 2025, a top-20 player could earn over $10 million from endorsements alone. That’s attracting talent from all over the world.
And it’s not just the pros. Local clubs are seeing more investment. In Sydney, the City of Randwick spent $4.2 million upgrading six public courts in 2024. The goal? Make tennis accessible to everyone-not just those who can afford private lessons.
Is tennis for everyone? Mostly.
Tennis isn’t perfect. It’s still expensive for beginners. A good racket costs $150-$300. Court time runs $25-$50 an hour in cities. That’s a barrier. But the sport is working on it.
Programs like “Tennis for All” in the UK and “Play Tennis Free” in Canada offer free gear and lessons to low-income families. In Brazil, the government funds public courts in favelas. In South Africa, the “Racquet Kids” initiative gives free access to 12,000 children each year.
Technology is helping too. Apps like TennisConnect match players by skill level. AI coaches like TennisAI analyze your swing via phone video. You don’t need a pro to get better anymore.
So, is tennis popular today?
Yes. But not because it’s stuck in the past. It’s popular because it’s changing.
It’s no longer just a sport for retirees or country clubs. It’s a global, digital, inclusive game that’s growing among kids, adults, and fans across continents. The players are younger. The tournaments are louder. The fans are more connected.
Tennis isn’t just surviving. It’s thriving-in ways no one predicted a decade ago.
Is tennis more popular now than in the 1990s?
In terms of global participation and viewership, yes. The 1990s had iconic stars like Graf and Agassi, but today’s sport has far more countries involved. Back then, tennis was dominated by the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Now, players from over 80 nations compete at the top level. Junior participation has grown 25% since 2010, and digital engagement is ten times higher. The sport’s reach is wider than ever.
Why are younger players dominating tennis today?
Better training, nutrition, and sports science. Modern juniors start playing before age five and train 20+ hours a week with coaches using video analysis and wearable tech. They’re stronger, faster, and more mentally prepared. Plus, social media lets them build followings early, giving them financial support before turning pro. Players like Alcaraz and Świątek were already household names by 16.
Is tennis growing in Asia and Africa?
Absolutely. India now has over 5 million active players, up from 2 million in 2020. China’s tennis federation invested $200 million in grassroots programs since 2021. In Africa, Nigeria and South Africa have seen 40% growth in youth participation. The ITF launched its “Africa Tennis Initiative” in 2023, funding 300 new courts across 12 countries. Tennis is no longer a Western-only sport.
Do people still watch tennis on TV?
Yes, but less than before. Streaming now accounts for 58% of tennis viewership in the U.S. and Europe. Traditional TV networks still broadcast Grand Slams, but younger fans use apps like ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, or the official ATP/WTA apps. Live scores, highlights, and player stats are all on phones. TV is still important for big matches, but the daily engagement is digital.
Is tennis becoming too commercialized?
Some fans think so. Ads on court, branded ball boys, and crypto sponsorships feel loud. But the money helps players and grows the sport. Without sponsorships, prize money wouldn’t be what it is. The key is balance. Major tournaments now limit on-court branding to one side of the net. Players like Nadal and Osaka have pushed back on excessive ads. The sport is learning how to monetize without losing its soul.
Can I start playing tennis as an adult?
Definitely. Over 60% of tennis players today are adults over 25. Many start in their 30s or 40s. Public courts are often free or cheap. You can rent a racket for $5. Join a local league or use an app like TennisConnect to find partners. It’s low-impact, great for fitness, and social. You don’t need to be an athlete-just willing to try.