SUN CITY — The Tall Oaks Tennis Club has scored a major win, securing support from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to launch a red ball tennis pilot program. Thanks to the efforts of club president Duane Fontana, the USTA has provided the club with new equipment to help introduce its members to the sport in a more accessible and enjoyable way.
“If we go back maybe seven, eight years ago, I saw that the population of Sun City was getting older and a lot were getting injuries or they can’t do what they used to…I had shoulder surgery so I understand now. So, I said, ‘There’s got to be a way that I can make it easier for older people or people that have injuries to do this.’ So, I came up with this brilliant idea that if I had a slower ball and a smaller court, it might make it easier for the older people,” Fontana told My Sun Day News.
This ultimately led Fontana to discover Masters Tennis, a modified version of the sport that is played on a smaller court and uses slower balls and lighter racquets. With the help of Fontana’s wife, the Tall Oaks Tennis Club formed a sub-charter section of members who only participate in Masters Tennis. While Masters Tennis has grown in popularity within the club over the years, Fontana realized that there was more potential to attract those who are still intimidated by the sport. After some online research, Fontana found yet another modification of tennis that was far more beginner-friendly.
Red ball tennis, which uses larger, softer, and slower-moving balls on a smaller court, is designed to make tennis more approachable for beginners and those with limited mobility. The modified equipment helps players develop their skills at a comfortable pace, reducing the physical demands of the traditional game.
“[The USTA] had a pilot program in 2024 and if you signed up for this program, they would supply you with equipment to get started,” said Fontana. “They’ve been rolling it out nationwide. The pilot program is over. I got in under the wire and they’re rolling it out and they’re going to make a big deal about this in 2025. So, I figured we’re in a perfect position because we are older and we do have injuries and it’s something that everybody can try. So, when I filled out the application they gave me 12 tennis racquets, they gave me 12 sleeves—so 36 balls, they gave me the net, they gave me regrips for the tennis racquets, and instructions on how to set it up, for free. It’s like $500 worth of stuff.”
Fontana added that in return for the free red ball tennis equipment, the Tall Oaks Tennis Club must provide feedback to the USTA on the progress of red ball tennis within the club.
Starting sometime in April, Fontana says that the Tall Oaks Tennis Club has secured the Birch Room in hopes of getting Sun City residents to try red ball tennis. The club also has two dates at the Meadow View Lodge where residents from the community will be invited to try the modified version of the sport.
“We start our tennis season on May 16, I believe. We’re going to have an expo out there on the tennis courts for people to try it,” said Fontana. “But our first rollout is going to be I think in April. When the season starts, if [residents are] interested, we’ll start them in [our] Tennis Academy. We’ll have some of our experts rate them and we’ll start them maybe with the foam [red] ball to get them over some of the intimidation, the fear of getting hit or hurt, and build up some confidence and some basic strokes.”
Fontana may not be sure of the future of red ball tennis in the club but is hopeful it will have a positive impact on Sun City.
“I really believe that it’s going to have a play in Sun City and for the Tall Oaks Tennis Club because it’s going to keep the people who used to play but quit because of injuries. It’s going to bring them back and let them enjoy the game,” said Fontana. “Looking forward five years from now, there’s going to be a good portion of Sun City residents in the Tall Oaks Tennis Club either starting or continuing to play red ball tennis more than even I can imagine.”
