The TIA is in the process of exploring a tennis equipment wholesale shipment report that could include data from nations in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia. 

Tennis professionals from across the world were welcomed to Hilton Head Island, S.C., in early May for the annual PTR Tennis Symposium, where the popular and growing Cardio Tennis program was on the morning schedule. In addition, two training courses, giving teaching pros the opportunity to become a Licensed Cardio Tennis Professional and Qualified TRX Cardio Tennis Professional, were held on the days following the symposium.

The TIA is developing an online Tennis Specialty Retailer Certification course that will cover key aspects of the tennis retail business and, upon successful completion, allow retailers to be recognized as a “TIA Certified Specialty Tennis Retailer.”

Cardio Tennis participation grew  and frequent player play occasions were up nearly 2%, while overall tennis participation remained flat, according to the Physical Activity Council's  (PAC) Annual U.S. Participation in Sports, Fitness, and Recreation report. The study, which surveys participation across 125 different sports, fitness and leisure activities, is the nation’s largest report on physical activity. The survey, conducted online with a sample size of more than 40,000, is supported by six sports, fitness, and recreation trade organizations.

There may be good news soon for brick-and-mortar tennis pro and specialty shops. In March, the U.S. Senate, by a large bi-partisan majority, voted for an amendment to the budget bill that would require all retailers to collect and report sales tax, including online retailers who have been exempt from many state and local taxes.

In the most recent USTA/TIA tennis participation study, the age demographic that saw the greatest percentage increase in 2012 was young players 6 to 11, which increased 13% from 2011. Clearly, messages about 10 and Under Tennis are reaching kids, their parents, and tennis providers—and all of that is having a positive influence in other industry segments, too.

Tennis in the U.S. is a $5.57 billion business, according to the latest edition of the State of the Industry report, just released by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). That represents a 3% increase in the total tennis economy from 2011.

Tennis director and former club owner Rick Vetter says it’s not rocket science: Fewer Courts + More Players = More Income. How do you put this formula into practice at your tennis facility? One of the most reliable answers is with 10 and Under Tennis, which brings more kids onto the court at one time. But there’s a bonus, adds Vetter: 10 and Under Tennis also helps you build your base of players for the future.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA)  announced the return of its SmashZone Mobile Tour, which will hit the road for a 22-city tour to introduce youth tennis to kids and parents across the country. SmashZone began as the premier fan interactive attraction at the US Open before being showcased across the country. Since its inception in 2011, SmashZone has attracted more than 2 million people to its tennis courts.