Affirmative Action in Tennis: How One Black Woman Found a Place in an Exclusive Sporting Environment
In a world where sports often feel daunting and exclusive, one game has become a beacon of inclusivity and joy - tennis. For many, the sport has become more than just a pastime; it's a celebration of community, self-discovery, and overcoming barriers.
Take the author, for instance, who has only dabbled in a few sports throughout their life, mostly due to mandatory school P.E lessons. But when introduced to tennis by their cousin, something clicked. After giving it a try, the author fell in love with the game, the sense of camaraderie at their local tennis club, and the thrill of a win.
For some, tennis has long been perceived as a white, middle-class sport. But Rushan Tonge-Bobia, a tennis enthusiast, emphasizes that community is crucial in encouraging women to participate in and stick with sports. Tonge-Bobia, who co-founded the social tennis club Bisque, believes that their goal is not to produce the next Wimbledon champion but to build confidence, connection, and joy.
Sebastian Zepeda, co-founder of Bisque Tennis Club, has observed an increase in individuals seeking face-to-face connections and a rise in people joining tennis clubs, including total beginners and those from various backgrounds. Zepeda asserts that movement, such as playing tennis, reduces anxiety, unlocks joy, and builds self-trust, particularly for women who were taught that sport wasn't for them, making every session an act of reclamation.
This shift in tennis culture is evident, with the sport becoming more popular and accessible, especially among younger people from diverse backgrounds. Zepeda suggests that while Emma Raducanu's win has inspired many, one star cannot shift an entire system, and it's grassroots clubs like She Can Serve and Bisque that make people feel welcome when they join.
Raducanu's 2021 US Open win sparked a huge resurgence in tennis, especially among women. Her multicultural background, authenticity, and relatable persona have made her a symbol of determination and inclusivity in the sport. The "Emma Raducanu effect" has significantly contributed to a rise in women's tennis participation, notably among women of color.
Key aspects driving this impact include representation and inspiration, increase in female engagement, community and accessibility role, and grassroots to elite pathways. Raducanu's visibility and media presence have inspired a new generation, breaking traditional norms about who can succeed at the highest levels of the sport. Her story underscores the importance of accessible pathways in tennis, from junior levels to professional ranks, highlighting resilience amidst adversity as a unifying theme.
In 2023, 5.6 million adults in the UK played tennis, with 42% of those being women - the highest ever percentage of female players recorded in a year. Tonge-Bobia acknowledges the barriers to entry for women, including cost, location, not owning a racket, not knowing the rules, and navigating predominantly white spaces. However, she stresses the importance of addressing these barriers and emphasizes the role of social tennis clubs like She Can Serve and Bisque in changing the landscape for the better.
Zepeda encourages those in positions of power to prioritize joy, curiosity, and connection over drills designed to intimidate and dress codes, creating a space for individuals to move and feel good in their bodies. Dismantling the culture of traditional tennis clubs is necessary, he believes, advocating for diverse coaching teams, flexible pricing, better outreach, and eliminating invisible rules about behavior and dress.
In the end, the "Emma Raducanu effect" extends beyond tennis trophies; it fosters increased tennis participation among women, especially women of color, by providing a relatable and inspirational figure. This momentum is amplified when communities and tennis entities facilitate accessibility and supportive environments, making the sport more welcoming and attainable for diverse populations.
- The author's love for tennis goes beyond just a pastime, encompassing community, self-discovery, and overcoming barriers.
- Rushan Tonge-Bobia, co-founder of the social tennis club Bisque, works to build confidence, connection, and joy among players, rather than producing the next Wimbledon champion.
- Increased interest in tennis, especially among young adults from diverse backgrounds, is causing a shift in the sport's culture, making it more accessible and welcoming.
- Emma Raducanu's multicultural background, authenticity, and relatable persona have inspired a new generation of women and contributed to a rise in women's tennis participation, particularly among women of color.
- To create a more inclusive tennis environment, leaders should prioritize joy, curiosity, and connection over intimidating drills and strict dress codes.
