Should tennis embrace becoming an increasingly 'team' sport?

(Getty/Brendon Thorne)

You don't usually think of 'team' when you think of tennis, do you? Well, that's because tennis has always been known as an individual sport. Even though doubles utilises a pair, singles and the heightened individuality of the tennis environment have always been evident.

But over the years, we have seen a variety of formats, leagues, and organisations embrace a team environment in tennis. 

From the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup to college tennis to new leagues such as INTENNSE, the team concept has slowly integrated itself as a prominent fixture in the world of tennis.

Is this just what the sport needs to stay ahead in the global sports ecosystem? 

Whilst the popularity of tennis has steadily and significantly risen, it lags, especially across the grassroots and lower professional echelons, behind big-name team sports such as football and basketball. 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup just ended, with millions of live viewers and billions of people tuning in to watch Spain lift the trophy in what is known as the biggest sports event in the world. A massive part of the continual success of not just the World Cup but across multitudes of leagues and events internationally for team sports is the accessibility and enjoyment for spectators. 

Legions of fans across a variety of demographics find it easier to connect to team sport cultures along with electric game-day spirit full of various forms of entertainment compared to tennis. The financial aspect is also a key factor, as prices across ticketing, merchandise, and travel offer more flexibility and accessibility than tennis, especially at local levels. 

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Barry Fulcher, Commissioner of INTENNSE, spoke directly to The First Serve about the why behind the league.  

"Traditionally, tennis has been perceived as a very gentlemanly sport," Fulcher said. 

"You have quiet, please. Fans and players alike adhere to very strict behaviours and traditions, and it hasn't always led to a positive viewing experience for fans.

"[INTENNSE has] really set to challenge that in the way we've structured the rules, the format, and the viewing experience. Players are encouraged to exhibit their personality, their character and get fired up. We encourage fierce competition while remaining respectful and sporting in how we approach it."

The accessibility for players as well as coaching and support staff at various professional levels of popular team sports allows for a much broader depth of talent globally compared to tennis as well. This allows many team sport athletes the opportunity to earn and sustain a professional career with much better conditions compared to the notoriously challenging tennis tours. 

Perhaps this is why the tennis scene is investing and expanding across more team-based formats. 

"INTENNSE was born out of a collection of people's ideas," continued Fulcher.

"Beliefs about where tennis currently stands on the professional level, and the number of gaps, particularly for transitioning tennis players. The life of a tennis pro can be extremely tough with travelling and life on the road. Going around the world week to week is a tough lifestyle."

INTENNSE is elevating co-ed team tennis and allowing for a wider depth of playing and coaching ability to have the chance to compete and earn incredible prize money over the American summer months. 

We are witnessing the continued success of collegiate tennis, and just how rewarding the team format is for aspiring players, with many now even going onto the professional tours. 

The success of the BJK Cup and Davis Cup, which are often lauded as the 'World Cups' of tennis, can be attributed to elevating the tennis experience through national team selection and competition. This has allowed tennis fans and spectators to engage in a more lively and vibrant atmosphere whilst players, coaches and staff participate in a format that allows them to compete for more than just themselves.     

The United Cup, gearing up for its fifth edition late in January next year, is showcasing just how fun, exciting and competitive team tennis is, utilising some of the very best players across the world. Moreover, Australian fans get to witness amazing tennis and a unique atmosphere thanks to team tennis ahead of the Australian Open. 

Tennis is benefiting from embracing the team spirit and offering a glimpse into what tennis can look like in a collective environment. 

Bringing more out of players and coaches by showcasing how they can compete in a team, with the help of passionate fans, a culture is created that can elevate and sustainably grow tennis globally into the future. This is especially necessary against the backdrop of developed front-runners in the sports world, as well as developing sports quickly gaining momentum with mostly team formats such as pickleball and paddle. 

The First Serve will keep a close eye on the developing team tennis scene and deliver the latest in growth, advancement and news across all team tennis competitions, leagues and initiatives. 

Should the tennis community embrace the growing team spirit? And how will team-based formats continue to influence the future of tennis? 

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