The Tennis Set opened its doors in 1977, after Jane Rodney and her brother John Tidrick had been wanting to start a business, and noticed that there weren’t many places in Kansas City to buy tennis gear for kids. Matt Rodney, Jane’s son, was 10 at the time, and playing lots of tennis.
“So out of the blue, (my brother) called one day, and said, ‘You know, we should open a tennis shop'.” Jane recalled.
She remembered with a smile how much they improvised in the beginning. She talked about going to market for the first time with a new business and a shoestring budget, and sitting at the kitchen table with her brother, estimating what apparel quantities and sizes to buy based on how many of her friends wore a certain size.
They may have started out winging it, but 48 years later, they are the only remaining family owned tennis-focused shop in Kansas City.
Matt started working at the shop when he was 15. After college he spent many years coaching higher level junior tennis players.
Then 12 years ago his Uncle John decided to retire and Matt became the owner of The Tennis Set. Jane has continued to be involved at the shop.
Both Jane and Matt talked about how fulfilling it has been to work with so many of their own family members in the shop over the years, and also seeing their customers' families grow up over time. Some of their regular customers have been shopping with them for 48 years, and have introduced their kids and grandkids to the shop as well.
Jane said unequivocally that it’s the people she loves most about the business. She recalled how much she loves when high school players come in and greet her with a smile and share their latest match scores. She shared that some of her good friendships have started through the shop.
Jane and Matt discussed the uniqueness they see in tennis as a sport. Jane thinks tennis keeps people young because it’s such great exercise and so social.
Matt pointed out, “Tennis is a sport that can be played at any level and still be enjoyable. Regardless of level, you can still get out there and have fun and laugh.”
When it comes to shopping for rackets, shoes, and pickleball paddles, it can be overwhelming, and most people won’t know where to start if they are shopping online or in a large sporting goods store. Rackets vary in head size, grip size, weight, string material, and tension. Personal service and years of knowledge distinguish Tennis Set as an easier and friendlier place to find the right gear.
Mention this article and receive a one time 20% discount on apparel and shoes through 6/30/2025.
Scott Schibig, Racquet Sports Director at Carriage Club, is wearing a men's Nike Heritage set from Tennis Set.
Mike Murphy, also a Tennis Professional at The Carriage Club, is wearing a men's Adidas set from the store.
Scott says, "I think it's amazing that the KC Tennis Community has a tennis-specific store to shop at. It's nice to have a store in our community that you can see a friendly face, try on shoes and clothing, try a demo racquet, and talk to a person about what type of strings you want and need for your game."