30-Love: Enduring Passion of Tennis Legends

From individuals to organizations, weekend warriors to professional players, minute observations to big-picture ideas, tennis has been top of mind across the board over the past two years.

“I feel like this is the tennis boom part two,” says Trey Waltke, general manager of the Malibu Racquet Club in southern California. “Everyone is talking tennis. Everyone is playing. People are rediscovering how great tennis is.”

Tennis shouldn’t rest on its laurels; the first boom didn’t last forever. But this is as good of an opportunity to reflect on what the sport has gotten right, during a time when so much has gone wrong.

Over the next few weeks, we'll do just that, with a series of stories—30-Love—that highlights 30 things worth celebrating about the New American Tennis Boom. Look for past articles on the left side of each page.—Ed McGrogan

“Move your feet, get ready, swing through it,” come the words from the instructor. But not just any instructor. In this case it’s Hall of Famer Tracy Austin, conducting a clinic in South Carolina, hours before she’s scheduled to provide TV commentary.

Then there’s another Hall of Famer, Gigi Fernandez, traveling the world providing in-depth doubles instruction, at times joined by Austin or Martina Navratilova. Or Luke Jensen, trekking from one facility to another.

Tennis’ legends relish the chance to share their passion. Decades past their playing days, many provide instruction—strokes, tactics, psychology, history—to mortals of all skill levels. When they’re not doing this on the court, many provide insights and instruction through TV analysis and content.