Despite the windy weather, more than 300 people attended the second annual Red Ball Tennis (RBT) event. Featuring no formal courts, strict rules, or required tennis experience, the high-energy gathering brought family and friends together to help grow the sport as an inclusive, lifelong activity in the Bay Area.
The USTA officially launched RBT at the 2025 US Open, introducing a low-pressure format that utilizes 36-foot courts, smaller racquets, and low-compression balls.
USTA NorCal’s Red Ball programs were integrated afterward to teach youth ages 5-8 and adult beginners using a game-based, social approach. These programs utilize specialized equipment, including 36-foot courts, lower nets, and low-compression balls that bounce 75% slower, enabling players to rally, move, and connect immediately.
Christine Costamagna, USTA NorCal Board President, noted that approximately 750 players registered in 2025 prior to the Laver Cup – a figure highly comparable to this year’s enrollment numbers.
“Events like this are always a success,” Costamagna added. “Red Ball is one of our primary mass-participation initiatives. We will continue expanding throughout Northern California across diverse demographics to let people experience the thrill of being on a court with a racket.”
Previous Diversity and Inclusion Committee member Vince Owens shared highlights from his three decades of volunteering with USTA NorCal.
“I got my family involved a long time ago,” Vince recalled, noting that his favorite memories include running an event booth at the Bank of the West and meeting professional women’s tennis players. “My most memorable occasion was meeting Venus and Serena Williams back in 1995 at one of our events.”
A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Vince said he currently follows Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.
“I volunteered last year handing out meal tickets, and returning to do it again this year brings me so much joy,” Vince added.
Bay Area physician Pratik Mukherjee highlighted tennis as a vital tool for lifelong fitness.
“Tennis is widely considered the healthiest sport in the world because it demands continuous aerobic running, quick changes of direction, and deep coordination,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a proper warm-up.
Santa Rosa resident and St. John tennis coach Don Dustin attended with his partner, Lisa Marie Likely, and their six dogs, who acted as cheerleaders for their doubles game.
“I missed last year’s event, but after receiving the email, I decided to come experience it with friends and our dogs,” Dustin noted. “We take them everywhere we go, and they know how to behave.”
In 2024, the USTA conducted more than 470 pilots with over 23,000 participants to gauge feedback from players, coaches, and administrators regarding this accessible, low-intensity format.
Because 75% of participants expressed a desire to play more RBT, these high retention rates serve as a strong catalyst to further scale RBT as a primary funnel for introducing millions of new players to the sport.
USTA Section-approved providers will receive an equipment package to support the organization’s strategic goal of reaching 35 million players.
Contributor credits: Nancy Moya, Aaron Rocha
Photo credits: Aarona Rocha
Nancy Moya, Independent Journalist
