ITF confirms increase in tennis participation: "We've never had so many players".

Despite the doping scandals that have rocked the sport in recent months with the positive tests of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, tennis remains popular with the general public.

In a press release issued by the ITF, the figures are very positive. Compared with the last study published in 2019, the practice of tennis has increased by more than 25%.

Five years ago, 84.4 million people took to the courts throughout the year. Despite the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, these statistics have only increased.

So much so, that at the end of 2024, the ITF is formal: "The global tennis report revealed an increase of 21.6 million people."

This brings the total to 106 million people in 199 countries, according to the results of the study. ITF President David Haggerty is delighted to have such figures.

"We've never had so many players. This report confirms that we are a sport that is doing well, with millions of people around the world enjoying the benefits it brings," he assured L'Équipe.

Several months ago, Novak Djokovic confided that he felt the popularity of tennis was in danger with the emergence of sports such as padel.

For the ITF, the new generation sees Carlos Alcaraz (considered a "thrill" player), Naomi Osaka and Qinwen Zheng as role models who help inspire younger players.