Tennis in the UK is grappling with a hidden epidemic by 2025: the partner drought that’s leaving courts desolate and venues financially crippled. Sport England’s Active Lives Survey indicates that 25% of the population remains inactive, averaging less than 30 minutes of exercise weekly, with social barriers like isolation at the forefront. For tennis, where doubles and casual hits rely on finding a compatible partner, 40% of potential sessions evaporate – players eager for two or three games a week check apps, text groups, hear nothing. No match means no booking, no court fee, no pro shop spend.

In England, adult participation stands at 910,100, up 20% since 2018/19, per Statista data, but this masks the voids: midweek courts sit empty as friends cancel – work, injuries, costs – without backups. The LTA’s strategic plan highlights how yearly play among higher socio-economic groups is 82% above lower classes, amplifying exclusion. Urban players face £50-£100 fees per session, but why commit when your rally fizzles? One unmatched hour costs £20-£40 in lost revenue, cascading to £30,000 annually for a typical venue with multiple courts, excluding churn as isolated players quit.

The drought hits non-traditional demographics hardest: women (just 20% participation) and lower-income groups avoid cliquey environments. A hopeful arrives for a hit, practices serves alone, leaves deflated. Younger groups suffer: 35% of 16-24 year-olds inactive, craving social play but blocked by networks. Venues blame weather or seasonal slumps, ignoring the off-book bleed – potential regulars who never swing because “who rallies with me?” goes unanswered.

As explored in our football player shortage analysis, this matching void infects sports, turning vibrant baselines into silent wastelands while millions of interested players linger unmatched, drifting away.

How much longer can your tennis venue last when 40% of players can’t find anyone to return serve with?