Building a global framework for safe, consistent and sustainable tennis facilities
With millions of players and hundreds of thousands of courts worldwide, tennis needs clear, modern rules for how its facilities are built and equipped. ISO/CD 25334-1 "Sports facilities — Tennis — Part 1: Court surface and equipment" is creating a global standard for court surfaces and equipment to make tennis courts safer, more consistent and more sustainable everywhere.
Building a comprehensive framework for tennis
Tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports, attracting players of all ages and skill levels on every continent. According to the Global Tennis Report 2021 from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), more than 87 million people now play tennis worldwide, with women accounting for 41%. The number of tennis courts has surpassed 578,000 globally.
At present, ISO standards in tennis mainly address tennis rackets, leaving significant room for broader coverage. ISO/CD 25334‑1 is an important step towards a more complete framework for tennis facilities and equipment.
Specialized equipment such as net post sockets, perimeter/backstop curtains and fencing is crucial for the installation and maintenance of tennis courts. At the same time, the selection of court surfaces is central to different tennis formats and playing styles. Today’s main surface types include clay courts, grass courts and acrylic surfaces, each with its own physical and economic characteristics. Developing clear and harmonized standards for these facilities and their equipment can enhance the enjoyment of tennis and support wider participation in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible way.
Scope
The draft standard provides requirements and guidance for court surfaces and equipment used in tennis facilities, including test methods and tolerances.
Working Group
ISO/CD 25334‑1 “Sports facilities — Tennis — Part 1: Court surface and equipment” is being developed in WG 13 “Racket sports” under ISO/TC 83, led by Convenor Shanfeng Dong.
Next steps and call for experts
The Working Group has already started its work on ISO/CD 25334‑1, and further interested experts are welcome to join the project.
Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being for People: Promoting safe, accessible and enjoyable tennis facilities supports physical activity, health and well‑being.
Goal 5 – Gender Equality: Tennis has a strong tradition of participation by women and men; standardized facilities can help maintain and expand equal access to the sport.
Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Clear requirements for court surfaces and equipment foster innovation, quality and long‑lasting sports infrastructure.
Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Guidance on materials, testing and maintenance can support more sustainable choices and responsible use of resources.