- Categories:
- Special Interest
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May
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- 🎾
National Tennis Month invites everyone to celebrate the sport of tennis throughout May. Pick up a racket, find a local court, or simply enjoy watching a match to embrace the health benefits and community spirit of this dynamic game. Join clinics, participate in tournaments, and share your love for tennis!
Want to sponsor National Tennis Month? Learn how
Expected National Tennis Month Deals
Throughout National Tennis Month, expect major retailers and specialty shops to offer significant discounts on rackets, apparel, and accessories. In 2027, look for brands like Wilson, Babolat, and Head to roll out promotions on new equipment, while apparel giants Nike and Adidas will likely feature their latest tennis collections. Local pro shops and clubs may also offer reduced rates on court time, lessons, and stringing services to encourage new players. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.
Platform Guide for National Tennis Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTennisMonth. Share photos and reels of your time on the court, new gear, or favorite tennis moments.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalTennisMonth. Create short videos showcasing tennis drills, funny court mishaps, or quick tips for beginners.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalTennisMonth. Share local event listings, community play days, and inspiring stories from the tennis world.
National Tennis Month Hero
Billie Jean King
History of National Tennis Month
Tennis is believed to have been invented in Croydon, England, and was known as lawn tennis then. Now, it is simply known as tennis with more complex rules. Lots of historians believe tennis originated in northern France in the 12th century, but back then, the ball was struck with the palm, giving it the name ‘jeu de paume,’ meaning “game of the palm.” Rackets then came into use in the 16th Century, and the game began to be called ‘tennis.’ It was a very popular game in England and France, and King Henry VIII of England was a big fan of the game.
In 1900, the Davis Cup, an annual competition between men’s national teams, was founded. The equivalent competition for women, the Fed Cup, was founded in 1963 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation, also known as the I.T.F. In 1926, the first professional tennis tour was launched with a group of American and French tennis players playing exhibition matches to paying audiences. The most notable of these early professionals were Vinnie Richards, an American, and Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen. Professional tennis players couldn’t compete in major (amateur) tournaments.
In 1968, commercial pressures led to the abandonment of this distinction, allowing professional tennis players to compete in major tournaments and thus inaugurated the Open Era in which all players could compete in all tournaments. The beginning of the Open Era had a ripple effect on spreading tennis’ popularity worldwide and somewhat led to the sport shedding its upper/middle-class English-speaking image.
National Tennis Month timeline
The French play a variation of tennis called ‘jeu de paume,’ meaning “game of the palm.”
Rackets come into use and the game begins to be called tennis.
The Davis Cup, an annual competition between men’s national teams, is founded.
The first professional tennis tour is launched.
The Fed Cup, an annual competition between women’s national teams, is founded.
The Open Era launches and makes tennis a popular sport worldwide.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tennis Month
Local businesses can celebrate National Tennis Month by sponsoring community tennis events or offering discounts to local club members. Sporting goods stores can host racket demo days or offer free stringing services. Restaurants might create tennis-themed menu items or offer specials to customers showing proof of court time. Fitness centers can highlight tennis-specific training programs to engage new and existing players.
National Tennis Month FAQs
When is National Tennis Month?
In 2027, National Tennis Month will again be observed throughout May, from the 1st to the 31st. This annual observance encourages widespread participation and appreciation for tennis.
What is the purpose of National Tennis Month?
The primary goal of National Tennis Month is to increase awareness and engagement in tennis, highlighting its physical and mental advantages. For 2027, expect a continued focus on making tennis accessible and enjoyable for diverse communities nationwide.
How many people play tennis in the U.S.?
Tennis participation in the U.S. has seen a steady rise, with over 23 million players reported in recent years. In 2027, the sport’s accessibility and appeal are anticipated to maintain these high numbers, attracting even more new players to courts across the country.
What are the health benefits of playing tennis?
Tennis is an excellent sport for enhancing physical health, contributing to stronger bones, improved muscle tone, and increased flexibility. For 2027, embracing tennis can provide a fun and engaging way to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
National Tennis Month Activities
Enroll in a tournament
Celebrate the day by enrolling in a tournament. It offers you fun as well as healthy competition.
Join a tennis club
Join a tennis club to be amongst like-minds. Joining one comes with some perks that you’ll have to join to find out, so go enroll now.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness about Tennis Month. This helps others join in on the fun.
5 Interesting Facts About Tennis
Richard Sears
He was an American tennis player who won the U.S National Championships singles in its first seven years, from 1881 to 1887, after which he retired from the sport.
Henry Slocum
Slocum was an American tennis player who won the tournament two straight years after Sears retired.
Oliver Campbell
Campbell was an American male tennis player who won three consecutive singles titles at the U.S. Championships from 1890 to 1892.
Robert Wrenn
Wrenn was a four-time U.S. singles championship winner and one of the first inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Frederick Hovey
Hovey won the tournament in between Wrenn’s four tournaments.
Why We Love National Tennis Month
Tennis is good for the health
Tennis, just like other sporting activities, does wonders for your health. From strengthening heart muscles to fighting depression, tennis does a lot.
Tennis is fun
Tennis is a fun, non-contact sport. Participators are less likely to get injuries with just about the same workout.
It brings people together
Tennis is a sport that builds a bond between people. As it is played with either one opponent or two, it builds a special bond.
Social Media Tips for National Tennis Month
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