4 days ago
Tennis Gains Diversity, But Costs Still Limit Access
Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe say tennis is becoming more diverse.
Players from many countries and backgrounds are competing at high levels.
Pegula said this worldwide mix is one of tennis's strengths.
Tiafoe highlighted a historic final between two Black players at the Cincinnati Open.
He also said many children cannot easily afford racquets, strings, coaching or shoes.
The United States Tennis Association reported that more Black Americans played tennis in 2025.
Hispanic and Latino participation also increased, while Asian and Pacific Islander participation stayed the same.
The players believe tennis is improving, but making it affordable will take time.
Jessica Pegula said tennis benefits from players and fans representing many countries and backgrounds.
Frances Tiafoe pointed to growing representation near the top of both the men's and women's games.
Tiafoe and Arthur Fils became the first Black players to meet in an ATP 1000 final at the Cincinnati Open.
The United States Tennis Association reported that 3.7 million Black Americans played tennis in 2025, up by more than 450,000 from 2024.
Tiafoe said equipment, coaching, shoes and other expenses remain major barriers that will not disappear quickly.
- Who
- American tennis players Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe, along with data from the United States Tennis Association.
- What
- They discussed tennis's improving diversity and the continuing financial barriers to participation.
- Where
- Pegula spoke in Flushing Meadows before the U.S. Open; the cited milestone took place at the Cincinnati Open.
- When
- Pegula spoke on Friday ahead of the U.S. Open; the Cincinnati Open final occurred the previous week, and participation figures cover 2025.
- Why
- The discussion addressed representation in tennis and the costs that limit access for aspiring young players.
Key facts
- Black American participation
- 3.7 million Black Americans played tennis at least once in 2025, more than 450,000 more than the previous year.
- Hispanic/Latino participation
- Hispanic/Latino players represented 19% of U.S. tennis participants in 2025, up from 18% in 2024.
- Asian/Pacific Islander participation
- Asian/Pacific Islander players represented 11% of participants in 2025, unchanged from 2024.
- Historic final
- Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fils were the first Black players to face each other in an ATP 1000 tournament final.
- Financial barriers
- Tiafoe cited racquets, strings, coaching and shoes as costs that can restrict access.
- Pegula's assessment
- Pegula described tennis as one of the most diverse sports because players and fans come from around the world.
Quotes
Jessica Pegula
American professional tennis player speaking about the sport’s global representation
“It's not something that's going to change overnight. Cost is cost, right? It's got to come from somewhere.”
rediff.com
“I think the best part of tennis is there is so much diversity.”
rediff.com
Sources
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