USTA Chicago Celebrating Tennis with “Opening Day”

Group highlights health benefits of tennis as parks and tennis facilities gear up for outdoor season

May 17, 2021 – The Chicago District of the United States Tennis Association (USTA Chicago) to provide free opportunities to try tennis, a low-contact sport that supports social distancing.

“As our region recovers from the pandemic, people are looking for ways to safely get outside, exercise and interact with friends and family,” said Jill Siegel, USTA Chicago Executive Director. ” While some activities cause concern for the health experts, tennis is not one of them. Playing tennis is a great way to stay active and socialize with others and there are many physical, mental and emotional benefits of this life-long sport.”

On Saturday, May 22, free tennis instruction will be offered at sites across the Chicago area: Rainbow Beach and Humboldt Park in the City of Chicago, Nike Park in Naperville, James Park in Evanston, Community Playfields in Wilmette, Flossmoor Park in Homewood Flossmoor, Wheaton Sport Center, South Barrington Club and Butterfield Park District Tennis and Pickleball Courts. Mayor Lori Lightfoot has issued a proclamation declaring the day “Tennis Opening Day” in Chicago, encouraging residents to take the time to learn, play, and enjoy the game of tennis. The day is made possible through a presenting sponsorship from Xfinity.

“Comcast is excited to be working with USTA Chicago to promote the wonderful game of tennis,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region Senior Vice President. “The sport has enjoyed a resurgence as a result of the Covid crisis, and Comcast is thrilled to play our part by helping to provide free play opportunities to introduce even more people to the game.”

Studies highlight numerous benefits of tennis:

• The sport ranks highest among exercises for living longer. In a 2016 study published by the Mayo Clinic, researchers found that tennis players had the biggest gains in life expectancy over sedentary individuals, adding 9.7 years to their lives.
• Tennis players have the lowest incidence of cardiovascular disease according to a 40-year study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found that compared to other sports.
• Tennis is a microcosm for life that can help develop resiliency and teaches kids how to: problem solve, manage stress, compete while being a good sport and respecting opponents, develop self-discipline and self-reliance, and set and achieve goals.

Also on May 22, USTA Chicago is launching its annual Say Yes to Tennis campaign and celebration of the game on all tennis courts throughout Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Players of all types and ages are encouraged to come out and play using social distancing and join thousands of tennis players in the Chicago District who know the mental, physical, and health benefits of this great game. Participants are invited to share content of their play and share their reasons for saying “yes” to tennis through social media channels by tagging @ustachicago.

About USTA Chicago

USTA Chicago believes tennis can transform lives and operates with a mission to create, sustain, and grow enthusiasm for the game of tennis throughout Chicagoland. As part of the United States Tennis Association, the national governing body for the sport, CDTA sanctions tournaments and runs leagues for adults and juniors in addition to other special play events and helps teachers and school districts incorporate tennis curricula into physical education programs. USTA Chicago supports and advocates for more than 500 clubs and facilities in Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties and nearly 10,000 members of all types.