Since I last wrote this piece in June 2025, the racquet sports industry has accelerated its transformation. What initially felt unsettling - the USPTA changed to RSPA and the USTA having an expanded involvement in Pickleball and Padel without clear direction - now looks like part of a much larger structural shift.

Pickleball & Padel are booming. Tennis appears to have leveled off with minimal growth. But the real question is - Why?

Through discussions and insights shared by European leaders such as Boris Krumm and Philippe Azar, one truth becomes clear: this IS NOT a battle of sports - it is a battle of infrastructure, economics, and modern lifestyle alignment. 

Padel thrives because it is social and localized (regional) - very similar to platform tennis but now much bigger. Pickleball wins because it is accessible and scalable. Tennis remains aspirational and enduring - the pinnacle racquet sport. But aspiration alone does not drive participation. Infrastructure does.

The Real issue - Real Estate

As Philippe Azar has pointed out, the global tension is not Tennis versus Pickleball - it is indoor vs outdoor models. Investors want year-round play, predictable revenue, and optimized square footage. Even outdoor Tennis facilities must include the other racquet sports. One traditional Tennis court can convert into 3 Padel courts or 4 Pickleball courts - this is not a sporting decision. That is a cash-flow decision.

Hybrid racquet hubs - integrating indoor courts, hospitality, fitness, and community space - are emerging as the dominant global format. Infrastructure now determines participation. Tennis must embrace this new thriving ecosystem. 

The irony? The USTA National Campus in Orlando already includes 14 Pickleball courts & 4 Padel courts. The hybrid future is already visible, but there has been no transparency from the USTA.

Golf is Facing the Same Shift

Golf is experiencing similar challenges. According to Matt Williams and the National Golf Foundation, 65% of on-course golfers also play off the golf course. The modern golfer expects to play both indoor and outdoor options. 

The reasons for this success mirror those of Pickleball and Padel - less real estate, greater hospitality integration, and stronger community engagement. Golf is adapting to the modern hybrid ecosystem, and it is time for Tennis to embrace this concept as well.

Both Tennis & Golf can remain pinnacle sports, but they need the ancillary sports to maintain their dominance into the future.

Lessons from the Ski Industry

Forty years ago, the ski industry was shaken when snowboarding surged in popularity. Many believed it would threaten alpine skiing. Instead, skiing evolved into a hybrid model that includes snowboarding, freestyle skiing, cross-country skiing, and more. 

It happened in skiing. It is happening in Golf. And it is now happening in Tennis. Tennis, Golf, and Skiing are pinnacle sports - but they require complementary disciplines to thrive in the modern era. Alpine skiing (pinnacle sport) survived because it integrated - not resisted - its ancillary disciplines.

Key Questions and Concerns

Junior Development 

What are Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel doing to create meaningful pathways for juniors? How do we generate growth to sustain Tennis as the pinnacle racquet sport into the future? Participation at the grassroots level determines the future of Tennis as the pinnacle racquet sport.

Why is the USTA spending $800 million for 1 new stadium (1 court) while not investing in a new hybrid infrastructure nationwide? Why are there 14 Pickleball courts & 4 Padel courts at the USTA (United States TENNIS Association) National Campus in Orlando? Does the USTA have a 10-year master plan in place? Why can’t members who belong to the USTA have any input, especially when it comes to junior/grassroots development?

Industry Leadership and Culture

A new organization may need to evolve to stabilize the sports, as the USTA has not taken a definitive stand. The challenge is simple - many professionals are hesitant to speak publicly. The Tennis industry contains too many cliques and internal alliances. If you question decisions, you risk being ostracized and losing future job opportunities. Certifications, affiliations, and employment pipelines create unspoken pressures. If you challenge decisions, you risk isolation. That is not how innovation thrives. I understand this - I would feel the same if I were still working - but how do we grow from this dilemma if people are afraid to speak honestly? We need courage and clarity to keep Tennis at the pinnacle.

Call for Former Leaders to Step Forward

Former CEO’s of tennis organizations, influential former Tennis professionals, private investors who are avid Tennis players, and passionate advocates need to step forward. Tennis must retain its structure and tradition while adapting to modern realities. We need to “rock the boat” constructively. A new collaborative leadership forum - independent, cross- disciplinary, transparent - may be necessary to stabilize the ecosystem and provide unified direction.

Constructive tension drives progress. Silence preserves stagnation.

Marketing Standards

Last year’s Ryder Cup was a joy to watch. The PGA advertising firm put out impressive, compelling, and inviting ads on how they were reaching out to get more people to try golf. In contrast, the USTA ads at the US Open were flat and uninspiring and did not show off our sport. Perhaps we need a new marketing approach? We are so behind the PGA standards.

Coaching Standards Matter

Miguel Coelho raised a critical issue: certification quality. In the PGA, it takes at least 3 years to get your certification; in Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel, you can get the certification in a few days. Racquet sport certifications is not verifying real competence. If we have mediocre coaching, we will not retain first-timers as regulars. How do we make beginners feel competent and eager to return? Our coaching quality is the foundation for the future growth of tennis.

Influencers and Betting Culture

Social media personalities and betting narratives are increasingly dominating attention for the younger generations. While visibility can be positive, the emphasis on personal gain is shifting the focus away from the joy of competition.

The soul of tennis is discipline, respect, and long-term growth. That identity must not be diluted, and balance must be restored.

Conclusion

To the individuals that I mentioned in this article, and particularly to Javier Palenque and to Rich Neher of Racket Business, thank you for challenging the status quo. Organizations cannot grow if everyone simply agrees. They need strong dialogue to succeed, and leaders need to evolve with courage and clarity. A forum must be established where all voices can be heard so that TENNIS and racquet sports can survive and grow together into the future.

We need hybrid infrastructure investment; elevated coaching standards in all racquet sports; bold marketing vision; independent leadership forums; and transparent dialogue. Let’s keep Tennis at the pinnacle.

Thank you for your time, Stefan Laporte