At the 2024 US Open, the USTA is reminding fans that anyone can try their hand at tennis. Throughout Fan Week, attendees gathered between Stadium 17 and Court 16 at the Play Tennis Zone. Using shorter racquets on a smaller court, fans of all ages took a whack at lower-compression tennis balls. While some visitors had a history with tennis, others were picking up a racquet for the first time—just as intended.
“The Play Tennis Zone is meant for anybody to hit the court and be able to start picking up this game within just a couple of minutes,” said Chelsea Martin, senior manager of player marketing at the USTA. “After all, tennis is the world’s healthiest sport.”
Indeed, not only is tennis fun, but it can help you live longer. A 2018 Mayo Clinic study found that tennis can increase a person’s lifespan by nearly 10 years—more than any other sport examined. Those health considerations inspired the USTA’s new mission statement, “growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere,” which further plays into the 2024 US Open’s theme, “the power of tennis.”
The Play Tennis Zone offers fans of all skill levels the chance to familiarize themselves with the game. Lower-compression balls and smaller racquets are typically used to help children become comfortable with the motions, but the Play Tennis Zone encourages adults to join in on the fun.
Many parents hopped onto the short-court with their children. Wajid Mir, who traveled from Chicago to the Open, played singles with his 5-year-old son. Mir had a background in tennis and said his son has begun lessons. The short-court definitely showed off his son’s skills, as he easily hit it over the net, despite his young age.
“We didn’t have this when I was coming up,” Mir commented, saying how great it is for beginners.
Along with helping first-timers, the court is also designed to create some common ground between players of varying skill levels. Martin described a situation where an avid tennis player may want to play with a friend or loved one who isn’t as experienced. Right now, there isn’t a solid middle ground game for them. “This opens that door,” Martin said.
Rebecca Sullivan, a fan visiting from Connecticut, brought her 8-year-old son and his friend to the Open. Her son had some experience with tennis, while his friend hadn’t played often. At the Play Tennis Zone, they were able to rally back and forth.
Sullivan said the shorter court reminded her of pickleball, but instead “maintained the game of tennis.” While pickleball has grown in popularity, she said it sometimes feels like “one big ping pong game.”
“This is more like tennis,” Sullivan said. “You still have to use the same swings and skills.”
The lighter balls have less air in them than regular tennis balls, allowing for easier ball control and maneuvering, Martin explained. This format of tennis can also help aging adults, since the slower movement and tighter space promotes a less strenuous, lower impact experience.
The Play Tennis Zone will remain at the 2024 US Open through Sept. 3. Whether you’re a novice or pro, there’s a spot in the Play Tennis Zone waiting. Plus, don’t miss the chance to vote on a possible name for the activity. As of the end of Fan Week, “Fireball” was the No. 1 seed.
