Patrick McEnroe is raising the alarm over a growing crisis in college tennis—and he wants everyone to pay attention.

It started last week when the University of Arkansas announced it was cutting its tennis program due to funding issues. Since then, St. Louis, Illinois State, and North Dakota have followed suit. These aren't small-time programs; they're respected Division 1 institutions making a costly decision for the sport.

McEnroe, who played college tennis at Stanford alongside his brother John, knows firsthand how vital these programs are. He believes the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the college courts.

College tennis offers something unique: a competitive environment where players get consistent coaching and learn to thrive as part of a team—a rare experience in an individual sport. It also teaches adaptability, as players often juggle multiple matches and disciplines on short notice.

Think of John Isner, who used his college career as a launchpad to the ATP Tour. Today, that path is becoming more common. Danielle Collins, Emma Navarro, Ben Shelton, Chris Eubanks, and Learner Tien are just a few of the American stars who sharpened their skills in college tennis before turning pro.

And it's not just Americans. Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech, cousins now representing Monte Carlo and France on the ATP Tour, both honed their games at Texas A&M.

It's unclear whether more universities will follow Arkansas's lead. But if they do, McEnroe's voice—and his opposition—will only grow stronger.