(SPOT.ph) Summer is the best time to explore new activities and try out new things to do. After a series of long lockdowns the past two years, everyone is definitely ready and eager to go out there and, well, live—of course, while still observing proper health protocols. If you’re looking for a sport to try out this season, definitely have a go at tennis! The sport is not just a way to keep yourself healthy and active, but also a great way to safely meet new people. Unlike team sports, there isn’t much contact involved even if you play doubles. Training-wise, your coach stands on the other side of the court, creating a safe distance between the two of you. The game is absolutely enjoyed by many as a competitive sport or recreational activity—you can start playing even if you’re not Serena or Roger levels.
So, if you’re ready to smash aces but don’t exactly know where to go or are looking to find a court to play in, there are a number of public and beginner-friendly tennis courts in the Metro.
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Check out these tennis courts in Manila:
Rancho Uno 1 Tennis Club
Stallion Street, Rancho Estate 1, Concepcion 2, Marikina City
Court rates start at P100/hour
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., reservation is through Facebook
The Rancho Uno 1 Tennis Club is one of the best places to start your tennis journey. The club is open to non-members and outsiders and they have their own pool of trainers and coaches you can easily contact—just drop them a message on Facebook. The recreational center has two shell courts, one indoor and one outdoor. The club also hosts tennis meets so, if you are a more advanced player and is looking for a tennis community then slide into Rancho Uno 1 Tennis Club’s DM’s (they’re super responsive!). Rates start at P50 per game per head; but if you want to play for a whole hour, you have to pay P100.
UP Diliman Tennis Courts
UP Diliman Tennis Club, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Court rates start at P120/hour (half-court)
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., no court reservation is required
The UP Diliman Tennis Courts have a total of six—three shell courts and three hard courts. Half-court rental starts at P120/hour for the shell court and P150/hour for the hard court, while full-court fees are at P240/hour and P300/hour. You also have to pay the guest fee (P100) if you’re not a member of the tennis club (yet!). There are no reservations available but walk-ins, non-members, and beginners are definitely welcome! The courts are easily accessible, so you won’t have to worry too much about finding a coach or rallying partner.
If you fancy a good food trip right after breaking a sweat from a few games of tennis while watching the sunset at the Sunken Garden, then the courts at the University of the Philippines are definitely a must-go.
Riverside Tennis Court
3rd Street Clubhouse, Riverside Village, Pasig City
Rates start at P550/hour/head (with ball feeder)
Open daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., reservation is through Jesse Mendoza at 0947-829-2291
The Riverside Tennis Court is a quaint tennis court inside the Riverside Village, beside SM East Ortigas. The court is perfect for beginners who prefer a more private session since the court is enclosed and strictly for reservations.
Philippine Marines Tennis Court
Philippine Marine Corps Fort Bonifacio Headquarters, Taguig City
Rates start at P60/game/head, plus guest fee (P100/head)
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., no court reservation is required
Similar to the Camp Aguinaldo Tennis Court, the Philippine Marines Tennis Court is also inside a military base. However, the court welcomes beginners and civilians. There is a P60/game/head fee on top of the guest fee (P100) and an extra P50/game/head if you use the court with lights. The entire recreational space makes up of two indoor shell courts.
For beginners, you can simply go to the court and ask the in-house trainers to help you perfect your swing. For more advanced players, there are many tennis enthusiasts that get together and play at this tennis court so, it is easy to find a group to join or a rallying partner.
Elorde Tennis Center
Elorde Sports Complex, Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue, San Antonio, Parañaque City
Court rates start at P140/hour
Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., reservation is through Eren at 0916-598-5454
The Elorde Tennis Court is within the Elorde Sports Complex, which comprises two shell tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a boxing gym—for obvious reasons. The facility also has some in-house trainers who can easily accommodate beginners and help them perfect a Nadal’s helicopter forehand! The best thing about this space is that you could take a cool dip in the pool after putting in the work on the court.
Ascott Makati Tennis Court
Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City
Rates start at P1,100/hour (weekday) and P1,400/hour (weekend)
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., reservation is through the Fitness Center at 7729-8888
The Ascott Makati Tennis Court is part of the hotel’s fitness center which has amenities such as a gym and a swimming pool. The hotel has one court and it is made of synthetic grass, which is considered a safer surface for beginners and older players because it absorbs the impact and offers good traction, preventing injuries. The court is strictly for reservations only so it’s best to give them a call to book a schedule.
Kerry Sports Manila
Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City
Rates start at P880/hour (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and P1,000/hour (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., reservation is through 8820-0888 loc. 7707
After a day of hustling in the office, wouldn’t it be nice to get a dose of endorphins from a smashing sweat sesh? Kerry Sports Manila is just within BGC, so it’s easily accessible. Plus, it’s open until 9 p.m., which gives you plenty of time after work. This court is perfect both for beginners and tennis enthusiasts who need a court that could accommodate their busy schedules. The facility has two hard courts and is strictly by appointment.
MWSS Tennis Court
MWSS Compound, 489 Katipunan Road, Quezon City
Rates start at P100/hour/head
Open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except holidays), reservation is through Dodee Fuentes at 0916-487-1618
The MWSS Tennis Court has two outdoor shell courts where the MWSS Tennis Club regularly plays. By joining the club, you don’t just get to learn how to play tennis, but also meet an amazing group of tennis enthusiasts. While beginners are most welcome, the MWSS Tennis Club also encourages more advanced players to join in.
CCP Tennis Courts
Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City
Court rates start at P200/hour
Open daily from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., reservation is through Kuya Ray at 0961-687-0252
The CCP Tennis court has four outdoor hard courts. Located in front of the Philippine International Convention Center, the tennis courts used to be a parking lot. Now, it’s where a group of tennis enthusiasts, CCP Powerstrings Tennis Club, frequent. Everyone is welcome to join and play at these courts. One of the best things that they do is that they encourage players to have a go by matching—the process where two same skilled players are paired against each other. This is perfect for beginners to gain a little more confidence and for advanced players to practice within their level.
Note: Regular players recommend directly proceeding and looking for the court caretakers to schedule.
Anyone new to a sport knows how nerve-wracking it could be to start, especially if you don’t know where to go or who you could practice with. For complete beginners, the Facebook group Manila Tennis Enthusiasts is an excellent first step to connecting with fellow tennis players.
Meralco Tennis Courts
Meralco Bldg. Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Indoor court rates start at P200/ hour; Outdoor court rates start at P180/ hour.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tucked inside the Meralco Compound in Pasig, the Meralco Tennis Courts give players seven hard courts to choose from, both indoor and outdoor. The space is open to the public and comes with basics like restrooms and water stations, so you’re set whether you’re here for a casual rally or a more serious match. Its spot right in Ortigas Center makes it an easy stop for residents and office folks looking to squeeze in a game before or after work.
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