Is tennis the world’s healthiest sport?

There are many worthwhile reasons to play tennis. Some do it for the adrenaline rush of competition. Others for the sense of accomplishment that comes with improving a skill. But for the majority of players it’s the most basic of reasons: it’s healthy.

Tennis is “The World’s Healthiest Sport.” If you watched the US Open, you probably saw that slogan adorning Arthur Ashe Stadium court during the tournament. More than just marketing bluster, there’s actual data supporting the claim.

Much of the ammunition for the assertion comes from a 2018 study done in Copenhagen that followed more than 8,500 participants over a 25-year period. It found that of all the sports that can increase life expectancy over a sedentary lifestyle, tennis topped the list with a 9.7 years gain. The lure of living an extra decade seems to be the biggest driving force behind people picking up racquets.

A research study conducted by the International Tennis Federation, YouGov and Two Circles found that 45 percent of respondents from five tennis-playing nations cite health benefits at the top reason for playing the sport. Forty percent of players also pointed to the social aspects and camaraderie tennis brings as being another attraction for participation. The participants of the study were from the U.S., China, India, Brazil and Argentina, which make up approximately 62 percent of global tennis players (per the ITF’s 2021 numbers).

The research focused on players and potential players aged 18 and older, and what role tennis has in their physical and mental health. Results show that beginners aged 35-44 are especially drawn to the sport for its health benefits. Intermediate and advanced players also cite improving physical and mental wellbeing as their primary reason. Additionally, more than 75 percent of casual players (playing less than 10 times annually) said they would like to play more frequently.

The information is part of the ITF’s Global Tennis Report, which it conducts every Olympic year. It details trends in participation and other statistics for a broad survey of the sport. The full findings of the 2024 report will be released at the organization’s annual general meeting in Hong Kong in October.