Central Park Tennis

Yes, playing tennis in Central Park is beautiful - what's not to like about being in New York City, in one of the most georgous parks in the world, playing tennis surrounded by skyscrapers? Well, a lot. The staff at Central Park Tennis center has come up with so many rules and regulations that it takes some of the fun out of playing here.
To play in Central Park, you must have a NYC tennis permit ($100), or you may purchase a single play ticket ($7).
Court reservations are taken from 10am-2pm weekdays by calling 212-280-0205; you must have a permit or a reservation ticket ($7) to reserve courts in advance. Beware, the phone line is always busy.
Players must check in at the tennis center no less than 15 minutes in advance of their court time otherwise the court will be given away. They aren't kidding; this has happened to me.
If you can abide by the Gestapo-like staff at the tennis center, it is a great place to play. There are 26 har-tru courts here and 4 hard courts, as well as lessons, a pro shop, locker facilities and a snack bar.
Closest subway: B/C to 96th Street.


http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/tennis-center.html

Lower East Side Courts Under the Bridge

A few years ago I played tennis at the public courts on the East River. At the time, it was relatively easy to get on them (no one asked me for a permit), but the court conditions were very run down. I heard that these courts were redone so I went back recently to take a look. I found the 12 hardcourts were indeed redone and seemed to be in good shape. To play here, you do need a NYC tennis permit. Sign up takes place at the courts and I'm told the wait is usually an hour on weekends. During the week when I stopped by, most courts were empty so if you can play on weekdays that seems like your best bet. One downside: these courts are a little difficult to get to. The closest subway is the F to 2nd Avenue or Delancey Street, and then walk across the Delancey Street footbridge; the park is across the FDR Drive.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=East+Side+River+Park%2CNew+York%2CNY%2CLower+East+Side

Golfsmith - not just for golf

With a name like Golfsmith, I was surprised to discover that this store has one of the best tennis departments I have visited in a while. This is a great store for everything from raquets - demo's, stringing, or purchase - and a large assortment of tennis apparel. Brands include Nike, Ellesse, Bolle, Addidas and more. For store locations or to buy online, visit golfsmith.com

Red-Clay Courts in Riverside Park

For a red-clay court tennis experience, check out Riverside Park, at 96th st. These 10 courts appear to be well-maintained, and the setting overlooking the Hudson River, couldn't be better. These are public courts so either a NYC seasonal tennis permit is required ($100), or a day pass ($7). These courts do not take reservations, so courts are given out on a first come/first serve basis; you must sign up in person. Because play is weather-dependant, there is a hotline: 212-978-0277, or visit www.rcta.info

Feel Like a Pro at National Tennis Center

Many people don't know this, but you can rent courts and play at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Queens, where they play the US Open. The US Open tournament is only two weeks a year, so in the off-season, National Tennis Center has tennis drill classes for adult and kids, private lessons, programs such as Cardio Tennis and general court rentals. The rates are extremely reasonable, ranging from $18-$56 per hour for indoors, $16-$24 per hour for outdoors. Note: reservations can be made no more than two days in advance. Call 718 760-6200 for more info.

Tennisport

I had a match the other night at Tennisport. This is a membership club just across the East River in Long Island City. (Although I am not a member, I played there as part of a USTA league).

Tennisport is a great facility, with 16 indoor courts and 8 outdoor courts, and easy to get to from the City. Just take the #7 train and get off at the first stop in Queens, Vernon/Jackson Avenue. The club is located a few blocks west of the subway.

Non-members CAN play at Tennisport during certain hours. With so few tennis clubs in New York City, Tennisport is a great option. Aside from being easily accessible, it offers fantastic views of the city skyline, a restaurant, pro-shop and tennis events.
http://www.tennisport.com/index.htm

The Total Tennis Experience

For a fun weekend outside the city and LOTS of tennis, check out Total Tennis in Saugerties, NY. ( totaltennis.com). Just two hours north of the city, Total Tennis is like going to summer camp when you were a kid, but instead of playing softball, volleyball and swimming in a lake, its all about tennis. All skill levels are welcome so whether you are a beginner and just learning to play, or a more advanced player looking to brush up on your game, the staff at Total Tennis will find the right group for you. A typical day consists of three hours of tennis instruction in the morning, a break for lunch, a quick tennis demo followed by two more hours of intruction. Afterwards, you can relax in the pool or hot tub, get a massage or, if you are up for more tennis, participate in a round robin. The accommodations at Total Tennis are basic but all rooms have A/C and private bathrooms and the buffet style food is excellent.