Tennis is good for your health—it’s official. The Copenhagen City Heart Study recently conducted in Denmark has shown that playing tennis can add almost 10 years to one’s life. The cardiovascular benefits of getting out there and running down balls is undeniable. In fact, tennis fans watching the US Open this year might have noticed on- screen graphics touting tennis as the ‘world’s healthiest sport.’ The game does have positive effects on flexibility, balance, blood pressure, social and emotional well being and even skeletal health. But that’s not all. We’ve found that tennis contributes to good health in many other ways. The tennis industry and its participants on all levels are quite active in supporting charities that help fight against disease. This is especially notable during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and has been since 1985.
One of the most high-profile partnerships in tennis’ battle against cancer involves the WTA tour and its main sponsor, Hologic. Hologic is a global corporation that creates high-tech diagnostic medical equipment, largely focused on women’s health.
In the tennis arena, the WTA and Hologic have teamed up to form the ACEing Cancer campaign. For each ace served by a WTA player at all 500 and 1000 level tennis tournaments, a donation is made to cancer research and other cancer nonprofits. In 2024, almost 1,000 aces were hit at the ‘Sunshine Double’ (indie term for the Indian Wells and Miami Open tournaments), raising almost $30,000. According to the most recent stats, Elena Rybakina is on top of the leaderboard, hitting the most aces in the competition this year.
While most of us won’t be hitting aces at major tournaments, we can still contribute to the fight against cancer. If you want to treat yourself and do lots of good, consider this… When Chris Evert’s diamond bracelet fell off her wrist at the US Open in 1978, a star was born. The ‘tennis bracelet’ became an instant classic. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, cancer survivor and tennis great Chris Evert has teamed up with luxury jeweler Monica Rich Kasson to create a tennis bracelet with a pink twist—a gorgeous gold tennis bracelet with pink sapphires, and a pear-shaped diamond to represent a bead of sweat. 50% of all profits by purchase of this piece will be donated to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Of course, you don’t have to be a tennis star to help fight cancer. Participating in, and even organizing, local tournaments and fundraisers can make a big difference. Shout out to the Northside Hospital Foundation in Georgia and its Tennis & Pickleball Against Cancer initiative that holds a series of events throughout the month of October, raising funds to increase access to mammography.
Want to get in on the game? Here is more information on how we all can support good health through tennis and pickleball.
Skort Obsession is selling cute tennis/golf skirts brightly decorated with images of pink ribbons to raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, in association with Play for P.I.N.K. Play for P.I.N.K. helps organize local golf and tennis fundraisers.
Pickleball players can do their part, too.
If you’re looking for a new paddle, consider these special offers that give back.
Players can swing the Susan G. Komen Foundation Hope and Courage paddles with pride. These cute pink paddles are for sale as part of the foundation’s Pickleball for the Cure fundraising drive that includes a Pickleball Challenge. Donations are made according to how many days in a row participants play pickleball. Does every day sound right?
Joola will donate $70 from the purchase of each ‘Stand Up to Cancer’ pickleball paddle to help cancer patients access the latest, most effective treatments. Nice touch: This paddle can be customized with the name of an individual who has faced cancer. Celebrity Katie Couric used just such a paddle to play in the charity pickleball tournament she held with Stand Up to Cancer this summer in East Hampton, N.Y. The event raised $70,000 for the organization.
Onix has launched Paddle with a Purpose, a program designed to support families affected by breast cancer. This October, Onix will donate $10,000 to the IWIN (Indiana Women in Need) Foundation.
The Diadem Play in Pink paddle is offered in partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
And don’t forget to pick up some Penn pink tennis balls at Dick’s Sporting Goods this month to support breast cancer charities. Penn will donate a portion of the proceeds to the search for a cure.
