Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the Williams sisters — the biggest stars of tennis hit the courts at the US Open, which starts today and runs through Sept. 8. And if you’re a fan, we bet all that “game, set, match” stuff has you itching to improve your backhand. These four spots will oblige, with tennis programs that cater to every kind of player — from beginner to advanced, from young to, ahem, McEnroe-aged.
1. Topnotch Tennis Center, Topnotch Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vt.
Where better to enjoy a crisp fall afternoon than on a tennis court in rural Vermont? And Topnotch has 10 of ’em: six outdoor (four are Har-Tru) and four indoor, just in case it gets nippy. In the off-season, September through June, a variety of clinics are offered, including the Mornings Mini Academy, a 90-minute session with an emphasis on drills that works on cardio, stroke mechanics and footwork ($35 to $45/hour). Or indulge in a one-hour private lesson ($90); pros here are a fun lot, hailing from as far away as the Czech Republic, Zimbabwe and Australia.
Also of note is Topnotch’s 10 and Under Tennis program, designed specifically for learning tennis at a young age by using a kid-friendly approach. The center is open to the public, but resort guests receive discounted prices. Room rates start at $350/night.
2. The Cloister and Retreat Tennis Centers at Sea Island, Ga.
You know you’re in good hands when your tennis program is overseen by the legendary Jensen brothers (Murphy and Luke), who won the men’s doubles title at the French Open in 1993. With a whopping 16 Har-Tru outdoor clay courts open only to guests and members, Sea Island practically guarantees one will always be available — and the temperate weather means you can play year-round. If you’re looking for group activities, there are numerous possibilities, including “O” Zone Cardio Tennis, which resembles a bootcamp workout with a racket ($40/person, one hour), and the new Happy Hour Tennis for adult intermediate players, where you can booze it up and listen to tunes while smacking the ball around ($50/person includes alcohol).
Kiddies can get in on the action too, with Tykes Tennis, a 30-minute intro to the basics, for ages 4 to 6 ($25/child), and the hour-long Rising Stars clinic, for ages 7-12 ($40/child). Private lessons are available as well (from $50/person), and if you want to strike out on your own, you can rent a court for $40 per hour. The “Classic Tennis Package” nets you accommodation at the resort plus a daily one-hour clinic or drill session, a one-hour private lesson with a Sea Island pro and two hours of court time daily. Package starts at $596, with a minimum of two nights.
3. Court Think Tennis Camps at Green Valley Spa & Resort, St. George, Ut.
If you are serious about improving your forehand, backhand and serve, this is the place to do it. “Our focus is unique; we really are about stroke fundamentals here, as opposed to a lot of running drills,” says the Camp’s director, Dave Nostrant. “It makes us a great place for beginners, because you will learn the basics right away that allow you to progress quickly.” But intermediate and advanced players will be happy here, too, especially those who are on a USTA team; the camp will videotape match play and pros will provide feedback to help improve both singles and doubles players.
The facility has 14 courts — four indoor and 10 outdoor, which feature a stunning backdrop of red-rock mountains (Zion National Park is nearby) — along with programmable ball-machine practice lanes. Most popular are the two- and three-day camps (either three or five hours per day); rates for the three-day clinic start at $270/person. Anyone can sign up for the tennis camp, but if you stay at the resort, there’s a $20 per day discount. Starting room rates for September to November are $159.
4. The Tennis Center at Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda
We don’t know if Michael Bloomberg, Ross Perot or Silvio Berlusconi play tennis, but they do own homes in the 240-acre Tucker’s Point development in which you’ll find this tennis center. It may not be huge — just four Har-Tru clay tennis courts, along with a pro shop and locker rooms — but the programs here are excellent, tailored to an individual’s skill level and with very patient instructors. Clinics are offered four times a week at $25/clinic, and include Beginner Adult, Stroke of the Week and Round Robin. Private one-hour lessons with the head tennis pro, Gavin Manders, are $110, or $60 for 30 minutes. Young ones can learn the sport too, during First Swings (ages 5 to 7) and Junior Acers (8 to 16), which start at $10/clinic. If you aren’t bunking up with an uber-rich world leader/Tucker’s Point homeowner, the Rosewood resort rates start at $625/night.
Want more ideas for places to play tennis or improve your game? Check out Tennis Resorts Online for detailed information and the option to search for resorts using your criteria.