As a young child, I developed an intense passion for basketball. The NBA, and specifically the Oklahoma City Thunder, held a special place in my heart. Every spare moment was dedicated to shooting hoops in the backyard, mimicking Kevin Durant's moves and engaging in endless one-on-one battles with my older brother. Subsequently, flag football came into my life. After just a few weeks of practice, I set my sights on becoming the next Drew Brees and the first female NFL player. Then, lacrosse entered the scene, and I picked it up effortlessly, just like I had with other sports. However, there was one sport that didn't quite capture my interest initially - tennis.

Why Tennis Gained Popularity During Lockdown

I initially found tennis to be a slow and uninteresting sport. It didn't seem entertaining to watch or play as a young person. But during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, things changed. Healthcare professionals promoted tennis as a socially distanced activity that was safe to participate in. And the country responded. According to Statistica, the number of tennis participants in the US surged in 2020, reaching over 20 million after remaining around 17 million for the previous decade. In 2023, that number has grown to nearly 24 million. The simplicity of tennis is what drew people in. You don't need years of training or a lot of equipment to get started. With just a few patient friends and a racket, you can quickly grasp the basics. It became the ideal social sport during those lockdown days.

Tennis as an Aesthetic

The love for tennis extended beyond just playing the sport. Popular brands like Lululemon and Free People started releasing tennis-inspired clothing lines. The sport also became the backbone of blockbuster movies like "The Challengers." People embraced the tennis aesthetic and made it a part of their identity. This newfound appreciation for tennis had a significant impact on professionals as well. There was a rise in viewership during the majors, giving tennis stars influencer-level platforms. Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff became household names and used their fame to promote mental health awareness and brand themselves.

Pickleball - The Fast-Growing Sport

While tennis was gaining popularity, another sport was making a name for itself - pickleball. For those who loved the ease of picking up tennis and having fun, pickleball offered even more. It is easy to learn but difficult to master, leaving room for growth and dedication. It is the perfect activity for having conversations with friends while playing. In fact, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the US. Just a decade ago, it was unknown, but now over 36.5 million people are participating. It quickly transitioned from a recreational sport among elderly communities to a national phenomenon. This growth has led to a broadcast deal with ESPN, pro tours, shoe sponsorships, and the attention of celebrities like the Kardashians and LeBron.

The Social Aspect of Tennis and Pickleball

At their core, sports are meant to be fun. Backyard basketball and football matches brought me joy as a young girl. But with those sports came the pressure to perform at the highest level. Tennis and pickleball, on the other hand, are social activities. For some, they offer the same intensity as basketball, but for many, they started as a way to engage in safe social interaction during lockdown. The easygoing and quick-to-pick-up nature of these sports kept us hooked. Whether it's playing tennis with friends or enjoying a game of pickleball, the social aspect is what makes these sports so special.