Behind the Court: How the ATP is Making Tennis Sustainable

Imagine you’re watching your favorite tennis player fire off a winning serve, and you realize that every tournament, every flight, and every packed stadium is leaving a mark—not just on the scoreboards but on the planet. It’s a bit of a gut punch, right?

But here’s the good news: the ATP isn’t just standing by. It’s stepping up with a solid game plan to make tennis greener, more sustainable, and more responsible. So, how exactly is tennis going green?

Let’s break down the ATP’s three-part approach to a sustainable future for tennis—and how everyone, from players to fans, can play their part.

Step 1: Lead by Example

The ATP knows that if they’re going to talk the talk, they’ve got to walk the walk—well, in this case, serve the serve. They’ve taken a hard look at their own operations and realized they needed to lead by example.

That’s why, back in 2019, they did a full carbon audit of the Tour, crunching the numbers on everything from staff travel to the energy guzzled by their offices across the globe​.

This audit didn’t just give the ATP a reality check—it gave them a baseline to work from. With clear data in hand, they set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and hit net-zero by 2040​. That’s no small feat, considering the massive scale of international travel, tournaments, and all the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep the Tour rolling.

Step 2: Support the Members

Sustainability in tennis isn’t just about the ATP—it’s about everyone in the ecosystem. The Tour is made up of more than 60 independently run tournaments spread across 30 countries, and each of these events presents its own sustainability challenges. That’s why the ATP has rolled out a special toolkit to help tournament organizers reduce their environmental impact.

This Tournament Toolkit isn’t just some downloadable checklist. It includes practical, hands-on tools like the Action Planner, which offers sustainability ideas that can be adapted to each tournament’s unique circumstances. Whether it’s using energy-efficient lighting, sourcing food locally, or recycling materials, the ATP is giving organizers the resources they need to make smart, eco-friendly choices.

And let’s not forget the players. Tennis players are constantly on the move, zipping from country to country with their entourage in tow. All that travel creates a hefty carbon footprint, but the ATP has a solution: the Player Travel Offset Program. This initiative allows players to track their travel-related emissions and offset them by investing in projects that help the environment. It’s a win-win—players can still chase their dreams around the globe, but without leaving a massive environmental wake behind them.

A few players, like Dominic Thiem, have already hopped on board and are showing their commitment to a greener future. It’s a movement that’s only gaining momentum, and the ATP is encouraging more players to take part.

Step 3: Promote and Inspire

But what’s a sustainability strategy if no one’s talking about it? The ATP knows that raising awareness is just as important as taking action. After all, tennis isn’t just about what happens on the court—it’s a global sport with millions of fans watching every match, and that makes tennis a powerful platform to inspire change.

The ATP is using its massive reach to advocate for environmental responsibility. Whether it’s social media posts, stories on ATPTour.com, or eco-friendly initiatives at tournaments, the ATP is making sure the message gets out there. They’re not just talking to the players and staff—they’re engaging the fans, too.

Fans are a huge part of the equation. By promoting public transportation to events, encouraging recycling at venues, and spreading the word about reducing single-use plastics, the ATP is inspiring tennis lovers around the world to get involved. It’s a team effort, and every small step counts. Who knew cheering for your favorite player could come with a side of sustainability?

Ready to serve? Here’s How You Can Support a Sustainable Future for Tennis

Alright, tennis fans—it’s your turn to step onto the court! While the ATP is making big moves to green up the sport, fans like you can also make a huge difference. Supporting sustainability isn’t just for the players or the event organizers; every ticket holder, viewer, and tennis enthusiast has a role to play in this game. So, what can you do to help the ATP’s sustainability efforts? Here are three simple, but impactful, ways to get involved:

1. Take Public Transportation to Events

Whenever possible, leave the car at home and opt for greener ways to travel to matches. Whether it’s hopping on a bus, train, or even carpooling with fellow fans, reducing individual car use helps cut down on carbon emissions. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of parking, and who doesn’t love a stress-free commute?

2. Recycle and Reduce Waste at Tournaments

Look out for recycling stations at events and make sure your waste goes in the right bin. Better yet, bring your own reusable water bottles, bags, or containers to minimize single-use plastic. Small actions add up, and when thousands of fans do their part, it can make a massive difference.

3. Support Sustainable Merchandise

When you’re buying gear or souvenirs, opt for sustainable, eco-friendly products. Many events now offer items made from recycled materials or organic cotton. You can look good while doing good for the planet!

Tennis is a sport built on community, and when the whole community rallies together for the planet, we all win. By making small, thoughtful changes, you can help the ATP and the sport of tennis become a leader in sustainability. Now that’s a legacy worth cheering for!