By Tennis Now | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Photo credit: Jennifer Pottheiser/USTA
In a landmark partnership, the ATA and USTA aim to amplify tennis participation.
The USTA, in collaboration with the American Tennis Association (ATA), has launched an initiative dedicated to increasing participation, retention, and leadership opportunities for diverse communities in tennis.
Key objectives of this initiative include boosting Black representation within the sport, establishing a mentorship program to create pathways for a diverse range of professionals in coaching and tennis careers, and motivating the next generation to engage in tennis.
The ATA, America’s oldest African-American sports organization, was founded in 1916 by a group of African-American leaders who sought to provide opportunities for Black athletes excluded from US Lawn Tennis Association tournaments alongside their White counterparts.
Today, the ATA persists in its mission to foster and develop tennis opportunities in diverse communities.
As part of this collaboration, the USTA and ATA will roll out a series of events dubbed “The Prelude to ATA Nationals.” This initiative aims to improve player retention and boost competitive opportunities for junior players throughout the year. The series debuted last weekend in Dallas and is set to continue in Washington, D.C. (May 23-25), Atlanta (June 6-8), and Houston (June 28-29).
This event series will feature an adult social, community play day, competitive tournaments, and lead up to the prestigious ATA National Championships. The ATA National Championships gather hundreds of players from various backgrounds to compete nationally, coupled with networking opportunities, educational sessions, and the ACE Awards honoring significant contributors to tennis accessibility.
Mark your calendars! The 2025 ATA National Championships will take place from July 28 to August 3 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.
