Tennis in LA: Saturday's Essential Updates
Saturday’s headline matchup delivered all the drama and intensity LA tennis fans crave. The USC men’s team narrowly topped UCLA 4-3 at the David X. Marks Tennis Stadium, thanks to a gritty comeback from Oscar Weightman, who clinched victory with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 finish. Across town, UCLA’s women swept Minnesota 4-0 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center, with Bianca Fernandez and Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer dominating in singles play. These results showcase the collegiate powerhouses that keep ‘tennis in Los Angeles’ nationally recognized.
“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.” — USC head coach Brett Masi
Matchup | Latest Result | Current Rankings |
---|---|---|
USC vs. UCLA (Men) | USC 4-3 | USC Unranked, UCLA #32 |
USC vs. UCLA (Women) | USC 4-3 (Mar 7) | USC #16, UCLA #19 |
UCLA vs. Minnesota (Women) | UCLA 4-0 | UCLA #19 |
Neighborhood Court Report: Venice Beach & Griffith Park Shine Post-Rain
Spring rains briefly slowed the action, but LA’s best public tennis courts rebounded fast. Griffith Park Tennis Courts and Poinsettia Recreation Center proved most resilient, with speedy drainage and quick turnarounds for outdoor play. Venice Beach courts also drew strong weekend crowds, with players relishing the iconic boardwalk setting and ocean breeze.
“There’s nothing like playing tennis with the ocean breeze and the sounds of the boardwalk in the background.” — Maria Rodriguez, president of the Venice Tennis Club
For those on the Westside, the Westwood Recreation Center continues to be a reliable option for consistent play—one of the rare LA sites with indoor tennis availability (note: true indoor courts are extremely rare citywide and Westwood offers only a covered option, not a fully enclosed facility). Across all locations, public court fees remain accessible—typically free to under $10 per session—with advance reservations recommended for prime-time play.
Court | Neighborhood | Fee | Outdoor/Indoor | Drainage/Resilience |
---|---|---|---|---|
Griffith Park Tennis Courts | Los Feliz | Free–$8/hr | Outdoor | Excellent |
Venice Beach Courts | Venice | Free–$9/hr | Outdoor | Very Good |
Poinsettia Rec Center | West Hollywood | $6–$8/hr | Outdoor | Good |
Westwood Rec Center | Westwood | $7–$10/hr | Outdoor/Covered | Good |
On-the-Ground LA Tennis Solutions: Matchmaking & Community
Court demand remains high, especially on weekends and after spring rain. Finding the perfect partner or a free court during peak hours can feel like its own competition. LA’s tennis players are increasingly turning to PlayTennisLA, the city’s free online platform, to connect instantly with others by skill level and location. The site’s real-time court availability and chat features help players avoid traffic and wasted time.
- PlayTennisLA.com offers direct access to over 1,000 public courts each week across Los Angeles
- Players filter by skill, neighborhood, and schedule—no fees or membership required
- Group chats and events keep the LA tennis community vibrant and welcoming
Traffic and weather are persistent LA challenges, but savvy players track court conditions and use mobile tools like PlayTennisLA to maximize their time on court rather than in their car or in line at busy facilities.
Upcoming: Leagues, Tournaments, and Where to Watch
Neighborhood leagues are in full swing, with weekly meetups popping up at Griffith Park, Venice Beach, and Westwood. For fans and aspiring players, the next major stop is the UCLA vs. USC women’s showdown at the Los Angeles Tennis Center—expect campus energy, local pride, and the city’s top collegiate talent competing for bragging rights. For league and tournament details, check the PlayTennisLA blog.
Call to Action: Join LA’s Tennis Movement
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, there’s never been a better time to play tennis in Los Angeles. Sign up free at PlayTennisLA.com to find your match, explore neighborhood courts, and get in the game year-round—rain or shine.
Ready to find your next tennis partner?
Join PlayTennisLA today and connect with players at your skill level near your favorite courts.