Racket sports are booming across the US, with tennis and pickleball emerging as the dominant forces in a fast-growing fitness movement that blends exercise, competition and social connection.
Tennis remains the more established powerhouse, reaching a record 27 million players in 2025, according to the US Tennis Association. Pickleball, however, is closing the gap quickly, with 24.3 million Americans playing last year, a 24% surge from 2024.
Both sports are riding a broader wave of interest in racket disciplines, alongside the rapid expansion of padel courts and squash’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. But the central question remains: Which sport is healthier?
Tennis: Higher Intensity, Stronger Cardio Load
Tennis is widely viewed as the more physically demanding of the two sports. Its larger court, longer rallies and explosive movements create a higher cardiovascular workload.
A 2023 study involving Apple, the American Heart Association and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found tennis players consistently maintained higher heart rates than pickleball players across more than 250,000 recorded sessions.
“From a cardiovascular standpoint, tennis probably has the edge,” said Dr James O’Keefe, director of preventive cardiology at St Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute.
Pickleball, on the other hand, while less intense overall, brings its own set of physical benefits. The smaller court and rapid exchanges at the net help develop reaction time, coordination and balance.
Its accessibility has also made it one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, particularly among older adults and beginners seeking low-barrier entry into active lifestyles.
Injury Risks
Neither sport is risk-free, and sports medicine experts say injury profiles differ more than severity.
Tennis injuries are often linked to repetitive strain — including tennis elbow and shoulder issues from serving. Pickleball injuries tend to involve knees, tendons and Achilles ruptures caused by quick pivots, lunges and sudden stops.
“The misconception is that pickleball is completely safe. It still involves fast, explosive movement on hard courts,” said Dr Spencer Stein, an orthopaedic surgeon at NYU Langone.
A 2025 study found nearly 70% of pickleball players reported some form of injury, although most were minor and often linked to inexperience and overuse.
Social Advantage May Be The Real Winner
Beyond fitness, both sports deliver strong mental and social benefits, a key driver of their popularity.
Long-term research, including a Danish study of more than 8,500 people, found tennis players lived significantly longer than sedentary individuals, with social interaction playing a major role in longevity.
Pickleball may even have a slight edge in sociability due to its informal, highly interactive format that encourages frequent partner rotation and casual play.
“You can’t play these sports regularly without forming friendships, and that social connection is incredibly powerful,” said Dr O’Keefe.
Overall, experts stressed that while tennis may deliver a stronger cardio workout and pickleball may be easier on the joints, both offer meaningful health benefits.
“In reality, most people aren’t choosing between tennis and pickleball. They’re choosing between activity and inactivity — and both sports win on that front,” Dr O’Keefe said.
The New York Times
