Is Tennis a Rich Person Sport? The Truth Behind the Stereotype

Is tennis a rich person sport? 
It’s a question that refuses to go away. Sure, tennis has long been linked to wealth — think private clubs, luxury brands, and crisp white outfits.
But is that still the reality? Or has the game become more accessible than its image suggests?

Intro

In this post, we’ll explore where this stereotype comes from, how much tennis really costs, and whether it still makes sense to ask: is tennis only for the wealthy?

TL;DR – Is Tennis a Rich Person Sport?

Not anymore. While tennis has elite roots, today it’s accessible to most people.

With public courts, budget gear, and free lessons online, tennis is no longer just for the wealthy.

You can start for under $150 — it’s passion, not privilege, that counts.

🧠 Why People Think Tennis Is only for the Rich

The idea that tennis is a rich person sport didn’t come out of nowhere.

Historically, tennis grew in private country clubs across Europe and the U.S. Many early champions came from privileged backgrounds.

Wimbledon, one of the most iconic tennis tournaments, was originally a club event.

Luxury sponsors like Rolex, Moët, and Ralph Lauren still dominate the pro scene today.

So yes — tennis looked like a rich person sport for decades. But looks can be deceiving.

💸 How Much Does Tennis Really Cost?

If you’re wondering is tennis an expensive sport, the answer depends on how you choose to play.

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

🏷️ Equipment Costs

• Racket: $60–$250
• Tennis Balls: $3–$5 per can
• Tennis Shoes: $60–$120
• Clothing: $30–$100 (no need for designer brands)

🏟️ Court Access

• Public courts: Free or under $10/hour
• Private clubs: $100–$500+ per month

👨‍🏫 Coaching (Optional)

• Group lessons: $10–$30/session
• Private coaching: $40–$100/hour

So, is tennis still expensive if you stick to public courts and skip private lessons? Not really. You can get started for under $150 — total.

📚 Want to Learn Tennis for Free?

If you’re ready to start playing but don’t want to pay for lessons, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our free beginner-friendly guides:

• 🎯 How to Hit a Forehand Like a Pro
• 💪 Mastering the Modern Tennis Backhand
• 🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to a Powerful Tennis Serve

Whether you’re just picking up a racket or getting back into the game, these posts will help you build a solid foundation — no coach required.

📊 Tennis vs. Other Sports

Let’s compare tennis with other popular sports:

Looking at this chart, is tennis a rich person sport, or simply flexible depending on how you play?

🧾 The Hidden Costs of Tennis No One Talks About

If we’re going to ask historically privileged sport, we also need to address the hidden costs that can sneak up on players — even those who start frugally.

For example:

• String replacement: Casual players might restring once or twice a year, but frequent players may need monthly restringing. That’s $20–$40 per session.
• Ball costs: Tennis balls lose pressure fast. Competitive players can go through a can per match.
• Travel and tournaments: While public courts are cheap, competitive tennis often means traveling, booking hotels, and paying entry fees.
• Club politics: Some communities may lack public courts, forcing players to pay for club access even when they don’t want the extras.

So yes — if you’re asking is tennis a rich person sport, it’s important to note that costs can scale quickly if you go beyond casual play.

But again, so can costs in soccer, dance, baseball, or even esports.

🌍 Global Perspective: Tennis Isn’t Always for the Wealthy

In places like Spain, Argentina, and Serbia, tennis is part of everyday life — not a luxury.

• Public clay courts are free or low-cost.
• School-based clubs run tennis programs open to all.
• Even tennis legends like Novak Djokovic came from modest upbringings.

In most countries, no one even asks, “is tennis a rich person sport?” It’s just a sport.

🧱 Why Some Still Feel Tennis Is Inaccessible

Let’s be honest: wondering whether tennis is only for the wealthy doesn’t always come from watching the pros. Sometimes, it hits closer to home.

For players from lower-income neighborhoods, there may be:

• Fewer or no public courts nearby
• No access to community tennis programs
• Social pressure or discomfort in club settings
• Cultural disconnect from a sport portrayed as posh

In that context, it’s not just about costs or statistics — it’s about whether people feel truly welcome in the world of tennis.

And that’s where the tennis community still has work to do.

Fortunately, this is already changing.

🧱 How Tennis Is Changing at the Grassroots Level

A big reason tennis is becoming more accessible today is the massive push happening at the grassroots level.

• USTA’s Net Generation Program: Brings free or low-cost tennis to public schools.
• ITF’s Tennis Play and Stay: Makes it easier for beginners to access gear and courts globally.
• Local initiatives: Cities like Chicago, LA, and Atlanta have free tennis programs in public parks.

These efforts directly challenge the idea that tennis is a rich person sport — because they’re literally putting rackets in the hands of kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

🧑‍🎾 Pro Athletes Who Break the Mold

Still unsure whether tennis is truly an exclusive sport? Just take a look at where today’s pros come from.

• Frances Tiafoe learned tennis while living at the tennis center where his dad worked as a janitor.
• Daniil Medvedev trained in small clubs across Russia with minimal resources.
• Ons Jabeur, from Tunisia, became a Grand Slam finalist despite a lack of tennis infrastructure in her home country.

None of them grew up with private club access or unlimited funds.

These stories prove that tennis is not a rich person sport by default. It’s an open door — and more people are walking through it.

💼 Why the “Rich Sport” Label Still Lingers

Despite how accessible tennis has become, the stereotype persists. Why?

• Major tournaments are sponsored by luxury brands.
• Media often focuses on high-end venues like Monte Carlo or Wimbledon.
• In some cities, private clubs still dominate tennis access.

All of this makes people assume: tennis must be a rich person sport.

But that perception doesn’t reflect how millions of players actually experience the game.

🙋 So… Is Tennis Still Just for the Wealthy?

Let’s be honest: Tennis can be expensive, especially if you take weekly lessons, buy top-tier gear, and play at a private club.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Tennis is also one of the few sports where you can:

• Learn for free online
• Play for free on public courts
• Use secondhand gear
• Join community meetups or nonprofits that provide equipment

That means tennis is only a rich person sport if you make it one.

🧭 What Determines Tennis Accessibility?

The better question might not be “is tennis a rich person sport,” but rather:

• Where are you playing?
• Who is supporting tennis in your area?
• What level are you trying to reach?

In places with well-funded public programs, tennis is dirt cheap. In cities with club monopolies, even basic access can be expensive.

So yes, the cost of tennis varies — but so does the cost of every sport.

With the right approach, tennis can be surprisingly affordable — and truly a sport for everyone.

🫶 Budget Tips for Playing Tennis

Want to get started without spending much?

• 🎾 Buy a used racket (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace)
• 🎾 Play on public courts — many are free
• 🎾 Watch free lessons on YouTube or Read Blogs Like Neo Ace Tennis
• 🎾 Thrift your tennis shoes and apparel
• 🎾 Join local groups that share balls and rotate gear

These hacks work — and they prove that tennis is not a rich person sport by necessity.

🗣️ Common Misconceptions That Keep the Myth Alive

Let’s break down a few popular misconceptions:

❌ “Only rich people play tennis.”

Nope. Millions of people around the world play on public courts, with secondhand rackets and zero coaching.

❌ “You need expensive gear to be good.”

False. Technique and consistency matter far more than a $250 racket or designer outfit.

❌ “Coaching is mandatory.”

It helps, sure — but YouTube, books, and free clinics can take you far. Many intermediate players are self-taught.

The more these myths persist, the more people ask is tennis a rich person sport — even when the facts say otherwise.

🧠 Mindset: Who Gets to Play?

Sometimes, the question isn’t really about money — it’s about whether we see ourselves as belonging in the world of tennis at all.

Do you feel like tennis is “for you”? Do you feel welcome?

Brands and organizations must do better to make tennis feel inclusive — in design, marketing, and outreach.

But as individuals, we can also rewrite that narrative:

• Play in public spaces
• Invite new players to try
• Share budget-friendly tips
• Speak out against exclusivity in clubs

Tennis culture is shifting — and so is the answer to is tennis a rich person sport.

🫹 My Experience

I recently picked up tennis again after a 13-year break.

Maybe it’s because I’m an adult now, but I never noticed how expensive the sport could feel until I returned.

When I was a high-performance junior player, cost wasn’t something I ever thought about.

But now, a more practical question comes up: how can you enjoy tennis without spending a fortune?

Honestly — not necessarily. In my case, I found workarounds.

I dusted off my old rackets — you can easily find used ones online if you don’t already have one.

Then I wore my previous tennis shoes — and yes, you can buy older models at clearance prices if you’re on a budget.

As for the rest? Simple sports socks, all-purpose shorts, and a basic cotton tee were more than enough.

That’s all you really need to get back on court.

So don’t let influencer posts fool you — the flashiest gear doesn’t make you a better player.

In fact, the one with the most expensive setup is often the worst on the court.

Just focus on the feel, the rhythm, and the ball. That’s where tennis really lives.

🏁 Final Verdict: Is Tennis a Rich Person Sport?

Let’s bring it home:

• Used to be? Definitely.
• Still is? Not necessarily.
• Can be? Yes, if you choose the premium path.
• Has to be? Absolutely not.

Tennis isn’t just for the elite anymore.

According to the ITF, over 87 million people now play worldwide — many on public courts, schoolyards, and local parks, not private clubs.

The game has truly gone grassroots.

Whether you’re broke, frugal, or just tennis-curious, you can start today.

So the next time someone suggests tennis is only for the wealthy, just smile and say:

“Only if you want it to be.”

🔍 Related Reads

• ✅ Best Tennis Rackets Under $100
• ✅ Why Tennis Is the Best All-Around Workout
• ✅ Late Bloomers Who Made It in Tennis

FAQ – Is Tennis a Rich Person Sport?