I love New York and I love tennis so I thought it was time to write an article on the best courts in New York. The city of New York has long had a love affair with tennis and there are an estimated 500 tennis courts in the city. It is also home to one of the four Grand Slams, The US Open Championships.
New York has long been known as a hub for tennis enthusiasts, with some of the most remarkable tennis courts in the world just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Whilst there are many great courts hidden in the city, we will take you through our favorite ten best tennis courts in New York City. And best does not have to mean expensive courts in a private country club. Read on…
1) Central Park Tennis Courts
Situated right in the heart of Manhattan, the Central Park Tennis Courts are the perfect playground for tennis players looking for a quick match. With twenty-six clay and four asphalt courts, the park is ideal for those who want to play in one of the most beautiful parks in the US.
2) Washington Market Park
Located in Tribeca, we loved playing on this court. It is hidden and not the easiest to find (I love it already!) and comprises of one hard court. Be careful not to turn up and hope for a game, sign-up is daily beginning at 7 am with the park staff at the park house, situated in the northwest corner of the park. This is a must-see for all tennis fans and it has had a new coat of paint and been resurfaced in 2023.
3) The Riverside Clay Courts
Looking for a great place to play on the red stuff? Head to The Riverside Clay Courts. This NYC club has been around for over 100 years, and for good reason. It has 10 well-maintained courts and over 900 members (note this is a nonprofit organization). You do not need to be a member to play, do call ahead.
4) Cary Leeds Center
This is a private club and one of the best-kept clubs in the city. It boasts 22 courts, offering year-round coaching and play. A huge clubhouse and room for learning and development make this a great facility for children wanting to learn. I recommend this for players who are serious about their game and looking for a regular tennis home.
5) Roosevelt Island Racquet Club
This is another serious club that is open to members and nonmembers. The club has 12 fantastic HarTru tennis courts that are heated and air-conditioned so you can enjoy tennis all year round. There is a fantastic tennis community here and it is well worth a visit.
6) McCarren Park Tennis Courts
This park complex, nestled between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, has a total of seven tennis courts. The park has a natural playing surface that provides incredible comfort while playing. A super friendly club, they are open to all and you can have lessons, play with friends and even rent equipment. Want to play in the winter? no problem, a bubble goes up over the courts in the cold weather to allow play to continue.
7) Prospect Park Tennis Center
This tennis center has clay, asphalt, and indoor facilities. During the indoor season, there are 11 bubbled courts that may be rented for a fee. During the outdoor season, 8 courts are available to tennis permit holders. This is another great NYC tennis club with a healthy junior and adult tennis program.
8) West Side Tennis Club
Established in 1892 and home of the first US Open tennis tournament, the West Side Tennis Club has been a staple in NYC’s tennis scene for over 100 years. The club boasts 38 courts across all surfaces and has even ventured into Padel Tennis. This is a wonderful club, family orientated and it regularly hosts concerts in its amazing 14,000 seater stadium. This is strictly a members club.
9) Vanderbilt Tennis Club
I think this has to be the favorite on the list. It only has one court one regulation-sized hardcourt and two automated practice courts but how many other courts can boast being situated on the 4th floor of one of the busiest train stations, Grand Central Station? The great thing is that anyone can play with a booking. I highly recommend it.
10) Van Cortlandt Park
Another NYC tennis court in one of their fabulous parks, which is situated in the Bronx, Van Cortlandt Park has 10 tennis courts available with a combination of hard, clay, and indoor surfaces. The park is well-lit and perfect for those looking to practice their tennis game late in the evening or early in the morning.
Final Thoughts
These tennis courts provide an immersive and unique experience for players who are passionate about tennis. While there are numerous tennis courts in NYC, these are some of our favorites from public courts through to the famous Forest Hills. There is really something for everyone looking to play tennis, so don’t delay, pick up a racket, grab some balls, and get playing. Let us know how you get on.
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