Tennis in LA: Friday's Essential Updates

Friday's Essential Updates

Bruins and Trojans Set the LA Tennis Tone

College tennis is the heartbeat of Los Angeles this Friday, as UCLA's women's squad powered through Wisconsin 4-1 in Ojai to reach the Big Ten semifinals—sparked by Olivia Center's clutch three-set clincher and strong wins from Kimmi Hance and Elise Wagle. The Bruins now face top-seeded Michigan in a showdown expected to test their postseason grit. On the men's side, #2 seed UCLA preps for Michigan State, hoping to repeat their earlier-season win at the Los Angeles Tennis Center and push for Big Ten glory. USC, meanwhile, saw its women's team bow out in a tough quarterfinal against Washington, but the season showed plenty of promise for the Trojans.

Team	Latest Result	Next Match
UCLA Women	Def. Wisconsin 4-1	vs. Michigan (Semifinal)
USC Women	Lost to Washington	Season Complete
UCLA Men	Semifinal berth secured	vs. Michigan State (Big Ten Semifinal)

“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

Neighborhood Courts: Where to Play in LA Today

Post-rain play is prime on LA’s best public courts. Griffith Park Tennis Courts and Poinsettia Recreation Center lead the city for fast drainage and reliable surface conditions, making them top picks after spring showers. If you’re looking for a near-guaranteed hit regardless of weather, the Westwood Recreation Center is among LA’s rare venues with indoor availability. Venice Beach, with its ocean breeze and lively boardwalk, remains unmatched for those craving energy and scenery. For the westside crowd, the Los Angeles Tennis Center in Westwood continues to attract both student athletes and the city’s best rec players.

“There’s nothing like playing tennis with the ocean breeze and the sounds of the boardwalk in the background,” shared Maria Rodriguez, president of the Venice Tennis Club.

Court Name	Neighborhood	Fee	Surface	Notes
Griffith Park	Los Feliz	Free – $12/hr	Outdoor hard	Excellent drainage, scenic setting
Poinsettia Recreation	West Hollywood	Free – $10/hr	Outdoor hard	Quick recovery after rain
Venice Beach	Venice	Free	Outdoor hard	High foot traffic, ocean air
Westwood Rec Center	Westwood	$10/hr	Outdoor/rare indoor	One of the very few with indoor court option (verify for availability)
Los Angeles Tennis Center (LATC)	Westwood/UCLA	UCLA students/faculty priority	Outdoor hard	Collegiate venue; not open to public drop-in

Facing LA’s Biggest Tennis Challenges

With LA’s tennis boom, those seeking open courts during peak hours or after rain often face stiff competition. The demand for playable courts in neighborhoods like Westwood, Echo Park, and Silver Lake remains sky-high, especially as local college tournaments bring more fans and players into the mix. Solutions? Early morning sessions, weeknight play, and using tools like PlayTennisLA to find less crowded alternatives across the city. Remember: true indoor tennis courts are extremely rare in Los Angeles, with most facilities offering only outdoor play. If in doubt, always call ahead or check a court's online portal before you drive out for a late afternoon rally.

• Griffith Park and Venice Beach – best for flexible, free play and quick post-rain recovery
• Westwood Rec Center – rare indoor option (call ahead to verify tennis availability, as indoor slots book fast)
• Avoid peak hours in popular neighborhoods to minimize wait times

Connect Instantly: PlayTennisLA Grows the LA Tennis Community

Finding the right tennis partner in a city as sprawling as Los Angeles can be a challenge—busy schedules, traffic, and court congestion keep even the most motivated players off the court. Free platforms like PlayTennisLA are changing the game by instantly connecting Angelenos by skill level, neighborhood, and playing schedule. No more endless group texts or stress about finding a partner on short notice. Whether you’re prepping for your first match in Echo Park, seeking advanced doubles in Westwood, or just hoping to play at Venice under the sunset, joining PlayTennisLA is the free, social solution LA has needed.

• Match instantly by skill and location
• 100% free – no hidden fees or memberships
• Perfect for newcomers, returning players, and regulars alike

Ready to get on court and rally with LA’s most passionate tennis crowd? Sign up for free at PlayTennisLA and discover your next match across the city’s best courts. Let the LA tennis community welcome you in style!