Astronauts Make History with First-Ever Tennis Match Aboard the ISS—Broadcast to Earth in Spectacular Fashion
In 2018, tennis and space exploration collided in the most extraordinary way—a doubles tennis match played in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This unprecedented event wasn’t just a fun volley in orbit; it was a powerful symbol of innovation, youth inspiration, and the unbounded possibilities of human achievement.
The players? A stellar squad: NASA astronauts Drew Feustel, Serena Auñón-Chancellor, and Ricky Arnold, alongside European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst. The quartet floated their way through a lively doubles match using tiny racquets and soft USTA Net Generation foam balls, ensuring safety in the delicate spacecraft environment.
“Our match in space was pretty challenging due to the fact that we are in a microgravity environment,” said Expedition 56 Commander Drew Feustel. “We did have a net, but the rules allowed the ball to go over or under the net. Also, there was no requirement for us to stay on the ground, so to speak, so we had the freedom to play on the walls, ceiling or floor.”
The historic match was broadcast live onto the Unisphere, the massive globe structure in Queens, New York, located near the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. There, an enthusiastic crowd gathered to witness the otherworldly game while enjoying freeze-dried ice cream and Dippin’ Dots—classic astronaut snacks.
“You really don’t want to break a window or something,” remarked Gordon Smith, Executive Director of the USTA, reflecting on the careful balance between excitement and caution aboard the ISS.
The event was part of USTA’s Net Generation initiative, aiming to engage kids in tennis by connecting the sport to bigger dreams—like exploring space. The astronauts’ light-hearted but skillful match was more than just fun; it was a powerful message to young athletes everywhere.
“I hope that kids who see us playing in space realize that anything is possible in their lives,” Feustel said. “We want to help them relate their lives and experiences to those of space explorers and help them realize that as young athletes, they can aspire to do great things. A fit body is essential to a fit mind, and tennis is a great game of skill that requires both physical and mental fitness.”
Before the match, Feustel even received tips from 2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin del Potro, bonding two passions: space travel and tennis. “Both Feustel and del Potro are chasing their dreams, on the court and in outer space.”
The event not only marked a unique warm-up for the US Open that year—it also served as a beacon of imagination, determination, and unity through sport and science.
And perhaps most exciting of all—it feels like a preview of what’s to come.
As private space travel rapidly develops and space tourism inches closer to reality, activities like this won’t be confined to astronauts and scientists. The idea of watching or even playing tennis in space is no longer science fiction—it’s becoming a matter of “when,” not “if.” Events like this one inspire a future where low-orbit leisure, athletic competitions in space arenas, and zero-gravity sports leagues could actually exist. What was once a novelty could become a regular part of human life beyond Earth.
So, next time you pick up a racquet, just imagine—your next match might be orbiting 250 miles above Earth, with the stars as your stadium.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/nwyWV-XEpK0?si=YFJW3wal1Cz2Re2k
- https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/net-generation-makes-tennis-match-happen-in-outer-space
- https://www.space.com/41588-first-tennis-match-in-space.html
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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