AESTHETICS

Alina Lando

@lando_alina

San Francisco, CA

COURT-SIDE STAYS

Maldives

©LuxTennis

A haven of tropical luxury, One&Only Reethi Rah redefines island relaxation with world-class amenities and an exquisite setting. This private resort combines serene beachfront villas, turquoise waters, and lush gardens to create an idyllic escape. Tennis enthusiasts can elevate their game on pristine courts framed by swaying palms and ocean views, making every match feel like an event. After time on the court, unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments, savor fine dining with global flavors, or simply relax by your villa’s private pool. Reethi Rah is where sport meets paradise, offering an unforgettable courtside experience.

COURT-SIDE PROPERTIES

Sonoma, California

©Sotheby's

Nestled in the historic Sobre Vista Estates, this $11.5m Sonoma property was once part of the summer residence of Adolph and Alma Spreckels and offers an exceptional retreat for those passionate about tennis and luxury living. Spanning 20 acres, the estate features a private tennis court set amid lush landscaping, making it a courtside haven with stunning views of vineyards and rolling hills. The contemporary home is designed for indoor-outdoor flow, with expansive terraces and outdoor spaces perfect for post-match relaxation. Complete with a pool, guest house, and a deep connection to Sonoma’s rich history, this property offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, heritage, and courtside leisure for the ultimate tennis lifestyle.

THE PRO SHOP

FIT TO PLAY

Staying hydrated on the court isn’t just about quenching thirst, it’s essential for peak performance. Studies show that even a 2% drop in body water can impair reaction time, endurance, and focus, which are crucial in tennis. Proper hydration helps maintain muscle function, improves recovery, and keeps cognitive skills sharp, so you’re ready for that split-second decision at the net. For tennis players, hydrating before, during, and after play supports stamina and resilience, ensuring you stay fit to play your best game from the first serve to the final set.

Start hydrating early. Pros recommend drinking 17-20 oz of water 2-3 hours before a match and another 8 oz 20-30 minutes before stepping on the court. During play, grab a few sips of a sports drink or water with electrolytes every changeover, as science shows a good carb-electrolyte mix keeps energy levels up. After the match, aim to replace 1.5 times the fluid you lost (yes, you should weigh yourself). So, channel your inner Nadal and line those bottles up… just try to avoid running to the bathroom every changeover.

CLUB CIRCUIT

Trump National D.C.
Virginia, USA

If you’re looking for top-notch tennis with a view, Trump National D.C. delivers. Set along the scenic Potomac, this club isn’t just about golf, the tennis scene here is impressive, with five indoor Plexicushion courts that keep playing smooth and easy on the joints, plus six outdoor hydro clay courts that make you feel like you’re in a private tennis paradise. They’ve even got cameras set up to record your matches if you’re looking to analyze your game or save those brag-worthy shots. The indoor setup includes a lounge, bar, and balcony viewing area, so you can relax or catch a game from above.

The club’s history and setting add serious charm, it’s just minutes from D.C. but feels like a secluded escape. Beyond the courts, there’s no shortage of luxury, from championship golf to a sleek clubhouse with all the perks. If you’re into tennis and want a place with both top facilities and a laid-back but polished vibe, Trump National D.C. might just be the place for you.

AROUND THE NET

Dive deep into the Richard Mille RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal watch, where cutting-edge design meets a price tag that’ll make you rethink your entire existence. But hey, you can’t put a price on time… right?

Watch this 1995 gem where Jimmy Connors rocks the Prince Mono racket with a “single shaft is all you need” attitude.

Patrick Mouratoglou is suggesting a one-serve rule, because nothing gets your adrenal glands pumping like knowing you’ve only got one shot at hitting the net.

Read The Guardian’s review of Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, an inspiring documentary that tackles every challenge life and tennis can throw at you. Trailer here.

Danger, Will Robinson! Robots are playing tennis. Meet ESTHER, Georgia Tech’s AI-powered answer to old-school ball machines. She doesn’t just fire balls; she moves like a human, ready to take your practice sessions where no tennis partner has gone before.

Watch this clip where tennis reaches new heights, literally. It’s out of this “world.”

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Municipal Tennis Court, Gloversville, N.Y

©General Electric Company

The evolution of tennis court lighting reflects significant technological advancements and the sport’s growing popularity. As electric lighting spread in the early 20th century, tennis enthusiasts began experimenting with illuminated courts to extend play beyond daylight hours—a game-changer for social clubs looking to host evening matches for working players. Artificial lighting was still a luxury back then, and illuminating something as expansive as a tennis court required powerful, specially designed lights. General Electric (GE) was one of the first to develop large-scale lighting systems for athletic venues, and their 1930 photo of the Gloversville, N.Y., municipal tennis court—floodlit by GE’s Novalux floodlights—remains one of the earliest records of illuminated courts in the U.S.

This setup, featuring 12 GE L-51 open-type Novalux floodlights with 1,500-watt Mazda lamps, was a breakthrough in outdoor sports lighting, allowing for improved visibility without glare, an essential advancement for night play. These Mazda lamps, the gold standard for high-powered lighting in the 1920s and ’30s, used tungsten filaments to produce a bright, steady light far superior to earlier carbon filament bulbs. Before long, tennis courts and other athletic fields adopted this technology, making it possible to host night events. GE’s installations became particularly popular, as they could flood large areas evenly, reducing shadows that might disrupt fast-paced games.

Lighting has transformed sports, allowing tennis and other games to thrive beyond daylight hours and bringing athletes into the spotlight at any time. It’s one of the sport’s most overlooked advancements, extending play, enhancing visibility, and elevating the experience for players and fans alike.

THIS WEEKS POLL

What’s your favorite (or strongest) serve?

A. Slice - The “I like watching you lunge, boy”

B. Underhand - The “didn’t see that coming, did you?”
C. Kick – The “you’re gonna need a ladder”

D. Flat – The “choo choo, here comes the bullet train”

Last week, we asked, “When do you play your best tennis?” 50% of you voted for late afternoons, while 25% prefer the fresh start of early mornings, and another 25% are all about the evening cool-down. Safe to say, midday sun isn’t getting much love…

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Thanks for reading.

Until next time, we’ll see you out there.

@ATP Tour