British tennis sees surge in both adult and children’s participation during 2022
The LTA has announced participation figures for 2022 – which shows sustained success in getting more people playing tennis, more often; with growth across all demographics, regions and nations of Great Britain, particularly amongst 16-34 year-olds and those from lower socio economic backgrounds.
The number of adults reporting that they had played tennis during the year increased 43% compared to the previous year, rising from 3.3 million to 4.7 million from January through to December. This is the highest total recorded since 2017 and has continued the growth seen in 2018-19 which was interrupted during the pandemic.
In addition, more than two million adults play monthly, and this is the highest level recorded since the LTA started tracking this measure seven years ago. This means that the LTA has achieved the targets set out in its five-year 2018-23 strategy for adult annual and monthly participation one year ahead of schedule.
2023 Tennis Forecast Lunch
A new TIA UK members-only event is planned for Tuesday April 18th at the offices of TIA UK business partner Pinsent Masons LLP, based near Liverpool Street.
The networking event aims to provide members with key data on British tennis activity over the past year and to highlight potential trends and challenges to help members become better informed. This is a great opportunity for new TIA UK members in particular to gain valuable insight and knowledge.
It also provides an opportunity for members to hear from Pinsent Masons on how it will collaborate with TIA UK on a range of business matters to support the tennis industry.
Details of this free event will be sent to members shortly but spaces will be limited so make sure you respond quickly to the forthcoming invitation.
Impressive outcomes from UK Pro League
New TIA UK member the UK Pro League has posted some impressive statistics since it arrived on the British tournament scene. It is the only domestic league that brings together Britain’s top tennis professionals for a season long competition to crown a men and women’s champion.
As can be seen from the infographic below, one of the most telling achievements of the UKPL is the average place increase in WTA and ATP rankings of the players participating from their first UKPL entry to the present day. From all players, ranking levels for women have increased on average by +295 and men by +208
Broadcast live on BT Sport & Tennis Channel in 2022, and with prize money of £500K, the League provides the opportunity for the UK’s players to compete in a purely domestic format, to get valuable match time (with a guarantee of 5 matches), while earning money to fund and succeed on their tour career.
Week 4 of the 2023 calendar moves to the David Lloyd Clubs in Southampton on 5th-12th March and then week 5 to the Aldershot Tennis Centre on 9th to 15th April.
For further information:
dominic.hayes@rivermediapartners.com
Sky finalises WTA and ATP deal from 2024
Sky will become the home of the ATP and WTA Tours across its active markets of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy from 2024 onwards. It is believed that the media rights deal will run for 5 years.
Corrie wins SAPCA award with Clearplay
Congratulations to specialist tennis supplier and TIA UK member, JB Corrie, which has launched a new training aid which it says is a “game changer” for the sport. The new Clearplay glass walls have been designed to help tennis players to warm up, practise their strokes and improve their technique. The modular walls can be fitted retrospectively on any tennis court, or as part of a new court installation.
Chiltern win major framework contracts for parks tennis courts
TIA UK Partner Member Chiltern Sports Contractors, has been awarded major contracts to improve parks tennis and make the sport more accessible. The company has been awarded two of the ten English regions on the LTA Parks Improvement Framework which is being funded both by Government and the LTA.
They will be working in parks throughout the ‘North London/South East’ region and in the ‘East’ region, upgrading old and dilapidated parks tennis courts to deliver tennis in better environments that will open tennis to many more people.
www.chilternsportscontractors.co.uk
BD-Capital acquires GreenSet
GreenSet, the surface used for the Australian Open and for Davis Cup matches has been acquired by private equity form BD-Capital, founded by Richard Baker, member of the Wimbledon Championships Board and a former member of the LTA Board.
GreenSet and Padel Courts Deluxe, another acquisition by BD-Capital, will be run as two separate companies but under the Rakit Group umbrella. The 2 companies being bought are both based in Spain but derive more than 90% of their revenues from overseas.
LTA shortlisted for Sports Industry Award
The LTA has been shortlisted for the ‘Sports Organisation of the Year Award’ at the 2023 Sports Industry Awards. It is completing alongside Professional Triathletes Organisation, Liverpool FC, The FA, Rugby League World Cup 2021 and The Football Association of Wales.
The winners will be announced at the annual Sports Industry Awards on Thursday 27 April.
Diary date
The 2023 Tennis Industry Christmas Lunch will take place this year on Thursday November 30th at The Queen’s Club. Last year’s event was a virtual sell-out so look out for further information in forthcoming monthly newsletters.