Tennis Balls Market

Market Overview

The global tennis balls market share is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The global market is primarily driven by the surging participation of individuals around the globe in tennis. Furthermore, the paradigm shift towards sustainability has increased the demand for sustainable tennis balls. Thus, the market players are introducing tennis balls made with sustainable material, thereby driving the global market growth. Moreover, the prominent market participants are engaging in partnerships with several other prominent market participants and sports organizations to provide tennis balls for international sporting events, creating tennis balls market growth opportunities.

Tennis balls are small, pressurized balls used in the sport of tennis. They are usually bright yellow in color and have a felt covering. The felt helps reduce friction between the ball and the court surface and provides some grip for players when striking the ball. Tennis balls possess a hollow structure and are inflated with air to a precise pressure, influencing their rebound characteristics.

Tennis balls are a fundamental part of the game, and their characteristics, including size, weight, and bounce, are standardized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to ensure consistency in play. Different tennis balls are designed to optimize performance and durability for various playing surfaces, such as clay, grass, and hard courts. Tennis balls are used in other sports and recreational activities but are most commonly associated with tennis.

Market Dynamics

Global Tennis Balls Market Drivers

Increasing Participation in Tennis

Tennis is often regarded as a highly popular sport globally, attracting many individuals actively participating in professional and amateur capacities. As per the International Tennis Federation report published in 2021, the global number of tennis players was estimated to be 87 million, equivalent to approximately 1.71% of the global population. The results presented in this study were derived from a comprehensive survey conducted among 41 National Associations.

Compared to the 2019 report, there has been a rise of 4.5% in tennis participants, namely those who have engaged in at least one match over 12 months. Similarly, as the global number of tennis players continues to rise, so has the demand for additional tennis courts. The IFT reported 578,681 identified courts, an increase of 28.2% from 2018. Thus, the increasing participation in tennis is expected to augment the global tennis ball market.

Introduction of Sustainable Tennis Balls

The surging environmental concerns have led to an increased focus on investigating and utilizing environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes in the production of tennis balls. Therefore, the key players in the market are taking initiatives to introduce tennis balls that are eco-friendly and sustainable. For instance, in August 2019, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. announced the introduction of the Triniti™ tennis ball. Triniti is a pioneering tennis ball that prioritizes sustainability as a fundamental aspect while simultaneously upholding the anticipated levels of exceptional performance demanded by amateur and professional tennis players globally.

In pursuit of developing a novel design that minimizes ecological repercussions, Wilson LABS, the innovation center at Wilson, employed cutting-edge materials to revamp the inner structure and felt covering of a tennis ball. This redesign significantly elongated the lifespan of the tennis ball and concurrently improved its performance consistency. This is expected to expedite the market expansion.

Global Tennis Balls Market Restraint

Environmental Concerns

The tennis ball is primarily created with rubber, which is not biodegradable. In contrast to basketballs, footballs, or soccer balls, tennis balls cannot be repeatedly inflated. These balls possess a limited duration of viability. According to Recycle Balls, a non-profit organization, over 125 million used tennis balls are discarded annually only within the United States. The above quantity corresponds to 20,000 metric tons of rubber waste, which can produce methane and exhibit limited decomposition properties. This scenario involves utilizing about 20 million cubic feet of landfill capacity, occupied by a substantial quantity of rubber waste that exhibits limited biodegradability. This waste contributes to the emission of millions of metric tons of methane gas. Thus, the negative influence of tennis balls on the environment is estimated to restrict market expansion.

Global Tennis Balls Market Opportunities

Increasing Collaborations by Key Players

The key market players are collaborating with several other key players and sports organizations to supply tennis balls for sports events worldwide. For instance, in January 2022, Slinger, a prominent provider of connected sports technology, was pleased to announce a new four-year exclusive tennis ball partnership with Dunlop. This globally renowned tennis brand supplies the official balls utilized in the Australian Open Grand Slam Tournament and the ATP World Tour. Through this newly formed alliance, Dunlop acquired exclusive tennis ball distribution rights for Slinger globally.

Additionally, in November 2019, according to an announcement by the French Tennis Federation (FFT), Wilson Sporting Goods assumed the role of the official ball and stringing partner of the French Open grand slam, replacing Babolat. The sports equipment manufacturer headquartered in Chicago started supplying new co-branded balls for all matches at Roland-Garros and various activations preceding the annual clay-court tournament beginning in 2020 as part of a five-year partnership. These factors are expected to generate opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global tennis balls market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global tennis balls market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The surge in the popularity of tennis as a sport, the emergence of professional tennis tournaments, and the expanding population of leisure tennis players are the main factors driving the tennis ball market share in the North American region. The number of players engaged in tennis has been continuously surging in the region for the past few years. For instance, according to a recent report published by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), there has been a notable surge in tennis participation, with an additional one million individuals engaging in the sport in 2022. This development signifies the continuation of a trend observed over the past three years, wherein tennis has had successive annual growth of one million or more new participants inside the United States.

Additionally, the current number of individuals participating in the sport is 23.6 million, indicating a growth of 5.9 million individuals, equivalent to a 33 percent gain, since the commencement of 2020. The total number of tennis players in the United States, which amounts to 23.6 million individuals, surpasses the combined participation figures of pickleball (8.9 million), badminton (6.5 million), racquetball (3.5 million), and squash (1.2 million). This is estimated to augment the market growth in the region.

The European market is experiencing growth due to the rising presence of tennis coaches and the expanding population of recreational players in the region. Consequently, there has been a rise in the demand for tennis balls, accompanied by a corresponding growth in the number of firms engaged in their production. For instance, according to the International Tennis Federation report published in 2021, it was observed that out of a total of 149,110 coaches who hold national association certifications spanning over 41 nations, the largest share of coaches (59.9%) is concentrated in Europe. Therefore, Europe exhibits the highest coach-to-tennis player ratio, with 253 players per coach. Similarly, in 2019, Europe emerged as the region with the highest representation at Grand Slam tournaments, accounting for 55.1% of junior players and 65.2% of professional players. Such factors boost the market expansion in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to exhibit a significant pace over the forecast period. There has been a rise in the collaborations between the international and regional market payers, as international players want to strengthen their market share in this region. For instance, in April 2021, Slinger Bag Inc. (OTCQB: SLBG), a sports brand that initially targeted the global tennis market with innovative game enhancement equipment for all ball sports, has today announced its entry into the Malaysian market through a distribution partnership with Tennis Bot Pte Ltd. for five years. Tennis Bot is an industry leader in providing tennis players with innovative experiences that enhance their performance and enjoyment on the court. Established in Singapore, Tennis Bot has grown to cater to clients in fourteen countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Malaysia. As per the stipulations of the novel collaboration, Tennis Bot shall hold exclusive distribution rights in Malaysia for the revolutionary Slinger Bag tennis product. Such partnerships are anticipated to fuel the Asia-Pacific market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global tennis balls market is segmented by product, type, application, and distribution channel.

Based on product, the global tennis balls market is bifurcated into beginner's balls, real tennis balls, regular duty balls, and extra duty balls. 

The term "real tennis balls" commonly denotes the spherical objects employed in the athletic pursuit known as real tennis, an ancient racquet sport with origins tracing back to the medieval era. Real tennis, or court tennis in certain geographical areas, is a sport with a rich historical background. The balls utilized in real tennis exhibit notable differences from those employed in other racquet sports, such as lawn tennis or table tennis. The composition of real tennis balls typically consists of a compact rubber core enveloped by a layer of felt material. Attaching the felt material to the rubber core is commonly performed by manual sewing techniques. The design of real tennis balls is specifically tailored to optimize weight, bounce, and durability, following the distinctive attributes of the real tennis court.

Based on type, the global tennis balls market is divided into high-pressure balls, low-pressure balls, and pressure-less balls. 

In general, the term "high-pressure tennis balls" denotes tennis balls whose internal pressure has been increased beyond that of conventional tennis balls. Nitrogen is used to pressurize tennis balls to impart a predictable and consistent spin throughout play. Performance is influenced by the internal pressure of the tennis ball, and high-pressure balls are frequently linked to a stronger bounce. The internal pressure of a standard tennis ball is approximately 12 pounds per square inch. A higher psi may be found in high-pressure tennis balls, resulting in a more responsive and rapid bounce. These are frequently utilized in professional and high-level amateur competitions, where players may prefer the qualities of a livelier ball.

Based on application, the global market is divided into competition, training, and entertainment. 

Tennis balls are paramount in tennis competitions as they establish momentum and guarantee equitable and uniform play. Competition-grade tennis balls must adhere to particular specifications established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Regulations specify the frequency and timing of tennis ball changes to ensure impartiality and coherence throughout matches. For instance, new balls are introduced at designated intervals or following a predetermined number of games in Grand Slam tournaments to ensure that each player has an equitable chance to acclimate to the unique attributes of the ball. Tournament-specific or the logo of the designated sponsor is frequently imprinted on tennis balls utilized in competitions. Sponsorship agreements include the official ball selection process, contributing to the event's financial aspects.

Based on distribution channels, the global market is segmented into online and offline channels.

Many individuals opt to acquire tennis balls using online platforms, including but not limited to eBay, Amazon, or specialized websites dedicated to sports equipment. The utilization of Internet distribution channels offers a convenient approach to acquiring tennis balls without the need to physically visit a traditional retail establishment. Moreover, online platforms offer various discounts and promotional codes, leading to more cost-effective product pricing than conventional offline channels.

Recent Developments

• January 2023- The Australian Open and Dunlop jointly declared an extension of their partnership. Dunlop will maintain its status as the Official Ball Partner of Tennis Australia, the Australian Open, and the Australian Summer of Tennis for the following five years.
• August 2023- Dunlop was selected as the official supplier of tennis balls for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.