Time for a vacation! As you’re booking your next trip, consider combining travel with one of your passions like sports, or more specifically, tennis?
If you are a tennis lover, whether it be playing the sport or just as a spectator, you may be interested in seeing what your favorite stars are up to off the court and following the latest news and analysis as it unfolds to can get in on that betting action. You can also use your vacation time to help up your tennis game, both on and off the court.
Here are some of the top destinations for tennis lovers to play and watch the sport.
Florida
There is no shortage of tennis hotspots in Florida for the tennis enthusiast to take advantage of. With sunny, warm weather for most of the year, Florida is the perfect getaway to sharpen your tennis game at any time.
At the Boca Raton Resort & Club, guests can practice their shots on 30 clay courts. For a luxurious, secluded vacation near the beach, stay at the Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne. In addition to taking advantage of the courts, guests can sometimes get to see some of the tennis greats in action as they play in charity exhibition games.
For the serious tennis player, a stay at the IMG Academy in Bradenton is a must. The program here is rigorous, but it’s worth it when you look at the impressive roster of young professionals who have trained here. Clinics are geared toward higher-level players, but there is instruction for all levels of play.
Hawaii
Who wouldn’t want to take a tennis vacation in Hawaii? In addition to the game itself, there’s an abundance of outdoor activities to keep any nature lover busy: hiking, swimming, surfing, and strolling along miles of gorgeous beaches.
On the Big Island, book a stay at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Eleven hard courts overlook the ocean, and guests can take advantage of private and group lessons, clinics, and tournaments. If you’re looking for a more quiet Hawaiian retreat, check out the Four Season Maui Wailea, which offers courts lit for night play.
Spain
If you’re in the mood for a trip to Europe while still getting to hit daily, Spain is the place for you. At the prestigious Sanchez-Casal, you can stay onsite and train for five hours a day, as Andy Murray did here when he was 14. At Puente Romano, you can work on your clay game before heading out to dinner at a nearby Michelin-star-rated restaurant.
If you’re interested in spending time at a resort founded by a truly recognizable name in tennis, check out Majorca’s Rafa Nadal Academy, which was (ironically) opened by his rival, Roger Federer. Between these two, you can’t go wrong either way, and the Academy goes beyond your tennis game on court to offer courses on nutrition and mental preparedness.
New York
Queens in New York City should be on any tennis lover’s bucket list. At the end of the summer, this borough is home to the U.S. Open. Head out to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and be sure not to miss the final matches played in the prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium.
If you’re feeling inspired, you can also play tennis on courts even in the heart of bustling New York. For instance, grab a racket and head to a court in historic Central Park. Another advantage of taking a tennis vacation in New York is that there’s so much else to do in your time off. For example, how about buying tickets to a Broadway show or seeing a game at Madison Square Garden?
For a more exotic Grand Slam destination, take a trip to Wimbledon, Melbourne, or Paris to catch the majors there. Each comes with its own unique history, culture, and style of play.
No matter where in the world you are, there’s a tennis destination for you. There’s no better sport to bring friends and fans together, whether to play or simply to watch the professionals excel in their field. So nab that plane ticket, get your racket out of the closet, and get hitting!
I don’t know ABC about tennis 🙂 but a friend of mine is a tennis enthusiast. I will definitely share this post with her. And seriously watching a game of Tennis in a place like Hawaii will be amazing.
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I have never played tennis. I can understand how loving the game of tennis can add a different element to travel. I absolutely had no idea that Hawai and Spain make the best destination for tennis lovers.
I’ve tried to play tennis a few times but I think it needs a lot of practice. I didn’t realize Hawaii and New York would be popular tennis locations. Very interesting!
When you said top destinations for tennis lovers, I immediately thought of Paris. The first time I was there, they had a giant tennis ball hanging from Eiffel Tower and everyone crowded on the lawn to watch a match. Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel sounds lovely though! Can’t believe they have 11 courts overlooking the ocean!
Ok! So I don’t understand anything in Tennis… I only watch combat sports…
But, am from Russia and we have some really successful female tennis players. I knew some people from Philippines (where tennis seem to be popular) visiting Russia only for tennis players.
Tennis is my favorite sports and i play a lot apart a from other outdoor sports such as surfing and canoeing. As you mentioned hawaii is a great location for surfing..
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Lovely, Its a heaven for those who love tennis because I had met one of my travelling friend whom I met in Melbourne, Australia he extends his tour for a week more only because of his love for tennis and I am going to share this with him.
In short, these places are like heaven on earth, Hope one day will spend my weekends on these places. <3