Shanghai's 6 best tennis courts
With the Shanghai Rolex Masters just three days away, it’s the right time to get a bit of practice before watching the pros take to the clay.
We sorted through the city's public courts and the private clubs for the best places to get your game on.
Your choice for a smart tennis outing.1. Shanghai International Tennis Center Club (上海国际网球中心)
Housed in the Regal International East Asia Hotel, this club is the richer man’s version of the rich man’s game.
The air-conditioned indoor courts are relaxingly silent, save for the whoosh and plop of well-formed volleys.
Outside there are more courts hidden by that oft-cited former French Concession canopy. A beautiful club, but one that requires a steep membership fee or a stay at the five-star Regal.
Number of courts: Four indoor, seven outdoor
Pro: State of the art facilities, bragging rights and RMB 10 Gatorade
Con: It's seriously exclusive ... or that might be a reason to go
Cost: Annual membership is RMB 32,000, with additional court fee of RMB 60 an hour outdoors, RMB 168 indoors. If you’re staying at the hotel it’s RMB 100 outdoors and RMB 280 indoors.
516 Hengshan Lu, near Yuqing Lu 衡山路516号, 近余庆路, +86 21 6415 5588, hours 6:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., www.regalhotel.com
Luwan Tennis Center is popular with Shanghai's youngsters.2. Luwan Tennis Center (卢湾网球中心)
This club has a decidedly relaxed vibe. Reservations are a must, as all the courts fill up quickly with young players making the game look a little too easy.
Although the traffic noise and exhaust from Zhaojiabang Lu doesn’t allow for a relaxing game, the sight of everyone’s powerful backhands (not to mention the tennis skirts flapping just about everywhere) will have you coming back again and again. Cold showers are RMB 10.
Number of courts: Three indoor, four outdoor
Pro: The atmosphere is low-key but invigorating
Con: It’s right off the busy Zhaojiabang Lu
Cost: Outdoor: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday to Friday is RMB 50 an hour; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, RMB 60 an hour. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. is RMB 80 an hour daily. Indoor: RMB 200 per hour (flat rate).
128 Zhaojiabang Lu, near Shaanxi Nan Lu 肇嘉浜路128号, 近陕西南路, +86 21 6467 5245, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Kangdong sharpens your tennis as well as your mandarin skills.3. Kangdong Tennis Court (康东网球馆)
Way over yonder around Shanghai South Railway station there is a little court that shyly beckons for your attention.
The moderately sized facility is surrounded by suburban streets and canals. It has a relaxed, neighborhood feel with nothing but smiles from other players, the security guards, the receptionist and the receptionist's toy poodle.
Little English is spoken, so this locale is reserved for the most integrated tennis players.
Number of courts: Three indoor, two outdoor
Pro: It’s relaxed and open to all
Con: It’s really far away
Cost: Indoor courts will cost RMB 100 an hour; outdoor courts are cheaper and prices negotiable.
270 Pubei Lu, near Guilin Lu 浦北路270号, 近桂林路 , +86 21 6475 0504, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Xian Xia Tennis Center is for the place for a quality lesson.4. Xian Xia Tennis Center (仙霞网球中心)
This center has a distinct level of professionalism, but with competitive prices. The facilities are crisp, and the players wear high-tech warm-up gear.
This is a place to dress pro to fit in. The universally sporty dress code is reminiscent of the anonymous, competitive teams that were defeated by the underdogs of our childhood sports films, think “The Sandlot,” “Little Giants,” and “Rocky IV.”
That said, everyone is friendly, especially head coach Mr. Gu.
Number of courts: One indoors, four outdoors
Pro: Mr. Gu gives lessons for RMB 150 an hour
Con: It’s in Hongqiao
Cost: Outdoors: RMB 40 during the day (7 a.m.-5 p.m.), RMB 80 at night (5 p.m.-10 p.m.); indoors: RMB 80 during the day, RMB 140 at night. Costs are per hour
1885 Hongqiao Lu, near Hongxu Lu 虹桥路1885号, 近虹许路, +86 21 6262 8327, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Prepare for a long commute for this game.5. Shanghai Racket Club Tennis Centre (上海西庭网球俱乐部)
This facility is one of the the best in town -- with the condition that it’s a town of its own.
Way out past Hongqiao airport, in the land of the international schools, the Shanghai Racket Club Tennis Centre is as exclusive as it can get around here. The Centre boasts a calendar full of events, not to mention seven professionals to show you how the game is really played.
The one drawback is the mandatory membership, which will set you back RMB 60,000 a year -- or, RMB 200,000 for life, whatever's easier.
Number of courts: Six indoor, six outdoor clay courts, and one stadium hard court
Pro: You want the best
Con: You have to pay for the best, and travel for the best
Cost: Courts are free once you’ve paid for the membership, however, reservations are recommended.
Lane 555, Jinfeng Lu, Huacao Town, near Beiqing Highway 华漕镇金丰路555弄, 近北青公路, +86 21 2201 0000, +86 21 2201 0800, www.src.com.cn, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Century Park is equipped with real grass tennis courts6. Century Park Tennis Club (上海世纪公园网球俱乐部)
These courts, which are in the sprawling Century Park, are inexpensive and easily accessed by metro, but are just as relaxing as private clubs further out of town.
The four outdoor courts are uncovered, two of which are hard courts and two are real grass (a nice throwback to days of yore). However, they fill up quickly so an early reservation (give it three days) is recommended.
Number of courts: Four outdoor courts
Pro: It’s cheap, and there are paddle boats within walking distance.
Con: Playing tennis is frequently a spontaneous decision so the recommended three-day reservation period is simply too far ahead.
Cost: Courts are RMB 50 per hour Monday to Friday, and RMB 60 per hour for Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Gate 4 of Century Park, 858 Fangdian Lu, near Huamu Lu 芳甸路858号, 近花木路, +86 138 1835 9166, +86 21 3876 0588, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
