Tennis

The future of racquet sports is bright, and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is leading the charge. The organization recently changed its name to the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA) to reflect the growing popularity of racquet sports beyond tennis.The RSPA now certifies teaching pros in five sports: tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis. This move is a recognition of the shifting business landscape, as clubs are adding new racquet sports facilities to meet the growing demand.According to RSPA CEO Brian Dillman, "The market was demanding this change. Clubs are adding new racquet sports facilities, and we want to take advantage of that."The participatory numbers are too clear to ignore. There are 20 million tennis players in the US, but there are 55 million racquet-sports players. This opens up a bigger potential marketplace for instructors.Dillman believes that pickleball is a ground-floor game that can get racquets and balls into more people's hands. This can lead to increased interest in sports where more training is needed, such as tennis, padel, and platform tennis.As more players move between racquet sports, the RSPA hopes to give instructors more sports to teach. This will allow them to round themselves out and learn from other sports.Pickleball pros, with less technique to teach, will focus on event organizing and match tactics. Padel and squash are seen as big areas for growth among pros, as they require more lessons to improve or compete.Tennis remains the heart of the teaching pro business and the racquet sports industry. However, the RSPA's new branding reflects the growing popularity of other racquet sports."Tennis is our core," Dillman says, "and you can't remove your core." But now, there are more paths to a teaching career in racquet sports.

Donald Young, a former tennis professional, has officially transitioned to pickleball after a remarkable run at the US Open. Young and Taylor Townsend reached the mixed doubles final as wild cards, but just days later, Young traded his racquet for a paddle to compete in the CIBC PPA Atlanta Slam.Young had been contemplating retirement for some time and decided to make the US Open his final tournament. He was thrilled when Townsend agreed to partner with him in mixed doubles. "I've known her since birth," Young said. "It was cool."Despite the stress of the US Open, Young managed to find time for a single pickleball session before the tournament. He teamed up with Travis Rettenmaier, a professional pickleballer since 2020, and reached the Round of 16, defeating former tennis pro Jack Sock.Young also competed in mixed doubles and singles, but fell short in both events. However, he remains optimistic about his future in pickleball. "I've got [Townsend] out a couple of times; she really enjoys it," Young said. "Hopefully, I'm still playing and we can run it back one time."Young's transition to pickleball is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

Donald Young, the former tennis prodigy, has found a new lease on his sporting career in pickleball. After a 14-month hiatus from tennis, Young has teamed up with Taylor Townsend to compete in the US Open mixed doubles tournament.Despite being wild-card entrants, Young and Townsend have impressed with their performances, winning their first two matches in straight sets and prevailing in a dramatic 10-8 match tiebreaker in the third round. Their success has been built on Young's newfound skills in pickleball, a sport that emphasizes soft touch and precision.Young's transition to pickleball has been seamless, as evidenced by his victories over top-ranked players like Connor Garnett and Jay Devilliers. He has also teamed up with Devilliers to defeat Tyson McGuffin and Jack Sock, another tennis player who has made the switch to pickleball.While Young's focus is currently on pickleball, he has not ruled out a return to tennis. "We'll get to the end when we get to the end, but we're still playing," he said. "It's great to play here one more time."Young's resurgence in mixed doubles is a testament to his adaptability and resilience. Despite never reaching the Top 10 in singles, he has carved out a successful career in tennis and is now making a name for himself in pickleball.

Carlos Alcaraz Shows Off Pickleball Skills in ManhattanNEW YORK—Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz showcased his impressive pickleball abilities at an exclusive event in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening. Alongside fellow tennis stars Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Rybakina, and pickleball enthusiast Andre Agassi, Alcaraz delighted guests with a brief but entertaining pickleball exhibition.Despite being dressed in formal attire, Alcaraz displayed remarkable natural talent on the court. Partnering with Milan Raine of the Miami Pickleball Club, he faced off against Fritz and Eric Oncins, another Miami pickleball pro. The rallies were fast-paced and competitive, with Alcaraz demonstrating his exceptional court coverage and shot-making skills.Although Alcaraz had no prior warm-up, he quickly adapted to the game's unique rules and strategies. He displayed a keen understanding of when to accelerate the pace and when to slow it down, keeping his opponents on their toes.After a thrilling three-minute match, Alcaraz and Raine emerged victorious. Today Show hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones presented them with a trophy, jokingly referring to it as "another silver medal" for the Spanish Olympian.The tennis stars' brief appearance at the event left guests feeling energized and excited for the upcoming US Open. The exhibition provided a glimpse into the versatility and athleticism of these world-class athletes, showcasing their ability to excel in different sports.

Pickleball, the rapidly growing court sport, has sparked a debate with tennis, drawing comparisons and highlighting their distinct appeal. Former world No. 1 tennis player Andre Agassi believes pickleball fulfills a unique need for participation and inclusivity."In tennis, if you have a weekend match and I offer you tickets to a top-level match, you'll likely choose to watch," Agassi explained. "But with pickleball, people prioritize playing over watching, emphasizing the participatory nature of the sport."Agassi, along with other tennis and pickleball stars, participated in an exhibition match in New York City, showcasing the sport's accessibility and social aspect. "Pickleball allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy the game," said professional pickleball player Ryan Sherry.Agassi acknowledged that tennis remains the "premiere racquet sport," but he also recognized the benefits of pickleball. "It's a sport that translates culture, breaks down barriers, and fosters community," he said.While pickleball has gained popularity, Agassi believes it has also benefited tennis clubs. "People come to play pickleball and end up discovering tennis," he said. "It's a sport that can save clubs and introduce new people to the world of racquet sports."Agassi emphasized that pickleball's inclusivity and participatory nature make it an ideal sport for people of all ages and abilities. "There's not much I can do at my age and get better at," he said. "But with pickleball, I can still enjoy the game and improve my skills."

Eugenie Bouchard, the former WTA No. 5 and 2014 Wimbledon finalist, has embarked on a unique hybrid career that seamlessly blends tennis and pickleball. After joining the Carvana PPA Tour last year, Bouchard has maintained her presence on the WTA Tour, creating a flexible schedule that allows her to pursue her passions both on and off the court.Bouchard's transition to pickleball has been a learning experience, requiring her to adapt her aggressive baselining style to the finesse shots and smaller court of the sport. Despite initial struggles, she has gradually improved, gaining confidence and finding her place among the professionals.The opportunity to compete on the PPA Tour arose during the 2022 US Open, when Bouchard's agents presented her with the idea. Intrigued by the challenge and the growing popularity of pickleball, she decided to give it a try while continuing to play tennis.Bouchard's hybrid career has allowed her to explore new opportunities, including broadcasting for Tennis Channel and hosting events. She has also embraced her role as a media personality, sharing her experiences and insights with fans.Despite her busy schedule, Bouchard remains committed to both tennis and pickleball. She believes that her first true love, tennis, is something she will never let go of. By balancing both sports, she is able to enjoy the best of both worlds and pursue her passions with flexibility and enthusiasm.

Escape the summer heat and humidity to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where the Owl's Nest Resort offers a refreshing retreat with pleasant summer conditions. The resort boasts an award-winning playground of racquet sports, championship golf, fine dining, and outdoor adventures.At the heart of the resort is a world-class racquet-sports center, the only one in the country to feature tennis, pickleball, and platform tennis in one location. The 25 courts buzz with activity, hosting clinics, lessons, and tournaments. The eight red-clay tennis courts, sourced from Vermont quarries, provide a "feathery" playing surface that is less demanding on the body.The pickleball facility, with 13 courts, has been rated No. 2 in the world by Tennis Resorts Online. The tennis and pickleball programs run from May through October, while platform tennis on four heated courts takes over from October through April.Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the 18-hole course redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, offering breathtaking views and classic Nicklaus doglegs. The resort also owns another 18-hole course that will unveil a fresh design later this year.For relaxation, Owl's Nest offers an Olympic-size pool, a 25-person Jacuzzi, and yoga classes by the lake. Panorama Six82, the resort's restaurant, is hailed as the No. 2 restaurant in the White Mountains. Three more restaurants are set to open this year, including Hooks for seafood, Slice pizzeria, and Butch's New York-style deli.Accommodation options include family-friendly homes with one to four bedrooms and hotel rooms, half of which are oversized lakeside units with balconies.

Beth Bellamy's journey from tennis prodigy to pickleball pioneer is a testament to her unwavering passion for racquet sports. After a successful decade-long professional tennis career, Bellamy embarked on a new chapter in her athletic life, excelling in paddle tennis before discovering the burgeoning sport of pickleball.Bellamy's transition to pickleball was seamless, thanks to her exceptional hand-eye coordination and natural volleying skills honed on the tennis court. In 2022, she emerged as the most dominant player in the sport, claiming 43 gold medals and ascending to the world No. 1 ranking in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for players aged 50 and over.Beyond her individual achievements, Bellamy has made a significant impact on the growth and development of pickleball. In 2022, she co-founded the National Pickleball League (NPL), a nationwide team competition for elite senior players. The NPL provides a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.Bellamy's passion for pickleball extends beyond the court. She is an advocate for the sport's inclusivity and accessibility, believing that it offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and social connection.Through her accomplishments in tennis, paddle tennis, and pickleball, Bellamy has demonstrated that age is no barrier to athletic excellence. She is an inspiration to senior athletes everywhere, proving that it is never too late to find your passion and pursue your dreams.

Redfoo, the renowned musician and tennis enthusiast, is making waves in the tennis world with his innovative game, Timeball. This social and competitive game blends tennis with elements of pickleball, creating a unique and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.Timeball is played on a tennis court with up to eight players. The game revolves around a "Timekeeper" who feeds balls into play. Players compete to accumulate the most time on the "Champs" side of the court, where their clock runs continuously. Challengers must win three points before the Champs win two to switch sides.Redfoo and co-founder Ransom Braaten developed Timeball to bridge the gap between tennis and pickleball. The game's social aspect and lack of a serve make it accessible to players of varying abilities, fostering a sense of community.Timeball has gained traction at the club level and has been well-received by high-level players as a valuable practice tool. Tennis brands have also recognized its potential for activations, using it to showcase their products.Redfoo and Braaten plan to expand Timeball's reach to major tournaments, including the US Open and Roland Garros. They are also supporting rising star Peyton Stearns, providing her with encouragement and the "Foo energy" that has become synonymous with their game.Redfoo believes that Timeball can enhance the tennis experience by creating a more interactive and entertaining atmosphere. He emphasizes the importance of respectful support and sees the game as a way to bring people together through the shared love of tennis.