American Tennis in 2025:

A Path Moving Forward

As we navigate the complexities of the tennis landscape in 2025, it is clear that the sport faces numerous challenges. Recently, I had an inspiring meeting with the head of a new sports organization. They have proposed that I take on the role of Director of Tennis Development—an opportunity that excites me, particularly because the organization appears poised to secure significant government support to build a state-of-the-art tennis facility in a major city (country withheld for now).

My vision is to create a comprehensive training environment that serves players at all levels, from local beginners to elite athletes, using innovative training systems I have developed and witnessed dominate competition. As Aristotle famously stated, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” To achieve greatness, we must practice, think, and expect nothing less.

Addressing the Integrity of Tennis

A major concern in today’s game is the growing issue of performance-enhancing drugs, highlighted by the recent suspension of top-ranked player Jannik Sinner for a doping violation. This incident reflects a troubling trend—some athletes resort to illegal substances to accelerate injury recovery rather than relying on natural healing methods such as rest and therapy.

To preserve the integrity of the sport, the conversation around drug use must shift toward prioritizing player health and safety. Athletes should have access to controlled, medically supervised recovery methods without fear of punitive measures. The USTA should support a system that helps players return to competition safely while maintaining fairness in enforcement.

It is also crucial to intervene when physical changes associated with excessive substance use become evident. Suspensions should be reserved for clear cases of abuse aimed at enhancing strength or altering body composition, not for athletes seeking legitimate medical recovery.

Given the short career span in professional tennis—often ending between the ages of 32 and 35—it is vital to provide professionals with effective recovery options that allow them to compete at full strength while safeguarding their long-term well-being.

Novak Djokovic recently voiced his concerns over these suspensions, pointing out the inconsistencies in how cases are handled. He highlighted the disparity between players with access to top legal resources and those without, suggesting that fairness is not always upheld. Djokovic, a true tennis legend, continues to demonstrate dignity and respect for the game, despite past criticisms from certain media outlets.

The Evolution of Tennis Techniques

Reflecting on my experiences over the past year, I recall watching a video of Iga Swiatek, one of the world’s top players. I was initially struck by her last-minute racket preparation, which made me question her technique. However, her exceptional talent allows her to succeed despite this unorthodox approach. This is not unique to Swiatek—many top players have succeeded with techniques that deviate from traditional fundamentals.

The challenge arises when aspiring players and coaches attempt to mimic these techniques without understanding or respecting the foundational mechanics that should be developed first. Rather than building solid fundamentals, many players work harder than necessary, relying on raw talent and energy while using rushed, inefficient strokes.

Carlos Alcaraz’s recent triumph at the French Open serves as another case study. His powerful, compact swings have earned him praise, yet he struggled with shoulder issues leading up to the tournament. His style, while effective, places significant strain on his body, raising concerns about longevity in the sport. Unlike Roger Federer, whose fluid and efficient movements contributed to his durability, Alcaraz’s current approach may not be sustainable in the long run.

Modern tennis often neglects the foundational skills that defined earlier generations. Players like Stefan Edberg, known for his technical precision and volleying ability, are rarely used as models in today’s training. Many coaches prioritize results over proper development, leading to gaps in fundamental instruction.

What fans see in Grand Slam finals—the strokes, movement, and technique—are the result of years of refinement and adaptation. Unfortunately, many coaches mistakenly attempt to teach amateur players by copying what professionals do at the highest level rather than focusing on the foundational progressions that lead to success.

The State of Tennis Coaching and the Rise of Pickleball

This misguided approach has significantly damaged the tennis coaching industry. The vast majority of coaches do not work with professionals, yet they attempt to teach amateur players the strokes and techniques of top pros, despite the fact that professionals hit the ball at speeds ranging from 65 to 100 mph.

For context, in the days of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, the hardest-hit groundstrokes rarely exceeded the low 90s in mph. In contrast, amateur players typically hit between 10 and 55 mph, with most finishing their strokes over the shoulder rather than generating the rotational power seen at the professional level. The difference is immense, yet this reality is often ignored in coaching.

The failure to properly develop players has contributed to the decline of tennis, particularly in the face of the growing popularity of pickleball. Many players struggle to advance beyond the 3.5 skill level—just one step above beginner status—leading them to abandon tennis in favor of pickleball, where they can experience success more quickly.

A Call to Action for Tennis Coaches

To address these issues, we must return to the fundamentals of tennis instruction. Coaches need to focus on building a strong foundation for their players, emphasizing proper footwork, racket preparation, and body mechanics. The goal should be to develop a structured curriculum that teaches world-class strokes while reinforcing correct technique from the very beginning.

Additionally, while pickleball serves as a gateway sport for many, we must ensure that players transitioning to tennis receive the right training to develop a complete game. Tennis is a sport that requires full-body engagement, not just reliance on arm strength.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Tennis

Addressing the challenges facing tennis in 2025 requires a united effort from teaching professionals. By prioritizing foundational skills, fostering proper techniques, and developing level-appropriate lesson plans, we can elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of players.

As we move forward, let us work together to restore the greatness of tennis. Collaboration among coaches, open discussions, and a commitment to proper training will shape a brighter future for the sport we love. Let’s mastermind and build this future together—one step at a time.