Austin’s love for all things golf is legendary. But along with golf, there is another passion in the capitol city – tennis. Just ask members of the prestigious Hills Country Club, who all enjoy full access to the World of Tennis, a nationally recognized tennis facility.
Nestled in the stunningly beautiful Texas Hill Country, the World of Tennis is the most extensive tennis complex in the Austin area. The World of Tennis features 16 outdoor courts and two climate-controlled indoor courts. Want to play after a long day at work? Twelve of the outdoor courts are conveniently lighted for evening games.
Kings and Queens of the Court
First established in 1973, the World of Tennis has drawn some of the most celebrated legends in the sport to its grounds. The complex gained national recognition when the City of Lakeway sponsored the CBS Tennis Classic in 1974. Since then, champions and record-holders such as Jimmy Connors, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have all competed on the complex’s stadium court. In more recent years, the World of Tennis has hosted big-name players like Pete Sampras, Todd Martin, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick, an Austin resident himself.
Every year, some of the best tennis players in Texas and the United States come to the World of Tennis. The complex has proudly hosted the Super Senior Category II National Championships and the UIL State High School Championships for the past ten years. The facility also hosts the Category 2 National Championships, the Individual UIL State High School Championships and the USTA 40+ Sectional League Championships.
Learn from the Pros, Compete with the Best
For advanced players at the World of Tennis, league programs include USTA year-round league play for men, women and mixed doubles. Women’s Team Tennis of Austin (WTTA) exclusively offers doubles play for women, while Austin Tennis League (ATL) is a coed program offering singles and doubles in the spring and fall.
Non-league players also find plenty of amenities suited to their style of play. Club members have ample opportunities to participate in social mixers and compete in intra-club tournaments.
Whether you’re a beginner or a long-devoted student of the sport, the complex offers a wide range of private, semi-private and group lessons, as well as walk-in clinics, with USPTA-certified professional instructors. Kids have a special court and can begin developing their general physical fitness and begin acquiring skills as young as age four.
Off the Court
The World of Tennis facility includes a full-service pro shop where the seasoned staff can help you can find the right top-brand tennis accessories and clothing for you. Find the perfect racket from Wilson, Head, Dunlop and Babolat—they’ll even let you demo it before you buy it.
As if the courts weren’t impressive enough, the World of Tennis has recently undergone an extensive $4 million renovation with improvements to various amenities. There is a full-service fitness facility, snack bar, locker rooms for men and women, and a resort-style recreational pool that is shaped, appropriately, like a tennis racket.
Relax and Rejuvenate at The SportSpa
The Hills of Lakeway SportSpa is also located at the World of Tennis. After a long day on the court, this luxurious day spa provides a rejuvenating retreat with a variety of health and beauty services. Professionally trained therapists offer Swedish, shiatsu, sports, deep tissue, maternity and hot stone massages. Depending on your needs, therapists might also include reflexology, dry brushing, trigger point deactivation and joint mobilization—optimal for athletes and aspiring tennis pros. The SportSpa also offers body wraps, scrubs, peels, facials, tanning, waxing, manicures and pedicures.
With amenities like these, some die-hard, dedicated golfers may even have to think about taking up a racket themselves.