TENEZ brings street culture back into the game by focusing on community 

The year 2020 presented many unforeseen challenges which also trickled into the sports world. Through it all, tennis not only survived the world's darkest hour on the tours, the sport also grew on the recreational level—and the trend isn't showing signs of slowing down.

Tennis was one of the few sports people could play while practicing social distance and because of that, people who never saw themselves on a tennis court held a racquet for the first time. In the Southern California area this growth is clear as day. It's steadily switching from an intimidating and elitist game to the one that's open to all walks of life.

From The Courts' "Low Desert Open" to Racquet Club LA's "Sunday Service," the sport is becoming more diverse, accessible and most importantly welcoming to players of all levels. Claudia Michelle Gaviria, founder of TENEZ, is a part of the expanding evolution of free-spirited tennis players that one usually finds underneath the lights of a free park court.

Gaviria began TenezOfficial two years ago amidst the pandemic as a fun Instagram page, collecting graphics, photos and miscellaneous tennis things. As time went by she realized something was missing from the sport she loved dearly, and that was an accepting environment where everyone is welcome to play. A space where no privilege, status, or skill level mattered. Not only did she bring this concept to life, but its become one of the biggest recreational tennis events in the Los Angeles area.

"The focus for us has always been to represent what the industry considers the minority of tennis players," Gaviria tells Baseline. "We are park players and the people who aren’t buying into the elitist country club lifestyle of tennis. I devised the term ‘Made for Tennis Bums’ to affectionately represent a free spirited player."

These so-called tennis bums most recently came together for the quarterly "TENEZ Tourney." Gaviria describes the energy at these tournaments as "easy going" and "competitive. Upon walking into a TENEZ event, players aren't greeted with that dreadful all-white check-in table, but rather food, beverages, music and the most unique and interesting group of people. The street culture of tennis has arrived and anyone who wants to pick up a racquet (even if it's for the first time) can get in on the action.

Given Gaviria's push to open up a new perspective of the game, it's not all about the score but also about the merchandise. Most recently, the founder teamed up with mixed-media artist Gaia Marcaccini to produce a "mischievous" take on the classic white tennis ball.

"Hit me baby," is wrapped around the eye-catching tennis balls and is almost essential for any tennis lover. Sadly they are only around for a good time, not a long time—as this collectors item will enjoy a limited run. They are priced at just $18 which is a far cry from Chanel's $2000 pack of novelty tennis balls and can be found online or at the one year TENEZ tourney anniversary tournament next month.

"The quest with anything TENEZ produces is that our products are functionable as well as lighthearted and entertaining. That was really important to us in the production of these tennis balls," Gaviria says.

TENEZ does more than offer up its own pun-intended products. The brand also does a great job at involving other small businesses. Other tennis-friendly items from brands such as, WeedSport, Furi Sport and Vacation can be found in winner bags and for sale on the sidelines. It's all about community for Gaviria and making sure everyone gets a piece of that Arthur Ashe Stadium-like spotlight.

What started off as just a simple tennis-inspired mood board Instagram page has grown into a network of 100-plus players. Gaviria proves that tennis can really take you places, but it all starts with picking up a racquet.