American tennis legends Billie Jean King and John McEnroe helped launch National Tennis Month in the United States on Wednesday by playing a friendly game of tennis in New York City.
King and McEnroe have played all over the world and on all surfaces, but they can add a new venue to their lists: a barge floating on the Hudson River.
King and McEnroe spent the afternoon volleying back and forth in front of the Manhattan skyline. They capped the afternoon with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and New York’s South Street Seaport.
“National Tennis Month is a perfect way to get focus on our game,” said King in a statement from the United States Tennis Association. “It gets the beginners started and serves as a friendly reminder to get your racquet and head back to the tennis court.
“New York City is where I’m from, so we’re in a setting that is second-to-none to jump start National Tennis Month,” said McEnroe. “For me, it’s about getting even more kids playing our sport.”
National Tennis Month is the annual celebration of the outdoor tennis season and part of an industry-wide initiative to increase tennis participation in the United States.
Throughout the month, the USTA will conduct events nationwide to promote tennis, celebrate its growth and increase participation in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
