The following is by Tracy Austin, a former professional tennis player. Mercy Health is the official health care provider of the 2025 Cincinnati Open.
Tennis has been more than just a sport to me. It’s been a lifelong passion, a career and a path to overcoming obstacles. From the time I picked up my first racket, I was determined to make a mark on the sport. By the time I was 14, I became the youngest female ever to win a pro tennis title.
My story is one of early success, heartache and resilience. But the sport of tennis, and the lessons it taught me, is something I want to share with the next generation, primarily through one-on-one coaching with young players. Whether your child is starting in tennis or already showing promise, learning the game early comes with countless benefits, and why I believe tennis for kids is one of the best options in sports.
Early success and starting young
As a child, tennis was my world. I was fortunate enough to work with coaches who believed in me and nurtured my potential. By the time I was 14, I was competing at the highest levels, and I was lucky enough to win a major title at a young age.
But that early success wasn’t just about my talent – it was about the foundation I had built from the age of 6, when I first picked up a racket.
Tennis, for kids, is a head start not just in the sport, but in developing mental toughness and discipline. Tennis requires focus, patience and strategic thinking, and these are skills that translate beyond the court.
For kids, learning tennis means developing good habits and a strong sense of determination from an early age. Whether or not your child becomes a tennis champion, they’ll learn values that will serve them well in every aspect of life.
Benefits of tennis for kids
Physical and mental development
Tennis is a sport that helps develop both the body and the mind. Kids who play tennis build strength, agility and coordination, which are all important for their overall physical health. The lateral movement required to move around the court also helps improve balance and flexibility.
But tennis is also a mental game. It encourages children to think critically, plan strategies and react quickly to changing situations. The ability to focus and remain calm under pressure is a skill that will benefit them in all areas of life.
Building confidence and resilience
When I was a young player, the tennis court was a place where I could test my limits, make mistakes and learn from them. The highs of winning and the lows of losing taught me the value of persistence and resilience. It’s one of the greatest benefits of tennis – learning that every loss is an opportunity for growth and every win a result of hard work.
For children, tennis teaches them to cope with both success and failure, while helping them develop self-confidence. The sense of accomplishment from improving their skills and overcoming challenges can be incredibly empowering for young athletes.
Social skills and discipline
Tennis can be a solo sport, but it also offers opportunities for kids to interact with others, whether through friendly matches, team events or group lessons. The sport teaches kids to respect their opponents, follow rules and stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
On a personal level, tennis helped me develop discipline – something that was crucial to my success. I remember countless hours of training, setting goals and pushing myself even when I didn’t feel like it.
This discipline is something I work to instill in the young players I coach today. It’s not about pushing them to be the next tennis star, but about teaching them the value of hard work and the importance of striving for continuous improvement.
When to start your child in tennis
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “When should my child start playing tennis?” My answer is simple: the earlier the better, but it’s never too late to begin.
The best time to introduce your child to tennis is around the age of 5 or 6. At this age, children are developing their motor skills, and tennis is a great way to enhance their coordination, balance and agility. At this stage, it’s about keeping things fun by using soft balls and lighter rackets, and focusing on basic hand-eye coordination rather than intense competition.
If your child is older and showing an interest in tennis, don’t worry – it’s not too late! A child can start playing tennis at any age and still benefit from the physical and mental development it offers. Many kids start at 8 or 9 and go on to become excellent players. What’s most important is that they enjoy the process, regardless of when they begin.
One-on-one coaching
As someone who transitioned from a successful professional career to coaching, I’ve seen the power of personalized instruction firsthand. While group lessons are important, there’s something uniquely valuable about one-on-one coaching. Working directly with a coach allows kids to receive individualized feedback, addressing their specific strengths and areas for improvement.
In my experience, this one-on-one interaction can lead to faster progress, more focused attention and a greater sense of accomplishment. The bond between coach and player is a special one, and it’s something that can help a young athlete grow not just in tennis, but also in their confidence and self-esteem.
Tennis for life
The sport of tennis shaped my life in ways I could have never imagined. It taught me perseverance, how to handle adversity and how to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Now, I’m able to share these lessons with a new generation of players.
If you’re considering tennis for your child, I encourage you to start early, be patient and keep it fun. Whether they become the next excellent tennis star or enjoy the game for recreation, the benefits they’ll gain, physically, mentally and emotionally are priceless.
The lessons I learned on the court have stayed with me throughout my life, and I’m excited to see how tennis will help shape the future of today’s young players.
Learn more at mercy.com.
