May is Tennis Month

by Abigail Knowles Wolfe (BPRW)

The world of tennis has inarguably changed over the past few decades, even years, becoming younger, hipper and more diverse than ever before in terms of professional players and their fan base. The month of May is National Tennis Month here in the United States as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) hosts over 200 nationwide tennis festivals they are called “Tennis Block Parties” to increase participation in the sport.

While new to many, Tennis Month itself has been in existence for more than 10 years. Tennis Block Parties, hosted at public park’s tennis facilities throughout the United States, will feature exciting instruction by skilled professionals, touring professional players and other special guests. These events are completely free to the public and offer the opportunity for those new to the sport to learn and enjoy tennis.

African American tennis players are amongst the most renowned in the world. From Althea Gibson, to Arthur Ashe, to the dynamic Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, the legacy of black American tennis pros dates back more than 60 years. As National Tennis Month works to inspire the young and old alike to make this wonderful sport a part of their everyday exercise routine, everyone will have the opportunity to reap the benefits of a game that can be enjoyed throughout an entire lifetime.