Recognizing May 2026 as National Tennis Month.

WHEREAS, On May 21, 1881, the USTA, originally known as the United States National Lawn Tennis Association, was founded in New York City, New York, to create rules and standards for the emerging game of lawn tennis; and

WHEREAS, The USTA is the nonprofit, national governing body for tennis in the United States, and leads the promotion and growth of the sport at every level of play, from beginners to professionals at the US Open; and

WHEREAS, The USTA is the largest tennis organization in the world, with over 550,000 members from every corner of the country; and

WHEREAS, The USTA proudly partners with local tennis programs to showcase the important health, social, and educational benefits of tennis, and make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age, environment, condition, or ability, through its USTA Adaptive grants; and

WHEREAS, The latest research by the Physical Activity Council shows that more than 25

.

7

million Americans played tennis in 202

4

, an unprecedented

46

percent increase in participation over 20

19

and the highest number of players since the PAC study began in 2007; and

WHEREAS, By increasing the accessibility of tennis for citizens of Philadelphia of all ages and abilities, the USTA has contributed to making our community happier and healthier; and

WHEREAS, USTA has declared the month of May as National Tennis Month to encourage players, organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers and more to promote local programs and activities, at parks and facilities to showcase tennis and spread the word about the sport and its benefits, and to help players and non-players alike find courts and play opportunities in their communities; and

WHEREAS, This year Philadelphia will host the Philadelphia Tennis Classic, a new WTA 125 event at the University of Pennsylvania, bringing professional tennis back to our city for the first time in more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a long history of hosting women’s tennis events, including the first U.S. Women’s Lawn Tennis Championship at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in 1887; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby proclaims May 2026 as National Tennis Month and urges the citizens of Philadelphia to become aware of and support National Tennis Month.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to USTA as evidence of the admiration of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.

End