A recent analysis of Sport England data reveals a significant shift in the nation's sports infrastructure. Over the past three years, England has experienced a net loss of 183 tennis courts, a trend that breaks a period of stability dating back to at least 2000. This decline encompasses a variety of venues, including community-owned facilities, local authority sites, schools, and private sports clubs.

While traditional tennis court availability is shrinking, the sport of padel is seeing rapid growth. The number of padel courts across the country has increased nearly sixfold, rising from 382 in 2023 to more than 2,200 today. According to research conducted by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), this growth in infrastructure coincides with a rise in participation, with an estimated one million people now playing padel as of May this year.

The data highlights a clear transition in how recreational space is being utilized, as padel—a racket sport often played in doubles on an enclosed court—gains popularity at the expense of traditional tennis facilities. While the LTA has acknowledged the rising interest in padel, the loss of nearly 200 tennis courts raises questions about the long-term impact on tennis accessibility for the general public.