SportPlus.sg discusses the concept of tennis being a high social economic status (SES) sport, and the need for the classical sport to evolve today in its accessibility in the face of other variants rising in popularity like Pickleball
Tennis is often seen as a sport enjoyed by the elite, and has long been perceived as a high socio-economic status (SES) pastime. The sport’s association with luxury and exclusivity is no accident.
Its roots in royalty and aristocracy, coupled with the high cost of equipment, coaching, and court access, have historically placed tennis beyond the reach of many people. But in recent years, significant strides have been made toward making tennis more accessible, especially with events like the Singapore Tennis Open, which have helped redefine the sport’s image and break down barriers for it to be enjoyed by the wider community.
Historical Perception of Tennis as an Elitist Sport
The perception that tennis is a high SES sport is deeply embedded in its history. Traditional tennis clubs, with their exclusive memberships and premium services, often create a financial barrier for those from less privileged backgrounds.
The cost of playing – from the fees for joining private clubs to the expense of racquets, shoes, and attire – can quickly add up. Additionally, professional coaching, which is almost a necessity for aspiring players, comes at a significant price. The image of tennis as a sport for the affluent has persisted, despite the fact that the game itself is inherently accessible and enjoyed by millions globally, including in some of the world’s most diverse and economically varied countries.
This perception has created a divide, limiting the sport’s appeal and accessibility to only those who can afford the means to participate. The average person, particularly those coming from lower-income communities, often sees tennis as a sport for the "elite" rather than a sport that resonates or something that is for them. This is where initiatives like the Singapore Tennis Open are making a profound impact.
Threats for Tennis from Paddle Sport Variants
Tennis faces several potential threats from the rise of paddle sports, particularly from variants like padel and pickleball. These sports have gained significant traction in recent years, and their popularity poses challenges to traditional tennis, especially in terms of audience, participation, and market dynamics.
Padel and Pickleball
Paddle sports like padel and pickleball are often perceived as more accessible and easier to learn compared to tennis.
For instance with its smaller court and lighter paddles, pickleball is considered less physically demanding than tennis, especially for beginners or older players. The rules are simpler, making it easier for new players to pick up the game quickly.
Similarly, Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts, and the game uses a smaller racket, reducing the physical strain while still offering a fun, dynamic playing experience. The enclosed courts with walls allow for longer rallies, making the game less about strength and more about skill and strategy.
As a result, these sports are more appealing to casual players and those who may find traditional tennis equipment or the size of tennis courts intimidating or difficult to access.
The lower cost and infrastructure when compared to tennis, which can often be prohibitive for some people due to factors like court rental fees, the price of equipment (rackets, shoes, etc.), and membership fees for tennis clubs. Paddle sports, on the other hand, often require fewer resources to set up.
Tennis has often been associated with younger athletes or competitive players, while paddle sports, especially pickleball and padel, have attracted a wide demographic, including seniors.
Changing the Narrative for Tennis
The recently Singapore Tennis Open serves as a great opportunity and a prime example of how professional tennis can engage a broader audience, particularly by embracing a more community-focused approach in making tennis more accessible overall as a sport.
Perhaps most importantly, the Singapore Tennis Open helps to bridge the gap for access by providing opportunities for young, local players from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to engage with the sport.
From grassroots programs to scholarships for coaching, the event organizers have increasingly focused on initiatives to cultivate young talent, regardless of financial background. The Singapore Tennis Open thus contributes to creating a more inclusive ecosystem by opening doors for talented individuals who previously might not have had the resources to pursue tennis seriously.
The Role of Accessibility Programs
Beyond professional tournaments, initiatives like the Singapore Tennis Open’s community outreach programs aim to directly address the issue of accessibility. The event features coaching clinics and open courts for public to play the sport, which fosters an environment where people from various socio-economic backgrounds can try their hand at tennis without worrying about the prohibitive costs usually associated with the sport.
Local schools also play a crucial role in these efforts. Many tennis programs, aided by sponsorships and partnerships, have begun to provide equipment and training at affordable prices. By giving students the chance to experience tennis in a school setting, the sport becomes less of a distant dream and more of a tangible opportunity.
More Accessible Equipment
Sport equipment stores like Decathlon have also helped in providing affordable tennis equipment such as tennis rackets and tennis shoes and apparel, which significantly reduces the overall cost of participation in the sport for beginners.
More Accessible Facilities
While most tennis courts used to be found in private housing and condominiums, an increase in public tennis courts including the ones at the spanking new Kallang Tennis Hub will help to increase access for a wider socio-economic group of aspiring athletes to play tennis.
Long-Term Impact: Tennis for All?
While the Singapore Tennis Open is a significant step toward broadening tennis' reach and accessibility, the true change will come from sustained efforts to make tennis a more accessible sport worldwide. Programs that promote the sport at the community level, provide access to quality coaching, and offer youth scholarships are essential to dismantling the stereotype that tennis is solely for the wealthy.
Moreover, other nations and tournament organisers can learn from Singapore’s model, expanding access to local youth through initiatives like free community courts, national talent identification programs, and collaboration with local tennis clubs to reduce fees.
As the sport continues to embrace these more inclusive models, it’s clear that tennis' image as an exclusive sport for the affluent is gradually being challenged. Through the combined efforts of global tournaments, local communities, and organisations focused on accessibility, tennis has the potential to become a truly universal sport—one that encourages individuals from all walks of life to pick up a racquet and take to the court. And that, ultimately, will ensure the sport’s enduring legacy as not just a pastime for the privileged few, but as a game for all. #Tennis #SgTennis #Opinion
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