The question to ask about this misconception that has been around for decades is indeed, "Is tennis a rich, white person sport?". Yes it does cost quite a lot of money to play the sport of tennis, but a tennis racket can range from $20 to $400, tennis shoes tend to be quite expensive starting around $40-$200, and the latest clothing fashion in tennis is also quite pricey as well. When people say that upper class people play this sport it is because of the fancy country clubs that charge a lot of money. Also it does cost a lot of money to play in the winter, as indoor tennis courts can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 or more to play on a court for just an hour; take it from the girl whose spent hundreds just for a few hours of court time in the Midwest because weather doesn't allow for us players to practice elsewhere. This goes to show that no matter what part of the country you are in, you are paying a lot of money. In the northern region, you are paying for club memberships and court times and in the southern region (where tennis is more prominent), you are surrounded by higher-level players, so you pay just as much money for the camps and clinics and tournaments there.
But, this does not mean that the middle class or lower class can't play tennis too. There are many tennis players that are not wealthy. Just because someone can't afford the expensive clothing, shoes, or rackets does not mean that they can't play tennis.
The image of tennis as a sport for rich people probably got going for a couple of reasons. First, most country clubs have tennis courts, and the members there may have a lot of money and are usually well off families. Also, it is portrayed that the women who are playing all day don't have to work because the husbands make enough money, and so they can afford to buy fancy outfits and expensive equipment. So certainly tennis is popular among the wealthier, but they still make up a minority of those playing the game today. Where I live there is a huge public tennis program for kids and adults and it costs almost nothing to participate.
Going along with this, in my personal opinion, anyone who may not be financially well off but wants to play tennis certainly can. I want you all to know that anyone can play tennis, train hard, improve, and develop their game if they truly want to. I found that determined players can improve to the point where they can be sponsored by companies and receive free equipment for tennis and these players are not always pro, but rather can be top junior players in the circuit as well. Just like the William sisters story, there is a great example which tells you all about their life from rags to riches as African American athletes and they still had success.
But, this does not mean that the middle class or lower class can't play tennis too. There are many tennis players that are not wealthy. Just because someone can't afford the expensive clothing, shoes, or rackets does not mean that they can't play tennis.
The image of tennis as a sport for rich people probably got going for a couple of reasons. First, most country clubs have tennis courts, and the members there may have a lot of money and are usually well off families. Also, it is portrayed that the women who are playing all day don't have to work because the husbands make enough money, and so they can afford to buy fancy outfits and expensive equipment. So certainly tennis is popular among the wealthier, but they still make up a minority of those playing the game today. Where I live there is a huge public tennis program for kids and adults and it costs almost nothing to participate.
Going along with this, in my personal opinion, anyone who may not be financially well off but wants to play tennis certainly can. I want you all to know that anyone can play tennis, train hard, improve, and develop their game if they truly want to. I found that determined players can improve to the point where they can be sponsored by companies and receive free equipment for tennis and these players are not always pro, but rather can be top junior players in the circuit as well. Just like the William sisters story, there is a great example which tells you all about their life from rags to riches as African American athletes and they still had success.
Anyone can play and I strongly suggest you do as "tennis is a life long sport".
It was meant to be played by royalty. Thats why King Henry VIII and all of them did. Part of the reason why I love wimbledon, brings back the royalty factor in tennis along with the class and grace.
link to follow up with research can be found at: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090430173751AAiP5nT
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