14 Best Tennis Cities In The World
Most people associate a summer of tennis with watching the US Open or Wimbledon on TV. But for others playing tennis on vacation is something they wait all year to do, particularly if they are looking to get beyond the screen and start serving and volleying themselves.
It’s not surprising that the best international players spend most of their training time overseas. While most ATP players choose to live in Monte Carlo or Dubai, there are many other cities that are worth a visit.
Here are the 14 best tennis cities in the world.
14. Paris, France
Paris is known for many things, but for tennis fans, it’s all about Roland Garros. One of the most famous and prestigious Grand Slam tournaments is played here once a year, and it’s almost always the highlight of the year.
Apart from that, there are many well-established tennis academies In Paris that have had great success in the last couple of years.
Paris is a city that breaths sports, and apart from Football, tennis is the most popular sport here.
Ask any tennis fan, and they will have Paris as one of their dream destinations for watching or playing tennis.
13. Buenas Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires can feel like a moving train when you first arrive. This modern metropolis whizzes by with busy sidewalk cafes and shady parks that are carpeted in purple jacaranda blooms in spring. Buenas Aires may be the hidden tennis gem in South America you are looking for.
In the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, there is a private tennis club named the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club. They play host to an ATP Tour clay-court event at this club every year.
It is also steeped in history, having been founded in 1921. It was here that the Argentine Tennis Association was established, as the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club is one of its founding members.
12. Costa Mujeres, Mexico
You’ll find the atmosphere more relaxed and calm than in the much more famous Cancun that is nearby. But not to worry there is just enough to keep you entertained: scuba diving and snorkeling, visiting a turtle farm, or just swimming and relaxing on the stunning north shore of the island.
Despite the countless tourist shops, the crushed-coral beaches are undeniably beautiful. Isla Mujeres has calm turquoise water you must experience for yourself.
The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center also offers kids and adults a great tennis program and incredible sports facilities.
There is no better opportunity for tennis enthusiasts to experience what it is like to train with the best technical team in the world. Immerse yourself in a high-intensity academy with the Rafa Nadal Academy, in which you will learn the Movistar method in a professional setting.
11. Bali, Indonesia
Bali conjures up visions of paradise at the mere mention of it. In essence, it’s more than a destination; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind, and what many people may not know is a great place to play tennis.
With their 18 professional tennis courts spread between three centers, Liga Tennis also boasts two squash courts, a basketball court, a fitness center with a pool and sauna, a fully-equipped classroom, restaurants, lockers, lounges, and tennis stores.
In addition to the tennis courts, you can participate in Bali’s varied and rich culture at any time while you are not on the courts.
The island is abundant with life, from the beautiful flower offerings placed everywhere to the procession of joyously dressed locals marching to one of the numerous temple ceremonies, to the otherworldly traditional music and dancing.
10. Johannesburg, South Africa
As the cultural and economic center of South Africa, Johannesburg, or Jo’burg for short, is a vibrant metropolis. The city has a reputation for looking to the future with optimism. In the region, you can play tennis at Sun City, a luxury resort and casino.
Near the city of Rustenburg, on the edge of the Elands River and Pilanesberg, lies the Sun City Resort. There is much to do here for tennis lovers—a stunning location with superb tennis courts.
When you aren’t playing tennis you can relax and enjoy the luxurious surroundings of the Sun City Resort.
9. Melbourne Australia
Melbourne as a city is quite breathtaking. In addition to being dynamic, cosmopolitan, sports-obsessed, and artsy, Melbourne keeps its best spots hidden while evoking style, inviting food and culture lovers to explore.
Due to the city’s well-ordered grid and abundance of art-deco high-rises, it has a little bit of a New York vibe as well. Still, Melbourne has its distinctive character.
A large part of that is due to the 230+ laneways that connect city blocks, known for their street art, cuisine, and nightlife.
There is always a new path to take, another treasure to discover, even if you live a lifetime here. It is no surprise that Australia is a mecca for tennis fans since it is the home of the Australian Open.
8. Athens, Greece
There are several successful players that were born in Athens – most notably, Stefanos Tsitsipas. One of the most famous multi-sports club known as the Athens Lawn Tennis Club is located here. Currently, the club offers lessons in bridge, gymnastics, squash, and tennis for men, women, and children.
The club was home to the tennis events from the 1896 Summer Olympics. The 1906 Intercalated Games were played at the club. Within walking distance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, there is possibly no more historical place in the world to play tennis.
7. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is not only a great place to catch the sun, but one of the best cities in Asia to play tennis.
In Phuket’s tropical forest, Thanyapura is a 23-hectare sports paradise led by four-time Ironman champion and Chairman Chris McCormac. Located only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura is arguably the best sports resort in Southeast Asia.
Thainyapura has top-notch coaching programs and tennis clinics delivered by Peter Burwash International coaches and featuring mind training sessions, fitness classes, an award-winning restaurant, and premium accommodations.
Among world-class athletes such as Maria Sharapova, Thanyapura is the Asian training venue of choice. It is excellent value for money.
6. Tampa, Florida
Many public tennis courts are lining the beach fronts of the state’s glamorous coastal cities, so if you wish to play tennis Stateside, Tampa is your best bet. Tennis pros such as Jack Kramer, Pancho Gonzalez, and Maureen Connelly have come out of Florida. Tennis resorts and training facilities abound in its cities.
You’ll find one of the best-known near Tampa, a major city along Florida’s Gulf Coast: Saddlebrook Resort. The world-class training facility caters to tennis enthusiasts of all abilities, offering training packages* that include luxury overnight suites.
A total of 45 sun-drenched, palm-lined courts attract players from all over the world, where professionals can be found mingling and practicing their sport.
5. London, United Kingdom
London is a great place to catch Wimbledon fever. There is something for everyone in London, from the most exclusive to those that are more budget-friendly. Steeped in history and heritage, the city offers courts for all budgets and skill levels.
Enjoy an afternoon of tennis in one of the parks in London: the well-maintained courts at Hyde Park can be booked privately for a small fee, and short courses are run by qualified coaches or head to Goodmayes Park for free tennis in a beautifully landscaped garden.
I listed the best London tennis courts in this post.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Its ultramodern approach to tennis is no less impressive than its architecture and engineering feats. Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Tennis is a popular sport in Dubai, and the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship plays a massive role in the city’s tennis calendar. The Clark Francis Tennis Academy is one of the best-known public and private courts in Dubai.
The academy has over 20 facilities in the city, including one at Dubai Sports City, a world-class sporting hub.
CF Tennis Academy was established in 1997 and is one of the most dominant players in the global tennis academy market, offering a range of programs with highly qualified trainers. CF Academy is the place to improve as a player, no matter how you see yourself.
There are many pro players that choose to live in Dubai, here’s why.
3. Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, there is a real tennis gem: the Sánchez-Casal Resort. There are tennis programs for both children and adults, and the resort focuses on high performance. The resort is an absolute must for anyone considering going pro-or even just living out their dream of being a pro.
The resort’s facilities, including a personal development area, pool, and fully equipped gym, are available for guests to take advantage of while staying on-site five hours a day. You can also take advantage of this excellent opportunity to explore Barcelona during your stay.
2. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo is tennis. The amount of ATP players that choose to live in Monte Carlo is pretty insane. Four of the best players in the world (Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Daniil Medvedev) are just a few of the players that have their residence in Monte Carlo.
Apart from a perfect location at the French Riviera, Monte Carlo has a lot of high-end facilities and endless opportunities from a tennis perspective.
There are many rich people who choose to live here for tax benefits, however, with that said, it’s still one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
It’s expensive to live here, but for those who can afford it – it’s hard to find a better place to live as a tennis fan.
1. Nice, France
The city of Nice offers many opportunities for those who enjoy playing tennis. Established in 1890, Nice Lawn Tennis Club has 20 courts in the city center.
Ability should not be a deciding factor if you’re after a more focused experience, you are looking to improve your game, or you are a complete novice; just a short journey from the city center is the Patrick Mouratoglou Academy – one of the best tennis academies in the world.
A renowned tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou has coached Serena Williams recently. Short-term training programs are available at the academy, perfect for long weekends or short training days.
Spend a night in Antibes after your stay in Nice, enjoy the stunning sights of the harbor from one of the restaurants, or take a tour of the historic and beautiful city of Nice, what can go wrong?