A Tennis Tragedy Continues to Play Out on the West Coast

Californians are trend setters. Socially, technologically, environmentally and morally they have challenged and continue to challenge our nation and make the world a better place. Yet there is one place where California is dreadfully lagging behind their east coast brethren and the toll is severe. It’s without a doubt costing us tennis champions.

We live in a tennis world dominated by clay court players. We have since the tennis boom. Examine the top 10 ATP rankings since their inception in 1973. Examine the players who have reached that pinnacle of number one in the world. There is no debating it. Training on clay in your formative years is a crucial ingredient in the development of future champions.

So I assert again, California is depriving the United States of tennis champions. Less that one percent of the tennis courts in California are clay. In the greater Bay area there are less than 10 clubs that even have a clay court. In LA and San Diego the numbers are greater but not much. We are talking about a tennis powerhouse with huge participation numbers, a myriad of tournaments, where intercollegiate tennis thrives like nowhere else in America. We are talking about a storied past with legendary champions but a dwindling future in the elite ranks of this most international of sports.

Why doesn’t the state of California have more clay courts? Clay does exist and the few who are privileged enough to have access are reaping the benefits. They play longer they play healthier and their children develop a well rounded game. So what could possibly stop facilities from adding clay to what they have to offer?

The answer in a word - Fear. I have heard all the questions. Will a clay court work? Will players like it? Will players use it? It’s too hard to maintain. It’s too dry out here. It uses too much water. I will venture to say that the success stories out there decry these objections. I also hear - “My leagues play on hard courts. The tournaments are on hard courts.” Well of course they are! There aren’t any clay courts!

Experts suggest that clay courts represent 15-20% of the overall tennis court market in this country. Do you realize that this number is over 50% in FL? That’s correct - the majority of tennis courts in Florida are clay. Public courts, private courts, country clubs, resorts…you name it, they’re clay. You see a similar story in the northeast, though the percentage drops a bit. Looking for league play on hard courts in these locales? Don’t count on it. No one would even sign up.

Come on California, welcome to the 21st century. Our sport has been doing amazingly well thanks to the efforts of the USTA and its network of advocates all across the country. It’s time that the west coast does its part.