The growing popularity of tennis tournaments is leading to potential significant developments in the sport. Discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a premium tennis tour, akin to the LIV-PGA merger in golf, which has the potential to result in substantial increases in media coverage and sponsorship deals. Additionally, The Tennis Channel is actively seeking new investors, and a potential merger could facilitate further growth and capitalize on the increasing viewership of tennis-related programming.
The significant viewership garnered by marquee matchups between top players underscores the appeal of such events. The most-watched tennis match in history was the “Battle of the Sexes” which drew a remarkable 50 million American viewers. This historic match, between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs on September 20, 1973, symbolized a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for gender equality in tennis. King’s victory over Riggs, known for his chauvinistic views and claim that he could beat top women’s tennis players, served as a catalyst for advancing parity in women’s tennis.
Subsequently, the U.S. Open final in 2002 between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi ranks as the second most-watched match, with 9.4 million viewers, signifying the enduring appeal of high-stakes contests between tennis titans. Serena Williams, a dominant force in women’s tennis, has also featured prominently in the list of top 10 most-watched tennis matches, with her last career match at the 2022 U.S. Open attracting 4.8 million viewers.
The ranking of the most-watched tennis matches is as follows based on reported U.S. viewership:
1. “Battle of the Sexes” – Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs, 1973 – 50 million viewers
2. U.S. Open final 2002 – Pete Sampras vs Andre Agassi – 9.4 million viewers
This list, compiled using data from SportsMediaWatch and ESPNPressRoom, provides insight into the enduring appeal of these iconic tennis matches and their ability to captivate millions of viewers.
As of July 10, 2024, this overview serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of these landmark tennis matches that have resonated with audiences across the years.