Tennis is a sport unlike any other. It combines athleticism, strategy, and mental toughness in a uniquely individual way. But for all its beauty, tennis can also feel isolating. Step onto a singles court and it’s just you, your opponent, and the scoreboard. Every point won or lost is yours alone to carry. That’s why at Mantis, we believe so strongly in supporting amateur team tennis—because it offers players something truly different, something you simply can’t replicate in a one-on-one match.
Team tennis is not just a competition format. It’s a vital part of the tennis ecosystem, one that ensures the sport is welcoming, sustainable, and meaningful for everyone—not just the few who rise to the professional ranks.
The Reality: Most Tennis Is Amateur Tennis
The professional game, as dazzling as it is, represents only the tiniest tip of the iceberg. Millions of players around the world pick up a racket every week, but only a microscopic percentage will ever step into a Grand Slam stadium. For the vast majority, tennis will always be an amateur pursuit—something to enjoy on local courts, with friends, and in weekend leagues.
That’s why supporting amateur structures isn’t just a nice add-on; it’s essential. Without vibrant grassroots and club competitions, tennis risks being perceived as an elite or solitary sport. Team formats give everyday players the chance to experience the camaraderie, excitement, and sense of belonging that keeps them coming back season after season.
Breaking the Loneliness of the Court
Ask anyone who’s played a tough singles match: it can be lonely out there. Every mistake echoes louder when you’re on your own, every dip in confidence feels harder to shake. In contrast, team tennis creates a shared experience. Suddenly, you’re not just playing for yourself—you’re playing for your teammates, and they’re playing for you.
When you lose a close match, you don’t have to stew over it in silence. Teammates are there to pick you up, remind you of the bigger picture, and encourage you to go again. When you win, the joy is magnified because it’s shared. That collective spirit doesn’t just make the sport more fun—it makes it healthier, more supportive, and more sustainable for players at every level.
Learning to Lose—and Learning Together
Tennis is a sport defined by losing. Even the very best players in the world lose games, sets, and tournaments far more often than they’d like. For amateurs, that truth is even starker. Learning to handle defeat is part of the journey—but it’s far easier when you’re surrounded by others.
In team tennis, a single loss doesn’t end the day. Maybe your doubles partner pulls out a great win, or the player after you clinches a deciding tiebreak. The collective effort means defeat feels less final. More importantly, it builds resilience. Players learn that setbacks don’t define them; they’re just moments in a wider narrative that the team writes together.
Off-Court Bonds That Matter Just as Much
One of the most overlooked aspects of team tennis is what happens beyond the baseline. The matches themselves are thrilling, of course, but it’s the conversations over coffee after practice, the post-match dinners, and the hours spent dissecting rallies that linger in memory.
These off-court experiences turn teammates into friends and competitors into lifelong companions. They provide the laughter, the shared stories, and the sense of belonging that make tennis more than just a sport. When we look back years later, it’s rarely the scores we remember—it’s the people, the atmosphere, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Life, after all, is about experiences. And amateur team tennis delivers them in abundance.
Why Mantis Supports Amateur Team Tennis
At Mantis, we’re passionate about the role tennis can play in people’s lives, whether they’re aspiring juniors, seasoned club players, or enthusiastic beginners. Supporting amateur team tennis is part of our commitment to making the sport inclusive, sustainable, and rewarding.
We see the difference it makes:
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Players stay engaged longer. With the fun and friendships of a team environment, people are far less likely to drift away from the game.
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The game becomes richer. Team tennis provides an emotional depth that solo play sometimes lacks—shared victories, collective resilience, and bonds that last beyond the season.
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The ecosystem thrives. Amateur competitions are the lifeblood of the sport, feeding into coaching, equipment innovation, and the overall health of tennis communities.
By championing amateur team tennis, we’re not just backing a format—we’re investing in the future of the sport.
Final Thoughts
Tennis can be a lonely game, but it doesn’t have to be. Team tennis like the British seniors team tennis events, transforms the experience, creating a balance between the individual challenge of competition and the collective joy of community. It provides a place where losing is softened by support, winning is celebrated together, and the friendships forged are as valuable as any trophy.
For the vast majority who will never walk onto Centre Court at Wimbledon, team tennis offers something equally profound: the chance to belong, to grow, and to create memories that last a lifetime.
That’s why Mantis stands proudly behind amateur team tennis—because it’s not just part of the sport. It’s the heart of it and the reason why all our products are built with the amateur player in mind.
