SoCal Tennis Roundup: Friday's Top Developments

Friday's Top Developments

USC and UCLA, LA’s Collegiate Powerhouses Set the Pace

The spotlight remains on college tennis as USC and UCLA continue to own the SoCal courts. USC’s men’s squad secured a gritty win over UCLA, 4-3, with Oscar Weightman clinching the deciding point in a dramatic three-set comeback at David X. Marks Tennis Stadium. Coach Brett Masi captured the rivalry’s energy:

“Every time we face UCLA, it's more than just a match – it's a battle for Los Angeles tennis supremacy. Our players are fired up and ready to defend our home court.”

Meanwhile, the UCLA women’s team blanked Minnesota 4-0 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center, with standout performances from top singles players Bianca Fernandez and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer. These results reinforce the dominance and depth of Los Angeles collegiate tennis as teams head into key conference play.

Match	Score	Venue
USC (Men) vs. UCLA	4-3	David X. Marks Tennis Stadium
UCLA (Women) vs. Minnesota	4-0	Los Angeles Tennis Center

Best LA Courts After the Spring Showers

Spring rain has tested venues citywide, but certain courts have earned raves for fast recovery and playable surfaces. Griffith Park Tennis Courts and the Poinsettia Recreation Center remain favorites for local rallies, while the Westwood Recreation Center offers reliable, weather-resistant play—though true indoor tennis remains a rarity in LA and Westwood’s facility is covered, not entirely enclosed for tennis. Neighborhoods like Venice Beach are also buzzing again, blending lively boardwalk energy with excellent court conditions. Local club leaders speak to the unique experience:

“There’s nothing like playing tennis with the ocean breeze and the sounds of the boardwalk in the background,”

says Maria Rodriguez, president of the Venice Tennis Club.

Court	Neighborhood	Drainage/Recovery	Surface	Typical Fee
Griffith Park Tennis Courts	Los Feliz	Excellent	Hard	$8–$10/hr
Westwood Recreation Center	Westwood	Covered (not true indoor)	Hard	$6–$10/hr
Poinsettia Recreation Center	Hollywood	Very Good	Hard	$7–$10/hr
Venice Beach Courts	Venice	Good	Hard	Free–$7/hr

Neighborhood Tennis: Access, Challenges, and Solutions

From the Westside to Los Feliz, Angelenos are facing packed courts after rain, inconsistent availability, and the city’s notorious traffic. While public courts across neighborhoods like Griffith Park and Westwood remain accessible and affordable, players are advised to reserve early due to increased demand post-weather disruptions. West LA, Hollywood, and Venice continue to see high usage but offer quality surfaces and lively tennis scenes. The scarcity of true indoor tennis facilities means that covered options like Westwood may be your best bet in inclement weather, but confirm availability—these aren’t fully climate-controlled indoor courts.

Connecting Angelenos: Free Partner Matching with PlayTennisLA

Navigating the city’s traffic and court crowds, many players turn to free digital solutions like PlayTennisLA. This platform lets you match with partners of similar skill right in your neighborhood, book courts, and even join local leagues—without fees or subscriptions. That’s reshaping “tennis in Los Angeles,” making it easier than ever to find a hit, whether you play in Mid-City, Santa Monica, or the Valley. As one community regular puts it:

“Finding consistent tennis partners in Los Angeles can be tough with packed schedules and all that traffic. PlayTennisLA is the best free way I’ve found to get on court—and actually play.”

Ready to serve up your next match? Sign up free at PlayTennisLA and join a citywide community—from Griffith Park to Venice Beach—where every Angeleno can find their perfect court and playing partner without hassle.