Net Generation makes tennis match happen in outer space

Tennis was played in outer space for the first time ever on Tuesday. Equipped with USTA Net Generation foam balls and small racquets, four astronauts in the International Space Station got to play a competitive match while orbiting the earth.

"Our match in space was pretty challenging due to the fact that we are in a microgravity environment," ISS Commander of Expedition 56 Andrew "Drew" Feustel said. "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."

Their match—which included astronauts Feustel, Ricky Arnold, Alexander Gerst and Serena Aunon-Chancellor—was projected onto the Unisphere just outside of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. A crowd enjoyed the out-of-this-world show while nibbling on freeze-dried ice cream and Dippin' Dots.

The match was made possible thanks to Net Generation, the official youth tennis of the USTA which strives to get young children interested in the game. Feustel got the added bonus of a chat earlier in the day with 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.

Both Fesutel and Del Potro are chasing their dreams, on the court and in outer space.

"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."

The space match was a great way to warm up for the US Open, which gets underway on Monday.