Welcome to Philly Tennis
Whether you're new to the City of Brotherly Love or just visiting, this guide is your definitive resource for navigating Philadelphia's vibrant and diverse tennis scene. From historic clubs to bustling public parks, find everything you need to get on the court.
Quick Guide for Newcomers & Visitors
Need to play right now? Here's your fast track to the Philly tennis scene.
- To Find a Hitting Partner: The most active and welcoming communities are online. Join the Philly Tennis Swat or the South Philadelphia Tennis Association (SPTA). Both host regular events for various skill levels. For more structured play, TennisPhilly.com offers flex leagues and a partner-finding program.
- To Find a Court: For free, first-come, first-serve courts, head to one of the city's major hubs: FDR Park (15 courts), Chamounix Tennis Courts in Fairmount Park (12 courts), or Parkside Tennis Courts in West Philly (9 courts). To guarantee a court, especially indoors, book one as a non-member at Legacy Youth Tennis and Education or the Penn Tennis Center.
- To Join a League: For a social and flexible league where you schedule your own matches, TennisPhilly.com is a top local choice. For a more traditional social sports experience with set game nights, check out Heyday Athletic.
- To Get a Lesson: Penn Racquet Sports offers a comprehensive range of group clinics for all levels. To find and book an independent private coach, a platform like TeachMe.To is an excellent resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find hitting partners in Philly?
Philadelphia's tennis community is highly connected through digital platforms. The most effective way to find partners is by joining a Meetup group. Philly Tennis Swat is the largest, organizing frequent doubles events categorized by NTRP skill level. The South Philadelphia Tennis Association (SPTA) is another fantastic option. For those who prefer to schedule one-on-one matches, flex leagues like TennisPhilly.com and Ultimate Tennis will match you with opponents at your level.
What's the best way for a visitor to find partners?
For a short-term visitor, the speed and flexibility of Meetup.com is unmatched. Groups like Philly Tennis Swat allow you to RSVP for an event a day or two in advance, drop in for a game, and meet local players without any long-term commitment.
As a visitor, how can I book courts for a 7-day trip?
You have two main strategies. For free play, you can use the city's public courts on a first-come, first-serve basis. Large facilities like FDR Park or Chamounix offer the best odds of finding an open court. For a guaranteed court time, several excellent facilities welcome non-member bookings. Legacy Youth Tennis and Education and the Penn Tennis Center allow the public to reserve courts in advance.
How do I sign up for private or group lessons?
For a structured curriculum, Penn Racquet Sports offers a full pathway of clinics for all levels. To find an independent private coach, platforms like TeachMe.To allow you to browse coach profiles, read reviews, and book lessons.
As a 2.0-4.0 player, how do I connect with others at my level?
Nearly all of Philadelphia's tennis platforms are built around the NTRP rating system. When you join a USTA league, you are assigned an official rating. Flex leagues and social groups on Meetup.com ask you to self-rate so you can join leagues or events specifically for your skill level.
Why Philly is a Great Tennis City
For the avid tennis traveler and community organizer, Philadelphia offers a uniquely compelling experience. The city's tennis scene is a rich tapestry woven from deep history, diverse playing surfaces, and a passionate, accessible community.
Philadelphia holds a significant place in American tennis history, producing legends like "Big Bill" Tilden and Wimbledon champion Vic Seixas. This legacy is embodied in its historic institutions like the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the oldest country club in the United States, which offers the rare chance to play on 21 pristine grass courts.
The city also offers an incredible variety of playing surfaces, from Har-Tru clay to indoor hard courts. Perhaps most importantly, Philadelphia's community is both vibrant and remarkably accessible, fueled by highly active online communities that make it incredibly easy for a newcomer to find a game.
The Community: Get Connected
Understanding the local tennis ecosystem is the first step to feeling at home. In Philadelphia, the scene is a mix of official organizations, major non-profit hubs, and dynamic online groups.
USTA Philadelphia Area Tennis District (PATD)
The USTA Middle States Philadelphia Area District (PATD) is the official governing body for tennis in the city and its four surrounding counties. It's the go-to organization for sanctioned competitive play, including official USTA Leagues and tournaments.
Community Tennis Associations & Hubs
- Legacy Youth Tennis and Education: A major National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapter whose 16-court facility is a vital resource for the entire community.
- Woodford Tennis Club: A historically Black tennis club founded in 1958, fostering a strong sense of community with three clay courts and two lighted hard courts.
- South Philadelphia Tennis Association (SPTA): A quintessential grassroots organization with a "Fun, Friends, and Fitness Through Urban Tennis" approach.
- Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association (PLTA): A member of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), providing a safe and competitive space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Online Hubs & Social Groups
For many players in Philadelphia, the digital world is the primary way to connect. Meetup.com is the undisputed king of casual and social tennis in Philly, with groups like Philly Tennis Swat and SPTA organizing daily games and clinics.
Leagues & Partner Programs: Find Your Match
Philadelphia offers a wide spectrum of leagues to suit every type of player, from those seeking flexible, casual matches to those wanting structured, competitive team play.
Flexible & Social Leagues
These leagues are perfect for players with busy schedules. TennisPhilly.com offers flex leagues where you schedule your own matches. Heyday Athletic provides a more traditional social sports experience with set game nights for mixed-gender doubles.
USTA Leagues
For players seeking a more traditional and competitive team experience, USTA Leagues are the national standard. Organized by the local PATD, these leagues involve joining a team that competes against other teams in the area, with opportunities to advance to championships.
Youth & Team Tennis
The Philadelphia Area Team Tennis Association (PATTA) is the primary organizer for youth leagues, offering programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced junior players.
The Courts: A Comprehensive Directory
Philadelphia's court landscape reflects the city itself: a mix of accessible public spaces, professional-grade facilities, and exclusive historic grounds.
Public & Free Courts
Philadelphia boasts a large number of free, first-come, first-serve public courts. Major hubs include FDR Park (15 courts), Chamounix Tennis Courts (12 courts), and Parkside Tennis Courts (9 courts).
| Location Name | Neighborhood | # of Courts | Lights |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDR Park | South Philly | 15 | No |
| Chamounix Tennis Courts | Fairmount Park | 12 | No |
| Mander Playground | Fairmount Park | 10 | No |
| Parkside Tennis Courts | West Philly | 9 | No |
| Hunting Park | North Philly | 6 | Yes |
| Shepard Recreation Center | West Philly | 4 | Yes |
| Fernhill Park | Germantown | 3 | No |
| Seger Park | Center City | 2 | Yes |
| Schuylkill River Park | Center City | 2 | No |
| East Poplar Playground | Northern Liberties | 2 | Yes |
| Markward Playground | Fitler Square | 2 | Yes |
| Wharton Square Park | Point Breeze | 2 | No |
| Barry Playground | South Philly | 2 | Yes |
Pay-to-Play & Indoor Facilities
For guaranteed court time, especially indoors, several facilities are open to the public. The Penn Tennis Center, Legacy Youth Tennis and Education, and Court 16 Fishtown all offer court rentals for non-members.
Private Clubs: The Exclusive Experience
Philadelphia is home to some of the nation's most historic private clubs, including the Philadelphia Cricket Club and Germantown Cricket Club. Access is typically limited to members and their guests, and strict dress codes often apply.
Lessons & Coaching: Sharpen Your Skills
Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, Philadelphia offers a wealth of options for high-quality instruction.
Clinics & Group Programs
Group clinics are a cost-effective and social way to improve. Penn Racquet Sports offers a comprehensive pathway for adult learners, from "Tennis 101" to advanced drills. The South Philadelphia Tennis Association also provides accessible group classes in a fun, social environment.
Finding a Private Coach
For personalized attention, a private coach is the fastest way to improve. Platforms like TeachMe.To allow you to browse profiles and book independent coaches. Major centers like Penn Racquet Sports also have a roster of in-house pros available for private lessons.
| Facility/Platform | Player Type | 1-Player Lesson | 2-Player Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Racquet Sports (Tier 1 Pro) | Member | $120 | $80 |
| Non-Member | $145 | $115 | |
| Penn Racquet Sports (Tier 3 Pro) | Member | $100 | $60 |
| Non-Member | $120 | $100 | |
| TeachMe.To (Independent Coach) | N/A | $50 - $125+ | |
Shops & Services: Gear Up
Philadelphia's tennis scene is supported by excellent local shops where players can find not just gear, but genuine expertise. Access to high-level technical service is a significant advantage for serious players.
Local Tennis Shops & Expert Stringing
Everyone's Racquet and Tennis Junction are two premier, tennis-specific stores in the area. Both are renowned for their expert stringing services, with Master Racquet Technicians on staff who have experience working with professionals on the ATP and WTA tours.
Philly's Tennis Heritage: Local Legends
Playing tennis in Philadelphia means participating in a story that stretches back to the very roots of the sport in America. The city has produced numerous members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, including "Big Bill" Tilden, Vic Seixas, and Ora Washington. This rich history is alive in the traditions of the city's historic clubs and adds a special dimension to every match played on Philadelphia soil.