Mason's Tennis - New York City's Iconic Retailer

I heard and read about Mason’s Tennis for years. In fact, I mentioned the store 8-9 years ago, writing about tennis retailers in ‘Tennis Club Business.’ At the time, I used images from their website. This time, knowing Pat and I would travel to New York the last week of August and spend a day at the US Open, I contacted the owner, Mark Mason, to see if he was available for a visit. Lucky for me, Mark graciously made time on August 27.

We took the bus from Cathedral Parkway down 5th Avenue to 53rd Street in Midtown Manhattan. Mason’s Tennis is located on 56 E. 53rd Street, between Madison Ave and Park Ave.

The shop is on the ground floor of the so-called Park Avenue Plaza, an office/retail building connecting 53rd and 52nd Streets.

The August 2025 issue of RSI features Mason’s Tennis on page 23 (Love What You Do.) We learn that the store celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Judy Leland writes,

Mark Mason says the store’s success is largely due to a customer-centric attitude and striving for that personal touch. Talking with Mark, you feel right away how much he loves what he’s doing and how important good customer relations are to him. Judy Leand writes in RSI: For example, a tennis enthusiast recently visited Mason’s Tennis and wanted a racquet that wasn’t in stock. “So, I left my store in a torrential downpour to pick up the desired racquet at a store that I have reciprocity with,” he recalls. “My shop then had it strung in time for his requested pickup. He was thrilled.”

Mason’s Tennis carries a full line of Tennis racquets, Pickleball paddles, and Padel racquets. Best seller among tennis racquets: Yonex.

The minute you enter Mark’s store, you live, breathe, and feel tennis. I told him that it even smells of tennis, and I meant it!

When asked whether he would consider selling Mason’s Tennis, Mark indicated that he’s indeed considering it. I really wish him good luck in finding someone who would carry on with the legacy Mark built over the last 50 years.

It was a pleasure meeting Mark Mason and his daughter, Dana. His knowledge of racquet sports retailing is second to none, and his customers from New York and from all over the world are a testament to his philosophy and the success of his one-stop shop approach. When you’re in New York, stop by Mason’s Tennis and enjoy the unique retailer and breathe the tennis air, folks.

If you know of a racquet sports retailer in your town worth visiting, please let me know why and connect me with the owner. I want to meet and write about them. Email me.