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. 

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.

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.

The USTA celebrated the refurbishment and creation of 10,000 youth-sized tennis courts in the U.S. as part of USTA’s commitment to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative. A celebratory event, Court 10K, was held on March 19 at the Tamiami Tennis Center in Miami to commemorate the milestone.

In March, at meetings in New York City and Florida with retailers, manufacturers and the TIA Board of Directors, the idea of a “Tennis Tune-Up” and Restringing Campaign received widespread support as something that can help drive consumers to tennis retail stores.

The 2013 U.S. Open will provide the richest purse in tournament history as the total prize money available is set to increase 28% over 2012 to $33.6 million. This increase in prize money comes on the heels of an agreement with the ATP World Tour and WTA that "ensures the vitality and competitiveness of the US Open as a world class, premier event for many years to come."