This Week in RADL Wire: Beach Tennis

In this issue, we dive into the explosive growth of beach tennis in the U.S. and what’s fueling its coastal momentum.

BEACH TENNIS

Swing Into Summer: The Rise of Beach Tennis in the U.S.

As the fireworks fade and summer stretches ahead, beach lovers across the country are trading in their towels and frisbees for something with a little more bounce—beach tennis. Blending the sun-soaked spirit of beach volleyball with the competitive thrill of racquet sports, beach tennis is capturing attention from Malibu to Miami, with permanent courts, pop-up tournaments, and a fast-growing community of players ready to serve, spike, and smash their way through the season.

Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan or just looking to mix up your beach day, beach tennis offers a dynamic, low-barrier way to stay active and connected—with little more than a net, a paddle, and a passion for play.

From the Mediterranean to Maryland

Beach tennis traces its roots back to the early 1970s on the sun-drenched shores of Lido degli Estensi, Italy. There, vacationing tennis players began improvising games over volleyball nets, using traditional tennis rackets and slightly deflated balls. The new game was fast, fun, and contagious.

By 1995, the International Beach Tennis Federation (IFBT) was established to codify the rules and promote the sport globally. Growth surged in coastal Europe and then South America, where Brazil now boasts over three million beach tennis players, rivaling national pastimes like soccer.

In the U.S., the sport gained momentum during the COVID lockdowns.  Frustrated by the closure of tennis courts during the pandemic, Thomas Macleod decided to head to the beach, where he discovered Beach Tennis. As he began to learn about this sport, he uncovered a growing international phenomenon that was gaining popularity worldwide. His interest soon turned into a passion, which led to the creation of Beach Tennis Maryland. Macleod is now organizing tournaments and installing both permanent and temporary court fixtures throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Learn more about the history, rules, gear and how to get started.