The long-running tennis publication Tennis.com is being rebuilt as a data-focused site, resulting in the departure of its established writers.

Tennis.com, the digital home of the long-running Tennis Magazine, is undergoing a complete overhaul that removes its written commentary. The site, which was acquired by Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2017 and merged with the Tennis Channel, will now prioritize match schedules, scores, and tournament data. Esteemed writers including Steve Tignor and Pete Bodo are no longer part of the platform.

Shift in Editorial Strategy

Jill Dortheimer, vice-president of communications for Tennis Channel, stated that the site is in the midst of a full rebuild. She noted that the current priority is to deliver fast, comprehensive match and tournament information, though she indicated there is more to come in the future to improve the fan experience. The company did not address specific inquiries regarding the future of written commentary.

Decline of Tennis Journalism in the US

The change at Tennis.com reflects a broader trend in American sports journalism, where dedicated tennis coverage has significantly diminished. While the 1970s and 80s featured multiple tennis-focused publications, today only The Athletic, owned by the New York Times, employs full-time tennis writers. Hall of Fame journalist Steve Flink noted that while older fans still desire written analysis, younger audiences increasingly prefer video content, and US newspaper presence at major events like Wimbledon has dropped sharply over the last decade.