RIDGELAND, Miss. (WLBT) – Millions of Americans are playing tennis, and more Mississippians than ever are picking up a racket for the first time.
According to the Physical Activity Council, 27.3 million Americans played tennis in 2025. In Mississippi, 183,000 of them called this state home.
USTA Mississippi Executive Director Russell Dendy said the growth started with the pandemic.
“I think in 2020 when COVID hit, I think tennis was one of the best sports to get out. And you could have social distancing, you could get out, you could play socially,” Dendy said. “So tennis, the growth of tennis really started then when tennis was kind of encouraged. And then I think a lot of tennis, it just really caught on from there.”
Dendy said tennis has grown for six consecutive years nationally. The United States has 14.5 million core players who play 10 or more times a year.
The trend has not slowed down in Mississippi. Junior membership in the state has grown 25% over the last five years, rising from about 3,000–4,000 members to more than 8,400 junior USTA members.
“High school tennis is really one of the greatest avenues to get involved in tennis. High school tennis has really grown,” Dendy said.
The USTA wants to keep that momentum going. Its goal: 35 million players by 2035.
“The USTA is really trying to grow tennis more. So USTA is a not-for-profit organization. And their goal right now is 35 million players by 2035. So 35 by 35 is our big match and we’re trying to grow the game even more,” Dendy said.
For Mitra Bayati, a team captain and member of the USTA grievance committee, who has been playing in the adult league since 2017, tennis is more than a sport.
“Tennis is definitely a lifestyle change for me. It’s helped me to stay active. My daughter plays tennis, so I can enjoy watching her play tennis,” Bayati said. “And if I’m having a bad day, I can take it out on the ball.”
Bayati said the sport is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
“You can play from 8 to 80. That’s what I always tell people — because I’ve had some 80-year-olds whoop my butt,” she said. “You are never too old to learn anything. Tennis, what I love about tennis is that you can start at any age.”
Getting started is easier than many think, with programs like Tennis Apprentice for Adults or Ready to Rally for Juniors.
“If you’ve never hit a ball, never picked up a racket, you can join one of those two programs,” Dendy said. “We try to get as many cities involved in those two programs as we can to just a first touch, just to introduce tennis in a very inexpensive way.”
Dendy said the sport is inexpensive to play, with public courts available and only a racket, ball and a few friends needed.
For college students, the USTA offers Tennis on Campus, a club program for those not playing varsity tennis. Dendy said those clubs are growing, with 80 to 100 members at some colleges.
Adult leagues are level-based, ranging from 2.5 to 5.0, so players compete against others at their skill level.
“No matter what level you are, we have a team for you. We have a league for you so you can get involved whether you’re a beginner or whether you’re really advanced and you’re playing people at your own level,” Dendy said.
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just get out there, have fun,” Bayati said. “It’s about bringing the community together. You’re having fun. You’re meeting people.”
Those interested in playing can visit mstennis.com for more information.
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