National Tennis Pro Day – Feb. 17, 2027

National Tennis Pro Day
Categories:
Tags:
ActivitiesSports
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every February 17
Holiday emoji:
🎾

National Tennis Pro Day serves up appreciation every February 17, honoring the professional tennis players who coach and guide recreational enthusiasts. It’s a day to recognize their invaluable mentorship and the expertise they share. Take time to thank your tennis pro, sign up for a lesson, or support local tennis programs.

Want to sponsor National Tennis Pro Day? Learn how

Expected National Tennis Pro Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, National Tennis Pro Day typically sees local tennis clubs, sports retailers, and coaching academies offering special appreciation programs. Expect discounts on lessons, clinics, and memberships from organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and local clubs. Brands such as Wilson, Head, and Babolat may feature deals on rackets, apparel, and accessories. Look for special offers from athletic wear giants like Nike and Adidas, or even local sports massage therapists. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Tennis Pro Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalTennisProDay. Share a post recognizing a coach who impacted your game.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalTennisProDay. Tweet a shout-out to your favorite tennis pro or share a memorable coaching tip.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTennisProDay. Post a photo or video of you on the court, thanking your coach.

Social Media Tips for National Tennis Pro Day

Individuals

Surprise your tennis coach with a thoughtful card, a small gift, or simply a heartfelt thank you after your next lesson. Consider leaving a positive review for their services online.

Creators

Produce a short video highlighting the impact of tennis coaches on players' development, featuring testimonials from students or showcasing a 'day in the life' of a pro.

Brands

Tennis equipment brands or local clubs can run a 'Nominate Your Pro' contest, offering free gear, lessons, or a special recognition event for winning coaches and their nominators.

Partners & Brands for National Tennis Pro Day

  1. United States Tennis Association (USTA)

    Founded in 1881, the USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. It promotes and develops the growth of tennis, from grassroots to the professional level, and sanctions tournaments nationwide.

  2. Professional Tennis Registry (PTR)

    Established in 1976 by Dennis Van der Meer, PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals. It provides education, certification, and services to tennis coaches worldwide, fostering high standards in coaching.

  3. United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA)

    Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the world's oldest and largest association of tennis teaching professionals. It offers comprehensive educational programs, certification, and career development for tennis coaches and instructors.

  4. Wilson Sporting Goods

    A prominent American sports equipment manufacturer, Wilson was founded in 1913. Known for its iconic tennis rackets, balls, and accessories, it has been a long-standing partner to many professional players and tournaments.

  5. Head

    Founded in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1950 by Howard Head, this global company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sports equipment. Head is particularly renowned for its high-performance tennis rackets, used by numerous top pros.

  6. Babolat

    A French company founded in 1875 by Pierre Babolat, it is the oldest company specializing in racket sports. Babolat is famous for its tennis strings, and later expanded into rackets, shoes, and accessories, becoming a favorite among elite players.

  7. Nike

    Co-founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike is the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel. It has a significant presence in tennis, sponsoring many of the sport's biggest stars.

National Tennis Pro Day Hero

Nick Bollettieri

Nick Bollettieri (1931–2022) was an American tennis instructor and the founder of the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the first full-time tennis boarding school. He coached ten world No. 1 players, including Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, and Maria Sharapova, revolutionizing tennis coaching with his innovative and intensive methods. His legacy continues to influence generations of players and coaches.

History of National Tennis Pro Day

National Tennis Pro Day was created by Maria Oddy in 2020 but was first celebrated in 2021. It is an unofficial holiday that is meant to show appreciation toward tennis pros around the world for their relentless efforts and patience when coaching recreational tennis players. The day is an occasion for expressing gratitude toward tennis pros who have enabled recreational players to improve their game.

The sport of tennis originally began in 12th century France, where it involved hitting a ball with bare hands and was called the ‘Game of the Palm.’ King Louis X of France was an avid player of the game. By the 16th century, the game was moved from playing in an open space to an enclosed area with standardized rules; racket use was adopted. Francis I of France built courts to promote real tennis and encourage commoners and courtiers to play the game. Although tennis began to be played in most parts of Europe around the 13th century, it particularly became widespread in the 16th century. From 1413 to 1422, royal interests in tennis began in England with King Henry V. Between 1509 and 1547, Henry VIII, as a young monarch, made a big impact by playing tennis with gusto on a court he built in 1530.

In 1437, tennis indirectly led to the death of King James I of Scotland at the Blackfriars, Perth, when the drain outlet which was supposed to be his escape route from assassins had been blocked to prevent tennis balls from getting lost. “Trattato del Giuoco della Palla” — the first known tennis book — was written by Antonio Scaino da Salothe, an Italian priest, in 1555.

National Tennis Pro Day timeline

12th Century
Earliest Form of Tennis

In France, Tennis is played with bare hands.

1437
Death of King James I of Scotland

King James I of Scotland gets trapped and killed in a tennis court he could not escape from.

1555
The First Tennis Book Gets Published

Antonio Scaino da Salothe publishes the first book on tennis titled “Trattato del Giuoco della Palla.”

1874
Tennis in America

Mary Ewing Outerbridge sets up a tennis court after being inspired by watching British soldiers playing the game in Bermuda

1926
Professional Tennis Tour

Charles C. Pyle establishes the first professional tennis tour with a group of American and French tennis pros.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tennis Pro Day

Local tennis clubs, pro shops, and sports complexes can host appreciation events for their coaching staff, offering special clinics or recognition ceremonies. Retailers selling tennis gear can provide exclusive discounts for certified tennis professionals. Even local restaurants or sports bars can offer special deals to coaches who show their professional credentials, fostering community and acknowledging their hard work on National Tennis Pro Day.

National Tennis Pro Day FAQs

When is National Tennis Pro Day?

In 2027, National Tennis Pro Day will be observed on Wednesday, February 17. This annual observance is a chance to recognize the hard work and guidance provided by tennis professionals across the nation.

How many tennis professionals are there in the U.S.?

The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), another leading certification body, reports thousands of members globally, with a significant portion practicing in the U.S. These numbers highlight the vast network of experts dedicated to growing the sport.

How many people play tennis in the U.S.?

With millions of Americans picking up a racket each year, tennis remains a popular sport for all ages. The continued growth in participation emphasizes the vital role that tennis professionals play in fostering new talent and maintaining interest.

What qualifications does a tennis professional need?

Beyond formal certifications, a successful tennis professional often possesses strong playing experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching. Continuous education and staying updated on modern techniques are also key for top coaches.

National Tennis Pro Day Activities

  1. Set up a match

    Call on friends and interested individuals to join in a tennis game at your location. To make it fun, you could even plan a small prize for the winner and a party for everyone afterward.

  2. Talk about tennis pros

    Discuss the achievements and contributions of tennis pros with loved ones. These tennis pros could include both internationally famous players as well as your local ‘stars.’

  3. Give presents

    You could give a nice thank-you card and/or gift to your tennis coach. Do let them know how happy you are to be guided by them.

5 Facts About Tennis That May Interest You

  1. White balls before yellow

    Tennis balls were initially white but later changed to yellow to enhance spectators' visibility.

  2. Racket and racquet are different

    The two terms mean the same thing; however, the former is mostly used for tennis, while the latter is used for squash.

  3. Old but not out of use

    The Royal Tennis Court — the world's oldest, is still in use today.

  4. Average distance covered

    Players run back and forth for approximately three miles on the tennis court.

  5. Shortest Grand Slam final

    Steffi Graf beat her opponent in just 34 minutes at the 1988 French Open final to retain her title.

Why We Love National Tennis Pro Day

  1. It encourages fitness

    This day recognizes tennis as a good form of exercise that keeps the mind and body fit and supple. We love this!

  2. It shows appreciation

    National Tennis Pro Day makes tennis pros feel appreciated. This pushes them to put in more time and effort in mentoring recreational players.

  3. It increases awareness of tennis pros

    The day offers people the chance to know about the achievements and contributions of famous tennis pros. Do some research on this day to see what you can uncover!

National Tennis Pro Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 February 17 Wednesday
2028 February 17 Thursday
2029 February 17 Saturday
2030 February 17 Sunday
2031 February 17 Monday