Los Angeles Tennis Digest: Thursday's Highlights

Thursday's Highlights

Bruins Clinch Rivalry Win at LATC

The crosstown rivalry delivered another five-star showdown as No. 19 UCLA outlasted No. 16 USC 4-2 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on Wednesday. Kate Fakih clinched her fourth match in five outings, leading the Bruins to their sixth straight victory and an 8-3 finish in Big Ten play. The doubles point set the tone, with UCLA pairs Center/Fakih and Hance/Wagle dominating the top two courts. Singles play saw strong wins from Olivia Center and Kimmi Hance, as well as Fakih’s decisive takedown of USC's top-ranked Fairclough.

“Every time we face UCLA, it's more than just a match – it's a battle for Los Angeles tennis supremacy,” said USC head coach Brett Masi.

Match	Date	Result
UCLA vs. USC (Women's Tennis)	April 16	UCLA 4, USC 2
UCLA vs. Michigan (Men's Tennis)	April 11	UCLA 5, Michigan 0

Fakih’s win streak has been instrumental for UCLA, while USC’s Grace Piper continues to shine in singles and doubles action, keeping the rivalry close and fierce throughout the spring campaign.

Neighborhood Courts: Where LA Plays and Why

Spring rains returned this week, but LA’s resilient tennis courts wasted no time in bouncing back. Griffith Park Tennis Courts in Los Feliz and Poinsettia Recreation Center in Hollywood led the way with fast post-rain drainage, ensuring public play resumed quickly. Over in Venice, local clubs kept spirits high with the city’s signature beachside energy.

“There’s nothing like playing tennis with the ocean breeze and the sounds of the boardwalk in the background,” shared Maria Rodriguez, president of the Venice Tennis Club.

Facility	Surface	Fees (Public)	Notes
Griffith Park	Hard	$8/hr max	Scenic, quick to dry, open to all
Cheviot Hills Rec	Hard	$6/hr	Peaceful, rarely crowded
Balboa Sports Center	Hard	$8/hr	Top pick for tournament practice
Westwood Rec Center	Hard/Partial Indoor	$7/hr	Beginner friendly, rare sheltered courts

For players seeking quiet or tournament-caliber practice, Cheviot Hills and Balboa Sports Center remain affordable, well-kept choices. Westside congestion is real—early morning bookings at Westwood or Griffith Park are highly recommended to avoid peak crowds.

Court Conditions and Local Challenges

Los Angeles excels with year-round outdoor tennis, but weather swings, drought, and microclimates create unique maintenance needs. Hard courts with UV-resistant acrylic are the norm, especially on the Westside and Valley, ensuring consistent bounce and minimal downtime after rain. Clay and grass courts are extremely rare in LA due to upkeep and water costs. True indoor tennis courts remain a unicorn; Westwood Recreation Center offers the city’s only known partial indoor option explicitly for tennis.

Traffic and booking headaches continue to challenge Angelenos. Pro tip: Neighborhood-specific platforms and apps, led by PlayTennisLA, let you filter for open courts in your area and match with partners at your skill level—for free.

Tournaments, Community Events, and Ways to Play More

USTA Southern California tournaments and local leagues are ongoing, with practice at Balboa Sports Center and Pacific Palisades, while LA’s universities gear up for postseason. Community Tennis Day at Griffith Park this Saturday features clinics, social doubles, and food trucks—perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.

Eastside locals continue to lobby for more courts at Loma Alta Park, highlighting the persistent demand for public tennis options and social engagement in underserved neighborhoods.

Connect, Compete, and Elevate Your LA Tennis Game

From the rivalry at LATC to the peace of Cheviot Hills and the vibrant scene at Venice Beach, tennis in Los Angeles is as diverse and spirited as the city itself. Whether you’re a tournament grinder, a weekend warrior, or just looking for a new tennis friend, PlayTennisLA makes it easier than ever to find your match, explore court options, and unlock every corner of LA’s tennis map—without the cost or hassle.

Ready to serve up your next LA tennis adventure? Set your schedule, choose your court, and find your perfect partner—all for free—by signing up today at PlayTennisLA.