https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog daily 0.75 2024-02-07 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk-fxr59-mepx3-jgpy2-n67ap monthly 0.5 2024-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/5ae55595-7006-4622-b9fe-de076360efb3/Pit+cup+trophy+1.JPG Blog - 2024 Preview: Pride in Tennis Cup Returns - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/d7a844bf-e0a6-4111-865d-cd5039bbb648/malcolm+2.jpg Blog - 2024 Preview: Pride in Tennis Cup Returns - We went into the tournament to have fun – and we did, but we also won! I have played competitive tournaments pre-COVID, but the Pride in Tennis Cup felt different. It was more about participation and friendships than anything else. To meet other players from all over the UK was a real plus, and the team camaraderie and friendly banter was an added bonus. It was great that there were mixed gender teams, as too often events I have previously played have been exclusively CIS men. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/42fecb74-b73c-4fd3-88f3-0b91c2b95d9e/Pit+blog+1.jpg Blog - 2024 Preview: Pride in Tennis Cup Returns - The LTA had provided the courts and balls – so the event was free to those who participated. Tennis can be an expensive sport. But this event by being free to all who participated helped inclusivity and demonstrated the LTA’s commitment to opening up tennis to everyone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/85ab18f3-f33b-460b-ac13-e73446638283/Pit+blog+all+players.JPG Blog - 2024 Preview: Pride in Tennis Cup Returns - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk-fxr59-mepx3-jgpy2 monthly 0.5 2023-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/72ee1f01-1d3c-44f9-9d88-d25dc5b42ee7/20221029_122519.jpg Blog - Zak’s story: “I’m proud of who I’ve become.” - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/2f927a4c-66ba-469b-9be9-29a30f6727e2/IMG-20230724-WA0025.jpg Blog - Zak’s story: “I’m proud of who I’ve become.” - I’m also a Welfare Ambassador for my tennis centre and a level 1 coaching assistant. The Welfare Ambassador role involves making sure the tennis centre is a safe place for young people - so they know they are in safe hands. If someone came out to me, I would support them by telling them I’m gay and giving them advice on how to speak to their family and friends about their sexuality and struggles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/190f1f93-974f-464c-8f99-85bf7d872e94/received_2682539901823757.jpeg Blog - Zak’s story: “I’m proud of who I’ve become.” - I do fear for young LGBTQ+ players. From getting hurt to being called names at tournaments or in clubs, there are lots of things we have to worry about. In tournaments and practicing I think they should let players wear Pride tops and laces or decorate their wheelchairs to show who they are. We should all be allowed to be happy and confident with who we are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/920e7d11-4e24-4034-a7a9-7be0cbab19e1/FB_IMG_1621071144612-2.jpg Blog - Zak’s story: “I’m proud of who I’ve become.” - Since coming out, I’ve started working with LGBTQ+ organisations like Pride in Tennis. I believe that, no matter who you are, there is a huge community there waiting for you. I am proud of who I have become today and I hope other LGBTQ+ tennis players will one day feel the same. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk-fxr59-mepx3-jgpy2-3ecm3 monthly 0.5 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/b44188d0-ace2-4adc-b659-980d30bd8820/rainbowflag.jpeg Blog - We’ve come a long way, baby. But we’ve got further to go. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/b2dafbdc-c02a-4999-ae4f-c33a8113534c/LWR51920_9bdd8c47-5a4f-44f9-a3ab-b41b38409d27.JPG Blog - We’ve come a long way, baby. But we’ve got further to go. - At times, it has felt like there has been a reluctance to say our name – LGBTQ+, gay, lesbian, transgender etc – even if people were fine saying ‘happy Pride!’. But if we’re going to really break through, get people to notice us and make lasting change, we need to say what we’re talking about. Because if we can’t speak about the challenges we’re facing, how can we possibly talk about the solutions? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1898a2e6-89b4-43cb-bd7b-14b74abd23d6/image4.jpeg Blog - We’ve come a long way, baby. But we’ve got further to go. - Activity across tournaments at Birmingham, Nottingham and Eastbourne and Queens has been announced – and they’re even organising a Pride event to coincide with the British Open Wheelchair Competition in August. You see, Pride isn’t just a June thing. This inclusive initiative understands that fans of wheelchair tennis (and indeed the players – like the wonderful Lucy Shuker) can be part of the LGBTQ+ family and – shock horror – outside of Pride Month. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1654535757451-YWUP6E8I6R1WN62D95KJ/AB+blog+3.JPG Blog - We’ve come a long way, baby. But we’ve got further to go. - True allyship digs its heels in and makes even firmer statements in support. It refuses to back down because it understands the issues we’re up against and is committed to standing beside us to solve them. At Pride in Tennis, we applaud the LTA for growing their Pride Days activity and thank them for maintaining continuous dialogue with us throughout the year. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk-fxr59-mepx3 monthly 0.5 2023-06-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/6098b167-ea7b-46b0-ba40-eeac3f731330/image0+%281%29.jpeg Blog - LGBTQ+ in sports: why the disparity? What can tennis learn from other sports? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/c13942e6-ca40-4dd8-94b5-a6ecb04ef525/rianne+and+horse.jpg Blog - LGBTQ+ in sports: why the disparity? What can tennis learn from other sports? - In 2018, openly LGBTQ+ equestrian stars discussed how they believe the sport embraces diversity in a Fédération Équestre Internationale article. Yet, rather ironically, all four athletes interviewed were gay men. Even now, in 2023, there is only one openly gay woman in equestrianism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/b137fff2-ac28-4568-89bb-8f264275c58e/billie+jean+king.jpg Blog - LGBTQ+ in sports: why the disparity? What can tennis learn from other sports? - It has been suggested that this disparity is in part due to the fact that women participating in sport has meant challenging gendered norms and expectations – as openly gay women do simply by coming out. Whereas, for men, sport participation is intrinsically associated with reaffirming and embodying all those characteristics that we ‘expect’ of men e.g., competitiveness, strength, athleticism etc, which we typically do not associate with gay men. Perhaps this is true, and we cannot draw comparisons between a sport such as equestrianism where all genders compete on a level playing field, to tennis where the genders are separated (apart from mixed doubles of course). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/30e7b133-cb61-4840-8d5b-e43022b83cdc/kasatkina.jpg Blog - LGBTQ+ in sports: why the disparity? What can tennis learn from other sports? - Recently, when Dasha Kasatkina came out, she attributed a large part of why she was able to do so to having a role model – Nadya Karpova, a Russian professional female footballer player, who came out a month prior. As far as role models within tennis are concerned, we need look no further than Billie Jean King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/07053340-5206-45ad-9548-e848d1929470/Rianne+Costello.jpg Blog - LGBTQ+ in sports: why the disparity? What can tennis learn from other sports? - Just like I was lacking gay female role models in 90s and 00s equestrianism, men’s tennis is still searching for its own and as Hester, Nassib and McCarthy found, a strong foundation of support is crucial for when that moment comes. Hopefully, with more athletes coming out and acting as role models in other sports, and of course in women’s tennis, we may start to see the first gay male trailblazers in tennis appearing soon. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk-fxr59 monthly 0.5 2023-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/218e98ed-815b-4b5f-8062-dd226743efbd/IMG_1427.JPG Blog - One year in: visibility, dialogue and Billie Jean King. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/2383fa49-8a6a-4c24-b694-210de3c37f1d/Pride+flag+at+Notts+2.jpg Blog - One year in: visibility, dialogue and Billie Jean King. - What followed was significant dialogue with the LTA; the centrepiece of which being the formation of the Friday Pride Day initiatives at the four major UK grass court events in Nottingham, Birmingham, Eastbourne, and Queens. For the first time ever, these prestigious tournaments sported unmissable LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flags and officials wearing rainbow sweatbands and laces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/19671d38-ce5c-4200-b6d7-f9365b35a5de/IMG-20220617-WA0021.jpg Blog - One year in: visibility, dialogue and Billie Jean King. - Such powerful statements at a key part of the global tennis calendar. And to make things even more special, Pride in Tennis representatives were invited to participate in various off- and on-court activities. I was very thankful to give an on-court interview about Pride in Tennis and conduct the coin toss between Botic Van de Zandschulp and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on centre court at Queens! An amazing personal moment and never something I would have never imagined doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1669917764486-5688IVTS8UZU9W6YFQUC/group+with+bjk.jpg Blog - One year in: visibility, dialogue and Billie Jean King. - Countless other achievements have been made over the past 12 months, which is testament to our relationship with the LTA as well as the dedication of our board of volunteers. The Geordie Grand Slammers, based in Northumberland, and Cardiff Baseliners, located in Cardiff, are newly formed LGBTQ+ inclusive tennis clubs, which have benefited from the network Pride in Tennis has cultivated. Find your closest club here. And we now welcome official Pride in Tennis members to help us shape a more LGBTQ+ inclusive landscape for tennis in this country, after this was ratified at our AGM last month. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/a5502f85-742f-4973-bc0d-14533512c96d/notts.jpg Blog - One year in: visibility, dialogue and Billie Jean King. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8-zbrfk monthly 0.5 2023-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/64e0e60e-4bfc-41fd-b1b1-2e8a099d1df7/ace+3.jpeg Blog - The Story of the UK’s Longest-Running LGBTQ+ Tennis Club - 45 years on, we’re still going strong – despite the obstacles we’ve faced along the way. The club was set up by friends in the summer of 1977. I joined in 1984. Nearly 40 years later – having just celebrated my 60th birthday – I still play every week. In fact, my journey with the group has rather defined my life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/9928d58f-dd74-43c6-baeb-ab9be069068c/ace+2.jpeg Blog - The Story of the UK’s Longest-Running LGBTQ+ Tennis Club - However, these experiences inspired us to get active. We started the AIDS Care and Education project (ACE) to advocate for and support people living with HIV. Tennis members became volunteer trainers, counsellors, buddies, fundraisers and caterers. Our little group of players didn’t originally set out to play an important role in the community – but we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/924c5fa4-1868-4225-b78f-84acdff9983e/ace+1.jpeg Blog - The Story of the UK’s Longest-Running LGBTQ+ Tennis Club - It’s been exciting to see how the different generations of players get along and how our different cultural references within tennis have to be explained – the newer players being more inspired by Serena than Chrissie and Martina. We now play at Shirley Park Lawn Tennis Club, who have been wonderful. Some ACE players have even joined their club and their members sometimes join in our sessions if we are short on numbers. Some of our older gay members are still developing confidence in accepting this new status quo of supportive allies, but this is great progress for our community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/0be0eb3c-78e7-49ae-a191-119ee87e9c4e/ace+logo.jpeg Blog - The Story of the UK’s Longest-Running LGBTQ+ Tennis Club - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g-kmpj8 monthly 0.5 2023-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/4e769430-fafd-40e7-87e5-316c5c8f23e1/LWR50459_5e46156c-b272-440a-ad4b-91ed31d6371b.jpg Blog - Over the Rainbow: True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tennis - I was nervous about wearing my partner’s rainbow wristbands to a group tennis session today. There was no reaction, but I realised I couldn’t remember ever seeing queer symbolism at any local courts I’ve played at. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/6375cf7a-2c4c-4d45-ae0e-ae24a2bcc50a/LW106584_737d9bdb-9441-4c93-8108-78032aa3d79f-cropped.jpg Blog - Over the Rainbow: True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tennis - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/688fb159-60a6-4297-8bfc-32e1f50d5bc3/Jordan+Holt+tennis+courts.jpeg Blog - Over the Rainbow: True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tennis - A symbol might be seen, but we also need to be heard. This is where tennis at all levels needs to show more than symbolically how it is queer inclusive. This is where it comes down to policy and practice. What are clubs doing to ensure equality and diversity? Do they have anti-bullying and harassment clauses that specifically prevent homophobia? Do they somehow discriminate in their hiring practices? And how have they prepared to deal with any backlash from opposing parties? Even though tennis seems to have a huge online queer fan base and openly-LGBTQ+ icons such as Billie Jean King at the heart of the community, pro-tennis only recently started acknowledging the need for progress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/2b385e87-1e88-410d-8595-85b16e6696cf/Image+%281%29.jpeg Blog - Over the Rainbow: True LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Tennis - Two of the four grand slams have hosted Pride activities, while the LTA have put on Pride celebrations at all their tour level events. More of a conversation was provoked among players as a result of this presence, with Liam Broady in particular showing himself as a brilliant ally. It’s time to build on this momentum by making sure players, fans and others understand the meaning behind these symbols. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s-has7g monthly 0.5 2023-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/bebf875d-a9c4-4cc1-b0b8-78c300a3f008/adam+1.jpg Blog - Life as an LGBTQ+ person on the Learning Disability Tennis Circuit - When I first started playing competitively, I was a very young closeted boy. Like elsewhere in my life, I felt it was a place where my sexuality should have been kept separate. This changed when I met my trans friend Zach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/d5914f4c-20f8-4719-b6a3-31bd1f535639/tennis+court.jpg Blog - Life as an LGBTQ+ person on the Learning Disability Tennis Circuit - I met him at a Learning Disability regional competition over 5 years ago and seeing him be his true self inspired me to come out, not only to other competitors but to everyone I knew. After Covid-19 hit, Zach stopped playing and I became the only open LGBTQ+ player in the Learning Disability circuit of tournaments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1654535757451-YWUP6E8I6R1WN62D95KJ/AB+blog+3.JPG Blog - Life as an LGBTQ+ person on the Learning Disability Tennis Circuit - I have found in my experience of playing mainstream events and LD events that my peers with Learning Disabilities are so much more accepting and do not see my sexuality as a barrier between friendship. Whereas, at mainstream events, I feel like majority of players are very cautious and don’t know how or necessarily want to communicate with me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/4160c233-4a09-4185-bf29-e80b3bca2cc8/adam+2.jpg Blog - Life as an LGBTQ+ person on the Learning Disability Tennis Circuit - Inclusion is such an important thing but especially in sport. Sport is something that has always been important to me as it is a way of improving mental health. It should be a place where everyone is allowed to thrive no matter who you are. People like you, me and Zach deserve a place in sport to exercise, socialise and compete, just like everyone else. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll-5938s monthly 0.5 2022-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/128d8065-328c-43b5-a84a-7d336cda2c29/group+with+bjk.jpg Blog - Meeting the Legend: Billie Jean King and Pride in Tennis meet in Glasgow - The stage: the Emirates Arena, Glasgow. The date: Friday 11th November. The occasion: the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Thanks to the LTA, Pride in Tennis volunteers got together to watch the finals, network with local groups, and meet with the legend herself, Billie Jean King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/ead454fc-e2ce-49e9-8425-86a6172a8ef0/bruna+with+bjk.jpg Blog - Meeting the Legend: Billie Jean King and Pride in Tennis meet in Glasgow - As avid tennis fans and passionate supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion, this was a hotly anticipated meeting for us. People say “never meet your heroes”, for you may be disappointed, but this encounter could not have been further from that. Billie Jean King surpassed all our expectations. On entering the lounge, her first words were: “What are you doing as an organisation, and how can I help?”. This attitude exemplifies her commitment to championing progress in the sport, something that hasn’t wavered even after decades of changemaking. It was awe-inspiring being in the presence of such a legend, but at the same time, she was incredibly personable and made us feel welcome straight away. Just turned 79, sporting an amazing track record and an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, Billie Jean King isn’t done being a voice for progress. Only recently, we saw Wimbledon relaxing the all-white kit rule for female players after she spoke out on players being concerned about wearing all-white on their periods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/8e6e9080-de9d-4594-a568-8b8fb80fb1ab/group+1.jpg Blog - Meeting the Legend: Billie Jean King and Pride in Tennis meet in Glasgow - The event was also a great opportunity to connect with the local LGBTQ+ community. Our board members chaired a round-table discussion with LEAP Sports and Tennis Scotland to identify local barriers to LGBTQ+ participation in tennis, which led to a joint commitment to share best practices and to create a common action plan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/79ad2b0a-b046-4844-b2bd-7b6565534784/arena+1.jpg Blog - Meeting the Legend: Billie Jean King and Pride in Tennis meet in Glasgow - In spite of all the meetings, we still managed to catch some superb tennis in Glasgow. It was super exciting to watch major players like Laylah Fernandez, Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff battling it out for their countries, with Switzerland defeating Canada, and the Czech Republic winning against the USA. The Swiss team went on to win the competition, claiming the World Championship title for the first time. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw-m4hll monthly 0.5 2023-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/bde064e5-8790-4857-b337-050c44bc58b5/stadium.jpg Blog - Wanted: LGBTQ+ Tennis Bloggers - For years, people from the LGBTQ+ community have felt out of place in sporting spaces. In school changing rooms, local sports clubs and in stadiums as fans, the choice has often been to exist in silence or risk our personal safety. Even in cities with higher numbers of LGBTQ+ people, the anxiety is still there. And yet we know the world won't change unless we take a stand and be visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/b63e76c1-8fa2-4363-88b8-15866f77affe/LW106640_2032d93d-1e50-4444-b9b9-9bd29c050ad6.JPG Blog - Wanted: LGBTQ+ Tennis Bloggers - This, of course, includes the tennis world. Pride in Tennis is designed to be a part of this change. We want tennis to be for everyone, but we can't do it without the voices and experiences of the people we say we represent. So we need you! We're assembling a UK-wide community of people to blog for us, about anything related to tennis and LGBTQ+ issues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/a3903f04-51e2-4550-88c2-273fa29f89de/IMG-20220725-WA0023.jpg Blog - Wanted: LGBTQ+ Tennis Bloggers - Or something else that means something to you. We also want to reflect the UK LGBTQ+ community in all of its diversity and so we invite contribution particularly from women, trans* people and people from ethnic minority communities. If tennis is going to be for everyone, it needs to be for EVERYONE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/4dcc72a6-0c5c-458e-9949-0bdfbd70927c/PHOTO-2022-02-19-23-28-59+small.jpg Blog - Wanted: LGBTQ+ Tennis Bloggers - You'll need to have some interest in tennis (either as a fan, player, coach etc) and at least have an understanding of the LGBTQ+ community (we will accept applications from allies!). You'll have full support from our comms team and will write at least two different blogs. We're a friendly, enthusiastic and passionate bunch and would love to welcome you to the team. If you're interested, please contact us. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj-ytjjw monthly 0.5 2022-09-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/93215f93-a04a-47f9-8597-59b796713161/Screenshot_20220808-091807_Instagram.jpg Blog - Rainbows and Russia: Daria Kasatkina Officially Comes Out of the Closet - Russia’s number 1 female singles player Daria Kasatkina recently hit a number of major professional and personal milestones. By winning her fifth WTA title at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose yesterday, she has reached a career high ranking of No. 9. (Photo credit: Instagram / Daria Kasatkina) Arguably, Daria made a more important statement off-court by coming out a fortnight ago via Twitter. Through the act of posting a simple picture of herself with her girlfriend (Natalia Zabiiako), Kasatkina has entered the small pool of openly gay and bi pro tennis players. The common misconception that comes with queer representation in tennis is that there are “too many lesbian players”, but this is simply not true. Take this year’s French Open as an example. Seven “out” women played at the tournament out of 128 female qualifiers. Although the statistic is outdated now, it’s predicted that 10% of people identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, but only 5% of women at the French Open were openly gay or bi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/ee4ce5c1-84f6-43d9-8ec3-7a5f5fea7af5/russian+flag+rainbow+flag.jpg Blog - Rainbows and Russia: Daria Kasatkina Officially Comes Out of the Closet - So not only does Kasatkina come from a nation with some of the most anti-gay laws in Europe, but she plays a sport with no openly gay male players and a disproportionately low number of gay women. Her homeland of Russia and its homophobic law-making has in recent years almost seemed laughable to western nations, but the Duma has taken their anti-gay propaganda laws to a new level by now prohibiting any displays of public affection between two people of the same gender. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/122009ed-b2c2-4d84-8e0b-3150e807c2bf/kasatkina.jpg Blog - Rainbows and Russia: Daria Kasatkina Officially Comes Out of the Closet - In a recent interview with Russian blogger Vitya Kravchenko, Kasatkina described Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine as “a full-blown nightmare”. Along with her comments about the impossibility of living a closeted life in Russia, it’s understandable why Kasatkina fears that she may never return to her home country. (Photo credit: Youtube / Vitya Kravchenko) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/be6935af-737b-4b53-bae0-fe6bfcd125cc/kasatkina-zabaiiako.jpg Blog - Rainbows and Russia: Daria Kasatkina Officially Comes Out of the Closet - Who knows whether the war in Ukraine inspired Kasatkina to come out, but her fearless honesty on both counts and with all the aforementioned hurdles is nothing short of remarkable. Kasatkina may have started her professional career in 2013 as the Kremlin Cup wildcard, but now she has ascended to the Top 10 in women’s singles tennis. Her journey to the top could not be more reflective of her coming out: she began her career in an oppressive and homophobic state, unable to be and show herself to the world and is now trending globally on Twitter to the support of the worldwide tennis community (including fellow tennis superstars) by bravely owning and celebrating her queer identity. A new kind of queer icon is born. (Photo credit: Twitter / Daria Kasatkina) https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/6cyipg44ax1g5jrf7tbky7wnzk79rj monthly 0.5 2022-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/31ed07c2-94c4-488f-ae0e-1bf65e94f47f/IMG-20220731-WA0015.jpg Blog - Flying the Flag? - Reflections from Eurogames 2022 - I just took part in the Eurogames 2022, in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) this week; competing in men’s tennis singles and doubles events (I did OK!). While the tennis tournament was formally managed through the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), the Eurogames itself is a much bigger multi-sport LGBTQ+ event, so the city has been bustling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/8e0b0154-3201-44e2-9ea7-155bad2a0a59/IMG-20220731-WA0012.jpg Blog - Flying the Flag? - Reflections from Eurogames 2022 - Having partaken in the Paris Summer Cup the previous weekend (a rather splendid GLTA event - see Chrissie Chresta’s earlier blog), my participation at the Eurogames gave me a chance to reflect on differences between regular GLTA events (of which I have done around 50) and the Eurogames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1659288125512-AK0LFNWZ1M8NW0H2K46R/IMG-20220731-WA0008.jpg Blog - Flying the Flag? - Reflections from Eurogames 2022 - Obviously many more sports are represented here and there are thousands of participants, but a more pertinent reason caught my attention. Beyond the sports, there are a variety of lectures, exhibitions, round-table discussions and cultural events happening in parallel. In particular, I saw an exhibit for the "Zero Flags Project". 71 flags of nations in which being gay is a crime were flown, with the hope that eventually there will be none. This is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go, despite relative freedoms we may have at home in the UK. Sport can play a real part in highlighting such inequality and in uniting people to drive change. Coincidentally, the Eurogames began at the same time as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (UK). During the opening ceremony, Tom Daley (Olympic diving gold medallist) carried a multi-coloured baton, to represent the LGBTQ+ community. He was joined by representatives of 6 nations of the Commonwealth where homosexuality is a crime, who were holding rainbow flags - an enormously brave gesture of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/af777af3-2788-4b49-afa4-52051aa5ed3f/IMG-20220731-WA0013.jpg Blog - Flying the Flag? - Reflections from Eurogames 2022 - Officially, we enter GLTA events and the Eurogames under our national flags, but is this required? I had the pleasure to spend time with a Russian player, though he had to play under a blank flag, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and also recognising the country’s deteriorating LGBTQ+ rights (❤️ Kasatkina ❤️). As a geographer and avid traveller, I used to know all the world’s flags (oh and a geek), but do they truly represent us, especially when our communities are perhaps not accepted or included in our own societies? Personally, I would prefer to play under the rainbow flag, if any! https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/0w73ags9eco1n1zdrjp11ptydj618r monthly 0.5 2022-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/a3903f04-51e2-4550-88c2-273fa29f89de/IMG-20220725-WA0023.jpg Blog - Vive la Différence! - LGBTQ+ tennis at Roland Garros - Last week, I (left) took part in the Paris Summer Cup, a tournament which was part of the global Gay & Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA). I had entered this tournament as, for the first time this year, there was the amazing opportunity to play at Roland Garros for the finals. It was an excellent initiative by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to collaborate with the tournament organisers to promote diversity and inclusion. This gave all the players extra motivation to compete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/fa53ae36-fd57-4d74-b55b-956e4ff98e1e/IMG-20220725-WA0024.jpg Blog - Vive la Différence! - LGBTQ+ tennis at Roland Garros Another reason for choosing the Paris tournament was that it offered plenty of opportunities for female players, in singles and doubles. Women's and Mixed draws are still limited in GLTA tournaments, which can partly explain the much lower female participation in these competitions. We need more tournaments to focus on attracting a more diverse range of players. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/f3db5896-c320-4f10-ae11-1f89c3b46de4/IMG-20220727-WA0019.jpg Blog - Vive la Différence! - LGBTQ+ tennis at Roland Garros I entered Ladies' Singles and Mixed Doubles (both in Division B). I did not have a partner, so I was approached by Tim Scott to pair up which I accepted. We had not met before so this was our first time. Being an English / American combination there was not a language problem. We had good teamwork and communication, and we successfully reached the finals on Sunday. It was a wonderful experience playing on the hallowed clay court of Roland Garros, officiated by a chair umpire (another first for me!). (Photo credit: by Chang Martin, from FFT Twitter) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1c3eddb8-4566-40c6-ba93-911f4c847004/IMG-20220727-WA0018.jpg Blog - Vive la Différence! - LGBTQ+ tennis at Roland Garros - After a closely contested match, Tim and I eventually prevailed 6-2, 6-3 to win the Mixed Doubles trophy! (Photo credit: by Chang Martin, from FFT Twitter) On reflection, GLTA tournaments are not just about tennis. I started playing at World Out Games (Antwerp 2013) and that was where the family friendship began. In your first tournament, you make friends over a long weekend; then at the second you have a reunion, and through them you also make new ones; so the friendship circles continue to grow and grow which is fantastic, with many fun and happy memories. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/a-long-journey-to-eastbourne monthly 0.5 2022-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/f85bbbd3-636c-401b-b2db-ec5ea986057b/Eastboutne+Crowd.jpg Blog - A Long Journey to Eastbourne With me (right) being the board member who lives furthest north, you may be forgiven for thinking that the title of this blog relates to the long car journey from my home town of Newcastle to the south coast for LTA’s final Friday Pride Day at Rothesay International in Eastbourne - and what a week to have the biggest national train strike! However, I am actually referring to the eight-year mission I have been on to ensure that the sport I love engages in LGBTQ+ visibility and activation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/0feabb82-c998-458b-a124-7f410efcb49d/IMG-20220624-WA0025.jpg Blog - A Long Journey to Eastbourne I first discussed the common barriers for LGBTQ+ people in sport with LTA officials in 2014. After years of the governing body not listening, responding or acting, I finally had a breakthrough in 2020 when the Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, wrote an open letter declaring that the LTA had “not done enough to open tennis up to people from minority backgrounds” and inviting people to respond. This got me the foot in the door that I needed. After several meetings with senior officials who listened intently, I felt that a change in attitude and culture was under way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1fc2af64-6d8d-42ca-bcbd-bec752ec83d0/Ballboy+Eastbourne.jpeg Blog - A Long Journey to Eastbourne Listening is not always followed by action. However, the LTA responded positively by hosting our official launch in February 2022 at the National Tennis Centre, swiftly followed by all the activation around their “Friday Pride Days” grass court campaign. Pride in Tennis were consulted on every aspect - from the design of the LTA Pride logo to the networking events with local LGBTQ+ activists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/954c144b-c678-47e2-9277-54be9f033165/Malcolm.jpeg Blog - A Long Journey to Eastbourne Sat at the side of Centre Court in Eastbourne, I watched our Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Malcolm Bryant, being interviewed on court with the Progress Flag in the background and ball kids heading into position with their rainbow sweatbands, ready for Petra Kvitova and Beatriz Haddad Maia to begin their semi-finals battle. It made me nearly overwhelmed with emotion as I realised that, despite the miles of setbacks, delays and excuses driven by stigma and ignorance, I had finally arrived at a destination tennis can be proud of. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/iaqav2fapwxhis7gdo7sc14mtmgxx5 monthly 0.5 2022-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/fc354d4b-8e23-4a3a-9501-52be022095cd/IMG-20220617-WA0035.jpg Blog - Quintessential Queen’s: Breaking with Tradition The next instalment from the LTA “Friday Pride Days” came from Queen’s Club, London, on 17 June 2022, hot on the heels of Birmingham. Our Co-Chair & Events Officer, James Swanson (left), and I (right) had the privilege of attending the ATP 500 Cinch Championships where a leading field of men gathered to compete in the 119th edition of the prestigious Wimbledon warm-up grass tournament. Queen’s Club is renowned for its history, having been established in 1866, so it felt very special to have the opportunity to represent Pride in Tennis in a way that was somehow breaking with tradition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/19671d38-ce5c-4200-b6d7-f9365b35a5de/IMG-20220617-WA0021.jpg Blog - Quintessential Queen’s: Breaking with Tradition The day started with an on-court interview with James and Sandi Procter, LTA Deputy President & President-elect. James explained the ambition of Pride In Tennis to build a safe and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ players, coaches, volunteers, officials and fans. There was a real sense of significance and coming of age to be involved within the grounds of one of the longest running tennis events in UK. James then conducted the coin toss for the first match to a warm round of applause, which was then followed by an interview with LGBTQ+ ally Liam Broady on the big screen to show his continued support in everything we are trying to achieve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/da4b2807-81d6-4e4d-9749-4f8d6f2e0dce/Screenshot+2022-06-22+at+22.16.09.png Blog - Quintessential Queen’s: Breaking with Tradition It was great to see the officials and umpires all wearing rainbow wrist bands and some players, including Matteo Berrettini, showing support with rainbow laces on their shoes and bags. Every time we looked up to see the Pride flag billowing in the wind, we felt very honoured to be involved. Having watched back some of the TV coverage and seen so many close-ups of the LGBTQ+ symbols, it really brought home that Pride in Tennis was being showcased in one of the most viewed and popular tennis events in UK. Hopefully, next year we will build on this visibility and further strengthen our relationships with the LTA and this prestigious tournament. Next stop for Friday Pride Days - Eastbourne! Stay tuned for our upcoming blog… https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/Blog Post Title One-ggdsh-4gpx7 monthly 0.5 2022-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/82a05d2e-b3f8-437f-bb76-8e6531c06161/IMG-20220617-WA0000.jpg Blog - Brilliant Birmingham: Networking with Rennae Stubbs On the LTA’s second Friday Pride Day, our Network Development Lead, Eira Guest, and I were thrilled to attend on behalf of Pride in Tennis at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, home of the WTA 250 Rothesay Classic, on 17 June 2022. The Birmingham event is one of the most prestigious, historic events on the WTA calendar - with past competitors including Wimbledon legends Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and Venus Williams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1b9121dd-11d6-4dae-995b-dc83b9e65c98/image1.jpg Blog - Brilliant Birmingham: Networking with Rennae Stubbs A networking event afterwards saw openly-gay former doubles world number 1 Rennae Stubbs share her experience of LGBTQ+ inclusion at the Australian Open earlier this year. Hugely supportive of our approach, Rennae told crowds that inclusion should be felt everywhere in tennis and that grassroot clubs could better support young people through LGBTQ+ issues by being “warm and respectful (…) make their questions feel valued and always lead by example in your venue, whatever capacity you are in.” Exactly the sort of principles that Pride in Tennis wants to see put into practice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1898a2e6-89b4-43cb-bd7b-14b74abd23d6/image4.jpeg Blog - Brilliant Birmingham: Networking with Rennae Stubbs As temperatures hit 30°C in the shade, Eira and I took one for the team and stepped out into the heat to network (and soak up the rainbow-flag-filled atmosphere). Every match was topped-and-tailed with mentions of Pride in Tennis and Friday Pride Day on a day when Britain’s Katie Boulter put in a valiant performance against former Wimbledon champion, Simona Halep. All in all, it was a very productive (and spectacularly sunny) day in Birmingham. Read our next blog about the parallel Friday Pride Day event that happened in Queen’s Club, London. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/c0yzehiqtka7n8y46klowyetqdglmj monthly 0.5 2022-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/2383fa49-8a6a-4c24-b694-210de3c37f1d/Pride+flag+at+Notts+2.jpg Blog - “Friday Pride Days”: the Launch at Nottingham On 10 June 2022, the WTA 250 Rothesay Open held in Nottingham was home to the inaugural LTA “Friday Pride Day”. This also coincided with my own first experience of watching live professional tennis, so there were lots of reasons to look forward to it. Driving up to the venue, it was great to see the Progress Flag proudly billowing high amongst the other flags for the tournament. For many, I expect this might have just attracted some attention due to its colourful appearance; but for those aware of the meaning and significance of this symbol, it meant a great deal, as it represented the start of a more positive relationship between LGBTQ+ inclusion and tennis in Britain. Something, which a few weeks ago had merely been an idea brought up during a brainstorming session on how to improve visibility at an international tennis tournament, has come to fruition for all to see, making this the first international elite event supported by the LTA to display a Progress or Pride Flag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/29d64c45-af85-4347-8d38-e647d5c2cb8e/Ian+and+Dave+on+court+interview+2.JPG Blog - “Friday Pride Days”: the Launch at Nottingham The day started with an on-court interview before the first match on Centre Court with our co-chair and founder, Ian Pearson-Brown (right), alongside National Inclusion Development Manager for the LTA, Dave Hardman (centre). They discussed the objectives of Pride in Tennis and how we are working with the LTA towards our shared vision of a more inclusive tennis environment for everyone, irrespective of identity, whether that be sexual orientation or gender, for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/34a30cea-4b32-4525-a7c1-c18808d2cf07/Ian+coin+toss+2.jpg Blog - “Friday Pride Days”: the Launch at Nottingham By this point, the officials and ball-kids had taken their place on the court, most of whom were donned with their rainbow sweatbands and some with rainbow laces. Ian stayed on court for the coin toss for the first quarter-final between Zhang Shuai and Tereza Martincová. We then headed inside to the Pride Corner to start networking with local stakeholders to discuss creating a new LGBTQ+ tennis network locally in Nottingham. En route, there were some early indicators of the work we still have to do as an organisation and society - when some stewards were asked the location of the Pride Corner, the quizzical looks on their faces were soon followed by realisations of “Oh Pride, you mean about the ‘flag thing’?”, but they still showed interest and willingness - future allies in the making, I’m sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/a5502f85-742f-4973-bc0d-14533512c96d/notts.jpg Blog - “Friday Pride Days”: the Launch at Nottingham The networking event proved to be a great part of the day, with representation from multiple LGBTQ+ groups from Nottingham, including Notts LGBT+ network (photo from their Twitter account) and Notts Pride, brought together by Claire Brown from the LTA. We discussed some of the traditional challenges often faced by LGBTQ+ individuals wanting or trying to get involved in sport, as well as the more specific local difficulties that can be faced when accessing tennis in Nottingham. Having an insight into these barriers really helped us as we discussed potential solutions. It was great to hear the support and connections which could be offered from the different stakeholders and, as a member of Pride in Tennis, it was an honour to be at the start of the conversation for yet another potential new network. We came away from the talks with lots of action points and the possibility of gauging interest in an LGBTQ+ tennis network at Nottingham Pride this summer, so keep an eye out for the tennis stall if you are planning on attending. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/fd36799b-d393-48d0-a054-b6015bfeb82d/full+coverage.jpg Blog - “Friday Pride Days”: the Launch at Nottingham I think what made me realise the true impact of Friday Pride Day came after the event when messages started to come through from people who spotted us on live coverage sitting among Pride Flags to say how great it was to see that. Whilst the flags were present for those in attendance on site to see, this was not necessarily the case for viewers at home. I think this really went towards showing how such seemingly small gestures at the beginning can make a huge difference in improving visibility in sport for spectators and move towards making tennis a safer space for LGBTQ+ individuals. With all of these small victories in the bag, it is important to remember that this is still just the beginning, and we have so much more to do in pursuit of our vision of making tennis a more inclusive sport in Britain. For now, we eagerly wait for the next LTA Friday Pride Days at WTA 250 Birmingham and ATP 500 London Queen’s Club, both on 17 June 2022. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/blog/Blog Post Title One-ggdsh monthly 0.5 2022-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/fcc98705-930f-4161-8ac8-36dd1d91a4e1/AB+blog+1.JPG Blog - A Landmark Moment in Tennis The birth of Pride in Tennis (PiT) is a landmark moment in British tennis. At the recent launch event, participants’ stories made me realise how vital we are because of the challenges LGBTQ+ people continue to face in the sport. As a PiT board member and LTA Volunteering Manager, I’ve heard how people value connecting with others to feel less alone, as well as building connections to local LGBTQ+ tennis groups to play a sport they love or just want to try. As a member of BLAGSS Tennis, I can attest to the value of joining a group where I can genuinely be myself on and off the court. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1654536012940-EL9SZYAPERX3ADQB81RO/AB+blog+2.JPG Blog - A Landmark Moment in Tennis In these early days, we have lots to do. We want to: Ensure greater diversity within PiT itself Support the development of new LGBTQ+ clubs Facilitate connections between established clubs Help local clubs become more LGBTQ+ inclusive Sport has not always been the most comfortable bed-fellow for LGBTQ+ communities, but things seem to be changing. Excitingly, for example, there will be Pride Days at four major LTA Tennis Events this summer – a really visible marker of inclusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1654535757451-YWUP6E8I6R1WN62D95KJ/AB+blog+3.JPG Blog - A Landmark Moment in Tennis Here are some of the things you can do to play your part: Following Pride in Tennis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn Showing your support at one of the four Pride Days, on Fridays at Queens, Nottingham, Birmingham & Eastbourne Joining a local LGBTQ+ tennis group or talk to us about setting up a new group Volunteering for Pride In Tennis Sharing your experiences and promoting inclusion wherever you play tennis Thank you for being a part of this journey with us! https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025 daily 0.75 2025-07-06 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/brighton-pride-padel-tournament monthly 0.5 2025-07-06 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/notts-lgbt-tennis-social monthly 0.5 2025-06-04 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/q9196i0zvr69hmo3oklf8f0veaobqn monthly 0.5 2025-06-01 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/all-out-padel-pride-social monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/ace-players-tennis-croydon-2-free-tennis-sessions monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/lgbtq-out-for-sports-festival monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/serve-it-cup monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/edinburgh-curveballs-pride-in-tennis monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/dundee-deuces-pride-tennis-festival monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/weegie-whackers-pride-tennis-extravaganza monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/event-four-kxems monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/event-one-tty6d monthly 0.5 2025-05-30 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/event-five-ct8jn monthly 0.5 2025-05-31 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/event-three-arybh monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/pride-month-2025/event-two-kt6jb monthly 0.5 2025-05-29 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/vision daily 0.75 2024-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/71c1891e-1a43-413e-8412-6f8c4aea6e67/LW106482_bd5d79bf-803e-454a-85da-24d7023f4cca.JPG Our Vision, Objectives & Core Values - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/for-clubs-coaches daily 0.75 2023-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/13c92c38-8294-488c-8b0b-bba8573e9080/LWR51090_3e133a4a-8b49-4c9c-a46f-64ae24e92e40-cropped.jpg Starting a New Group - Make it stand out Ryan Watson, founder of South London Smashers https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/where-to-play daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/6 daily 0.75 2022-04-19 https://www.prideintennis.org.uk/home-2 daily 1.0 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/af992590-dd34-4e29-888b-e14f390a619a/Rally+Allies+Logo_White+BG_2160+x+1080px.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/1c212695-5e92-45b3-a0e4-9ea61f04000a/eastbourne.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623d9d32675d4d213f290433/aa76f879-fdef-4777-b416-999017aefe71/LW106163_98dbdf3b-6db3-436e-983b-d25336e682b2.JPG Home - Whether you are a beginner, improver, advanced or professional player, tennis should exist for everyone. 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