There is often a flurry of tennis activity in London shortly after the Wimbledon Championships have been played out. Interestingly, this year’s winners of the Singles events, Janik Sinner and Iga Światek both picked up their first Wimbledon titles and represented another new generation of champions that are influencing more and more younger people to pick up a racquet and get out on the courts. All over the capital, beginners, amateurs and those just looking to stay fit and have fun are serving and volleying the summer away in the parks and green spaces.
The Starting Point
When the Welsh inventor Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented the rules of Lawn Tennis back in 1874, the elite took to it immediately and pre-war London was soon filled with the designated lawns required for games to begin. The Royal Parks naturally became a particular hot spot and chief amongst them was Hyde Park. From the late 19th century onwards, the boating lakes, horse trails and natural beauty of this urban oasis were joined by tennis courts. Initially, they were simply a collection of grassy patches, but they gradually evolved into the dedicated clay and asphalt surfaces that encourage all year-round play. By the mid-20th century, the Hyde Park Tennis Courts were a cosmopolitan hub of city workers, visiting tourists and students, all gently adding to the image of English tennis that we know and love so much today.
Rallying Together
There is a democratisation of tennis in Hyde Park that differs from the private tennis clubs of West London. It remains accessible to all without compromising the quality of the facilities and the result is a thrilling and diverse mix of attendees all playing together for the love of the sport. Seven immaculately maintained courts are available with six hardcourts and one astroturf all under floodlights, so the games can continue long after the sun has set. Trained staff are on hand at all times to ensure that the equipment is working correctly and every guest is well looked after.
Ways to Play
There is no membership required to book a tennis court at Hyde Park, anyone can simply reserve online up to seven days in advance when the new dates and times become available. It is advised to keep a keen eye out on the website as open spots tend to be released at around 7am every day. One of the greatest elements of these courts is the opportunity it offers to visitors and tourists who may not have their own equipment with them – racket hire is available, so one can book and turn up ready to play. A spontaneous set is always possible, working in this way.
On Course for Aces
There are also courses here to undertake that can offer professional coaching and tips to elevate your own game. These are conducted in weekly one-hour sessions taken in either the morning or evening and are tailored to skill levels accordingly. Beginners can learn the fundamentals of serves, strokes and scoring while the Improver level focuses on consistency. Intermediate works on game strategy and for Advanced courses there is a refinement and tactical understanding that will be vital to anybody looking to regularly compete.
A Social Smash
Weekly Drills with Lawn Tennis Association qualified coaches are available to give a short power-up to one’s game that combines skill development with a social element. These are often followed by coffee mornings or brunch in a way that allows you to meet and mix with like-minded people through a love of the game. You could even create small groups of up to three people for intense development from these coaches to keep up the work once you have found suitable training partners in this way.
Little Ones Will Love It
The future of tennis looks in great hands at Hyde Park Tennis Courts. LTA coaches conduct courses for ages ranging from 4 – 16 years old with dynamic, fun and engaging activities in an environment that encourages them to thrive. For school holidays and special events, there are also sports parties held here that will keep them moving and smiling for hours.
Time for Tennis
You will find the courts in the south west corner of the park at West Carriage Drive between Serpentine and Exhibition Road. Opening times are set from 8am until dusk, with hours extending later into the evening during winter, supported by floodlit play. These slight seasonal changes mean it is worthwhile checking when you book a court.
The changing room facilities are perfectly kept and there is a pro shop for everything you could need, including restringing services to keep your gear in ace condition. The café here is open from 8am to 8pm and provides a wonderful view of the park lawns to retire to with a post-match cup of tea and slice of cake.
If you are looking to try tennis or want to continue your own development journey in the game, the Hyde Park Tennis Courts are one of the very best options in the city. With a great location, professional facilities and so much to see when the match ends, this place certainly has an advantage over the competition.
