New York Junior Tennis & Learning’s Post

A defining day for the ITF World Tennis Tour in recalibrating earning capacity and cost cutting for players. We have just announced the largest investment we have ever made increasing total prize money by 20% and making a huge stride forward for gender parity. Starting in 2025, prize money at the lowest level (W15/M15) will increase from $15,000 to $20,000, with W35/M25s going up from $25,000 to $30,000 - an extra $5m of prize money in the game. As importantly the single biggest leap we have made in gender parity - all W50, W75 and W100 tournaments will provide hospitality for players next year - as they have done for years on the ATP Challenger Tour. AND our W75 category will see prize money increase from $60,000 to $70,000, bringing us closer to the equivalent men’s Challenger category. Delivering for players on the ITF World Tennis Tour has had the ITF’s unwavering commitment and I am so happy that we can demonstrate that today. Thanks to everyone who helped get this over the line. Boom. https://lnkd.in/gwX7CWWG

Question: How did 2 old table tennis tables and a couple of bats lead to a highly successful and truly multicultural and inclusive, sports club for an entire community? 🏓 Answer: Find out more in Tim Holtam's, founder director of Brighton Table Tennis Club , inspiring blog as he talks about what began as a small venture for a Sussex University student, who wanted to bring ‘ping pong’ to the youth of Brighton, has turned into a thriving organisation. Tim is among the 29 Churchill Fellows whose ideas and learnings have shaped our groundbreaking Migration Report ‘Learning from #LivingWellTogether’. https://lnkd.in/ev5pmBkt

#thisdayinhistory Hey, Tennis Enthusiasts and Sports Lovers! Did you know that exactly 150 years ago, on Feb 23, 1874, what we now cherish as lawn tennis received its patent? This moment marked the beginning of a journey to see tennis evolve from a leisurely garden activity to a global professional sport packed with excitement and skill. How much do you know about the sport you love? Are you ready to test your tennis quotient? Let's sample a few milestone events: 1. THE INAUGURAL WIMBLEDON It all began in London in 1877, with Spencer Gore clinching the men’s singles championship, setting the stage for what would become the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Do you know who won the first Wimbledon women’s singles? 2. THE MODERN TENNIS NET In 1891, a game-changer was introduced – the woven cord net, standing 3 feet tall at the center. Remarkably, this design remains a standard in tennis courts worldwide. 3. A TECHNICOLOUR MILESTONE Wimbledon in colour! In 1967, the BBC broadcast Wimbledon in colour for the first time, bringing the vibrant greens of the grass to life in viewers' homes. 4. THE DAWN OF THE OPEN ERA 1968 marked a pivotal year with the beginning of the Open Era, allowing professionals to compete with amateurs. This revolutionised the sport, paving the way for tennis to grow professionally. 5. THE BRIGHT YELLOW BALL To enhance visibility for television audiences, the IFT introduced a new yellow tennis ball, replacing the traditional white ball. 6. EQUALITY IN PRIZE MONEY Fast forward to 2007, a landmark year when the WTA succeeded in campaigning for equal prize money for male and female singles winners at Wimbledon. A massive win for equality in sports! 7. HAWK-EYE TECHNOLOGY Also, in 2007, tennis embraced technology with the introduction of Hawk-Eye, allowing players to challenge umpire decisions. By 2022, the US Open had fully transitioned to relying on Hawk-Eye Live, bidding farewell to line judges. How many of these incredible tennis facts did you know? #News18Creative has compiled a list of 15 milestones for each decade of lawn tennis. These milestones are just the tip of the iceberg in the rich 150-year-old tennis history. Many others could have been on this list. Share your tennis stories and trivia (not part of our list) that should have made it into the top 15 milestones. The court is yours!

📣 New Club of the month 📣 This month we are speaking with Dave Earl, the head coach of Boom Tennis who provide coaches and the coaching programme at Redhill, Reedham and Horley tennis clubs in the Surrey area. Q: How did you first come across Sportch, and what motivated your club to sign up for it? A: One of my best mates in tennis is Marcus Willis (he played federer at wimbledon in 2016) and he knows Josh who runs Sportch so after a quick conversation and a lousy app we were using before we signed up and haven't looked back. Q: How do you promote the Sportch ladder within the club/area to members? A: It's a mix really of signage in the clubhouse, whatsapp messages, new member messages and the usual email / social channels. We've just got a permission to run a sportch singles club session on fridays so i'm hoping that starts after easter. Q: How has the Sportch ladder contributed to an increase in participation in tennis activities in your club/area? A: It's the same old story at tennis clubs where someone says "we don't play singles really" but what they mean is they don't offer any so they wouldn't know. Sportch has transformed the scene at the clubs we work with and they have lots of singles matches all the time. Q: What specific features of Sportch do you find most valuable for your club's activities? A: Instant standings and being able to invite anyone into the ladder has meant it breaks down the barriers that usually make a tennis club stale and samey.

Discover the Joy of Tennis in San Diego: Your Ultimate Guide to the Courts and Community Sun-drenched courts, energetic rallies, and the satisfying thwack of a perfectly executed shot – San Diego offers the perfect backdrop for enjoying tennis. Beyond the physical benefits, tennis presents a fantastic opportunity to connect with others and build lasting friendships. This guide is your one-stop shop for hitting the courts and expanding your social circle in America’s Finest City. Benefits of Tennis Tennis is more than a game; it’s a way to improve fitness and mental focus. The strategic nature of tennis enhances problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Playing tennis keeps you physically active and contributes to mental health and social connections in a fun and engaging way. Connecting with Tennis Enthusiasts Michelle Okhremchuk’s MO Tennis Academy focuses on skill development and community building, making it the perfect place to start your search for new friends on the court. Online platforms like Meetup.com feature local tennis groups where you can easily find partners for friendly matches or join organized tournaments. Top Places to Play Tennis in SD Balboa Tennis Club: Located in Balboa Park, this club offers beautiful courts and a vibrant tennis community. Pacific Beach Tennis Club: Enjoy beachside vibes and stunning ocean views. Barnes Tennis Center: A state-of-the-art complex in Point Loma hosting tournaments and events throughout the year. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club: Pristine courts by the sea for unforgettable tennis sessions. Making Friends Through Tennis Be Open and Approachable: Smile, introduce yourself, and converse with fellow players during breaks or after matches. Join Local Groups or Leagues: Organized settings provide opportunities for regular play and socializing. Attend Events and Tournaments: Mingle with other tennis enthusiasts in a relaxed atmosphere. Good Sportsmanship: Respect, celebrate successes, and bond over your love for tennis. Playing tennis in SD is not just about improving your skills; it’s also a fantastic way to meet new friends and expand your social circle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, SD offers plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for the sport. So grab your racket, hit the courts, and get ready to serve up some fun while making lasting friendships along the way! For more information or to discuss how you can get involved with tennis in San Diego, feel free to reach out. Let’s hit the courts and make some great connections!

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The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced a significant investment into the ITF World Tennis Tour – the main artery to the top level of professional tennis – which will, from 2025, see increases in prize money for both men and women, and the provision of more complimentary hospitality for women players. A record total of $35.3m will be on offer in 2025 where over 1,100 tournaments will be played across the world. This is a 20% increase on the $29.4m total available in 2024. Against a global backdrop of price rises, the increases are designed to help ease the challenging financial conditions experienced by many players, by increasing their earning capacity and, for women, reducing hotel costs - a key part of a player’s budget. There are five tournament levels on the women’s ITF World Tennis Tour: W15 and W35 (entry level); W50, W75 and W100 (equivalent to ATP Challenger level). In 2025, there will be $20.7m total prize money available – a record total for the fourth consecutive year. The 2025 structure will see a number of other enhancements to women’s events, which further narrow the gap between equivalent women’s and men’s tournaments. These include: 1️⃣ Mandatory hospitality at all W50 and W75 events to join the existing requirement at W100 tournaments (a total of 28,000 free nights’ accommodation to be provided for women, up from 5,000 nights in 2024) 2️⃣ W50 and W75 tournaments will provide a minimum of 3 nights’ accommodation for singles Main Draw players (4 nights at W100 level) as well as a minimum of 2 night’s accommodation for doubles players. 3️⃣ Increase in prize money at W75 level tournaments from $60,000 to $70,000 These enhancements build on an increase in recent years in the number of tournaments at the W50, W75, W100 level: from 76 in 2019 to over 150 in 2024. There are two tournament levels on the men’s ITF World Tennis Tour – M15 and M25 (entry level). In 2025, there will be $14.6m total prize money available – a record total for the third consecutive year. Prize money at the four entry level men’s and women’s World Tennis Tour tournaments will increase from $15,000 to $20,000, and $25,000 to $30,000. This will add $5m of prize money into the game at entry level and represents a 26% increase on 2024. In addition, the number of World Tennis Tour matches that will be live streamed will increase to over 22,000, including every match at M25, W50, W75 and W100 level events. Source + Image Credits: ITF website

Professional #tennis is at a crossroads where it can make significant strides to enhance inclusivity through integrating wheelchair tennis events alongside traditional tournaments. Despite their proximity to major events like the #MiamiOpen and #Wimbledon, wheelchair tennis tournaments often go unnoticed. This article explores the potential for increased inclusion and missed opportunities in leveraging these events to foster a more unified tennis community. Wheelchair tennis events are regularly held alongside major tournaments such as the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium and Wimbledon, offering a unique opportunity for growth and inclusion. However, the integration of wheelchair tennis into the broader professional tennis narrative remains insufficient. Major tournaments often miss opportunities to promote wheelchair tennis, despite its potential to attract fans and sponsorships and provide opportunities for #athletes with disabilities. For example, Alfie Hewett's historic win at Wimbledon in men's wheelchair singles and doubles received little media coverage compared to other sporting events. Incorporating wheelchair tennis into major tournaments like the Miami Open and Wimbledon presents an opportunity to elevate the sport and foster inclusivity. To fully capitalize on this, more intentional promotion is needed. Offering combined ticket packages for traditional and wheelchair tennis matches can enhance inclusivity and provide more value to fans. Integrating wheelchair tennis visibly into major tournaments can enrich the experience for all fans and set a precedent for inclusivity in sports. Promoting wheelchair tennis alongside traditional events can attract new sponsorships, boost merchandise sales, and enhance the profitability of tournaments. Engaging with local communities and disability organizations can broaden the sport's appeal and create a more inclusive fan base. Highlighting the achievements of wheelchair tennis players can attract sponsors specifically for wheelchair tennis and promote inclusivity in sports. Increased visibility and support can encourage more athletes to participate, driving growth in the sport's popularity. Showcasing wheelchair tennis at major tournaments can promote inclusivity in sports and recognize athletes regardless of physical ability. Embracing wheelchair tennis is crucial for professional tennis to achieve a fully inclusive community and maximize its cultural and economic impact. Justin Farrance made a great post highlighting Alfie's most recent win at Wimbledon and I thought it would be a great time to have a discussion on future of tennis, read my roadmap to build more inclusion here: https://lnkd.in/ecVpMVV9! #tennis #Wimbledon #inclusion #inclusioninsports

23rd April - World Table Tennis Day. World Table Tennis Day is celebrated every year on April 23. It is much more than a game of skill. It can be a medium for societal change. It draws people together and gives them a peaceful, fun common goal. It is a healthy way to spend leisure time and helps to bring people together, making it a gateway to social inclusion. This sport can be enjoyed by all ages, allowing people of diverse backgrounds, genders, and skills to enjoy it together. It is also known as ping-pong. Although it is fun, this is also an Olympic sport where riveting matches are played. Table tennis was initially a parlor game. There are several claims that officers in the British military learned to play the game during their time in India and brought it back home. This early version was played with a golf ball. Books were used as racquets and also lined up to form a net. The term ‘ping-pong’ gained popularity through the business enterprise J. Jacques & Son Ltd and was trademarked in 1901. That year would prove to be a pivotal one in the game’s history. A British Table Tennis enthusiast James W. Gibb identified the better-suited celluloid balls during his 1901 trip to the United States. E.C. Goode would go on to invent the modern racquet in the same year. Numerous tournaments were held before an unofficial global championship was held in 1902. Despite there being both a Ping-Pong Association and a Table Tennis Association, a separate body, the Table Tennis Association, was established in 1926. The International Table Tennis Federation (I.T.T.F.) was founded in the same year and is currently the game’s highest governing body. London played host to the inaugural World Championship in 1926. The United States Table Tennis Association (now known as USA Table Tennis) was founded in 1933. The I.T.T.F. is committed to ensuring that table tennis is played in every corner of the globe. The Federation has since established I.T.T.F. Development to make the game available to the public. The I.T.T.F. declared World Table Tennis Day in 2015 to pique people’s interest in this competitive sport, and it has been honoring the holiday ever since. As part of its advocacy efforts, the I.T.T.F. has created a Table Tennis for ALL software. This innovation is aimed at making the game much more inclusive and popular. The term ‘ALL’ represents inclusion regardless of age, gender, social status, tradition, and physical ability.

Pickleball could be the solution to get more people into tennis. We can all get along! There seems to be an undertone in racket sports that "only one" racket sport should be superior or accepted. Yet all can coexist. Gilles Moretton (President of the FFT, French Tennis Federation) was quoted to say, “We want people to come and enjoy and do exercise for health. Tennis is a difficult sport, and sometimes you need to enjoy and learn something quickly — and padel or pickleball is much easier for most people." This is spot on. It shows support for additional sports versus defensive tactics. I believe these types of statements could be the difference in bringing more people together. Get people to have a great experience and encourage others to find alternative health and wellness activities. Pickleball seems to have an easier entry point - skill and cost. But I believe the majority of the pickleball community is a completely different audience. There seems to be a group of people who believe people will play tennis OR pickleball...padel OR pickleball; leaving one and choosing another exclusively. There are a significant amount of tennis players who are picking up a paddle for the first time, and it seems that is all we are focused on. Yet, I think there could be an increase in tennis players from people who start with pickleball as a feeder for the tennis community. I'm curious to see how this unfolds. #sportsnews #pickleball #sportsmarketing #tennis #healthandwellness https://lnkd.in/gtNCUK4U