Diversity in Sports: Addressing Inequities in Professional Tennis

Diversity in Sports: Addressing Inequities in Professiona...

By Edcel Panganiban August 08, 2024 05:21

Photo by Hannah Peters, Getty Images

It is a critical issue in sports, mirroring wider issues in society and professional tennis, particularly where historical systemic inequalities have designed the sports landscape. As far as it has come, however, there are still too many barriers for players from underrepresented communities, people of color, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ folks. In this article, we examine the current state of diversity in professional tennis, address some systemic barriers to inclusion, and much more.

Where We Are Now in Tennis

Participation Statistics

Recent research shows a significant growth in United States-based tennis participation across diverse groups. The USTA said tennis participation increased by a million players in 2022, the third straight year of growth.

The vast majority of this increase is due to a significant surge in participation from Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander communities. Specifically:

Hispanic/Latino participation: up 90% since 2019, with a total of 3.8 million players in2022
Black/African American Participation: Increased by 46%, More than tripling its number of players to 2.3M in 2021
Asian/Pacific Islander Participation: 2.4 million participants in 2021, up by 37% over the year prior.

Gender Representation

Women's Tennis Women have come a long way in terms of gender-equal representation in the professional tennis world. Figures from women players such as Coco Gauff, the world no two and highest-paid female athlete in 2023, are a testament to the success of females in tennis.

LGBTQ+ Representation

The representation of LGBTQ+ people in professional tennis has deepened, with Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova using their platforms to bring attention to the rights they fight for. Still, the path to inclusion and visibility persists as athletes endure prejudices and social biases.

Structural and Systematic Barriers

Access to Resources

One of the biggest hurdles in expanding diversity across professional tennis tennis; being as famously elite and egregiously expensive. Most under-represented players come from areas with the least access to these kinds of resources, making it complicated for them to have a career in professional sports.

Coaching and Mentorship

Another key is the availability of skilled coaches and mentors with different experiences. Most young players do not have access to a coach who understands their unique problems or has ever experienced them. Underrepresenting players from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds as coaches could lead to continued inequity cycles, with few role models available for these players who have walked similar paths.

Sponsorship and Opportunities

Sponsorship is a very important part of a player's career; every player's country has different support regarding institutional regulations and policies. Without the capital to support these players, they are prevented from having higher-level opportunities, exacerbated by sports disparities.

Stakeholder Viewpoints

Players and Coaches

Players and coaches speak on the significance of diversity in tennis. The case for greater representation is typically paired with a need to make the game more diverse and inclusive. For example, Sloane Stephens has expressed the difficulties she continues to face with racism and growing a professional career in tennis, deeming it necessary for cultural changes within this sport.

Developers and Organizations

Tennis administrators have also prioritized addressing inequities. "Tennis' reality must mirror America," a statement made by USTA Chairman Brian Hainline to underscore his organization's widespread inclusivity and accessibility plans.

To better integrate these communities, changing the inequities of professional tennis will require a comprehensive commitment from players, coaches, administrators, fans, and others. If the sport can commit to identifying and breaking down systemic barriers, diversifying coaching and sponsorship opportunities, and improving overall resource accessibility, we may be able to move toward a more inclusive future. Pursuing that equity in tennis remains incomplete at best, yet today, it seems more achievable than ever.

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