Record Participation in Tennis
Last year, a historic total of 27.3 million individuals engaged in tennis across the United States, marking an increase of 1.6 million from 2024. This growth represents a remarkable 54% rise since 2019, according to a report from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). With six consecutive years of growth, almost 10 million more players have joined the sport. Additionally, the number of “core players,” defined as those who played 10 or more times in a year, rose by 1.5 million to 14.5 million in 2025.
Emergence of Data-Driven Tennis Apps
The increase in participants has led to a surge in data collected from tennis activities. Several companies are emerging to serve as the Strava for tennis, aimed at giving amateur players the ability to share their data and videos, similar to how Strava has catered to runners and cyclists since 2009. Although Strava allows players to monitor their performance, it lacks the detailed stroke and performance analytics offered by tennis-specific applications.
Innovative Partnerships and Technology
Notably, tennis legend Andre Agassi has partnered with IBM to develop a digital platform for tennis, pickleball, and padel. This platform, utilizing AI to analyze video footage, aims to provided tailored coaching directly to players. Other prominent players in the field include Zenniz, Baseline Vision, and PlaySight, which offer various features such as real-time tracking and immersive video experiences.
Leading the Market: SwingVision
SwingVision has positioned itself as the market leader, boasting around 500,000 users, 90% of whom utilize its tennis features. The app provides comprehensive data analysis and premium subscriptions starting at $180 per year. Founded by former Apple and Tesla AI experts, SwingVision aims to deliver a professional-grade experience for amateur players.
Community Engagement and Social Dynamics
With over 193,000 regular visitors to the r/10s Reddit community, SwingVision aspires to create a social atmosphere similar to Strava. Users can compete on leaderboards, tracking metrics like the most shots taken or fastest serves. This community engagement is critical, as players share highlights and progress with friends, enhancing the overall tennis experience.
AI Coaching and Performance Analysis
The rise of technology has also introduced AI-driven coaching tools. Through features like AI Swing Coach, players can track their playing patterns, receiving personalized recommendations for improvement. This aligns with the goal of transforming the way amateur players analyze and enhance their game, making performance tracking more accessible.
The Future of Amateur Tennis
As industry giants like Agassi’s partnership with IBM enter the scene, the digital transformation in amateur tennis is progressing rapidly. With innovations like line calling technology and real-time video analysis, amateur players now have unprecedented opportunities to experience tennis like the pros. The future holds the potential for live streaming and even more ways for amateurs to engage with the sport they love.
