PURPOSE This study examined the cultural experiences of tennis club members that have changed due to COVID-19, specifically emphasizing the accepted culture within these clubs. METHODS Seven tennis club members, with over five years of experience, active participation in two or more clubs, and a history of active participation, were interviewed using in-depth interviews and a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS Firstly, the tennis club members accepted the “no contact” culture that has emerged since COVID-19. Secondly, social distancing made getting together in large groups difficult, and tennis club activities became more limited. This has led to weakening the tennis club community, which is different from what we have seen before. Lastly, the growing interest in non-traditional content has led to an increase in participants enjoying tennis through social media. The information and experiences gained through social media have changed the perception of coaching. CONCLUSIONS The cultures that tennis players have adopted due to COVID-19 are expected to continue in the future. The findings from this study may provide evidence for understanding the changing culture of sports in the future.
PURPOSE This study focuses on the experiences of novice tennis enthusiasts in Korea, aligning with the rising popularity of tennis as a burgeoning cultural phenomenon. METHODS Employing an ethnographic approach, we included eight participants with <5 years of tennis, in addition to three auxiliary participants. RESULTS The primary findings of this study are as follows: First, novice tennis players from the MZ generation actively employ tennis as a means of personal expression, sharing their tennis-related fashion and experiences on SNS. Second, most novice tennis players report a sense of detachment from the traditional club-centric tennis culture, gravitating toward casual court usage, spontaneous activities, and flexible membership structures. F inally, despite their modest technical proficiency, they avidly engage in knowledge-based consumption, displaying a profound grasp of tennis-related information. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide valuable insights into comprehending this burgeoning cultural phenomenon in Korean society, stemming from the escalating interest in tennis, and can serve as a valuable benchmark for establishing development strategies for tennis.
