Tennis is traditionally thought of as an individual sport, but has actually been a team event for longer than most people would think. Davis Cup has been around for over 100 years, Fed Cup since 1963 and World Team Tennis was started in the 1970’s. High school and college tennis has always been more about the team than the individual. It’s a lot more fun to celebrate a win with your teammates and know that your individual performance contributed to the overall team win.

There are many leagues and team events that help grow the sport and show a fun side of tennis from the professional level to the recreational player.

Fed Cup
Fed Cup is the premier team competition in women’s tennis since 1963. An international tennis event, Fed Cup is played over several weeks in a home and away format showcasing many of the WTA tour stars as well as lesser known players in a team venue.

Davis Cup
The men’s equivalent of Fed Cup, this annual team competition has been around for over 100 years bringing many nations together to celebrate the sport. Davis Cup is one of the few times in tennis where players have the opportunity to represent their country. Format is two singles, one doubles, then reverse singles.

World Team Tennis
Founded by Billie Jean King as a professional co-ed team competition, World Team Tennis (WTT) has expanded to include adult and junior recreational leagues as well as pro tennis throughout the United States. Unlike Fed Cup and Davis Cup, WTT format is men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

USTA League
Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), various leagues are offered for men, women, seniors and mixed doubles. Play consists of singles and doubles where each individual win contributes to the overall team win. Certain of the USTA leagues can be extremely competitive. Winners of the local flights advance to District, Sectional and National levels.

Interclub
Generally ladies or juniors who compete as part of a team against other teams of the same ability or age group. This is more of a social encounter and not as competitive as some USTA League teams are. For juniors, it a great way to get in some extra court time and match-play situations.

Tennis isn’t just an individual sport anymore. Whether you’re looking for a social event or a competitive match, it can be a lot more fun and rewarding as part of a team.

Have fun on the courts!