History of Beach Tennis
International Origins
Italy remains the global centre of Beach Tennis today, with more than 1,600 courts supporting a thriving recreational and competitive community. During the mid-1970s, the sport also evolved in Torredembarra, Spain, where some of the earliest organised matches using rules similar to the modern game took place, contributing to the formalisation of Beach Tennis.
Formalisation and Early Development
The first organised championship in Torredembarra was held in 1978, and equipment began evolving from wooden paddles to the composite rackets used today. The standardised net height of 1.7 metres was introduced to increase the pace and dynamism of play. Throughout the 1980s and 199s, the sport continued to develop across European beaches, building structure and visibility.
International Growth & Recognition
Beach Tennis expanded significantly through the 1990s and 2000s. A major step forward occurred in 2008, when the International Tennis Federation (ITF) formally recognised Beach Tennis and launched the official ITF World Ranking system. The first ITF Beach Tennis World Championships followed in 2009 at Rome’s Foro Italico, bringing international status and strengthening competitive pathways.
While Italy remains the sport’s heartland, Brazil has become one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, following its introduction there around 2008. The sport spread rapidly across Brazilian beaches, creating one of the largest player bases and tournament circuits internationally. Today, Brazil stands alongside Italy and Spain as a leading force in elite performance and global growth.
Beach Tennis now attracts former tennis professionals and international athletes, contributing to rising standards and increasing global recognition.
Beach Tennis in the UK
Growth & Community Impact
BTUK has helped expand Beach Tennis in the UK by creating accessible opportunities for new players, delivering structured coaching, running competitions, and collaborating with councils, charities, and community organisations. Development focuses on sustainable local growth rather than national saturation, ensuring that each hub maintains quality, safety, and inclusivity.
From its early beginnings on Brighton beach, Beach Tennis in the UK has grown into a small but enthusiastic community that continues to expand year by year.
Beach Tennis UK (BTUK) introduced the sport to the UK in 2010. Beginning with a small group of players on Brighton Sand Court, the sport has since developed gradually across selected coastal locations.
BTUK continues to promote the game through regular sessions, coaching opportunities, beginner pathways, and the establishment of hubs in Brighton and Poole. While still a developing sport in the UK, awareness and participation continue to grow.
Beach Tennis originated in the early 1970s on the beaches of Lido degli Estensi, in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, where tennis players began hitting over existing beach-volleyball nets. What started as a casual beach activity quickly developed into a distinct sport with its own identity and style.
