Susie Sheffman, a 66-year-old from Toronto, finds herself torn between her two athletic passions: tennis and pickleball. Having played tennis for 30 years after overcoming initial challenges with hand-eye coordination, she discovered pickleball four years ago and quickly became enamored with the sport. Sheffman splits her time between both sports during the summer, playing each multiple times a week while managing shoulder injuries that prevent her from playing both on the same day. She appreciates tennis for its elegance and tradition, while she enjoys pickleball’s high energy and social aspects. Both racket sports are gaining popularity, sparking ongoing comparisons and discussions about their merits, as players look forward to the outdoor season in Canada.
Why It Matters
Tennis and pickleball are among the fastest-growing racket sports globally, with tennis boasting approximately 106 million players in 2024, an increase from 84.4 million in 2019. In Canada, participation in tennis has risen to over six million players as of 2025, reflecting a trend in sports engagement across various demographics. Pickleball, originating in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, has seen a significant surge in popularity, particularly in North America. As both sports continue to thrive, understanding their unique appeals can inform community engagement and support for recreational activities across age groups.
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