Flushing Meadows – Ahead of the U.S. Open, top American players Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe told reporters that the sport of tennis is moving in the right direction on diversity. Both highlighted recent milestones for Black athletes and the expanding presence of players from Asia and Latin America, while stressing that affordability still limits access for many families.
Broadening the player pool
Pegula said the global reach of tennis is one of its greatest strengths. “Everybody from around the world can play,” she said, noting the growing number of Black competitors and the surge of talent from Asia, citing Philippines’ Alex Eala and China’s Qinwen Zheng as examples of the sport’s expanding footprint.
She added that the U.S. Open’s New York setting reflects that diversity, with fans of many nationalities gathering to support their favorite players.
Historic moments for Black athletes
Tiafoe pointed to a recent breakthrough at the Cincinnati Open, where he and France’s Arthur Fils became the first Black players to meet in an ATP 1000 final. “That’s never happened in tennis. That’s a huge thing,” he said.
He also observed that the women’s game has long featured strong representation from Black athletes, and that the men’s tour is now seeing an increasing number of players from a variety of backgrounds competing near the top.
Cost remains a hurdle
Despite the progress, Tiafoe warned that financial barriers still hinder many promising youngsters. He praised the USTA’s efforts to bring the game to underserved communities, but emphasized that equipment, strings, coaching and shoes add up quickly.
The USTA’s 2026 U.S. Tennis Participation Report showed 3.7 million Black Americans played tennis at least once in 2025, an increase of more than 450,000 from the prior year. Hispanic/Latino participation rose to 19 % of players, up from 18 % in 2024, while Asian/Pacific Islander representation held steady at 11 %.
Looking ahead
Both players agreed that change will not happen overnight. “Cost is cost, right? It’s got to come from somewhere,” Tiafoe said. “It’s going the right direction, but it’s not something that’s going to change overnight.”
As the U.S. Open gets underway, Pegula and Tiafoe hope the tournament’s global stage will continue to showcase the sport’s growing inclusivity and inspire the next generation of players from every background.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
